Originally Posted by
CliffordK
As far as bikes in the pit area. Do they still affix number tags (a,b,c?) to all the bikes intended for use? That would at least clear up whether it was a "race bike". However, it is my understanding that she finished her last lap on that bike, and it was sequestered immediately after finishing that lap. If the motor system was complete and functional, then I'd consider it used. If it was HOT, then it almost definitely was used (almost, there is still friction). If the system was incomplete, the it would seem to be no different than carrying around a toy motor in one's saddle bag.
Heck, the technology is here to drop real-time GPS transmitters into the seat tube. Then apply an official tamperproof "race seal" to the bikes. And, thus know exactly when and where each bike was used, and even get an acceleration profile for each bike during the race.
Should all the cyclists that ride motorcycles to the pit area be disqualified? What about all those team motorcycles chasing the cyclists in road races?
It is possible that the girl knew about the switch and the father didn't. How many 19 yr olds try to pull a fast one on their parents? Cheating in school just to carry home that golden report card?
Rules are, just having an illegal bike in the pits or at the race is a violation. Need not be ridden in the race. Need not be ready to ride.
Sort of analogous to taking a banned drug. No need to prove the rider rode a race while on the drug, or was helped by the drug in that race. If he took the drug he's bustable, it can even be on the offseason.
UCI is trying to crush motor doping. They are worried, they've believed it was happening, have quickly rolled out regs and tools to stop it.
This is the first case, so unclear how they'll punish her. Regs say at least six months, at least SFR 20000. Could be more. Many are calling for lifetime ban.
Best case for her, she proves her story (sold her old team bike to friend, he installed motor without her knowledge, brought bike to the race, left it by her pit or truck, her mechanics thought it was hers and took it in with her bikes) and gets a six month ban. She'll still be persona non grata in the sport for years, might not be allowed to register for races, won't have a team, no sponsor, spectators throwing stuff at her, etc.