Baker gets three-month suspension

USA Cycling announced Wednesday that Boulder native Jonathan Baker has been given a three-month suspension for his actions during the US Cyclo-cross national championship race in Kansas City in December. Baker tangled with fellow competitor Adam Myerson during the race, and while trying to extricate his bicycle from the wreck, threw a punch at Myerson's head.

While Myerson did not file a complaint himself, the event's Chief Referee did so after receiving several reports from witnesses. USA Cycling assigned an independent investigator to review the case, and the investigator ruled that Baker violated rule 105 (c) of the USA Cycling Rulebook - No licensee may assault or do battery to anyone connected with any event held under a USA Cycling permit.

Baker waived his right to a hearing and USA Cycling handed down a three-month suspension, beginning on January 17, 2009 and ending on April 17. The sanction will prevent Baker, who traveled to Europe for the December 'cross races in Belgium, from fulfilling his season goal of racing the cyclo-cross world championships in the Netherlands.

The three-month sentence is light in comparison to the six-month sanction given to Roberto Gaggioli in 2004 after he attacked Jonny Sundt with a 2x4 before the US Pro Championships or the one-year suspension handed to Scott Mercer – who hit Myerson in the head in August, 2000.