The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that its Disciplinary Commission has rendered its decision in the disciplinary proceedings initiated against Dariusz Banaszek (POL).
In a decision notified earlier today, the Disciplinary Commission found that Mr Banaszek had committed an infraction of articles 2.2.038 (obligations for drivers) and 12.4.007 (endangerment) of the UCI Regulations whilst driving a car as Sports Director of the UCI Continental Team HRE Mazowsze Serce Polski (currently: Mazowsze Serce Polski) during the 2023 Tour of Denmark. As a result, Mr Banaszek shall be suspended from any cycling-related activity until 23 October 2024 and will not be allowed to drive a vehicle in the race convoy until 17 March 2025. Mr Banaszek will also have to participate in a recognised safe driving course before being authorised to drive in the race convoy again when the ban on driving in the race convoy expires. During the proceedings, the Disciplinary Commission had already issued a provisional measure forbidding Mr Banaszek from driving a vehicle in a race convoy from March 2024.
The UCI had referred the case to its Disciplinary Commission in relation to Mr Banaszek’s dangerous driving during Stage 5 – an individual time trial – of the 2023 Tour of Denmark. After following one of the team’s riders during the individual time trial, he returned to the start to follow another rider. As the rider had already departed, Mr Banaszek drove in a reckless manner, overtaking several riders, team cars and motorcycles, to catch up with his rider. His actions were all the more dangerous as the opposite lane was also used for the time trial with oncoming riders and vehicles. The Disciplinary Commission considered that Mr Banaszek’s actions were not only contrary to road circulation rules (article 2.2.038 of the UCI Regulations) but endangered other persons in the race convoy as well as spectators (article 12.4.007 of the UCI Regulations).
The UCI reiterates that the safety of riders and all persons present in the race convoy and at the roadside is a priority. It therefore cannot tolerate behaviour likely to compromise safety at competitions on its International Calendar and reminds all stakeholders of the need to comply with its Regulations, failing which disciplinary action will be taken.