June 3, 2010 – Saxo Bank has issued a statement on their website refuting any claims of mechanical doping by world ITT champion Fabian Cancellara (Sui) – full statement below – as alleged by Italian sports writer and former pro rider, Davide Cassani, in a well publicized video on You Tube that suggests that the 29-year-old top Swiss rider used an electric-assisted “stealth” bike to win the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix – click here.

The matter is apparently under discussion by the UCI. Meanwhile, it seems that the Austrian-based Gruber & Company, which manufactures stealth electric assist bikes, is enjoying a wave of free publicity. It is reported that over one million people have viewed the video.

Team Saxo Bank Statement – Insinuations of Cheating by Mechanical Doping
“Team Saxo Bank rejects all insinuations and accusations that have been made in the media regarding Fabian Cancellara’s alleged use of an electric motor in his bike. Team Saxo Bank is strongly opposed to any form of cheating and there is absolutely no truth to this story. There was not and never has been a motor in any Team Saxo Bank rider’s bike.”

“In principle, Team Saxo Bank does not comment on rumours. However, with the irresponsible distribution of this story and related video, a myth has been developed that needs to be addressed. We will not participate in the furthering of this story and find the marketing platform now created for the engine manufacturer completely out of place and unwarranted. We are confident that the majority of those people who have come across this video see if for exactly what it is, A creative, amateur artist’s attempt to express a purely hypothetical idea that has not basis of fact or truth. It is a work of fiction, disguised as documentary.”

“We regret if this has led anyone to view Team Saxo Bank in a negative way and we are deeply offended by the questioning of Fabian Cancellara’s integrity, character and abilities. Fabian possesses incredible ability and talent and is a true professional. Fabian has provided Team Saxo Bank and cycling fans the world over with countless memorable victories and tremendous performances. Fabian’s victories in Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix embody everything that is beautiful about our sport, strength, endurance, suffering, passion, drama and teamwork. Fabian’s victories are the result of dedication, hard work and sacrifice as well as his unique ability to rise to the occasion when striving to reach his goals. We are confident that the public can see through the nonsense this myth has presented and respect Fabian for what he is. A true Champion.”

“There will be no further Team comment on this situation as we feel the insinuations do not warrant further time or energy.”