US cycling team suspended for dressing mechanic as rider to qualify for race

• Cynisca did not have enough riders to enter Argenta Classic
• Sporting director handed lengthy ban for scheme

US women's cycling team Cynisca was punished by the sport's governing body on Monday for trying to enter a race by deceiving organizers.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) said that Cynisca had only four healthy riders coming into last year's Argenta Classic in Belgium, when five riders were required for a team to participate. The UCI said that Cynisca attempted to deceive the Commissaires' Panel into believing that a fifth rider was present and could take part in the event".