Opponent of life bans says it would be “confusing” if he opted out
After previously indicating that he would not ride at the Olympic Games in London this summer, regardless of whether the Court for Arbitration in Sport (CAS) overturned the British Olympic Association (BOA) life ban for convicted dopers, David Millar (Garmin-Barracuda) has officially made himself available. The Scot was banned for two years, between 2004 and 2006, after admitting the use of EPO, and despite representing Great Britain at numerous World championships since, has been ineligible for Olympic selection.
The CAS verdict on April 30th changed this, but only now has Millar stated a desire to ride.
Since his return to the sport, Millar has been a vocal advocate of anti-doping policies, but has spoken out against life bans for first offences. Knowing that there would be some opposition to his selection after the CAS decision, he previously stated that he would not want to ride, but has now changed his mind.
“I’m available,” Millar said in The Times. “I spent a lot of time thinking about it, but I’ve concluded that if I can be of benefit to the team, I would be happy to help.”
Millar was the Great Britain team’s road captain at the last World championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, where his experienced head and powerful engine were instrumental in delivering Mark Cavendish’s rainbow jersey.
“The most rational thing is to leave it to the selectors to decide,” he explained. “If they think that including me might be in any way detrimental, even if, physically, I could be one of the strongest riders, I will respect any decision they make. But I think I can genuinely help in the road race, and that’s helping Mark.”
“I have spent time fighting the idea of lifetime bans for a first offence and it gets confusing if I don’t make myself available,” he added.