UCI Banned Former Cycling Coach for Misconduct
The governing body issued a 10-year ban after investigating claims of psychological abuse and team mistreatment.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Cycling
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The UCI Ethics Commission has issued a 10-year ban against former Hess Cycling performance head Ladislav Demko. The ruling follows investigations into reports of psychological abuse and mistreatment of riders.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the enforcement of ethics codes to protect athlete well-being from abusive coaching practices. It underscores the role of confidential reporting channels in identifying misconduct within professional sports environments.
The UCI Ethics Commission handed down a 10-year ban following a formal investigation into reports of psychological abuse. The ruling is based on findings that Ladislav Demko breached ethical codes regarding the mistreatment of dependent persons.
The players
UCI Ethics Commission
The regulatory body responsible for upholding standards of conduct and safety in professional cycling.
Ladislav Demko
The former head of performance for the Hess Cycling team who has been sanctioned for professional misconduct.
Hess Cycling
A professional cycling organization that ceased all operations after the 2025 season.
The details
The investigation determined that Ladislav Demko committed acts of intimidation, humiliation, and isolation against a rider during his tenure at Hess Cycling. He was found to have breached articles 5 and 6.4 of the UCI Code of Ethics by engaging in habitual workplace conduct characterized by aggressive and disrespectful language. These violations specifically concern the infantilisation and psychological mistreatment of those under his professional supervision.
Timeline
The Hess Cycling team operated from 2023 through 2025.
Ladislav Demko ended his tenure with the team at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The UCI announced the official ban on September 18, 2026.
Health Landscape
This disciplinary action reflects a growing focus within international sport on identifying and eliminating toxic coaching cultures. It demonstrates the utility of systems like the UCI SpeakUp platform in uncovering institutional patterns of psychological mistreatment.
Athletes and staff should be aware that support systems exist to report psychological safety concerns in professional training environments. If you experience persistent intimidation or humiliation in a sports setting, it is worth discussing those experiences with a mental health professional.
The takeaway
This ruling establishes a clear boundary against the use of intimidation and psychological abuse in performance coaching. Readers should familiarize themselves with the ethical reporting channels available within their specific athletic or professional organizations.
Further reading
For more on the latest standards in professional athlete safety and conduct, visit Cycling.
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