Fabian Cancellara motor doping claims could be investigated by UCI
Allegations made by former pro Phil Gaimon that Fabian Cancellara may have used a hidden electric motor in his bike may be subject to investigation by sport's governing body
Claims that Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara could have used a hidden electric motor during his career could be investigated by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The allegation was made by American former pro rider Phil Gaimon in his recently published autobiographical book Draft Animals.
Gaimon wrote about Cancellara's Classics victories in the 2010 Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, saying: "When you watch the footage, his accelerations don't look natural at all, like he's having trouble staying on the top of the pedals".
>>> Former rider Jean-Christophe Péraud appointed by UCI in ‘fight against technological fraud’
A UCI spokesperson confirmed to Cycling Weekly that its newly-elected president David Lappartient has said that they are "not ruling out the possibility of investigating, especially if new information was made available".
The UCI said that it would not be commenting further.
Gaimon's claim regarding Cancellara's performance in the 2010 Classics is not new after a YouTube video was posted shortly after his victories purportedly showing Cancellara accelerating away from rivals due to 'motor doping'.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Cancellara has not commented so far on Gaimon's book passage, but said after the original allegations surfaced in 2010 that he has never used a hidden motor. “I have showed that over the last 10 years that I have an engine in my body, not in my bike," Cancellara said.
"I think three million people watched YouTube and those people think they can create a problem. I don’t want to go into the subject of where is the button, how I changed gears. Come on!"
Hidden electric motors have been found in rider's bikes at events, though not as the highest level.
>>> UCI testing could be missing hidden motors in bikes, report suggests
Belgian rider Femke Van den Driessche was found to have a hidden motor in her spare bike in the pits at the Under-23 cyclocross World Championships in 2016.
Earlier this year, an amateur rider was caught with a hidden motor at a race in France.
On Friday, the UCI announced the appointment of former professional Jean-Christophe Péraud as its Manager of Equipment and the Fight against technological fraud.
Part of Péraud's role will be to co-ordinate checks for concealed motors.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
The Oura ring reviewed: is this wellness tracker helpful to cyclists?
With its focus on recovery and wellness, the Oura ring offers unique insights but is it worth the investment over other wearables?
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Shimano RC703 road shoe review: sleek, stiff and robust
Shimano's second-tier offering combines a rigid carbon sole with handy Boa dials and protective toe caps
By Sam Gupta Published
-
Tweets of the week: Fabian Cancellara has a PS5 for you, and SD Worx's riders have fun in California
The World Cup might be distracting you, but cycling still exists, come on
By Adam Becket Published
-
Taking their breath away: Remembering Fabian Cancellara's best year
The Swiss enjoyed the greatest season of his career in 2010. In the first of a new series, Chris Marshall-Bell looks back at how he dominated cycling then
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Fabian Cancellara: 'Motor allegations hurt, but I didn't need to prove anything to anyone'
Cancellara says he proved throughout his career that he was capable of winning the world's biggest races
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Fabian Cancellara: 'Don't compare Strade Bianche with Paris-Roubaix'
Classics legend Fabian Cancellara says Strade Bianche cannot be compared to the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix.
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Fabian Cancellara challenges Phil Gaimon to beat him in a 'Chasing Cancellara' race
Challenge comes after Phil Gaimon repeated the rumour in his book 'Draft Animals' that Fabian Cancellara may have used a hidden electric motor during the 2010 season
By Nigel Wynn Published
-
Phil Gaimon issues statement on Fabian Cancellara motor doping allegation
American former pro rider Phil Gaimon issues statement relating to the passage in his book 'Draft Animals' that alleges Fabian Cancellara could have used an electric motor in 2010
By Nigel Wynn Published
-
Fabian Cancellara's lawyers demand book that alleges motor doping be withdrawn from sale
Phil Gaimon's book 'Draft Animals' claimed that Fabian Cancellara probably had a hidden electric motor in his bike during 2010 Classics wins – now Cancellara wants an apology
By Nigel Wynn Published
-
Fabian Cancellara: 'If you compete solely for the money you don't get results'
Former time trial world champion and classics star Fabian Cancellara says that he is not interested in becoming a sports director and is not motivated by money
By Nigel Wynn Published