The Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) Ethics Commission – a body acting independently of the International Federation’s administration – announces its decisions in the case involving two Management members of the UCI Women's Continental Team Velopro – Alphamotorhomes (previously Proximus - Cyclis CT, also registered as a UCI Cyclo-Cross Team Proximus - Alphamotorhomes - Doltcini CT): Sports Director Mr Gert Vervoort, and Team Manager Mr Eddy Van Bunder. These decisions follow the provisional suspension imposed on Mr Vervoort (see previous UCI communication) after allegations by several riders of inappropriate behaviour of a psychological and sexual nature.
Mr Vervoort was handed a five-year suspension from all cycling-related activities, effective from 16 July 2024, the date of his provisional suspension. As Mr Vervoort has resigned from his role with the UCI Women's Continental Team and is not currently bound by the UCI Code of Ethics, this sanction will take effect only if and when he assumes a position or engages in activities that subject him to the Code. Mr Vervoort was found to have committed breaches of Article 6.4 of the UCI Code of Ethics (Protection of physical and mental integrity) and Articles 2.3 (Sexual harassment) and 2.4 (Sexual abuse) of Appendix 1 of the UCI Code of Ethics, for having engaged in inappropriate behaviour with riders involving unnecessary physical contact of a sexual nature, taking advantage of his position of authority over them.
As for Mr Van Bunder, the UCI Ethics Commission has decided to impose a three-year suspension from all cycling-related activities and a fine of CHF 5,000. Half of the period of suspension (1.5 years) is suspended for a probationary period of three years, conditional upon Mr Van Bunder’s participation in a training programme related to safeguarding. This means that Mr Van Bunder shall be entitled to take up a role in cycling as from 18 July 2026 on condition that he first follows an awareness-raising course in safeguarding. However, if he commits another violation of the UCI Code of Ethics during the probationary period, he shall automatically be suspended for 1.5 years in addition to any sanction imposed for such further violation of the Code. Specifically, Mr Van Bunder was found to have committed breaches of Article 6.4 of the UCI Code of Ethics (Protection of physical and mental integrity) and Articles 2.5 (Neglect) and 3.1 (Obligation to Report) of Appendix 1 of the UCI Code of Ethics for having failed to take adequate measures in response to complaints about Mr Vervoort’s inappropriate conduct and for failing to report these concerns to the Commission in spite of his role of responsibility which implies a duty to ensure the protection of all members of the team.
The UCI takes note of the decisions of its Ethics Commission (which remain subject to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport - CAS) and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of cycling and ensuring a safe environment for all.
In line with this objective, the UCI issues a reminder that it provides a confidential and secure reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp, where individuals are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns.