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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