Mark Cavendish calls for Millar return

30/12/2011

BBC Sports Personality of the Year Mark Cavendish has called for David Millar to be allowed to compete for Britain in the Olympics next summer.

Those enjoying corporate hospitality at the London 2012 Games and others should be able to see Millar in action now he has "redeemed himself" after using drugs to cheat in the past, fellow cyclist Cavendish told the BBC.

Because of his past offences, Millar is subject to a lifetime ban on competing in the Olympics, although the British Olympic Association's position is to be tested at the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the World Anti-Doping Council ruling that they should relax this policy.

Cavendish added: "Dave cheated but he has realised what he did and learned a lot. He's a massive anti-doping campaigner."

While Mark Cavendish is in favour of allowing past cheats to compete again, former pentathlete Daley Thompson is not.

He recently told the BBC that if Britain is unique in upholding "high standards" through a lifetime Olympic ban, "then so be it".

By Liz Johnstone