simplemind
JF-Expert Member
- Apr 10, 2009
- 16,418
- 9,206
A concealed motor has been discovered during
the examination of a bike used by a Belgian
cyclist at the world cyclo-cross championships.
The bike was seized by cycling authorities after
Femke Van den Driessche, 19, was forced to pull
out of the women's under-23 race due to a
mechanical problem.
"It's absolutely clear that there was
technological fraud. There was a concealed
motor. I don't think there are any secrets about
that," said International Cycling Union (UCI)
president Brian Cookson.
"Technological fraud is unacceptable.
"We want the minority who may consider
cheating to know that, increasingly, there is no
place to hide and sooner or later they will pay for
the damage they’re causing to our sport."
The UCI has scanned bikes at major
competitions, including the Tour de France, in
recent years amid rumours about cyclists using
motors hidden in frames.
However, this is the first time such a device is
believed to have been found.
UCI President Brian Cookson said it was
"unacceptable"
Van den Driessche, who had been among the
favourites for the title before she was forced to
withdraw, insisted she was "totally unaware" the
bike had been fitted with a hidden motor.
"It wasn't my bike, it was that of a friend and
was identical to mine," she tearfully told Belgian
TV channel Sporza.
"This friend went around the course Saturday
before dropping off the bike in the truck. A
mechanic, thinking it was my bike, cleaned it and
prepared it for my race.
"I feel really terrible. I'm aware I have a big
problem. [But] I have no fears of an inquiry into
this. I have done nothing wrong."
Maarten Vangramberen, a journalist for Sporza,
said: "After one lap of the world championships,
UCI took Femke’s bike in the pit area and tested
it with some sort of tablet.
"When the saddle was removed, there were
electrical cables in the seat tube. When they
wanted to remove the bottom bracket, which is
normally not difficult, they could not because the
crank was stuck. Inside there was a motor."
Technological fraud carries a minimum six-month
suspension and a fine of between 20,000
(£13,700) to 200,000 Swiss francs.
The race at Heusden-Zolder in Belgium was won
by Britain's Evie Richards.
By posting a comment you are agreeing to abide
by our Terms & Conditions . See our House Rules
and FAQs .
the examination of a bike used by a Belgian
cyclist at the world cyclo-cross championships.
The bike was seized by cycling authorities after
Femke Van den Driessche, 19, was forced to pull
out of the women's under-23 race due to a
mechanical problem.
"It's absolutely clear that there was
technological fraud. There was a concealed
motor. I don't think there are any secrets about
that," said International Cycling Union (UCI)
president Brian Cookson.
"Technological fraud is unacceptable.
"We want the minority who may consider
cheating to know that, increasingly, there is no
place to hide and sooner or later they will pay for
the damage they’re causing to our sport."
The UCI has scanned bikes at major
competitions, including the Tour de France, in
recent years amid rumours about cyclists using
motors hidden in frames.
However, this is the first time such a device is
believed to have been found.
UCI President Brian Cookson said it was
"unacceptable"
Van den Driessche, who had been among the
favourites for the title before she was forced to
withdraw, insisted she was "totally unaware" the
bike had been fitted with a hidden motor.
"It wasn't my bike, it was that of a friend and
was identical to mine," she tearfully told Belgian
TV channel Sporza.
"This friend went around the course Saturday
before dropping off the bike in the truck. A
mechanic, thinking it was my bike, cleaned it and
prepared it for my race.
"I feel really terrible. I'm aware I have a big
problem. [But] I have no fears of an inquiry into
this. I have done nothing wrong."
Maarten Vangramberen, a journalist for Sporza,
said: "After one lap of the world championships,
UCI took Femke’s bike in the pit area and tested
it with some sort of tablet.
"When the saddle was removed, there were
electrical cables in the seat tube. When they
wanted to remove the bottom bracket, which is
normally not difficult, they could not because the
crank was stuck. Inside there was a motor."
Technological fraud carries a minimum six-month
suspension and a fine of between 20,000
(£13,700) to 200,000 Swiss francs.
The race at Heusden-Zolder in Belgium was won
by Britain's Evie Richards.
By posting a comment you are agreeing to abide
by our Terms & Conditions . See our House Rules
and FAQs .
