UCI Ethics Commission to probe Dries De Bondt for aiding non-teammate Carapaz during Giro d'Italia
In the Heat of the Giro d'Italia:
The cycling world is abuzz as the UCI has taken the remarkable step of referring Dries De Bondt, a member of Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale, to its Ethics Commission. The Belgian is implicated in a suspicious incident during the Giro's stage 20, where he reportedly aided Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost, all while eyeing employment prospects for 2026.
The UCI's preliminary investigation suggests that De Bondt's actions on Colle delle Finestre raised questions about the integrity of the competition. In an interview with WielerFlits, De Bondt confirmed that he pulled on the front, aiming to showcase his availability in the market for the next season. He openly revealed, "If you're looking for riders for 2026, I'm still on the market."
This move, inspired by instructions from EF Education-EasyPost's coach Ken Vanmarcke, has now left De Bondt in a precarious position. Vanmarcke allegedly suggested that De Bondt's actions could help Carapaz secure a contract offer for the next season.
The UCI, kerfuffle in tow, has made it clear that they are not amused. A statement on Friday read, "Following a preliminary investigation, we find De Bondt's comments to be questionable and potentially damaging to the competition's integrity." The UCI promises to take a hard line, as any breach of the UCI Code of Ethics, specifically Articles 8.1 and 2 of Annex 2, can lead to serious sanctions. These include suspension, fines, reprimands, or other disciplinary measures designed to maintain the sport's integrity.
As the UCI Ethics Commission delves deeper into this muddy matter, all eyes remain on the decision that could reshape De Bondt's career and the reputation of cycling as a sport. Until the conclusion of the proceedings, the UCI will refrain from any further comment. Stay tuned for updates in this rollercoaster ride of a story!
Cycling events, such as the Giro d'Italia, are often associated with sports, featuring intense competition and scrutiny. Dries De Bondt's actions during the Giro may have damaging effects on both his career and the integrity of cycling sports, as he faces potential sanctions for breaching the UCI Code of Ethics.
