In the wake of the revelations about Lance Armstrong’s systematic drug use during the course of his seven Tour de France wins, it’s understandable the cycling teams want to distance themselves from any allegations of doping.

But the approach being adopted by Team Sky – team of Lancashire’s Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins – is counterproductive and is only going to prevent the truth from coming out.

Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford has ordered that everybody connected with the team sign a declaration that they have no history of doping.

And anybody who admits involvement in use of performance-enhancing products will be out of a job.

On the surface, it seems like a laudable plan – but the truth is that policies like this will only serve to perpetuate the conspiracy of silence in the world of cycling.

There must be many people in the sport who are scared to speak out because they fear for their livelihoods.

As long as the fight against doping is carried out as a witch-hunt, people who work in cycling - riders and team staff alike - will fear their past misdemeanors will be discovered.

I've got huge respect for Dave Brailsford and his achievements. But if he wants to help stamp out doping, better to find out the truth and allow the sport and the people involved in it to move on.

As long as people face losing their careers for past mistakes, cycling will never be free of the spectre of doping.

  • Amid the excitement of the doping allegations, the announcment of the route for the 100th edition of the Tour de France still managed to generate excitement this week.

And the organisers have created a route that does justice to the milestone event.

A Tour that tackles the iconic Mont Ventoux as well TWO ascents of the savage Alpe d’Huez is sure to provide a huge amount of excitement over the course of the three-week race.

Lancashire's Bradley Wiggins says he’ll be there to ride in support of team mate Chris Froome, and won’t be aiming to win the race himself – but I’ll believe that when I see it.

I’m already looking forward to three great weeks of racing next summer.