Spanish Mountain Bike Rider Suspended for Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment leads to one-year ban for Edgar Carballo Gonzalez
Edgar Carballo Gonzalez, a Spanish enduro and downhill mountain bike rider, has been suspended for one year from all cycling-related activities following a sexual harassment case. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Ethics Commission handed down the decision on August 11, 2025, after investigating a complaint made through the UCI's confidential reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp[1][2][3].
The incident that led to the suspension involved unwanted sexual advances, including inappropriate physical contact and suggestive language, which occurred in the complainant's van at a UCI event[4][5]. Carballo Gonzalez breached Article 6.4 of the UCI Code of Ethics, which pertains to the protection of physical and mental integrity, and Article 2.3, concerning sexual harassment[1][3].
Mondraker Bicycle Company, Carballo Gonzalez's team, announced the suspension on their Facebook page, with CEO Miguel Pina stating, "We believe in protecting the integrity of cycling and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all riders. We encourage individuals to report concerns about their safety or treatment through the UCI SpeakUp platform"[6]. The team has since parted ways with the athlete.
The case was initially brought to light by Spanish enduro cyclist Ares Masip Ibañez, who reported a similar incident during the 2023 World Cup weekend in Leogang[4][5]. Carballo Gonzalez denies the allegations, and the athlete has the right to appeal the Ethics Commission's decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)[2][3].
This ruling underscores the UCI's commitment to ensuring a safe environment in cycling and its enforcement of the Code of Ethics. The UCI provides a confidential and secure reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp, where individuals can report concerns regarding their safety or treatment[7]. The organization encourages all riders to support each other and work together to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in cycling.
[1] UCI Press Release
[2] Cycling News
[3] BBC Sport
[4] The Guardian
[5] ESPN
[6] Mondraker Bicycle Company Statement
[7] UCI SpeakUp
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