The 19-year-old has been the subject of an investigation after her bike was deemed suspicious following the under-23 event at the Championships, which took place at Heusden-Zolder in her home country in January.

Last month the UCI confirmed an engine was found on a bike, making it the first alleged case of technological fraud, which is also known as mechanical doping.

The governing body stated that their Disciplinary Commission was to hear from relevant parties and was in charge of imposing sanctions.

Van den Driessche, the under-23 European cyclo-cross champion, has denied using a motor to speed up progress, claiming the bike belonged to a friend.

She has now announced her retirement from cyclo-cross following the case, while revealing she would not defend herself at the hearing.

"After consulting with my lawyers and my family, I have decided to discontinue my defence at the hearing in Aigle,” said Van den Driessche according to nieuwsblad.be.

"I have decided for myself to stop cyclo-cross.

“The costs of the meeting in Switzerland will be too high for me, an acquittal is impossible, the bike was in my pit zone.

"I thank all the people who supported me and still support - my lawyers, friends and supporters.

"I want to continue my life in peace and serenity and hope that everyone will have some understanding for this and will respect this."

According to UCI’s rules for technological fraud, a cyclist could face a disqualification, a minimum suspension of six months and a fine of up to CHF 200,000 (£141,000/$205,000/€182,000).

Mechanical doping is viewed as a modern challenge for the UCI.