UCI Code of Conduct in Professional Cycling

Introduction to UCI Code of Conduct

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has established a comprehensive set of rules that not only regulate technical and sporting aspects, but also define the professional behavior of all participants in competitive cycling. These codes of conduct are essential for the integrity of the sport and ensure fair competition at the highest level.

The code of conduct covers all areas of professional cycling: from interactions between riders to behavior towards officials and public communication. They form the ethical foundation of modern competitive cycling and are binding for all UCI-licensed athletes, teams, and officials.

Fundamental Principles of Sports Conduct

Fair Play and Sportsmanship

The principle of Fair Play is central to all UCI codes of conduct. Riders are required to treat their competitors with respect and place sporting fairness above personal advantage. This includes:

• Respectful interaction with all race participants
• Refraining from unfair advantages through rule violations
• Supporting fallen competitors in dangerous situations
• Recognition of other riders' achievements
• Maintaining sports honor even under competitive pressure

Integrity and Honesty

The UCI demands absolute integrity from all actors in cycling. This means:

1. Truthful statements during controls and inquiries
2. Transparent communication with officials
3. No manipulation of race results
4. Rejection of any bribery attempts
5. Disclosure of conflicts of interest

Respect for the Sport

Every participant bears responsibility for the reputation of cycling. The UCI expects:

• Role model function in public
• Professional appearance at all occasions
• Appreciation of cycling traditions
• Protection of sports reputation
• Positive representation of cycling in media

Code of Conduct During Races

Rider Behavior in the Peloton

Behavior in the densely packed peloton is subject to strict safety rules:

Permitted behaviors:

• Position battles with appropriate body contact
• Shoulder-to-shoulder riding in sprint situations
• Defensive riding to protect teammates
• Communication through hand signals and calls

Prohibited behaviors:

• Hitting, kicking, or pushing competitors
• Intentional swerving into dangerous areas
• Holding onto vehicles except in case of mechanical failure
• Obstructing other riders without sporting reason
• Throwing objects at competitors

Sprint Situations and Finish

In sprint situations, special behavioral guidelines apply:

Behavior During Crashes and Mechanical Failures

UCI regulations provide for special fair play obligations in emergency situations:

Neutralization rules:

• In case of crash or mechanical failure of the race leader, the pace is reduced
• Teams must provide opportunity for catch-up
• Attacks on fallen favorites are unsportsmanlike and will be penalized
• Provision of replacement equipment for stranded riders when needed

Communication During Races

Communication between riders is subject to clear guidelines:

1. Hand signals to warn of dangers (potholes, obstacles)
2. Verbal communication in appropriate tone
3. No insulting or cursing at competitors
4. Cooperative agreements in breakaway groups permitted
5. No agreements to manipulate results

Behavior Towards Officials

Respect for Race Commissaires

The UCI requires unconditional respect towards all officials:

• Compliance with instructions from commissaires without objection
• Courteous interaction even in case of disagreements
• No physical or verbal attacks on officials
• Acceptance of decisions even when dissatisfied
• Formal complaint procedures instead of public criticism

Doping Controls and Testing Procedures

During anti-doping controls, strict behavioral rules apply:

Athlete obligations:

• Immediate compliance with control request
• Full cooperation with controllers
• Truthful information about medications
• No manipulation of samples
• Compliance with visual contact (chaperoning)

Refusal or manipulation leads to:

• Automatic 4-year suspension
• Disqualification of all results
• Repayment of prize money
• Lifelong reputation damage

Public Behavior and Media

Media Appearances and Interviews

The UCI also regulates the public appearance of riders:

Code of conduct for media appearances:

✓ Recommended:

• Respectful interaction with journalists
• Factual presentation of race situations
• Recognition of competitors' achievements
• Promotion of positive values of cycling
• Gratitude towards fans and sponsors

✗ To avoid:

• Insulting statements about competitors
• Public criticism of race commissaires
• Prejudgments in doping cases
• Spreading rumors
• Politically controversial statements without context

Social Media Guidelines

For digital communication, special standards apply:

Behavior at Award Ceremonies

Podium behavior is representative of the entire sport:

1. Respectful participation in all ceremony elements
2. Recognition of placed competitors
3. Acknowledgment of organizers and helpers
4. Appropriate clothing (team jersey, no private shirts)
5. Words of thanks to team, sponsors, and fans

Team Behavior and Team Hierarchies

Respect Within the Team

Internal team behavioral rules are also monitored by the UCI:

Obligations towards teammates:

• Compliance with agreed team tactics
• Support for designated captains
• No unauthorized solo efforts against team interests
• Solidarity when criticized from outside
• Protection of team secrets

Rider rights:

• Fair distribution of opportunities within the team
• Appropriate working conditions
• Protection from exploitation
• Participation in important decisions
• Protection of personal rights

Team Management Behavior

Team managers and sports directors bear special responsibility:

Sanctions and Penalties

UCI Sanction Catalog

The UCI has a graduated sanction system:

6 levels from warning to lifetime ban:

1. Verbal warning
2. Written warning
3. Fine
4. Time penalty/demotion
5. Temporary suspension
6. Lifetime ban

Fines by severity:

• Minor violations: 200-500 CHF
• Moderate violations: 500-2,000 CHF
• Serious violations: 2,000-10,000 CHF
• Very serious violations: 10,000-100,000 CHF

Suspensions by offense:

• 1st violation: 1-7 days
• 2nd violation: 14-30 days
• 3rd violation: 1-6 months
• 4th violation: 6-24 months
• Most serious offense: Lifetime

Most Common Conduct Violations

Top 10 sanctioned violations:

1. Dangerous riding in sprint (35% of all sanctions)
2. Unsportsmanlike behavior towards officials (18%)
3. Prohibited communication with vehicles (12%)
4. Inappropriate media statements (10%)
5. Disregard of commissaire instructions (8%)
6. Team rule violations (7%)
7. Podium misconduct (4%)
8. Social media violations (3%)
9. Result manipulation (2%)
10. Other violations (1%)

Appeal Procedures

Riders have the right to appeal against sanctions:

Formal procedure:

1. Protest within 30 minutes after verdict announcement
2. Written justification within 24 hours
3. UCI hearing within 14 days
4. Verdict announcement within 7 days after hearing
5. Further appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) possible

Cultural and Ethical Dimensions

Respect for Diversity

The UCI promotes inclusion and diversity in cycling:

• Zero tolerance towards racism
• Equal treatment of all genders, nationalities, religions
• Protection from discrimination of any kind
• Promotion of cultural diversity
• Sanctions for discriminatory statements

Environmental Responsibility

Modern codes of conduct also include ecological aspects:

✓ Desired behavior:

• Dispose of waste only in designated feed zones
• Respectful interaction with nature and environment
• Support for sustainability initiatives
• Role model function in environmental matters

✗ Prohibited behavior:

• Careless disposal of bidons outside feed zones (fine)
• Damage to vegetation along the route
• Pollution of water bodies
• Ignoring environmental protection measures

Code of Conduct in International Context

Cultural Sensitivity

At international races, special considerations apply:

Areas of cultural sensitivity:

• Dress codes in conservative countries
• Gestures and their different meanings
• Religious symbols and their use
• Language and communication barriers
• Local traditions at award ceremonies

Diplomatic Behavior

Representation obligations on the international stage:

1. Riders represent not only themselves and their team
2. They are ambassadors of their home country
3. Respectful behavior towards all nations is mandatory
4. Political neutrality in international conflicts
5. Promotion of international understanding through sport

Training and Education

UCI Conduct Training

The UCI offers mandatory training programs:

Mandatory courses for UCI license holders:

• Ethics and Behaviour (Online course, annually)
• Media Training (Workshops for pro teams)
• Anti-Doping Education (WADA-certified)
• Safety and Fairplay (In-person events)
• Cultural Sensitivity (for international riders)

Mentoring Programs

Experienced professionals take on role model functions:

• Young professionals are assigned mentors
• Teaching unwritten codes of conduct
• Passing on peloton etiquette
• Support in ethical dilemmas
• Building a positive sports culture

Future of Code of Conduct

Digital Challenges

The UCI adapts codes of conduct to modern realities:

New regulatory areas:

• Social media behavior and live streaming
• Handling of artificial intelligence in training
• E-sports and virtual competitions
• Data protection and personal rights
• Digital harassment and cyberbullying

Strengthening Sports Integrity

Future developments:

Planned innovations from 2025:

• AI-supported video analysis for detecting rule violations
• Real-time monitoring of team communication
• Automated sanction systems for clear violations
• Blockchain-based transparency in decisions
• Predictive analytics for behavior forecasting