#MeToo in cycling: Spanish victim ("He repeatedly said he'd rape me") responds to UCI ruling

The proceedings against Carballo Gonzalez followed a complaint filed by another rider via the UCI's confidential reporting platform, UCI SpeakUp. She reported an incident of a sexual nature that had taken place in her van, which was parked in the official parking lot of an event on the international mountain biking calendar.

The victim was fellow countrywoman Masip, who also spoke out about it on Instagram. “During the 2023 World Cup in Leogang, I was the victim of sexual harassment. It was a long race, and I was sleeping in my van when he came to my van in the morning. I refused immediately, but he continued to rub his penis against my body and tried to kiss me.”

“I asked him to stop, wanted to scream and run away, but he covered my mouth and grabbed my arms. He repeatedly said he would rape me and tried to undress me,” said the Spaniard. “At first, I tried to forget it and pretend nothing had happened, but as the months went by, it started to take its toll.”

“I realized more and more how bad it was and decided to report it,” Masip explains. “I decided to go public because it happens more often. Unfortunately. Now I've broken the silence, and I hope it's possible to create a safer environment.”

“Based on the elements brought to its attention, the Commission concluded that the sexual and non-consensual acts of Mr. Carballo Gonzalez (making sexual advances, with inappropriate physical contact and the use of the word ‘rape’ after the complainant had told him that they would not have sexual interaction because she had a boyfriend) violated her dignity and constituted sexual harassment,”, according to the UCI on behalf of the Ethics Commission.

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2As a result, it was determined that Mr. Gonzalez violated Article 6.4 of the UCI Code of Conduct (Protection of Physical and Mental Integrity) and Article 2.3 (Sexual Harassment) of Appendix 1 of the Code. He is suspended from all cycling activities for one year," it said.

“The UCI takes note of the decision of the Ethics Commission (which is still subject to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport - CAS) and confirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of cycling and ensuring a safe environment for all,” concluded the cycling union, which has a special platform for this purpose called UCI SpeakUp.

Masip also responded to the ruling on social media, starting with the #METOO hashtag. “After nine months of silence about the sexual abuse I experienced during a MTB World Cup, the UCI has taken action, and the sanction has been made public. This is the first time that a penalty has been imposed for such a case.”

"It has been a difficult process, with a lot of fear and doubts," said the Spanish rider. "But this is a victory that gives me the strength to continue. It doesn’t end here. Let’s keep working towards a more respectful environment for everyone!"