Doping and drug abuse cases make it to the sport news mostly because the number of cases in proportion to the number of events is low. In cycling the trend is completely different.

In a couple of days, we’ll have the start of the Tour de France. This 105-year old event has been brought to its knees thanks to the incredible amount of scandals. The reputation of the Giro d’Italia is in a similar situation. The sport is in dire straits.

To avoid further embarrassment, and in attempt to restore credibility, the organisers of the Tour de France have carried out a major clean-up exercise. As a result, three potential contenders are not taking part.

Doping has duped enthusiasts of the real meaning of sports in cycling. One hopes that this year’s Tour will restore much needed credibility. Christian Prudhomme, the race director, recently was reported saying that “Cycling is judged over three weeks in July. I hope everyone has this in mind. Without doubt, it’s an important year for the image of cycling.”

It’s a very important year indeed and one hopes that the image of this sport is not blurred by drugs.

Restoring confidence

Lewis Hamilton is probably hoping that this Sunday's race at Silverstone will help restore confidence in his abilities. He will have to do his utmost before the home crowd to keep his championship hopes on course.

He was reported saying that he’s still confident and that Raikonnen’s achievement last year showed how unpredictable Formula 1 could be. He might be right considering that there are 10 races to go. The Ferrari team, however, is sure to be very competitive on the British track. They want to repeat the successes they had in five of the past eight races.

Also in the frame are BMW, whose driver Robert Kubica is second overall and just two points away from leader Massa. They need to make a comeback after losing the pace at the last outing.

All these ingredients should provide value to the 240,000-strong crowd who chose to spend their weekend at Silverstone and to the F1 enthusiasts who, like me, will follow the race on TV.