Ironman To Start Checking Bikes For Motors

Ironman announced today that it is strengthening its rules to combat “technological fraud,” also known as mechanical fraud. Ironman will partner with the governing body for cycling, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), 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, in the press release. “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.”

Messick tells Triathlete.com that so far Ironman has not caught an athlete with a motor or other illegal assistance. The announcement comes after several athletes were accused of using motorized assistance in cycling races.

Ironman will be actively inspecting bicycles at races around the world, and the inspections will primarily take place in T2 after athletes have transitioned to 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.

The penalty for technological fraud will be disqualification from the relevant event and indefinite suspension from all Ironman events.

See the complete Ironman Global Competition rules at Ironman.com.

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