UCI issues scathing ruling following 'professional misconduct' and imposes a 10-year suspension

It is not entirely clear how long the investigation into Demko lasted. In any case, the ethics committee has been proceeding with great care in recent times. A press release indicates that the investigation began following “various complaints” from former staff members of the Hess Cycling Team. A female rider on the team also shared information, having been in a relationship with Demko at the time and living with him.

The cyclist filed a complaint via the UCI SpeakUp reporting platform regarding “harassment and psychological abuse.” "The commission opened a formal investigation and, in the course of its proceedings, gathered evidence, heard from the complainants, and was assisted by an independent, external investigator with expertise in trauma counseling, who was brought in at the commission’s request."

Demko himself was also given several opportunities to explain his actions, both directly and through witnesses. The UCI commission concluded that Demko was guilty of “frequent use of aggressive and disrespectful language in the workplace, unsafe and intimidating driving behavior while operating team vehicles, and derogatory remarks about the appearance of staff members and riders” directed at riders and staff members.

According to the UCI, the evidence was strong enough to conclude that Demko failed to comply with the “UCI Code of Ethics” by “abusing his position within the team.” The penalty is severe: a 10-year suspension from all cycling-related activities organized by the UCI and its affiliated organizations, a fine, and the payment of legal costs.

As further clarification, the UCI states that during his time with the Hess Cycling Team, Demko isolated the female rider—with whom he was in a relationship—from people she trusted. He also dictated the content of her messages to them and threatened her psychologist. There were also instances of further humiliation, insults, threats, and intimidation, continuing well beyond the end of their relationship.

The UCI emphasizes that it is grateful to those who came forward for their courage. Because Demko’s conduct spanned both his personal relationship and the workplace, the cycling federation is within its rights to sanction the Slovak rider. “The UCI reiterates that any form of harassment or abuse is incompatible with the values of the sport of cycling.”

Demko can file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).