Doping in sports refers to the use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance athletic performance. It is defined as the presence of a banned substance in an athlete's body or evidence of using a prohibited method.24 Doping encompasses a wide range of practices, including the consumption of anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, stimulants, and diuretics.5 The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains a comprehensive list of prohibited substances and methods, which is regularly updated to account for new developments in performance-enhancing drugs.5 Doping is not only a violation of sporting ethics but also poses significant health risks to athletes. The practice extends beyond elite sports, with increasing use observed in amateur and recreational sports, particularly among young people.5

The UCI has implemented a range of sophisticated technologies to detect hidden motors in bicycles. X-ray imaging, introduced in 2018, provides definitive proof of concealed motors within bike frames1. Electromagnetic scanners detect disruptions in magnetic fields caused by metal or magnets, while thermal imaging cameras deployed by the French Atomic Energy Commission can identify heat produced by motors, even when turned off23. These tools are used for pre-race inspections, real-time monitoring during competitions, and post-race checks to ensure the integrity of cycling events at the Olympics and other major tournaments.

The first major case of motor doping was discovered in 2016 when Femke Van den Driessche was caught with a hidden motor at the Cyclocross World Championships in Belgium, resulting in a six-year ban1. This incident highlighted the reality of technological cheating in cycling. More recently, in May 2024, a dramatic scene unfolded at the Routes de l'Oise cycling competition near Paris, where a French cycling official leapt onto the hood of a van in a high-speed chase, suspecting it of carrying evidence of a covert electric motor12. These events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by officials in combating this sophisticated form of cheating.

Despite advancements in detection technology, motor doping remains a challenging issue to combat. X-ray machines, while effective, are not foolproof, as riders can potentially swap bikes during races1. Jean-Christophe Perrault, an Olympic silver medalist and former head of anti-cheating at the UCI, argues that real-time monitoring is essential to completely eliminate suspicion of cheating1. The UCI is collaborating with France's Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission to develop live monitoring technology using high-resolution magnetometers attached to bikes, although implementing this on every racing bike presents logistical hurdles1.

Efforts to combat motor doping are evolving rapidly, with the UCI working on innovative solutions for real-time detection. Collaborating with France's Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), the organization is developing live monitoring technology that uses high-resolution magnetometers attached to bicycles1. This system aims to detect hidden motor signals during races, providing a more comprehensive approach to ensuring fair competition. While implementing detectors on every racing bike presents logistical challenges, experts like Jean-Christophe Perrault believe it's the only way to definitively solve the long-standing issue of motor doping1. As the technology advances, cyclists can expect more stringent and sophisticated monitoring in future competitions.