Bauge, a major rival of the British pair Sir Chris Hoy and Kenny, received a backdated suspension from the French federation, prompting UCI to act.

France's team sprint world title has also been stripped due to Bauge's contributions to their victory.

The French Cycling Federation has suspended Bauge for a 12-month period as a result of one missed test in 18 months and for violating rules regarding drug testing availability.

Given that the suspension was backdated to 23 December 2010 it expired on 22 December 2011 but Bauge's results in that time – two world title-winning races amongst them – have been revoked.

Kenny (pictured below left with Bauge in centre) has now replaced him as the world champion after finishing second to Bauge in the individual sprint at the event in Apeldoorn, Holland, last March with Sir Chris (pictured rigbt) being promoted from bronze to silver medallist.


Similarly, Germany would be given the gold in the team sprint, Britain silver and Australia promoted from fourth to third.

"The news came as quite a surprise and whilst it's an honour to get my first senior World Championship title, I would have preferred to have achieved it under different circumstances," said Kenny.

"I am looking forward to riding the rest of the season wearing the rainbow jersey."

Bauge's lawyer, Jim Michel-Gabriel, said: "They are not blaming him [Bauge] for doping, they are blaming him for having overlooked his administrative obligations.

"And these are debatable, as one of them arose simply because he was ill.

"There is no reason to strip him of his titles.

"The only direct rival to Mr Bauge was an Englishman and, as you are aware, the 2012 Olympic Games are being staged in London."

Bauge remains eligible to compete at London 2012 and could feature at the Olympic Test event at the Velodrome in the Olympic Park in February.

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