The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) announced Monday that a UCI Ethics Committee found Healthmate-Cycle Live team manager Patrick Van Gansen guilty of violating the Code of Ethics in a multiple accusation abuse case that began over a year ago. The sports governing body based its decision on a full investigation by the outside agency Sport Resolutions. Cycling News was informed of the decision and confirmed that Van Gansen will be informed of the decision and that any sanctions will be imposed by the discipline committee.

"The UCI is pleased to announce that the UCI Ethics Committee has completed its report on the allegations of harassment made by Patrick Van Gansen, former coach of the UCI women's team Healthmate Ladies Team, by a number of riders," the UCI said in a statement.

"After the completion of a report by Sport Resolutions, an independent investigative body, which considered a vast number of testimonies over several years, the UCI Ethics Committee has reached the conclusion that a violation of the UCI Code of Ethics took place.

"Taking into account the sanctions recommended by the UCI Ethics Committee, the matter was passed to the UCI Disciplinary Committee, which initiated proceedings with a view to possible sanctions. In view of the ongoing status of the proceedings, the UCI will refrain from further comment for the time being."

Cycling News reached out to Van Gansen on Monday for comment on the UCI Ethics Committee's decision. He said, "I have no comment on this. This matter is still ongoing and confidential," he emailed Cycling News.

Cyclingnews first reported in June 2019 that the fathers of Healthmate Cycle Live athletes Esther Meisels, Sara Mustonen, and Chloe Tavlin separately filed complaints with the UCI Ethics Committee, reporting abuse by Van Gansen The focus of their complaints was the abuse by Van Gansen. Their complaints centered on the UCI Code of Ethics: Appendix 1 provides for protection of physical and mental integrity, sexual harassment, and abuse.

In response to these reports, six more athletes came forward to corroborate the allegations. Tara Gins and four other athletes, who wish to remain anonymous, wrote an open letter to the Dutch news media WielerFlits describing their experiences. In addition, former cyclist Liz Hatch admitted in a 2013 interview with Het Nieuwsblad that she had a similar experience during a race for a team he was sponsoring.

A tenth rider, who wished to remain anonymous, wrote a letter to Cyclingnews detailing the disturbing environment on his team this year.

The UCI announced in late June that its ethics committee had opened a formal investigation into the abuse claims against Van Gansen. In December, however, UCI told Cyclingnews that due to the demands of the case, including the seriousness of the accusations, the years of complaints, and the large number of people involved, it had hired an outside agency, UK-based Sport Resolutions, to investigate a series of abuse complaints.

However, the UCI Ethics Committee delayed announcing its decision in February as new allegations surfaced from the team's 11th rider. The rider, who wished to remain anonymous, told Cyclingnews that she filed a fourth formal complaint with the UCI Ethics Commission in February.

She also told Cyclingnews that she testified before the Sports Resolution Committee as part of its investigation. Her complaint included allegations of violence and inappropriate behavior; she was one of three women who filed similar complaints in May 2019, claiming to have witnessed inappropriate behavior toward her former teammate Meisels.

The Sport Resolutions team investigated the fourth formal complaint in the past two months before providing its findings to the UCI Ethics Committee.

As announced on Monday, the UCI Ethics Committee found that Van Gansen had violated the Code of Ethics and recommended sanctions.

Van Gansen had denied all allegations of abuse, inappropriate behavior, and violence, and claimed there was collusion among the riders who filed formal complaints. He had indicated that he intended to take legal action against all those involved in the case against him.

Cycling News reported that Van Gansen is not registered to staff the 2020 UCI team. He told Cycling News that he has chosen not to be involved in women's cycling anymore.

Since Cycling News reported this story in 2019, Kirsten Frattini has written several exclusive and important articles on the subject. You can see all of the coverage at the following links:

Rider Files Abuse Complaint Against Healthmate Cyclive Manager

Six Players Corroborate Abuse Allegations Against Patrick Van Gansen

A 10th Player speaks out about the disturbing environment on the Healthmate Ladies team

UCI launches investigation into abuse complaints against Van Gansen

Slappendael urges cyclists to file formal complaints UCI to investigate abuse claims against Patrick Van Gansen Hired outside agency to investigate complaints

Exclusive: Van Gansen faces new abuse allegations UCI postpones Healthmate decision