UCI investigate possible mechanical fraud

Cycling's governing body is investigating a possible case of mechanical fraud at the cyclo-cross world championships.

International Cycling Union (UCI) off-road manager Peter Van Den Abeele says his control commissioners noticed a suspicious bike during the women's under-23 race on Saturday and immediately tested it for fraudulent use of technology to artificially increase speed.

He says the top three in the race were not involved.

Even though Van Den Abeele refused to name the rider, the Belgian team Rudy De Bie told VRT network it was a rider of the host nation.

"Now we will look further into this case. For the UCI, it is the first time that we see such technological fraud. It is a setback for us," Van Den Abeele told VRT.