Mark Barfield is the technical manager for the UCI, cycling's world governing body. This week the UCI announced a technique for detecting motors hidden inside bicycles using an iPad and a flux meter to measure magnetic flux density.

Ironman announced its own intent to test immediately after the UCI's announcement, saying that its testing was to be conducted in partnership wit the UCI. In triathlon the task should be easier. “Our testing method will detect a motor that is off,” said Mr. Barfield to Slowtwitch, “one that is not connected to a battery, one that is connected to a flat battery or one that isn't connected at all. It will detect control components and batteries as well.”

While the process isn't instant – scanning takes 15 or 20 seconds per bike – one could imagine a lot of bikes tested while in transition, either before the swim or after the bike ride.

I exchanged several emails with Mr. Barfield, who told Slowtwitch that process is “100 percent effective,” and invited me to the UCI's headquarters in Switzerland for a demonstration.

I then asked him about scaling up the use of this technology. There are about 3 dozen WADA labs worldwide and doping control officers in every major city of every country. It's easy to test someone in or out of competition, anywhere in the world. Can mechanical doping be scaled up the same way?

“Anti-doping labs manufacture their own tests,” I said to Mr. Barfield, “they license their tests to other WADA labs; labs make some of their money that way.”

“We will be licensing it to our NFs, Ironman and the ITU,” replied Mr. Barfield, “as well as ITU NFs. We will make it available from the middle of May.”

One could imagine USA Triathlon head refs testing bikes, or race organizers paying timers or other RD services providers for the service of testing bikes. If a timer provides timing data that the head ref uses to disqualify a racer (perhaps leading to a sanction), a timing company could also scan for bike motors, leading to a penalty and perhaps a sanction.

The questions are: How much will the system cost to license? How wide is the UCI wiling to cast its net when determining potential licensees?