Gianni Moscon could face six-month ban as UCI investigates Reichenbach crash

Team Sky rider reportedly under investigation by Disciplinary Commission over allegations he caused Sebastien Reichenbach to crash

Gianni Moscon (right) could face a ban if he is found guilty of violent behaviour towards Sebastien Reichenbach

(Image credit: Yuzuru Sunada)

Team Sky rider Gianni Moscon could face a ban of up to six months after he was reportedly referred to the UCI Disciplinary Commission over allegations that he caused Sebastien Reichenbach to crash at a race last year.

Reichenbach alleged that Moscon deliberately caused him to fall from his bike during the Tre Valli Varesine race in October, with the FDJ rider breaking his pelvis and elbow in the incident.

Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad reports that Reichenbach and a number of other riders have already provided their testimony to the UCI Disciplinary Commission, the body in charge of imposing sanctions for breaches of the UCI regulations, with Moscon expected to provide his evidence "in the foreseeable future".

>>> Cavendish and Dumoulin to ride 2018 Abu Dhabi Tour with added time trial and summit finish

Under article 12.1.005 of the UCI regulations, riders who "behave in a violent manner" or "behave in such a way as to blemish the image, the reputation or the interests of cycling or the UCI" can be banned for a period of one to six months, with the penalty decided by the Disciplinary Commission.

In April 2017, the Disciplinary Commission banned Astana rider Andriy Grivko for a period of 45 days after he was found to have struck Marcel Kittel on stage three of the Dubai Tour, leaving the German sprinter with blood running down his face.

Watch: Top 10 Unforgettable Moments of 2017

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MZnliChhNs

Sebastien Reichenbach crashed on a descent with around 75km remaining in Tre Valli Varesine on October 3. The crash was not picked up by television cameras, but the Swiss rider claimed that he was pushed off his bike by Moscon, who he said was "settling a score" after Reichenbach had sent a tweet talking about “idiots using racist slurs”, apparently in response to a video posted online showing Moscon in heated conversation with black FDJ rider Kevin Reza at the Tour de Romandie in May.

>>> Seven riders with a point to prove in 2018

Moscon, who was suspended for six weeks by his team after the Reza incident, has denied Reichenbach’s claims and has vowed to clear his name in the case, previously saying that the FDJ rider’s hands had slipped from his handlebars on a rough road.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.