UCI HEAVILY PENALIZES POLISH TEAM DIRECTOR AFTER RECONSTRUCTING DANGEROUS DRIVE IN DENMARK

The disciplinary committee of the UCI has decided to suspend Polish team director Dariusz Banaszek until October 23, 2024, following a dangerous drive he conducted during last year's Tour of Denmark. The sports director of HRE Mazowsze Serce Polski is also banned from driving in any race until March 17, 2025.

During last year's Tour of Denmark, Banaszek violated articles 2.2.038 (obligations for riders) and 12.4.007 (endangering others) of the UCI regulations while driving the team car. He had already received a provisional suspension, but now the disciplinary committee has issued a final ruling.

This decision was made after a reconstruction of the event, which the UCI partially shared in a press release. Banaszek's dangerous driving occurred during the individual time trial of the Tour of Denmark. He had followed one of his riders to the finish, but another rider from his team had already started.

This prompted Banaszek to step on the gas, overtaking various riders, team cars and motorcycles, while other riders were still coming in the opposite direction during their time trials. The UCI's disciplinary committee condemned this reckless driving and also charged Banaszek with endangering his colleagues.

Banaszek heavily penalized for misconduct

The Polish sports director is barred from performing his duties for the rest of this road season, and he is banned from driving until March 17 next year. "The UCI reiterates that the safety of riders, and all individuals present in the race convoy and along the route, is a priority. Therefore, the UCI cannot tolerate behavior that jeopardizes safety during events on its international calendar and reminds all stakeholders to adhere to its regulations. Otherwise, disciplinary measures will be taken," the committee stated.

2024-07-24T21:11:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd