It was safe to say that this week would go down in cycling history as something incredible. The events seem almost too fantastical, as if they were being written for a grand story... From the conviction of two superstars to the injuries of two more. Sponsors confirmed their exit and new excitement in other areas. It has been an extraordinary 6 days. Number 7 did not miss out, completing the week from hell.

Perhaps the biggest doping bust ever, at least until the USADA publishes its findings later in the year, was revealed today. WADA have certainly been busy recently with the Tour and the Olympics, and this time round it was the Olympics that stole center stage. Cycling cannot seem to shake its demons, or at least is willing to face them. Following the trials of the Road scene, Track suddenly came over all sympathetic and took center stage.

Seven Team GB Track Cyclists have been confirmed as failing doping controls. 3x Gold Medalist Jason Kenny, Gold Medalist Philip Hindes, Gold Medalist Steven Burke, 2x Gold Medalist Ed Clancy, Gold Medalist Dani King and 6x Gold Medalist Chris Hoy. All seven confirmed today. Specific details have not been given as to what drugs were taken.

As yet none of the cyclist nor British Cycling nor Team GB have been available for comment. This is going to be an on running story for a number of weeks as various legal actions are sure to be taken. But already many are already calling this the death of British cycling. The hope lies with those who have not tested positive, such as Victoria Pendleton, Laura Trott, Geraint Thomas and Peter Kennaugh amongst others.

Ian Butler wrote:
Yes, Thomas is clean

Masterblaster01 wrote:
Sure this story should not be called Rule out Britannia?

TheManxMissile wrote:
@sutty
Not giving too much away, but it will work in a similarish way to the French Cup (found in tpinot's story). Unique scoring system over a number of normal calendar races. The races will have links to Fignon (Paris and Tour Mountains) and some other French races. It is limited to certain riders, with the Top3 getting a special reward at the end of the season.

2012 is the year that keeps on giving, but not always what we wanted. The ongoing investigations and legal battles sparked in that week in August take up ever more space in newspapers. Some called it "The Fall of the Empire". But away from the UK scene things are not at all as bleak. In fact the Federation Francaise de Cyclisme today unveiled a new sub-sompetition that will take place across the 2013 season.

The new competition will be called the Laurent Fignon Memorial Trophy. The last French winner of Le Tour died over two years ago, and this new competition has spawned in his memory. The FFC are hoping to find and inspire that next great French Tour Win.

The Laurent Fignon Memorial Trophy runs across 15 races of the normal calendar, starting in January and finishing in October. Any rider who is Under-23 and rides for a Pro Continental or Continental team is eligible for the competition, regardless of nationality. Of course the set up will favour the French teams and riders who have greater focus and access to the selected races. Every race offers the same points to the Top10 finishers on the day or in the final GC if it's a stage race. However only 8 races will count towards the total, so if a rider races in more than 8 of the selected events then the FFC will pick out his counting scores using a complex system of rules and guidelines.

The new Trophy offers up some major rewards as well. Following discussions with some of the top level French teams the following prizes are on offer. 1st place will get a contract with either FDJ, AG2R or EUC, depending on that riders choice. 2nd place will get a contract with his choice of the remaining two teams. 3rd place will get a contract with the remaining team. 4th place will get to choose between a whole years free training with the National Team or a cash prize, value as yet undecided. 5th place will get the option left over.

It's an exciting prospect that could really benefit French cycling over the coming years if it can maintain it's support from the FFC, teams and sponsors. Already talk has begun about potential winners, but it's far too early to know anything. Finally the list of races can be found below.

TheManxMissile wrote:
@sutty
Not giving too much away, but it will work in a similarish way to the French Cup (found in tpinot's story). Unique scoring system over a number of normal calendar races. The races will have links to Fignon (Paris and Tour Mountains) and some other French races. It is limited to certain riders, with the Top3 getting a special reward at the end of the season.