The American cycling team was sanctioned because one of its mechanics posed as a cyclist.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has sanctioned the American women’s team for fraudulent activities, reports the organization’s press service.

The disciplinary commission concluded that Cynisca Cycling’s women’s continental team attempted to circumvent rules that required five riders from each team to start the Argenta Classic – 2 Districtenpijl Ekeren-Deurne in Belgium last July.

The UCI said the team’s sporting director Danny Van Haute asked cyclists Anna Hicks, Cara O’Neill, Katherine Sarkisov and Claire Windsor to lie about the whereabouts of a fifth team member.

After initially stating that the fifth rider was “present but ill”, they were told that the team would not be allowed to compete until the fifth rider was registered and ready to start.

“Van Haute asked team mechanic Moira Barrett to put on the rider’s clothes and mask, come to the start and sign the start sheet as the fifth rider on the team,” said Van Haute. the UCI in a press release.

Van Haute was suspended from all cycling activities until December 31, 2025 and also fined.