Caught cheating in sports: Belgian pro-cyclist found using bicycle with hidden motor - TomoNews

ZOLDER, BELGIUM — The Union Cycliste Internationale has confirmed this week that the bicycle used by Belgian 19-year-old pro-cyclist Femke Van den Driessche during the world championship in Belgium contained a hidden motor.

Driessche says she never cheated, and that the bike in question belongs to a friend. Driessche explained to Belgian media that the bicycle was given to her in error by a mechanic prior to the weekend under-23 race at the World Cyclo-Cross championship in Solder, Belgium, reported Cycling News.

Driesseche pulled out of the race due to a "mechanical problem", reported ABC. The motor was found during an inspection.

A motor such as the Vivax Assist, can be installed in the seat tube in a bicycle frame, reported Cycling Tips. Hidden motors can be powered by a battery, placed either inside the bicycle frame, in a saddlebag under the seat, or in a faux water bottle. The devices can be operated in a number of ways.

According to Gizmodo, a sensor installed close to the pedals and connected to the motor detects the cyclist's pace. At higher speeds, the motor runs faster, helping the rider move quicker. Another way to use the motor is by pressing a switch or lever on the handlebars.

Cycling competition regulators can detect motors by using a computer that reads radio frequencies emitted by the devices, or with the use of X-ray machines similar to the ones found in airports.

The practice, also known as "mechanical doping," can lead to a heavy fines as well as long bans for offenders.

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[LaneMcCall]

So that’s how the cyclist passed me on the autobahn yesterday.

[DebF]

Hahahahahahaha lmao "it was just a friend's I swear

[theadventurebiker]

OK so let's see a riders using mechanical doping + performance enhancing drugs together at the same time. We'll call it the Unlimited Class.

[idkwho]

Why does the narrator sound like a canadian from south park

[RennieAsh]

They should have a competition where each cyclist gets a known battery and motor capacity/size, and they can use it at any time during the race, but once the battery runs out, that's it. Would make for some interesting strategy

[sideswipebl]

This guy's voice makes me want to vomit.

[douglaspinsak]

I think they call this motor “Lance Legstrong”.

[chipclik]

Long bans not enough, cheating is cheating must be a lifetime ban. UCI should considered having an e-bike contest. Lol

[lalanis]

If you're not cheating you're not trying!

[XDM]

Ok, where can I get one of these motors? :D

[Alan-Dawson]

Need to minimize a Nissan GTR engine....Tour de France Is mine!

[Tmms]

"Femke Ven Duwn Dreissure" LOL

[michealtano]

How about changing the rules to cheat all you want but the last one who finish is the winner.

[karpabla]

Finally, we know the secret of Merckx's career!

[AveryDevoll]

If you ain't cheating you ain't trying

[tigercs]

Wouldn't the weight be more of a hinderance?

[enpeethree]

Another scandal cycling doesn’t need at this time.

[Comoonya]

how? i need to know the real thing please

[teddyzamba]

I was always a little suspicious how my 90yr old mother in law was passing me on a hill climb, a 500watt motor was to blame....nice..!!

[jerste]

Beautiful geek video who doesn't give a damn about the events, the athlete, her bizarre entourage and the fact that she was prevented from defending herself for reasons which were not investigated, which will leave her vulnerable for a long time.