Cycling official banned for sexually harassing female riders

<p>AIGLE, Switzerland &mdash; A Belgian cycling official was banned from the sport through 2022 on Monday after multiple women riders alleged he sexually harassed them. </p>
<p>The International Cycling Union said Patrick Van Gansen’s ban was backdated to April last year and runs until the end of next year.</p>
<p>Van Gansen was manager of the Health Mate-Cyclive team in 2019 when allegations by riders began to be made publicly.</p>
<p>“It is essential for athletes’ welfare that they trust the institutions and feel free to denounce harassment in all forms,” the UCI said.</p>
<p>The UCI disciplinary tribunal decision “sets an important precedent with respect to sexual harassment,” the governing body said. </p>
<p>Van Gansen must undergo a course addressing workplace harassment before the UCI will license him to work again in cycling.</p>
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