Millar senses Armstrong 'closure'
British rider David Millar believes the federal investigation into drug use in professional cycling offers Lance Armstrong the opportunity to achieve “closure” on the claims which have dogged him.
Tyler Hamilton, a team-mate of Armstrong with US Postal from 1998 to 2001, recently said he had seen the seven-time Tour de France champion take banned substance EPO more than once.
The allegations from Hamilton, which were dismissed by Armstrong, came a year after Floyd Landis made similar claims.
Landis, who had his 2006 Tour title stripped from him for using steroids, turned the focus of the cycling investigation on to Armstrong, claiming they had both used drugs.
Armstrong maintains he has never cheated and the 39-year-old American has pointed to his clean record after years of testing as proof of his innocence.
Millar, now 34, is a former Tour de France stage winner and was banned in 2004 for doping.
Speaking at The Hay Festival today, Millar, promoting a new book, was asked about doping – and Armstrong.
He said: “I don’t think the recent allegations have damaged cycling any more than it’s already been damaged – I think it’s damaging Lance Armstrong more.
“I think this federal investigation is a good thing, and it’s simply going to offer everyone closure – Lance Armstrong and the world included.”
