• London Olympics 2012

Cavendish backing Millar for Olympic place

ESPN staff
November 25, 2011
David Millar helped Mark Cavendish take World Championship glory in September © PA Photos
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Mark Cavendish feels David Millar is redeemed and should be given the chance to take his place on the start line at next year's Olympic Games.

Millar, who was banned after admitting taking EPO, is one of a number of sporting stars - Dwain Chambers being the most high profile - waiting to see the outcome of the British Olympic Association's battle with the World Anti-Doping Agency over its bylaw with regard to lifetime Olympic bans for drug cheats.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is set to rule on whether the BOA's bylaw is lawful. If it is ruled invalid, the path will be clear for the likes of Millar and Chambers to feature in London.

Cavendish, who is likely to start favourite for the men's road race, wants Millar - who helped the Manx Missile win the world title in September - to line up alongside him.

"Dave is redeemed," Cavendish told The Times. "He's on the athletes' committee with WADA. How many other athletes have done that? That shows how big he is on the side of anti-doping.

"It's not for me to sit in judgment on the [BOA] ruling. That's for other people. I've just talked to Dave a lot about his past, not just the drugs. He's very honest and open. As a professional rider and as a good friend, I would like Dave to be on the start line of the Olympics.

"As road captain at the World Championship, Dave made a massive difference to us. He's so good at bike racing. He had a great leadership role at the World Championships. It would be great to see him at the Olympics."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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