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Which has gone down like a lead balloon with pros, ex-pros & members!
probably a lot of people just want to be seen making the right noises. Whilst not particularly a DM fan, I can't really think of anyone better for the job.
I get that people want to protect the young riders from doping, but given all the dopers (current and past) were persuaded into it by 'clean' riders and managers, does anyone actually think he is worse than anyone else, especially given the focus on him. As I see it pretty much the entire argument against Miller is the fact people want to keep punishing him (which is fair enough).
That's good of him, Working on a Voluntary basis until the end of the Month when he will then take on the role on a more permanent basis.
Jobs for the Boys,
I would trust someone who has been caught and turned their attitude around over the pious holier than though brigade (most of whom are just lucky enough to have kept their secrets hidden).
ex pro cyclist getting involved in coaching pro cyclists shocka!Jobs for the Boys
I think it is a good idea. He seems to have an intelligent and realistic approach to things. I agree with the comment above that most people seem to just want to see him continually punished. He'll have a good understanding of the pressures youngsters coming through the ranks face. I guess he will be able to offer more than telling them "drugs are bad, mmmkay".
jonba, Do you think he dosn't know any one there then? He's done it alone.
And although it may seem unfair to continually punish some one for something they have done wrong it seems a bit unfair to me reward some one who has been caught doing things illegal.
And if you put yourself in the young Pro Athlete's shoes instead of poor old David Millar, Where is the detterant?
Because i'd just look at it as getting away with it and getting a bunk up. But that's just me.
As a Parent, and if my Son was going to another Country to train and aspire to be the best personally i would want a different kind of Mentor, Otherwise the previous 15 Years worrying about him would have "For Me" (as a parent) been a complete and utter waste of time.
Of course he has a wealth of experience, but i'm not interested in that because he's a lying cheating bastard.
Especially as he only fessed up because he got caught!!!! Not because he came forward as the guilt was too much.
I don't mind DM but I really don't think he should be working with kids and mentoring younger riders. There are loads of other suitable people out there who would be better placed to advise.
Outside of the specific Miller case, all this has done is blow open the doors to the big murky box marked "ex dopers". Basically, if you want a clean sport, it'll be very very empty because EVERYONE who raced a bike, coached riders, managed a team etc at that level anytime from the 1950's onwards has been exposed to doping in some way, shape or form. Even if they never touched it themselves, they knew it was happening.
That's why it was so difficult for Dave B to staff Team Sky.
Riders move on into management, coaching etc (cos it's the only thing they know how to do), the wheel rolls round again.
It doesn't help that the public perception of dopers is very different from case to case.
Rios, Landis, Hamilton - mostly ignored, forgotten about.
Armstrong - pariah forever, death is too good blah blah
Pantani - flawed/tragic hero
Simpson - British cycling legend
JTL - unrepentant cheating **** or genuine case of "false positive"?
Miller - very much 50:50, some think he's done good, suffered his punishment; some that he still deserve to burn in hell!
He's a really nice bloke.
I really couldn't think of anyone better placed for the job.
Afterall he's been through and come out the other side, his life experiences and professional experiences all add up to a great role model for the young.
He certainly knows a thing or two..
Gets my Vote, if I had a vote.
Great bloke.
Probably one of the best people to do that, given his experience and understanding of the pressures on young riders I think it's a great thing. I assume all those against would be against any kind of rehabilitation for people who have done wrong.
I've always given him the benefit of the doubt. Racing in the Dark doesn't strike me as a work of fiction. I genuinely think he's trying to make amends for his wrongs.
Nope, he's dirty cheating scum and shouldn't be allowed to be employed by any cycling team, race organizer or national body, or allowed into any race or training venue and if that means a huge clear out of all the others too, I'd say that's the absolute minimum cycling should be doing if it wants any credibility.
I'm glad they sensible enough to ignore all the haters. Great bloke.
I'm not against rehabilitation for those who have done wrong, And maybe i should have looked at this thread through the eyes of a Cyclist instead of the eyes of a parent? But i didnt't.
I'm sure that there was a time as crazy-legs suggests that almost everyone surrounding the sport knew someone who was, is or has been doping.
I'm lead to believe that there was once a time at the BBC that you could openly practice the act of a sexual deviant, I wouldn't want these people working with youngsters "although they were" but now we know are we OK to assume that everything is fine because they have gone through a period of rehab,
Maybe he can open doors into the Pro Teams, maybe his tactical awareness as a pro rider in the Peleton will be of benefit to these younger up and comming athletes but as i said, he got caught. And as a Mentor? i'd want my son to be Mentor'd by some one who has a clean wrap sheet as opposed to a dirty one,
And as a Mentor? i'd want my son to be Mentor'd by some one who has a clean wrap sheet as opposed to a dirty one,
Given that all sports have a drug problem I'd rather kids were told it straight by somebody who has paid his dues, served his time and become one of the strongest anti doping spokes people out there.
I'd sort of agree with Mike on this.
Not really a surprise either seeing as he's good buddies with Brailsford.
Though reading Nicole Cooke's biography at the moment... I suspect I can guess what her opinion on this would be!
Mike thats great, Good for you,
But if i was 17, i'd think hey, look at this OLD fart, he's been there done it Got the T shirt, "Literally"
Cheated, Got caught and lived to tell the tale, AND he's still involved in the sport at THE HIGHEST level.
Hell, If he can do that after he got caught, If i do it AND dont get caught, what's in it for me.
And if everyone else is doing it? why cant i?
Two wrongs don't make a right, And just because other sports are now tarnished with the drug problem i personally would like to see Cycling take two steps forward and move away from the tarnish instead of employing Disgraced Ex cyclists, Aaaaand i know he went on to great things after he got caught, that doesn't change the fact that he did it.
Honestly, some of the attitudes on here. The keyboard righteous rule supreme. Yes Millar did wrong and he needs to move on.
At least give him that chance.
After reading his first book, its clear that while there was pressure for him to "prepare" properly, he had other choices... he kept with Cofidis despite knowing he would be expected to dope. I think he did this for the money and to satisfy his rather large ego.
Honestly, some of the attitudes on here. The keyboard righteous rule supreme. Yes Millar did wrong and he needs to move on.At least give him that chance.
Sure, he's a smart able bodied bloke, there are plenty of jobs out there that are nothing to do with cycling.
Given that all sports have a drug problem I'd rather kids were told it straight by somebody who has paid his dues, served his time and become one of the strongest anti doping spokes people out there.
This is my stance too. I can see the other side but don't entirely agree with it.
Rumbledethumps, I think he's had the chance, Dont you? he had the opportunity to conduct his professional Career and then move on to coaching Elite Athletes,
Maybe it's something he's always wanted to do and never factored "Getting Caught" into the equation.
I wonder if the Yanks will embrace Armstrong so kindly with open arms if he decides to Mentor their Nations next crop of young elite pro cyclists?
Now, where did i put rose my rose tinted specs,
I think he'll be good. But more importantly is why is this a surprise he is mates with Brailsford so is his sister. He was the captain on the road for GB when Cav won the worlds, he's been involved with BC for years. BC have worked with plenty of other folk with dodgy pasts without much concern.
What Nicole Cooke thinks I couldn't care less about, she lives in some weird black and white universe that revolves around her massive ego.
But if i was 17, i'd think hey, look at this OLD fart, he's been there done it Got the T shirt, "Literally" Cheated, Got caught and lived to tell the tale, AND he's still involved at the sport at THE HIGHEST level.
Conversely; "Hey kids this is David Millar, he could have been the first Bradley Wiggins, a multi millionaire, first Brit to win the TDF and friend of Paul Weller, but he's not, he took drugs and now he's here babysiting you little s***s and dealing with your holier than thou parents who don't think you've ever taken any drugs cycling related or otherwise".
2 reasons why you need drugs cheats in the staff of teams, it gives the ex-cheats somewhere to go after confessing/getting caught/spilling the beans, without that why would they say anything and risk losing their livelyhood? "Poacher turned gamekeeper", if Chris Carmichael is to be believed he really did think his training plans were behind Armstrongs success, at least Millar will have the sense to question any unusual results.
coming out and exposing drug cheats out of the blue / off your own back always works ....
look at paul kimage - he was basically fobbed off and hounded out of cycling over his book. They said he was just a bitter loser that was blaming it on drugs.
read the book again today - it has a whole different meaning now.
but back on point I cant think of anyone better for the mentoring roll.
Jobs for the Boys,
This appears to be how the whole world of pro-cycling operates so it's a bit weird to object on that basis over DM alone.
After reading his first book, its clear that while there was pressure for him to "prepare" properly, he had other choices... he kept with Cofidis despite knowing he would be expected to dope. I think he did this for the money and to satisfy his rather large ego.
Agree strongly. I liked him before I read his book, but then thought he was an irritating narcissist.
Should BC have a zero tolerance approach like Team Sky? I'm not convinced but I do think a history of cheating should count as a strong negative (no pun intended) in the employment process.
I do think a history of cheating should count as a strong negative (no pun intended) in the employment process.
Expect it does. I guess like a lot of things it's how you cope with the negatives and what you've done wrong. You could be a great mentor by having strong values and credibility that people look up to or by having seen both sides of the line and developing a valuable perspective on it all - probably depends on the individual more than the simple facts.
Thisisnotaspoon.
I agree with both sides of the argument, BUT i'm still in the "Look what you could have won" Camp as oposed to the win at all costs regime.
Poacher turned gamekeeper, Looking for unusual spikes in training is fine working with the likes of Cav etc, i know he works well and is commited to righting the wrongs but i'm just against him working with the youngsters, i mean be honest, who actually listened when the local copper who came into school and told you that if you didn't behave you would end up with a criminal record?
You cant tell a 17 year old who think's he's invincible that something bad is gonna happen, especially when the person telling you is living proof that even when you do get caught, And i just asked my son who Paul Weller is, he said did he playy for England in the 1966 World Cup.
There's no hope!!!!!!!
In the stw moral maze there is nothing but right and wrong. I'm. Assuming not many in here have been a pro on the tour scene, being surrounded by 100% clean guys pushing drugs a day basically telling you it's this or your out. As in there is no way to keep your job clean after all every one is doing it. The fact he came out the way he did is a credit to character. I remember when at school they brought in reformed drug dealers to talk to you. Some of them left lasting impressions about how their decisions had screwed their lives. If you are on surrounded by the good people or those still pretending then you won't be equipped to deal with the ones who want to corrupt you.
At least he'll know what substances to avoid. I don't particularly like him for his deception but he has experience of the pro peleton in spades so why not use it
In the stw moral maze there is nothing but right and wrong.
Not sure we're reading the same thread here, I'm seeing some very perceptive opinions on the subject.
Sorry I was referring to the kill him burn him lot
i mean be honest, who actually listened when the local copper who came into school and told you that if you didn't behave you would end up with a criminal record?
Those that didn't may have listened more to the guy who'd done time and told you how messed up his life became until he turned it around by whatever means.
As we can see, when it comes to DM, for some no amount of rehabilitation and repentance will ever be enough. They would have you believe he sketched it all out on an envelope as a career plan:
Get Pro Contract
Fight conscience, teammates and predominant cycling culture of the time and accept Professionalism and dope
Get caught
Start fake repentance plan
Show contrition
Become anti-doping campaigner
Get new pro contract
Ride clean
Write book
Get Media gigs
Retire
Get more media gigs
Get coaching gig
I have never met DM, but I do not think he is that cynical or hypocritical.
He could have had an easy life as a DS on Astana or Tinkoff for instance, but readily admits he is an ex-doper when so many others cannot, so I can see why BC believe there is a value he can bring to youth development.
be honest, who actually listened when the local copper who came into school and told you that if you didn't behave you would end up with a criminal record?
You cant tell a 17 year old who think's he's invincible that something bad is gonna happen, especially when the person telling you is living proof that even when you do get caught,
Agreed, but that's not we're not talking the local beat bobby are we (that would be UCI/WADA/UKAD), this is more "local celebrity who took drugs and is now doing this". And he didn't get away with it did he, he never became the Wiggins or Froome esque superstar he might have done otherwise.
And i just asked my son who Paul Weller is, he said did he playy for England in the 1966 World Cup.
There's no hope!!!!!!!
I blame the drugs, how are kids these days supposed to appreciate music when all they have to do it with are beats by dre headphones and re-packaged pant food.
😆 😆if Chris Carmichael is to be believed
From the guy who was involved in blood transfusions at the LA olympic games, pull the other one. And LA says he told him about his use of PED's in 1995.
😆
There was an implicit "well at least Millar isn't Carmichael" :-p
As an aside, do we think Millar has been as honest as possible about his doping?
I remember getting a bit of an itchy chin when I read his book.
And the fallout beings...
http://road.cc/content/news/178485-vin-cox-resigns-british-cycling-over-david-millar-role
All i can say is that i am glad he used the word "Corrupt" when describing British Cycling.
Davieg, You must believe that the doping problem is still prevalent then to warrant such a drastic measure by a Sports Governing Body?
I can see both sides. comparing DM with child exploitation in the BBC is not helpful though.
Would I want my kids to be mentored by DM, it depends on how it's handled really doesn't it. I doubt very much that his drug taking would be glossed over, and I'd want and expect his role to be very tightly controlled and overseen. But I can see the benefit that a man of his experience could bring to BC academy
Glad it wasn't me that had to make the call. TBH
As an aside, do we think Millar has been as honest as possible about his doping?I remember getting a bit of an itchy chin when I read his book.
Possibly. Once you have crossed that line, you can never go back, so it would seem strange to pick and choose, as and when you doped. Which the book suggest he did, i.e. he wasn't permanently juiced.
It has been more than two years since I read his book, but was part of his demons to dope or not dope, was to prove to himself that he could compete solely on bread and water? Then having doped, did he not what to prove to himself that he could compete clean afterwards? Is that not where keeping the "used syringes" as a memento was derived from, which the cops duly found when they busted him?
Vin Cox...
who?
do we think Millar has been as honest as possible about his doping?
[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/12347230294_bd1e1f054b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/12347230294_bd1e1f054b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/jP5MoW ]jimmyhill[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/55204994@N03/
No to him as a mentor, if you're caught doping/cheating lifetime ban and exclusion from all cycling organizations.
nickc, Are we not as parents suposed to protect our children from those we know do wrong?
For some of these youngsters this may be the first time time that they have fledged their Mothers apron strings, i would be duly concerned as a parent.
if you're caught doping/cheating lifetime ban and exclusion
You can't do that though can you? Punishment MUST be accompanied by rehabilitation. The point cannot simply be revenge, it must be to get a person that has done wrong to see/admit/ and repent his crime, then re-enter society. Otherwise it's the death penalty/transportation for stealing a sheep...pointless.
That's how it works in society, sport Cannot be different, if we're to tackle drug taking we must give athletes a way back,otherwise it's doomed to fail
Vin Cox...who?
Point being that a lot of vocal people have strong opinions on this issue and they will make them heard. I wouldn't be surprised to see BC back down on making the appointment permanent.
nickc, Are we not as parents suposed to protect our children from those we know do wrong?
even our children could learn from such an experience?
Our kids WILL make mistakes. It's part of growing up.
I,m the other side to be honest, Sport Should be different from sosciety if you allow them in it will fail, Sport is a job at the end of the day and whilst it reflects real life for the few for others it is a Role Model, an Idol, even a Mentor.
You go to work, you take drugs and your job is driving a lorry you get sacked. You turn up pissed for work and your job is to drive the school bus 5 miles you should get sacked, its a job FFS. Whilst it's real you can't really compare a Kiddy Fiddler, Murderer, Shop lifter or car thief and bank robber as Role Models.
Davieg, You must believe that the doping problem is still prevalent then to warrant such a drastic measure by a Sports Governing Body?
Xyeti, hopefully and genuinely I do not believe doping is still prevalent, but clearly some are still willing to cheat, so there is no room for complacency. It would be far better if the story was for a former Pro to share their insight and tactical nous with the development squads, rather than their past experiences also serving as a warning.
So is it a role for DM to fulfil, or could any former Pro taken on this role? I don't know.
Nope, not for one minute. Just admitting to enough to seem plausible.As an aside, do we think Millar has been as honest as possible about his doping?
[quote="nickc"]Vin Cox...
who?Google will help.
Davieg, I believe this to be the case also, A friend of mine is involved with British Cycling and he has HIGH Hopes,
We were talking of the Playstation Generation "OurKids" and he assures me that the current crop of youth cyclists is faster than ever, It's another step up were his words, comparing himself at that age to the youngsters he said it was clearly visible, the future is bright and hopefully British Cycling will prevail and maintain it's dominant force in Cycling across all disciplines.
nickc
Complete exclusion, Team Sky's policy no?! which is pretty closely linked to BC as well...
And FWIW lifetime bans get touted on a fairly regular basis. Until the lawyers get involved. Once it's your livelihood there are all sorts of loopholes regarding restrictions on trade and yada yada yada. So the current 4 years/life is as good as its likely to get for the foreseeable future.
Why the out cry over Millar I guess he is high profile. But as I said before there are plenty of other dodgy folk working at BC. Why did no one get in a strop when Max Sciandri was setting up the training camp in Tuscany? Why are people happy for Sutton to keep working there? and there are others who have worked at BC and failed tests.
You go to work, you take drugs and your job is driving a lorry you get sacked
absolutely...then you can get a job that isn't lorry driving, or after serving your time/suspension, get a job as a lorry driver safe in the knowledge that you wan't make [i]that[/i] mistake again. You can't separate sport, it's part of society.
If there is no hope of rehabilitation: in for a penny, in for a pound, you'll NEVER see the end of doping
Why the out cry over Millar I guess he is high profile.
Suspect it is the high profile. Pulling on the GB jersey, becoming world champion representing your country, then having that taken away because he doped. A lot of disappointed people out there.
Google will help.
I know who he is, his opinion on who BC employ is about as valid as mine or any of the others on this thread, it's just he has access to the press, rather than just a forum.
nickc, Never say Never, but you can imagine who's fault it will be should one of these youngsters get tainted?
FWIW it was initially just a statement on his (personal) facebook page.
He didn't go to the press, they came to him.
nickc This,
FWIW it was initially just a statement on his (personal) facebook page.
He didn't go to the press, they came to him.
As others have suggested, you need 'poacher turned gamekeeper' types as their knowledge of the sleazier side of cycling is usually far superior to those who have led a sheltered life in comparison.
An anti doping message from someone who's never done it is exactly like the dour, boring, whiter than white copper who comes into a school and wags his finger and comes out with all the usual cliches...what is usually more effective is the former addict who can recount first hand about losing his wife, his job, his house and his mind....it's always a stronger message and if you get somebody like this on side they are usually excellent at spotting the signs of abuse in other people far earlier than the aforementioned copper.
Regards him telling all in his book, obviously if he wanted to ride professionally again he couldn't go on a rampage naming and shaming everyone from riders to DS's to soigneurs to financiers to officials etc that were complicit in the cycling doping culture....now he's retired he absolutely should do this, he has no excuses for keeping quiet now his riding career is over....Armstrong could do similar and seeing as he has no way back to a riding career I can't understand why he didn't tell all!?....this is about the only thing that still rankles me about Millar and Armstrong, they could drop the UCI right in it, blow it wide open, really shine the spotlight on the pharmacists, doctors, labs, corrupt officials etc that enable riders to dope....they could go into great detail about the how?, where?, when?, who? etc but they choose not to....maybe they still have friends in the sport they're trying to protect, maybe they don't want to be seen as a snitch but if people involved in doping knew that a pinged rider would spill the beans once caught it would be another good deterrent because at the moment all that happens is the rider in question confesses but keeps quiet about anybody else involved....that has to stop, maybe the authorities should take the approach that police take whereby they reduce a charge in exchange for information leading to more arrests? Positive riders could have their 2 year ban reduced to 12 months in exchange for information leading to other caught riders, dodgy doctors etc?....controversial perhaps but it has to be more effective than Wegelius, Yates etc simply refusing to talk about it and perpetuating the 'omerta'....
You go to work, you take drugs and your job is driving a lorry you get sacked
I doubt you would get sacked for taking drugs that improve your lorry driving awesomeness.
I know who he is, his opinion on who BC employ is about as valid as mine or any of the others on this thread, it's just he has access to the press, rather than just a forum.
BC get a lot of public money. Public (and press) opinion matters.
i'd want my son to be Mentor'd by some one who has a clean wrap sheet as opposed to a dirty one,
A [i]Clean wrap sheet[/i] doesn't necessarily mean a clean Athlete though does it, Millar's history with doping means he is suited to the role of "Mentor" someone who is open about what He's been through with regards to doping can give an honest account and advise his [i]Mentees[/i] on what to look out for, how to avoid/deal with the pressure to dope (Which won't have vanished) andcan highlight the consequences of choosing to dope.
As with recreational drug use and education, sometimes the most compelling advice for young people comes from former addicts rather than accepted authority figures like teachers, police or social workers...
Overall Millar's career hasn't been enhanced by his doping, and you have to examine the motives of those who still want to shout him down or simply see him vanish, He has some cautionary experiences to share... why don't you want to hear it?
I wonder if the Yanks will embrace Armstrong so kindly with open arms if he decides to Mentor their Nations next crop of young elite pro cyclists?
Quite different stories really, one caved to pressure, got caught and has (IMO) demonstrated genuine contrition, regret and a desire to make some measure of amends.
The other is a full bore narcissist lead a culture of doping from the front, applied pressure to others, attempted to intimidate and bully those who challenged his conduct, when caught he blamed everyone else and still hasn't convinced many that he feels any genuine remorse...
but you can imagine who's fault it will be should one of these youngsters get tainted?
It will be the fault of the person taking drugs.
There are no excuses, everyone in sport knows it's wrong to take PEDS. and TBH if you can explain and demonstrate first hand of what that's like and effect that it has on yourself your family, your fans and so on and on, I can see that that would be a valuable lesson for these kids, no?
BC get a lot of public money. Public (and press) opinion matters.
sure, but not to the point where it's dictating who they employ (within reason)
I wonder if the Yanks will embrace Armstrong so kindly with open arms if he decides to Mentor their Nations next crop of young elite pro cyclists?
Already goes training with TVG ([url= http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/tejay-van-garderen-defends-links-to-lance-armstrong-178706 ]here[/url]).
As others have suggested, you need 'poacher turned gamekeeper' types as their knowledge of the sleazier side of cycling is usually far superior to those who have led a sheltered life in comparison.
Personally speaking, I'd be very very surprised if there is any ex pro over the age of 40 who doesn't have a pretty good handle on what goes on. Whether they doped or not.
nick, of course it will be, but i'm talking from a press point of view, and how it usually unfolds, Pressure etc.
But going back to the Cautionary Experiences he has to share.......... Maybe just maybe this is me and Exclusive to me alone.
BUT, If i were told,,,,,,,, By a bloke that has made cycling his chosen career NEVER to take PED's or this will happen i'd think? are you taking the Piss...........
Stay Clean, Compete with that element of doubt that the playing field isn't level and end your career at 33 years old OR Take the shit, get caught, repent, and then instead of scrabbling about for work finish off up to retirement in BC, nice big handshake thanks very much, win win.
CLEARLY, thats how my mind works, Others don't, I just dont see the CAUTION in the tale, Sorry,
Vin is a good friend of mine and has been very vocal and feels quite strongly about former cheats for a long time, esp those who have cashed in, not bowed out graciously. As pointed out it was on his personal FB feed and the 'good luck without me' was for his friends in SW CX mainly, as he's worked a lot on that scene. Road.cc kind of did him a disfavour by not making it clear.
It irks slightly when DM is everywhere (expensive Castelli line, tv commentary, books now BC) and what stares me in the face is a reformed bank account and celebrity status. Sure there is a role for ex cheats (not so glamorous) but not this one.
xyeti, I get it, and I understand your perspective. But, in my mind you simply can't have endless punishment. It's not good for anyone, society or the criminal, and if those that have chosen the wrong path can share that experience with the next generation then if it's done the right way, then I think there's something to be gained from that.
tang hits it on the nail.
All the reformation stuff is great. But the simple fact is he has MADE money out of being an ex-doper
It irks slightly when DM is everywhere (expensive Castelli line, tv commentary, books now BC) and what stares me in the face is a reformed bank account and celebrity status. Sure there is a role for ex cheats (not so glamorous) but not this one.
ah so it IS driven by jealousy then... 😉
OK, so people approach DM and offer him a job, and he's supposed to say what? "no, sorry, I think I'd rather just sweep the floor, to "earn the respect" of random opinions on social media..."
I don't know DM, but I'm pleased that he's managed to rebuild his life, and if he can pass on something to the next generation, then good on him, I'd rather these kids had some knowledge of how it works rather than go into the world armed with "just say no" which, after all is so effective as we all know.
It irks slightly when DM is everywhere
But the simple fact is he has MADE money out of being an ex-doper
Yet other ex-dopers aren't/haven't, at least not in any positive way, suggests that Millar has a personality and intelligence, perspective etc that has got him through all of this differently to others who were caught. I don't know, never met him. People do often make their own luck from all sorts of setbacks.
On the other hand (since I'm usually pretty dismissive of sport cheats) it's clear that the greatest inspiration comes from those that show it's not necessary to dope to get to the top. Not a huge number of them in road racing but it can be done, just seems that few have both the motivation and talent to get to the top as clean riders. Such a small group may mean that there are some ex-dopers that also have aomething to offer. Even LA if he had the right attitude?
Sure there is a role for ex cheats (not so glamorous) but not this one.
I think the "not this one" is they important bit. Specifically that it is with British Cycling. I don't think most would have much of an issue if he went off and got a job as a DS with one of the pro tour teams (though funnily enough he'd be unwelcome at Sky.)
It's specifically that the job is with British Cycling and mentoring young riders that I suspect bothers most.
David Millar is where he is today for a variety of reasons, he was a strong and able pro cyclist who gave in at a moment of weakness, got caught and served his ban. He now [u]tries[/u] to educate people on not getting sucked in. How anyone can see this as a "bad thing" is beyond me.
The fact that he is articulate and well educated means he is ideally placed to act as a communicator in this type of role. It's not like he will be heading off on lonesome training camps with just a few impressionable young riders,like some kind of Castelli sponsored Fagan. DM has unique experience, he is genuinely repentant; letting that go to waste would be a shortcoming of BC if they ignored it IMO.
Further don't insult the integrity and intelligence of the young athletes under BC's care, please.
As for the Vin dude, what does he actually have to offer BC?
David Millar is where he is today for a variety of reasons, he was a strong and able pro cyclist who[i][b]'s greatest achievements were while doping[/b][/i] after he gave in [i][b]for months and months (years?) of planned, maintained, budgeted and supported[/b][/i] weakness, got caught and [i][b]had no choice but to[/b][/i] served his ban, [i][b]before restarting where he left off, only now with a 'holier-than-thou halo to go with all the other perks of being a pro cyclist[/b][/i]. He now tries to educate people on not getting sucked in. How anyone can ignore all of this is beyond me
I'd rather someone who made it as a pro without doping, took the job. Anyone of pro tour level will have been around those who doped, will have seen what goes on within the peloton, will have a deep understanding of how things have worked/have changed over the past few years, would be a better mentor than someone who couldn't resist and has been clever and articulate enough to come out of his self induced mire smelling of roses.
Overall Millar's career hasn't been enhanced by his doping,
Really? I'd say his career and earning potential have been greatly enhanced. Without doping he probably might not even have got into one of the lesser pro Tour team, let alone had enough of a profile to have a good many years wiht top paying team, warrant writing a book about his trials and tribulations, tie-ins with Castelli or whatever.
Now if he's taken a voluntary role in BC without pay, then possibly that might have been contrition...
The 'pressures' these younger riders are under should be greatly reduced with the BC setup and drug policies anyway.
Hahha, well what a froth of excitement a core few on here have made out of this...
Here's Daffy... A cartoon metaphor for you..
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