The International Cycling Union (UCI) has been monitoring suspicious betting patterns for several years, but is now tightening its vigilance as betting scandals in other sports worldwide create turmoil. The federation wants to prevent cycling from falling prey to match-fixing or manipulation of results.
The UCI confirms to Velo that it actively analyzes betting activity on gambling platforms to detect unusual patterns. Through early monitoring, the union aims to quickly identify potential signs of corruption or interference. "We closely follow the betting market to recognize risks of race manipulation in a timely manner," said a spokesperson. UCI president David Lappartient emphasizes that the policy has been in place for years, but the recent incidents in other sports highlight the necessity of strict control once again.
Since 2019, the UCI regulations explicitly prohibit any form of betting involvement by license holders. Riders, team managers, and other staff members are not allowed to bet themselves or through intermediaries on races in which they participate. Violators risk a two-year suspension and the loss of their license. In case of serious violations, legal prosecution may follow, similar to what is currently happening in American sports. NBA and Major League Baseball players have been charged with involvement in betting scandals.
The UCI calls on everyone involved in cycling to report suspicious activity via the confidential UCI SpeakUp reporting platform. So far, the sport has not experienced its own betting scandal, but the federation wants to avoid any risk. "Only through transparency and vigilance can we protect the credibility of our sport," said Lappartient.
