A little money to denounce the use of an engine in racing. The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced this Friday the establishment of a “rewards program” consisting of financially remunerating informants providing information on possible cases of technological fraud among cyclists.
This program, which comes into force immediately, “will aim to encourage people with information on this subject to communicate it – confidentially – to the UCI in exchange in particular for a financial reward”, indicated the body whose Steering Committee approved the measure on the sidelines of the World Championships in Zurich.
“Particular emphasis will be placed on the collection of information relating to the use of technological advances relating to hidden engines and other propulsion methods, thus enabling targeted controls and in-depth investigations, including into past cases of fraud,” added the UCI in a press release.
Paid sources and anonymity preserved
Rewards can be financial or in-kind, such as merchandise or access to events. They will be paid “after verification of the relevance and reliability of the information provided” and their scope “takes into consideration the material effort and potential investment provided by the source as well as the potential risk of damage or repercussion due to ‘such disclosure’.
The UCI undertakes to respect and preserve the anonymity of sources, but may require their identification if it deems it necessary to verify the accuracy and/or relevance of the information provided. Requests can be submitted through existing reporting mechanisms or directly to the Technology Fraud Department.
Despite suspicions around ten years ago, no proven case of mechanical doping has ever been detected in a professional road cycling race. The only proven case of a bike aided by a hidden engine dates back to January 2016 at the U21 Cyclo-cross World Championships. It earned Belgian Femke Van den Driessche, 19, a six-year suspension by the UCI.
Related News :