There have been calls for more stringent inspections after officials confirmed they believe a motor was fitted to a bike being ridden by a female rider at the cyclo-cross World Championships.
Officials from governing body the International Cycling Union (UCI) made the discovery after the under-23 women’s race in Zolder, Belgium.
Press reports named the suspect as the pre-race favourite, Team Kleur op Maat’s Femke Van den Driessche, who has strongly denied doing anything wrong, saying she was riding a friend’s bike.
The UCI issued a statement confirming they were investigating evidence of a “technological fraud”.
A number of riders have come under suspicion of using concealed motors since 2010, with unusual hand movements and unlikely bursts of acceleration being cited as evidence that something was amiss.
In one case, a bike continued to spin out of control on the road as though it had a life of its own after the rider crashed during a race.
The UCI responded by introducing regular inspections and a minimum six-month ban and a fine of up to 200,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) for anyone found guilty of technological doping.
But Britain’s double Tour de France winner Chris Froome has asked the UCI to step up its inspection regime, a call echoed by keen cyclist James Pritchard, of Macks Solicitors in Middlesbrough.
“This sounds like something straight out of a Road Runner cartoon but the events in Belgium suggest that it’s now a reality,” said James.
“There have been increasing rumours in recent years and a number of accusations have been levelled at particular riders, but this is the first time the authorities appear to have confirmed what many have suspected.
“It’s a very unwelcome development for cycling, especially as it comes just as the sport seemed to be cleaning up its act in the eyes of the public after all the doping scandals of the last decade.
“The powers that be could have prevented untold damage to cycling’s reputation if they had acted sooner to stop the drugs cheats in their tracks.
“It’s absolutely vital for the integrity of the sport that they don’t allow this to happen for a second time on their watch.
“This time they must take swift, tough action that sends out a clear message to those athletes tempted to break the rules and win at all costs.”
The race, the first U23 women’s event to be held, was won by Britain’s Evie Richards.
Van den Driessche didn’t feature among the leaders during the race after her bike developed technical problems. It was taken in for inspection, where the alleged irregularities came to light.
