Cycling: Gianni Moscon (Sky) could soon be in trouble. It is not yet entirely clear what exactly happened on October 3, 2017 and whether the evidence for a ban is sufficient. If convicted, Gianni Moscon faces a ban of up to six months for violent behavior. In any case, the victim Sebastian Reichenbach (FDJ) made his statement. Now the UCI Disciplinary Committee will probably decide.
Moscon is said to have pushed Reichenbach off his bike on purpose
On October 3, 2017, Sebastian Reichenbach crashed during the Tre Valli Varesine one-day race. Immediately after the race, it was revealed that the French team FDJ had accused the Italian Gianni Moscon . The Swiss rider claimed that Moscon had deliberately knocked him off his bike on a descent. While there appears to be no video footage of the incident, several riders – including Reichenbach – have already given their statements. Following the emergence of these allegations, Moscon was suspended for six weeks by his team, Team Sky. The Italian continues to deny any wrongdoing. With the new UCI president, David Lappartient, announcing his intention to investigate the case, the matter seems to be gaining renewed momentum.
David Lappartient:
“I am following the Moscon affair very closely. If, after racially insulting a rider, he later pushes one of his teammates off his bike, that has nothing to do with cycling.”
The crash has been caused by the dangerous behavior of one of his opponents, Gianni Moscon.
— Equipe FDJ (@EquipeFDJ) October 3, 2017
Moscon defends its reputation
The Moscon-Reichenbach case is now before the UCI Disciplinary Commission. The rules state that a rider who engages in violent behavior can be suspended for between one and six months. However, since the Italian's guilt has not yet been proven, such a punishment currently seems unlikely. He himself is determined to defend his reputation. This is also urgently needed, as the Sky rider hasn't enjoyed the best reputation for quite some time. The origin of this altercation with Sebastian Reichenbach dates back several months. At that time, he allegedly racially insulted Kevin Reza (FDJ). Reichenbach reported this, which is why many now suspect that the accused wanted to take revenge on the Swiss rider. Time will tell what decision the UCI will reach after hearing from all parties involved. Team Sky must therefore wait and see in yet another case…
I'm very sorry to hear that @reichenbach_seb was hurt after there was an accident in today's race. I wish him the best recovery.
— Gianni Moscon (@GianniMoscon) October 3, 2017