Swift action has been called for after allegations that a motor was found fitted to a competitor’s cycle in an international event.

Former European U23 cyclo-cross champion Femke Van den Driessche came under suspicion of “mechanical doping” during the inaugural U23 women’s cycle-cross World Championships in Belgium.

Others have been suspected of similar offences in the past but this is said to be the first time firm evidence has been found.

Van den Driessche claims she did not intend to cheat but was using a friend’s bike at the time.

In this article, Cycling lawyer James Pritchard says the cycling authorities must act quickly and firmly to prevent further damage to the sport’s reputation.