LIESTAL, Switzerland -- Cycling's governing body will perform tests at this year's Tour de France to ensure that racers are not cheating by using motors hidden in their bicycle frames. The International Cycling Union said in a statement that "a scanner will be used from the time of the Tour de France." Recent speculation has focused on Swiss rider...
LIESTAL, Switzerland -- Cycling's governing body will perform tests at this year's Tour de France to ensure that racers are not cheating by using motors hidden in their bicycle frames.
The International Cycling Union said in a statement that "a scanner will be used from the time of the Tour de France."
Recent speculation has focused on Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara, who denied he won Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders this year with the help of a motorized bike.
A video posted on various websites appears to show Cancellara pushing a button on the handlebars of his bike during both races.
The UCI implemented the measure during a management committee meeting in Birmingham this week, where it decided that it was "necessary to bolster measures that have already been put in place, in particular the visual inspection of bicycles, a procedure that was recently reinforced."
According to the UCI, the scanner will be useful in detecting any devices that might be concealed in the frame.
"From now on race service will be subject to stricter regulation in order to ensure that only equipment that has been checked at the start or finish can be used during competitions," the UCI said.
The UCI has been in contact with former racer Davide Cassani, who claims to have tested a motorized bike that could help a rider cheat. The 49-year-old Cassani said he would be able to finish a classic or a Giro stage using such a motorized bike.