Enduro and downhill mountain bike racer Edgar Carballo Gonzalez has been handed a one-year suspension from all cycling-related activities on the grounds of sexual harassment, according to a statement from the sport governing body on Monday.
The UCI confirmed in a press release that its Ethics Commission found that Carballo Gonzalez, a former Spanish national champion, had violated sections of the Code of Ethics following a complaint submitted by another athlete.
The complaint was reported through SpeakUP, which is a confidential and secure reporting platform where individuals are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns.
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In the report, the athlete described an incident of a sexual nature that occurred in her van, which was located in the official parking area of a UCI International Calendar event.
"Based on the elements brought to its attention, the Commission concluded that Mr Carballo Gonzalez’s sexual and non-consensual actions (making sexual advances, with inappropriate physical contact and the use of the word “rape”, after having been told by the complainant that they would not have any sexual interaction because she had a boyfriend) violated her dignity and represented sexual harassment," the statement read.
The Ethics Commission confirmed that Carballo Gonzalez had breached Article 6.4 of the UCI Code of Ethics: Protection of physical and mental integrity and Article 2.3: Sexual harassment, of Appendix 1 of the Code, and was handed a one-year suspension from all cycling-related activities.
The sport governing body also noted that Carballo Gonzalez has the right to appeal the Ethics Commission's decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Carballo Gonzalez races for brands Vadebicis–Mondraker. Mondraker Bicycle Company, CEO Miguel Pina, published a statement on the company's Facebook page, confirming that it has suspended its relationships with Carballo Gonzalez.
"This afternoon, we have learned of a UCI decision involving Mr. Edgar Carballo Gonzalez, a Spanish downhill and enduro mountain bike rider who has been featured as an ambassador of Mondraker Bicycle Company.
"We fully respect the UCI’s process and conclusion. As a result of the UCI’s findings, we hereby suspend our relationship with Edgar Carballo Gonzalez effective immediately. Pending subsequent investigations or findings, further action may be taken as necessary to resolve this matter.
"We believe in protecting the integrity of cycling and ensuring that every rider can enjoy cycling in a safe and welcoming environment. There is no place in sport or life for harassment.
"We appreciate the UCI’s work to support riders and want to share their reminder that it provides a confidential and secure reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp, where individuals are encouraged to report concerns regarding their safety or treatment."
