The growing exposure of sport in digital environments has opened new ways of connecting athletes and fans, but it has also amplified online abuse as a growing challenge that directly affects those who are part of the spectacle. In professional cycling, where interaction on social media is constant and global, this issue has become a real concern for riders, teams and officials.
Against this backdrop, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has decided to adopt an active and structured approach by appointing Signify Group as its new partner to protect the cycling family against digital threats and harassment. The initiative is based on the use of artificial intelligence combined with human analysis, with the aim of addressing the problem through prevention, detection and concrete action.
Artificial intelligence to measure and tackle digital abuse
From 2026, the Threat Matrix service will provide protection to riders, teams, support staff, commissaires and officials participating in the UCI WorldTour and the UCI Women’s WorldTour. Beyond immediate responses to individual cases, the tool will enable the UCI to understand the true prevalence of online abuse within elite cycling and to build a solid data foundation to inform future measures.
Threat Matrix operates through continuous monitoring of major social media platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, where it identifies abusive or threatening content. These findings are assessed by specialist analysts who investigate each case, request the removal of accounts or content where appropriate, flag high-risk threats and assist in identifying those responsible so that the UCI or the relevant authorities can take action.
A protection model that extends to private spaces
The protection approach also extends to private communication channels, where harassment is often less visible but equally harmful. Threat Matrix will carry out risk assessments and investigations into concerning messages received via direct messages, WhatsApp or emails, reinforcing a comprehensive response to digital harassment.
In parallel, the UCI continues to promote the use of SpeakUp, its confidential reporting platform, as a secure channel for victims to report harassment via private messaging. With Signify Group’s previous experience in sports such as skiing, tennis, rugby and football, the federation is relying on a proven model that reinforces the message expressed by its Director General, Amina Lanaya: social media is a key tool to inform and bring athletes closer to their audience, but any abusive or threatening behaviour that puts the well-being of the cycling family at risk will not be tolerated.
