Cavendish hopes David Millar can compete in Olympics after drug ban

LONDON (AP) -- British cyclist Mark Cavendish hopes David Millar will be free to compete in the 2012 Olympics despite Millar's previous ban for doping.

Millar, who served a two-year suspension after testing positive for EPO in 2004, is barred from competing in the London Games because the British Olympic Association enforces a lifetime ban for doping offenders.

Cavendish tells the BBC that Millar, who helped the sprinter become world road-race champion this year, has "redeemed himself" and should be included in Britain's Olympic team.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has declared the British body "noncompliant" with global doping rules. But the BOA this month challenged the ruling, filing a formal appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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