The Italian Ciclistica Federation (FCI), with the approval of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), announced the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, abuse, and bullying in the women's national team dating back to 2005.

The investigation, which began in August, was "against an unknown person" and was based on allegations of misconduct committed against players registered with the FCI.

"Investigation File No. 15/2019 of alleged illicit behaviour towards the licensed athletes of the FCI (Italian Cycling Federation), following numerous media reports of the 'Me Too' phenomenon, it announced that following investigation, including the obtaining of documents and peaking to witnesses, the Procura Generale dello Sport in accordance with the CONI (Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano), on October 24, 2019, authorized the closing of the case," said a brief statement from the FCI.

No official results have been released along with details of the investigation; Cyclingnews has reached out to FCI President Renato Di Rocco for comment on the findings.

"I have read the statement and requested the document to assess how to react," Di Rocco told Cyclingnews.

FCI Federal Deputy Prosecutor Nicola Capozzoli, along with Italian Federation staff, led the investigation, which included interviews with previously and currently registered players. Edoardo Salvordi, head coach of the women's national team and who has worked for the federation for more than 20 years, was reportedly questioned in connection with the case.

Salvordi is a well-known coach in women's cycling, having coached in the federation for nearly 20 years and leading the Italian women's national team to over 200 medals.

The Italian press reported Salvoldi's connection to the case after it was made public in September.

Silvio Martinello, a retired Olympian who held the position of the federation's general director of road and track in 2005, filed a complaint with the federation reporting "inappropriate behavior of the coach" for what he called "psychological conditioning" at the time, as reported in Tuttobici He stated that he had.

In October, Il Corriere della Sera published an allegation of psychological harassment made against Salvordi by one of his former track athletes, Myra Andreotti.

Attorney Camila Beltramini told the Corriere that Andreotti was summoned to the federal prosecutor's office because her name was in a newspaper article.

"She is not seeking revenge, nor did she report sexual violence against him [Salvoldi]. She wants to deal with the psychological aspects as well."

"She wants to be able to deal with the psychological aspects of the situation.

Salvoldi denied all accusations of alleged abuse and said he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior or abuse while working for the Italian Federation.

He provided Cycling News with a statement through his lawyer that he intended to take legal action to protect his reputation.

"I don't understand where this desire for defamation comes from," Salvordi told Cycling News at the time.

"I still don't understand what private interests are behind this false conspiracy. I have nothing to hide. I believe in the conclusion of the investigation and will wait for it. I take comfort in the great solidarity shown by all the people I have met over the past few days, even in my role as national coach.

"These charges are unacceptable because they offend me first of all as a human being. I have asked my lawyer to take legal action to protect my reputation and the reputation of those who have passed on to me the values I believe in. Anyone who makes such statements must answer to the authorities. "

Cyclingnews contacted FCI President Di Rocco, who acknowledged that an investigation is underway, but said he would not comment further on the case or the national team coaching staff until the investigation is completed.

He also told Italian media that he would share any findings of the investigation with CONI; both the FCI and CONI discussed the details of the investigation and decided on Thursday, October 24, to end the two-month investigation.

Di Rocco told Tuttobici that he was satisfied with the results of the investigation.

Tuttobici reported that DiRocco said, "We proved that justice works."

"I have always been calm about all the activities of the prosecutor who did an excellent job. My only regret is that a very competent technician who did not deserve this was subjected to a media lynching"

.

"Now I would not rule out taking a few breaths, reading the documents of the case as soon as possible, and if my lawyers deem it appropriate, moving in the proper forum to defend the honor of the Federation and those who are part of the Federation."