The UCI has sanctioned the U.S. women’s team after it tried to trick race organizers by telling team mechanics to disguise themselves as female cyclists.

Cynisca Cycling has been hit with sanctions after mechanic Moira Barrett disguised herself as a cyclist

The sport’s governing body said the American team had been punished for cheating, Reuters reported.

Cynisca Cycling (the UCI women’s continental team) attempted to circumvent rules requiring each team to have five cyclists at the start of the Argenta Classic – 2 Districtenpijl Ekeren-Deurne in Belgium in July 2023, a disciplinary committee found.

“Although only four female cyclists were present and available to start, several members of the team engaged in fraud … attempting to mislead the marshals into believing that a fifth female cyclist was present and able to compete in the event.” , the UCI said in a statement.

The UCI said the team’s sporting director Danny Van Hout ordered riders Anna Hicks, Cara O’Neill, Catherine Sarkissow and Claire Windsor to lie about the whereabouts of the fifth rider.

After initially stating that the fifth driver “was present but ill”, she was told that the team would not be allowed to compete unless the fifth driver was registered and ready to start.

“Mr. Van Hout ordered team mechanic Moira Barrett to put on cycling gear and a protective mask, report to the start and sign the start sheet as the team’s fifth rider,” the statement added.

Van Hout was banned from all cycling activities until December 31, 2025, and was also fined. Four riders were also penalized and Barrett was banned until September 2024.

The team has been fined and banned from the next event on the UCI international calendar, but can appeal to CAS.