Cyclist faces ban over hidden motor

An amateur cyclist could face a lengthy ban after admitting using a hidden motor during a category 3 race in the Dordogne on Sunday.

The 43-year-old, who has not been named but is believed to be a member of cycling club in Périgueux, is said to have been of interest to amateur cycling authorities in France for some time. Suspicions intensified last week when it was noted that 'his ability to climb hills was striking'.

He admitted installing a motor when police checked his cycle after a puncture finished his race in St-Michel-de-Double on Sunday. He was then taken to a police station for questioning, and could face fraud charges if he has won prizes at races while using the illegal device.

It is the first time a cyclist has been caught using an electric motor in France. Belgian rider Femke Van den Driessche was handed a six-year ban after it was discovered she used a bike fitted with a hidden motor during the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in January 2016; and an Italian rider was caught cheating in July 2017.