- News
- Reviews
- Bikes
- Accessories
- Accessories - misc
- Computer mounts
- Bags
- Bar ends
- Bike bags & cases
- Bottle cages
- Bottles
- Cameras
- Car racks
- Child seats
- Computers
- Glasses
- GPS units
- Helmets
- Lights - front
- Lights - rear
- Lights - sets
- Locks
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Racks
- Pumps & CO2 inflators
- Puncture kits
- Reflectives
- Smart watches
- Stands and racks
- Trailers
- Clothing
- Components
- Bar tape & grips
- Bottom brackets
- Brake & gear cables
- Brake & STI levers
- Brake pads & spares
- Brakes
- Cassettes & freewheels
- Chains
- Chainsets & chainrings
- Derailleurs - front
- Derailleurs - rear
- Forks
- Gear levers & shifters
- Groupsets
- Handlebars & extensions
- Headsets
- Hubs
- Inner tubes
- Pedals
- Quick releases & skewers
- Saddles
- Seatposts
- Stems
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Health, fitness and nutrition
- Tools and workshop
- Miscellaneous
- Buyers Guides
- Features
- Forum
- Recommends
- Podcast
news
Iljo Keisse.jpgIljo Keisse thrown out of Vuelta a San Juan and fined by judge following sexual harassment of waitress
Belgian professional cyclist Iljo Keisse has been thrown out of the Vuelta a San Juan after he allegedly rubbed his genitals against a waitress on Monday as she posed for a photograph with him and his Deceuninck-Quick Step team mates. He has also been fined by a judge as a result of the incident.
The decision to expel the 36-year-old from the race was taken by the organisers of the Argentinian race yesterday evening after it became apparent that his team would take no action.
In a statement, they said Keisse’s behaviour had “damaged the reputation and honour of the organisation of the Vuelta a San Juan, the UCI, and cycling in general.”
The 18-year-old waitress involved in Monday’s incident reported it to the police and although initial reports were that no action would be taken against Keisse by the authorities, Telsoldiario has reported that he has now been fined.
Yesterday, Judge Enrique Mattar of the Third Court of Misdemeanours met Keisse and fined him 3,000 Pesos (£60), the maximum amount possible under the applicable law.
The judge also suggested that he apologise to the waitress in person, which Keisse said in a press conference yesterday he would do “as soon as possible.”
Asked what lessons could be drawn from the case by men generally, the judge said: “That things have to change, whether you are a French or Italian tourist, or someone from San Juan. A construction worker, an engineer or a lawyer. Change.
“A woman has to be allowed to walk peacefully along the street, she must be left at peace at work or at home.
“Socially, things have changed. Enough with sexist jokes and macho attitudes that are no longer socially acceptable.”
Notwithstanding the fine imposed by the judge, according to Telesoldiario the waitress still has the right to press criminal charges should she wish to do so.
The episode has overshadowed the race itself, where Keisse’s team mate Julian Alaphilippe goes into today’s Stage 4 in the overall lead after back-to-back stage wins in the past two days.
That's assuming he starts today's stage, with team manager Patrick Lefevere reportedly so incensed by the decision to expel Keisse that he is considering withdrawing the team from the race, according to Sporza.
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
Latest Comments
- Hirsute 2 sec ago
What's the fine for parking in the cycle lane ?
- hawkinspeter 1 hour 29 min ago
Looks like some Barton Hill residents don't want the Liverpool Neighbourhood or at least not Marsh Lane to be a no-through-road:...
- David9694 1 hour 52 min ago
Total demolition job in Maulden Some Before pictures for Woodthorpe: https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/175683/
- David9694 2 hours 16 min ago
"After a two-hour long meeting, the panel voted 9-2 to resolve that the majority of the panel supported the introduction of the charges but was ...
- Rendel Harris 2 hours 25 min ago
Schrödinger's mizzle, where whether it is raining or not is dependent upon the observer.
- chrisonabike 2 hours 54 min ago
It's just easier to "negotiate" when both parties are much more similar in vulnerability, manoeuvrability, speed, width, etc. than those in motor...
- chrisonabike 3 hours 56 sec ago
Done - caveat that a) the entire width wasn't used for the cycle lane and b) not in the UK....
- OldRidgeback 3 hours 38 min ago
Hmm, not a word about BMX bikes. My sons graduated in turn from the little Raleigh and went onto a BMX with an 18" wheel bought from (the horror)...
- Les Ed 3 hours 50 min ago
I've just read that is someone with 217 points.
Add new comment
14 comments
Simon, I'm often the 'snowflake' on a football forum I run, sometimes because I use long words or speak out against the 'lad culture'.
You raise the good points though where the line is blurred. His intention was a cheap joke and became a police matter, I really do think the female went a little far involving the police.
Meanwhile I've just watched YouTube with a 4 year old and they are being pushed Meghan Trainor videos which is basically 10 year old girls prancing round in too much make up, twerking, product placement, sexualised language etc. They are being pushed this world of sexualisation from a ridiculously early age and it's deemed ok if a multi national is making profit.
As said, his actions were crass and in poor taste, his team and/or sponsors are more than entitled to ask questions. The 'sexual assault' card though is one of the reasons more serious offences can sometimes fail to be taken as seriously as they should...
Does he do it with all his fans - the old men on Belgian street corners, the Dads who bring their kids to races? Of course not.
Cycling News quoted her:
Doesn't sound like she appreciated the 'joke'. And given the sanction I'd say she's not the only one who must have thought it needed to be taken seriously. If she hadn't taken it to the police then Keisse and the DQS knuckle draggers would have laughed it away as #MeToo gone mad, "that time of the month" or similar sexist shite.
Speaking out against lad culture on a footy forum, that's brave!
Interesting one this isn't it?
I actually feel sympathy for both sides. Whilst I'd love to think i'd not behave in such a way, i can also appreciate that in the heat of the moment I may make a decision that I'd later question. If some stranger was sticking her bottom into my groin, and I was in a group situation where we were all messing around, i can see how I might make a sexual joke about it. Not saying its right, but I can absolutely see the thinking (or lack of) that may have gone on.
One thing I'm comfortable with is that the chap had no intent to demean or sexually assault this woman. That fact that she feels that way should be a wake up call for anyone questionning the seriousness of the situation.
That's the thing about perception, everyone's perception is their own, and therefore it can not be wrong. She feels that she has been sexually violated, and with photo evidence of a man imitating a sex act behind her, and a memory of bottom touching, well she might.
The fact that she put her arse there, and the imitation may, may, have been instigated by this action is a moot point.
The problem as I see it is the aftermath. For instance, if I was a pro cyclist, I'd certainly now think very carefully before posing for any photo. I'd certainly refuse any physical contact with any fan during photos.
In summary though, a good reminder that we all are responsible for ensuring our conduct stands up to external scrutiny, but also, for me something of a storm in a tea cup.
I'd have to disagree strongly with the "no intent to demean" comment.
Even if we accept the silly joke excuse that joke gats its "humour" entirely from demeaning the woman involved. Had the jokers actions not demeaned her then the joker and his mates would not have thought it funny.
Imitating a sexual act behind or towards any woman who has not given you permission to do so is demeaning to her (even if you had permission it would still arguably be demeaning as it suggested power of the man over the woman).
We no longer live in a world where this kind of behaviour is acceptable even if, sadly, it still goes on.
I'd argue you've missed my point.
I appreciate the mechanics of why it could / would be demeaning... but, my point is, I do not believe his intention was expressly to cause offence / demean.
Often people just don't think things through before they act. To ignore this fact and put across the notion that the 'joke' was willfully based on the notion to demean is not going to help change minds. Keisse is unlikely to be a sexual predator, he is a bit ignorant and, like his boss, could do with some education.
I think we need to keep hold of a little perspective in these situations.
I might be stuck in the past but I really need some help on where to draw the line, just as the world seems to be moving so quickly towards being offended (by the way i think it was crass by Iljo Keisse)...
What would happen if he had his tongue out?
You know that awful duck face lips 'pursed' thing that's done now, is that allowed?
Flexing a bicep?
Female cupping own breast?
Hmmm, it does sound like you're stuck in the past. I'm sure life was nicer back then, when a man could openly insult women, racial minorities, amputees or anyone who looks vaguely different and get people to laugh. Times have changed.
I'm no millenial snowflake or whatever the latest put-down may be but I'd certainly not appreciate him doing what was described to my teenage daughter - and neither would she - so I can't see why it is OK to do that to anyone (the exception being if it's an in-joke with someone he already knows).
I'm not saying this is the worst crime in history but I'd argue that it's a social faux-pas, rather like Peter Sagan's podium bum-pinch.
This is what happens when you don't use Gillette.
Lefevere's reaction appears to indicate the culture that exists in the sport (male side).
Yes it was silly but it's only a bit 'stealth bumming'
I have to disagree with you, I think the judge is right on this one.
Agreed, if it made her uncomfortable then it was unacceptable behaviour.
I suspect most women would disagree with that perspective.
This sort of thing is why I can't entirely dismiss the sort of things Grayson Perry says.
and (I hope) plenty of men. Sadly, it appears that Pat and some of his riders are still stuck in a sexist mindset that belongs in the 1970s.