The UCI has accepted the ruling of the United States Anti Doping Agency which dubbed Lance Armstrong the leader of "the most successful and professionalised doping operation in sporting history."

President of the UCI said: "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling."

"He deserves to be forgotten."

It has yet to be decided whether the runners up in those races will be awarded the wins.

The situation is complicated somewhat by the fact that many of second and third place runners in those races have also been involved in drugs bans.

McQuaid called allegations made by Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis that the UCI had been paid $100,000 to 'ignore' Armstrong's positive test for EPO during the Tour de Suisse.