Fabian Cancellara has denied using a motor in 𝓀his bike during the Spring Classics, while Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere thinks the possibility of motorized doping within the peloton could be a reality.

Last month the International Cycling Union (UCI) denied that such “mechanical doping” existed, but confirmed that they were investigating the issue. T𓂃he theory is that small motors could be hidden inside the bike tubes, giving riders an unfair advantage.

Most recently, Italian journalist Davide Cassani tested such a bike and told Het Nieuwsblad, “Now I coul🌟d ride and win the Giro. Even though I'm 50🅘 years old.”

Most attention has been paid to Saxo Bank's Fabian Cancellara, whose impressive showings of strength saw him ride away alone in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix this spring. The Swiss rider laughed the story off. “I've already heard that. Rest assured, my ꦕachievements are the result of hard 💧work."

Patrick Lefeverꦕe, Quick Step team manager, took the possibility of “bik꧒e doping” seriously, but was careful to point out, “I don't accuse anyone.”

Unlike Cassani's comments he 𓄧hadn't brushed it off so lightly. “Laugh? No, I do not laugh about it. It's too serious to laugh. That movie made me𓆏 suspicious.”

"For a long time I also belonged to the non-believers, now I begin to doubt gradually," he said "Watch out. For me, everyone is innocent until pr𓄧oven otherwise. I do not participate in gossip, and I try not to be paranoid but now that I have seem the mo🐭vie of Cassani, I see why the UCI is examining the matter thoroughly."

"It would be worse than doping,”🅰 Lefevere said. “Even pure theft.”