Ironman changes global competition rules, partners with the UCI to combat motor doping

From press release.

Ironman announced today that they have partnered with the UCI and strengthened their global competition rules to combat mechanical fraud known as “motor doping” which has made headlines in the cycling world recently. Motor doping has become a growing phenomenon, especially after top Belgian cyclist Femke Van den Driessche was caught with a motor in her bike at the U23 cyclocross world championships earlier this year.

Ironman says that as a leader in the industry, they have decided to partner with the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) “to leverage the latest technology to combat the concealment of motors or other artificial accelerating devices by athletes looking to gain an unfair advantage.”

“Technological fraud is contrary to the spirit of Ironman and of fair play,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of Ironman. “Athletes who choose to gain advantage by such means undermine the trust and norms of our community, the tenet of fair competition, and the accomplishment of completing the entire race under one’s own power.”

In their press release, they also announced that they will begin actively inspecting bicycles at their events around the world, including all championship races. Inspections will mostly take place after the bike leg of the race, after the athlete has left for the run.

“The UCI is committed to eradicating technological fraud and will collaborate with IRONMAN on best practices to help keep the sport of triathlon fair,” added Mark Barfield UCI Technical Manager.

Find the complete Ironman global competition rules here.