Atomic News & Events

Jun 3, 10:30 AM

Atomic Racing Club linked to mechanical doping

June 3, 2010, Vancouver, B.C. – Suspicions of organized doping have fallen once again on members of Vancouver-based Atomic Racing Club, this time with accusations of “mechanical doping”.

Suggestions that cyclists are using an electric motor to help them turn the pedals and so save precious energy, first appeared in the Italian press during the Giro d’Italia. The Il Giornale newspaper said that a small motor and battery that helps turn the cranks could be hidden in the seat tube of a frame, giving a boost of 50 watts of power.

An unnamed source has made accusations that several of the Atomic Racing members have been using bikes fitted with motors. “Look at all the new bikes those guys have in the club”, the source explained. “All of a sudden a whole bunch of guys are coming out with new bikes, fancy new equipment, and at the same time laying down some serious smack on club rides and training camps. They do have that connection with their bike shop sponsor as well…couple of good mechanics there, always working on the team’s bikes. I’m not saying nothing, OK? Just connecting the dots”.

Atomic Racing was in the news recently, linked to the Floyd Landis doping story. According to interviews with Landis, members of the Atomic Racing Club executive have been systematically using performing enhancing drugs, which helps explain why they’re riding so fast.

Atomic Racing Club officials could not be reached for comment.