Schleck deserves his own moment

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has, by default, promoted the Luxembourger from runner-up to 2010 Tour de France champion status as a result of El Pistolero's fall from grace.

Schleck has conceded it's not the way he wants to remember a race in which he was beaten by his Spanish rival, who was subsequently rewarded by accepting the yellow jersey high above the cobbled sectors of the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Having your name etched in the history books as a Tour de France winner is one thing but standing on the podium in front of the glare of millions of worldwide viewers is another.

Unfortunately, Andy has never had the chance to savour the experience . . . not yet anyway.

So, if the UCI, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) can change the course of history (as in Bertie's case) why can't the same be done for Andy?

Andy is one of the World Tour's most likeable characters who has all the qualities of an elite racer and is an exceptional human being.

He's never been questioned or come under suspicion for doping and it goes without saying he has thrilled us all with his fighting determination on two wheels.

When finishing second behind Contador in 2010, many suggested then that "his time will come”.

Well, I'm not so sure.

Despite linking up with Johann Bruyneel and the newly-formed Radioshack-Nissan Trek team, I'm yet to be convinced Andy is capable of winning the Tour.

He has been poor in the time-trials and given the 100km of TT laid down for this year's event, I fear he may miss out again.

But that's beside the point.

If Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme cherishes the rich history the his institution has to offer, which he does, then perhaps he can add to it by awarding Andy the yellow jersey for his 2010 victory when the race winds down in Paris this July - win or lose.

How cool would that be?

A back-dated winner of the Tour finally rewarded in a fitting ceremony on one of the world's most famous boulevard.

While we're at it what about Oscar Pereiro, crowned 2006 Tour winner after the shame Floyd Landis brought to the sport back then?

Actions speak louder than words and it’s up to these sporting bodies to make the move.