WADA have enforced new rules that will see the minimum ban for doping brought up from two years to four years.

Those who fail a test but can probe they took illegal substances without knowing will face a suspension of two years.

If athletes fail three whereabouts tests in 2015, they will also receive an 18-month ban.

Anyone who cooperates with the UCI and WADA can have their bans reduced.

British Minister for Sport, Tourism and Equalities Helen Grant said in an interview with Cycling Weekly: “The purpose of revising the Code is to better protect clean athletes around the world. Successful implementation will mean an innovative and robust anti-doping programme that reaches further than ever before, to more athletes, more support personnel and more sport lovers, all of who want to be part of sport free from doping."

“Like all those who care passionately about clean sport, we have long argued that the Code should be tough on those who cheat. The World Anti-Doping Agency listened and from January 1, we will see tougher sanctions – not just for athletes, but also for those who assist in the doping process."