[QUOTE 1670329, member: 76"]I wonder, did Millar know the rules before he took the drugs? Obviously he did, just like Chambers and Ohurugo, Christie et al. So, he did something, knowing the consequences if he got caught. Tough.
If Cav loses out on a gold because Millar isn't included, then Millar should apologise to Cav for his cheating earlier on in his career that has led to this situation.[/quote]
I wouldn't be so sure that when Millar doped he did know the rules. Did he care about riding the Olympics back then? My guess would be no. He did care about getting a contract and the results to get his bonuses (as cyclists have always done). As has been discussed here at length before, the Olympics have little status in cycling (though it is increasing). The excitement over this year's GB selection is solely because they are in London.
Remember, Millar's exposure to continental racing was far more traditional than that of Wiggins or even Cavendish. He was moving in a world where doping was 'normal' even if it didn't seem right to him from his days as an amateur. To give an idea of the situation British cycling was in, it was around the same time that Millar was doping that Charly Wegelius wore a GB jersey in the World's but rode for the Italians. People like Millar and Wegelius were a long way away from the domestic mentality - they were immersed in the continental pro culture, for better or worse. I'm not excusing him, but seeking to offer context.
As for my view, like Millar's tale, it's not clear cut. In Millar's case, I think he deserves a second chance - he's learnt from his mistakes and wants to help others. On the other hand, there are more sinister cheats who will benefit from a decision to favour Millar and I don't like that. Then again, all countries should be on a level playing field, why should we seek to disadvantage ourselves unnecessarily? Consequently I'm inclined to agree with Brailsford. It's up to CAS to decide now.
If Cav loses out on a gold because Millar isn't included, then Millar should apologise to Cav for his cheating earlier on in his career that has led to this situation.[/quote]
I wouldn't be so sure that when Millar doped he did know the rules. Did he care about riding the Olympics back then? My guess would be no. He did care about getting a contract and the results to get his bonuses (as cyclists have always done). As has been discussed here at length before, the Olympics have little status in cycling (though it is increasing). The excitement over this year's GB selection is solely because they are in London.
Remember, Millar's exposure to continental racing was far more traditional than that of Wiggins or even Cavendish. He was moving in a world where doping was 'normal' even if it didn't seem right to him from his days as an amateur. To give an idea of the situation British cycling was in, it was around the same time that Millar was doping that Charly Wegelius wore a GB jersey in the World's but rode for the Italians. People like Millar and Wegelius were a long way away from the domestic mentality - they were immersed in the continental pro culture, for better or worse. I'm not excusing him, but seeking to offer context.
As for my view, like Millar's tale, it's not clear cut. In Millar's case, I think he deserves a second chance - he's learnt from his mistakes and wants to help others. On the other hand, there are more sinister cheats who will benefit from a decision to favour Millar and I don't like that. Then again, all countries should be on a level playing field, why should we seek to disadvantage ourselves unnecessarily? Consequently I'm inclined to agree with Brailsford. It's up to CAS to decide now.
. You get banned from Cyclechat for life. At the time, TWATA's rules allow this to take place. But a couple of years later, following appeals by many people, extensive reviews and so on, TWATA revises its rules and says that the life ban is unfair and can no longer be applied. This ruling also works retrospectively. Now, you have changed in the meantime. You are no longer a foul-mouthed porn-addict, but instead you are a clean-living cycling example to the rest of the Internet. You would now like to return to Cyclechat as you have a lot to offer. However, Cyclechat doesn't want you back and ignores all evidence that you are reformed and refuses to recogise TWATA's ruling that it must have you back, maintaining that it will continue to enforce life-bans regardless.
