Cycling’s Hidden-Motor Question

In early June 2010, Davide Cassani told reporters that he had tested a motorised bicycle that could help a rider cheat. BikeBiz reported his description: “It’s unbelievable. You push the button and this gets the bicycle up to speed, no need to pedal, just make it look as though you’re pedalling.” AFP reported that Cassani’s video showed a concealed motor and a button hidden within the gear levers on the handlebars.

The allegation prompted the UCI to respond. Pat McQuaid, then the organization’s president, said the governing body would formally look into the issue at a meeting on Monday. “We have no belief at the moment that it’s actually a fact,” McQuaid said, adding that the UCI wanted to be able to monitor any unfair use of battery technology.

Fabian Cancellara rejected the accusation. “It’s so stupid I’m speechless,” he said. “I've never had batteries on my bike.” AFP reported that the UCI said there was no case against Cancellara. Jean Wauthier, the organization’s technical chief, said it was unlikely Cancellara would use any kind of motor.

The question remained in public discussion. In 2024, IDL Pro Cycling reported that Tom Boonen said people often brought the Cancellara controversy up with him, but that he was “the last person who should comment on it.” “So I should probably just not talk about it,” he said. He added: “I don’t know what’s true, or what isn't.”