L39ION and Best Buddies riders suspended for remainder of season for post-race brawl
Williams, Hernandez and Sierra penalized for 'acts of violence among riders' and unsportsmanlike conduct.

In July, a physical fight broke out at the American Criterium Cup race in Salt Lake City between Best Buddies riders Michael Hernandez and Robert Sierra and L39ion's frontman Justin Williams.
The riders received fines and a 72-hour suspension on the spot, while USA Cycling launched an investigation into the incident with potential further sanctions.
The results of that investigation were released today, concluding that all three riders violated USA Cycling's rules prohibiting acts of violence among riders and unsportsmanlike conduct.
As part of the investigation, USA Cycling officials interviewed all three riders as well as witnesses and reviewed video footage.
All three riders were offered reduced sentences if they accepted the investigation results and subsequent suspension and served community service in conjunction with those suspensions.
Hernandez and Sierra accepted USA Cycling’s offer, with Sierra accepting a one-month suspension with eight hours of community service, and Hernandez accepting a three-month suspension with sixteen hours of community service.
A post shared by Best Buddies Racing (@bestbuddiesracing)
A photo posted by on
Williams requested a hearing, as allowed by USA Cycling’s policy, in which as a panel heard Williams’ case yet upheld the suspension. Williams accepted his penalty of a five-month suspension.
“USA Cycling has zero tolerance regarding violence, instigation of violence, and bullying. The behavior at the Salt Lake City Criterium is inexcusable,” said Brendan Quirk, CEO & President of USA Cycling.
“We are working with the race organizers of the American Criterium Cup to increase our scrutiny of rider behavior in the peloton, including the use of video replay officials at the event. And while this will allow us to better identify dirty riding in real time, this doesn’t replace the need for riders to show basic respect for each other.”
The brawl had started before the race had even ended in Salt Lake City on July 16. In the final lap of the race, Hernandez trailed L39ion's teammate Cory Williams. When Hernandez attempted to overtake Cory Williams into the first corner, there was slight contact between the two riders, which forcing Hernandez into the curb and resulted in a loss of momentum.
Annoyed with the incident, Hernandez confronted Cory Williams after the race, while L39ion rider Ty Magner celebrated his win. Justin Williams stepped in and a fight soon broke out.
Hernandez claimed that he was merely going over to talk to Cory Williams about what had occurred during the race, but that he was met with aggression and that Justin Williams threw the first punch.
Cory Williams went on social media to state that Hernandez had been waiting for him at the finish line in order to fight him.
"What should have been a moment of celebration, and could have been an opportunity for him to apologize and move on, turned into us responding to his uncontrolled aggression and resulting in us defending ourselves," he said.
In response to the fight, L39ion pull both the men's and woman's teams from competition the next day, stating they felt it was necessary to keep their riders safe and away from 'uncontrolled acts of aggression'.
Justin Williams meanwhile went on social media to issue an apology, stating:
"In my fifteen years of racing professionally, this past weekend marked a low point for me. I’m very sorry for my unacceptable behavior that is not representative of me, my team, or my partners. For a brief moment I lost sight of the bigger picture, and I let my emotions get the best of me.
"This will not happen again. I support and am cooperating with USA Cycling officials to review this matter, and look forward to putting this behind me with perspective and a renewed commitment to growing this incredible sport for our fans and communities across the United States. I also look forward to collaborating with USA Cycling officials on opportunities to create a safer, more accountable peloton. Thank you all for your continued support, I look forward to seeing you on the road.
Thank you for reading 10 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
Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.
Originally from The Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a cycling journalist for 11 years.
-
-
Who's leading the Giro d'Italia 2023 after stage 16?
Geraint Thomas reclaims the race lead
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
'It's nice to be back in pink': Geraint Thomas returns to lead at Giro d'Italia as GC battle finally catches fire
Ineos Grenadiers rider will try and leave it all on the road in the days ahead after he climbs back into pink jersey
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I've never been betrayed like this before' - entrepreneur claims Justin Williams’s CRIT race series was his plan
After months of meetings, Wasserman suddenly went radio silent until they announced the Circuit Racing International Tour (CRIT) series of their own
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Aiming to 'shape the future of American cycling,' Justin Williams launches a race series of his own
The Circuit Racing International Tour (CRIT) series is the second multi-million dollar investment in American cycling this year
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Justin Williams launches new city-based team in Austin, Texas
Justin Williams has announced the launch of the city-based team, the Austin Aviators, which made its official debut at the Redlands Bicycle Classics this past weekend.
By Henry Lord • Published
-
Denver Disruptors dominate National Cycling League debut race
The all-new National Cycling League (NCL) made its debut with 50 furiously fast laps in the heart of Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday, April 8.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Fan-first, gamified bike racing: the NCL readies for its debut as domestic teams get on board
Ever since the National Cycling League (NCL) announced its formation last fall, the big question has been: who will race in this all-new approach to American bike racing?
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Watch: Canyon unveils a very Miami Canyon Aeroad CFR, custom-made for the Blazers
Bicycle manufacturer, Canyon Bicycles, today unveiled a Miami Blazers’ custom Canyon Aeroad CFR, meant to serve as a visual representation of Miami’s vibrant culture
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Nebraska to host the inaugural USA Cycling Gravel National Championship
A stars and stripes jersey is up for grabs alongside the largest gravel prize purse in American cycling history and entry into Gravel Worlds
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Newly formed NCL teams to make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic
Newly formed Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights NCL teams will make their debut at Tucson Bicycle Classic and tackle a full season of NCL and domestic racing
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published