Millar overturns ban to compete at Commonwealth Games

SCOTTISH cyclist David Millar will compete at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi after winning an appeal against his life ban for doping offenses.

PRODIGAL SON: David Millar has seen his ban to compete at the Commonwealth Games next year overturned (Getty Images)

The 32-year-old was suspended for two years in 2004 after testing positive for blood-booster EPO but has since become an ardent anti-doping campaigner.

And while Millar, the only British rider to have worn all four jerseys at the Tour de France, still cannot compete at the Olympics as result of the BOA's hard-line stance, Commonwealth Games Scotland have overturned the ban.  

And Millar could not hide his glee at getting the chance to represent his country.

"I am absolutely delighted with the decision," said Millar.

"I'm very proud to be Scottish and think that my country has supported me through the bad times as well as the good.

"So it would be an honour to race for Scotland at the Delhi Commonwealth Games and give the country something back.

"When I was younger I made mistakes in a dirty sport. They are mistakes I will live with for the rest of my life but I have changed and I know I can bring benefits to cycling.

"I have been so proactive in my fight against doping because I believe I can make a difference.   I also believe that the mistakes I made as an athlete were fully preventable."

Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive Jon Doig revealed Millar's active work to fight against doping in sport had played a major factor in the decision.

"David has been cleared to compete for Scotland in Delhi, provided he meets the relevant performance selection standards," said Doig.

"David has become a campaigner and educator about doping since returning and he has gone to great lengths to rehabilitate himself."

As a condition of Millar's return to the Scottish national team, he must deliver an anti-doping seminar to young Scottish athletes.