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Millar has enjoyed a successful comeback after he was found guilty of doping in 2004. Anna Gowthorpe/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Vicious cycle

Former friend Millar 'struggling to see a happy ending' in Armstrong saga

Millar claims the doping rumours surrounding Armstrong are hampering the sport and that a thorough investigation is necessary in order to protect its image.

FELLOW CYCLIST DAVID Millar has launched an attack on controversial rider Lance Armstrong.

The British pro called for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring closure to the ongoing dispute regarding the constant doping allegations surrounding the seven-time Tour de France winner.

Millar, who was speaking at the launch of his autobiography, Racing Through the Darkness, had previously been a close associate of Armstrong only for the two to fall out during the 2007 Tour de France.

He claims the doping rumours surrounding Armstrong are hampering the sport and that a thorough investigation is necessary in order to protect its image.

Millar, who was himself banned for taking EPO in 2004, told the Telegraph it would be “unforgivable” if Armstrong was proved to have been doping, given that he has persistently denied that the rumours were true.

He added: “Whatever the eventual outcome – and I’m struggling to see a happy ending – we have to accept the verdict collectively and move on.”

He also criticised the American for failing to speak out more against doping in the sport, saying: “He was in a position to make a difference and to help his sport but I never saw any evidence of that.”

However, Millar defended current Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, despite the Spaniard testing positive for clenbuterol in September. Contador, at the time, claimed the mis-hap was a result of him eating contaminated meat, and Millar expressed his support for the three-time Tour de France winner.

“I would be very surprised if he didn’t end up as the greatest Grand Tour rider ever,” he said. ”It’s a tragedy that he has got mixed up in this clenbuterol thing but I am keeping an open mind on his case.”

Following his suspension in 2004, Millar himself has made a successful return to cycling, winning a world championship time-trial silver medal amongst other successes.

For more information read this story in The Daily Telegraph>