Deceuninck-QuickStep confirms that the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) has launched an investigation into what Davide Bramati removed from the pockets of his Remco Evenpole (opens with new tab) after his crash on Il Lombardia. The team claims that Bramati took "a small bottle of nutritional supplements."

This week, a video was released showing Bramati removing a white object from the pocket of Evenpohl, who was lying in a ravine after the crash. Some reports suggested that it was a data device used to illegally transmit strategically important power data to team cars in order to gain a sporting advantage.

UCI President David Lapartient confirmed the investigation on Friday, questioning a statement made by Bramati immediately after the crash. In it, Bramati stated that he knew in advance that Evenpoel had crashed because "the data had stopped."

"Director Sportif said he thought that Evenpoel had crashed because the data stopped transmitting," Lapartiento said. 'After all, it is forbidden to transmit certain data. So we are keeping an eye on that as well. If it's just about geographic location, that's one thing, but sharing any other data is forbidden."

UCI regulations allow the use of on-board technology, but prohibit the transmission of data to third parties without UCI approval, such as Velon and other data collection devices.

Deceuninck-QuickStep argued that the white object was a small bottle and not a data device.

"As already publicly stated, what was removed from Lemko's pocket was a small bottle of nutritional supplements, removed by the medical staff to allow him to be placed more comfortably on a stretcher," a statement from the team said.

"We have reiterated this to the CADF and will continue to cooperate with their investigation if necessary.

"Regarding the transmission of data, we would also like to clarify that during Il Lombardia, live location and other data will be transmitted by the Velon device that Velon has installed on the bikes in partnership with the race organizers. This device will allow everyone, including fans, to track and view live rider data during the race.

"We are confident that this will put an end to any further speculation surrounding the incident.

Deceuninck-QuickStep boss Patrick Lefebvre fired back at the UCI, suggesting that the investigation had ulterior motives. Lefebvre took to Twitter Friday night to accuse the UCI and the CADF, a "so-called independent agency."

He is also a weekly contributor to the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, which this week focused on the investigation.

"Apparently, these images are good enough for an investigation by public authorities," Lefebvre said, before blasting former Festina director Antoine Vailler for bringing the images to light on Twitter.

"He posts the most ridiculous videos.

"What happened," Bramati said, "was that after Lemko fell, he descended into the ravine and removed all solid objects to save him from further injury, including his helmet, radio, and bidet (water bottle) - in this case a few inches in size.

"All that could be seen on the video was the bidet.

In live footage of the race, Evenpoel can be seen receiving what looks like a white bidet from team member Soignier before putting it in his bottle cage at the top of Solmano with 50.2 km to go.

Two kilometers later, he took a drink on the descent and reached to put it in his jersey pocket just before crashing during the race.

According to Lefebvre, the bidon was the kind often used in race finals and contained nothing but energy drinks and caffeine.

"Riders often use bidons in finals. On the other hand, so-called "final bottles" have a very bad reputation as a kind of witchcraft. In reality, final bidons are just more convenient and less sticky than gels.

"What's in such a bidon?" cola, red bull, a little caffeine. Nothing prohibited. No painkillers in it either. I've never even used tramadol. The mysticism surrounding bidon is mostly a placebo effect."

Following up on his earlier tweet, Lefebvre continued to criticize the UCI's actions, suggesting that the investigation was in retaliation for an ongoing dispute over rider safety.

"The most ironic reading of the facts is that I stepped up to the barricades again this week," Lefebvre said. 'Along with Richard Plug and many other team bosses, we are working to make cycling safer.'

." Against the wishes of the UCI, we want to outsource this to an outside organization, but they see this as a vote of no confidence. Cycling must become safer.

"The confluence of circumstances is clear. By publishing news of the investigation now, I am paying the price for my big mouth in the safety debate, proving that the CADF is not an independent organization, but one that follows the wishes of the UCI, while the cycling teams co-fund the CADF.

"The decision is painfully clear. It is depressing. There are no other words for this story."

"The decision is a clear one,"

"It is a clear one.

On Saturday, the UCI stated: "Based on images circulating on the Internet, the CADF has heard from team representatives. The investigation is ongoing and the UCI will not comment further at this stage."