The UCI Ethics Commission has issued decisions in a high-profile misconduct case involving the Belgian continental team Velopro–Alphamotorhomes, formerly Proximus-Cyclis CT. Two senior team members, Sports Director Gert Vervoort and Team Manager Eddy Van Bunder, have faced suspensions following allegations of inappropriate behaviour and management failures.
Five-year suspension for sports director
The Ethics Commission handed Vervoort a five-year suspension from all cycling-related activities after finding him guilty of breaching multiple provisions of the UCI Code of Ethics. Accusations included inappropriate physical contact of a sexual nature and psychological misconduct. These actions were deemed violations of Article 6.4 of the Code (protection of physical and mental integrity), as well as Articles 2.3 (sexual harassment) and 2.4 (sexual abuse) of Appendix 1.
Although Vervoort had already resigned from his role, the suspension will take effect should he re-enter the sport. The UCI’s findings underline the misuse of authority and power in his interactions with riders, many of whom have spoken out about the hostile environment within the team.
Three-year suspension (half conditional) for team manager
Van Bunder, the team manager, received a three-year suspension, half of which is conditional upon his completion of safeguarding training. Failures to adequately address complaints and neglecting to report concerns to the UCI were cited as breaches of Articles 2.5 (neglect) and 3.1 (obligation to report). His probation period will extend to July 2026, during which further misconduct would result in additional penalties.
At the end of the 2023 season, the now former team rider Judith Krahl spoke candidly about her experience with the team, saying the environment was “anything but professional.” She expressed her disappointment at the broader issues in women’s cycling, noting, “It is sad to see that this is not an isolated case in women’s ‘pro’ cycling.”
In an Instagram post at the time, Krahl revealed that contract breaches and a lack of trust within the team prompted her departure. Reflecting on the difficulties, she added, “I am at my best when I’m surrounded by a trusting and capable team, and unfortunately this has not been the case for the past months.” Krahl also credited her sponsors for their support during the challenging period, which allowed her to continue training and studying full-time.
Background and reactions
The investigation began in mid-2024, with Vervoort provisionally suspended following reports of misconduct dating back to February 2023. A former rider’s complaint, reported to the UCI in March 2024, led to the ethics commission’s involvement. At the time, the team implemented immediate measures, including sidelining Vervoort and hiring female caregivers.
Team manager Van Bunder acknowledged the severity of the accusations last year, stating, “The management and board of our team take this very seriously. Following the UCI’s instructions, we’ve placed Gert Vervoort on inactive status.” However, he also criticised the lack of direct communication from the UCI, which delayed the team’s ability to act swiftly.
In today’s announcement, the UCI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding, noting its support for whistleblowers through the UCI SpeakUp platform. These latest developments reflect the sport’s efforts to address misconduct while ensuring a safe environment for athletes. As the decisions remain subject to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the cycling world will await further updates in this ongoing case.