David Millar Film

[NeilM]

I'm not a dedicated fan of any sport, so I have never seen my heroes dishonoured, or developed the thick skin of cynicism that many long time cycling fans seem to now wear, but as I recall from Millar's book, he took EPO only a couple of times over the whole of that period, and rode more races clean than most of the peleton or his team mates. Still, cheating is cheating.

If you want a view from inside the peleton, take a look at Charly Wegelius's book Domestique. He heavily slates those who effectively 'increased the size of their engine' and he takes a pretty good swipe at the UCI too.

The biggest shame of it all is, as Matt says, to get a pro contract in the first place, all of those guys had to be superb riders with talent.

 

[Johnsqual]

I'm not sure if a lifetime ban from sport is the solution, but I do think there should be some way to stop ex-dopers making loads of money from selling their stories, and they should be banned from any management type role in cycling. It's ridiculous that someone like Vinokourov should have any role in running a cycling team.

There should be some way to distinguish between cyclists who are trying to make amends with the sport and the fans and cyclists who
are just doing it for selfish reasons. I read an interview with Michael Boogerd where he something like 'I only confessed because I couldn't look my son in the eyes anymore' or some such. Fine, but you can sort that out in a therapy session with your kids - why do you need to be paid to go on TV and do it?

 

[Mike Muz]

I'm not sure if a lifetime ban from sport is the solution,
Ok , we will give them a couple of years ban . Two years later an ex drug cheat wins a major race , having served his ban . I think that makes a mockery of the sport .
Been to many northern classics , cheering on my sporting heroes . Or so I thought . Now I don't know how clean they were , I feel cheated as a fan of the sport . Who can blame me for the way I feel ?
Mike

 

[ededwards]

Think his book is a good read, comes across better than he does in TV interviews.

Completely agree with the above - I've always been irked by Millar when he speaks, both pre and post ban, but the book is a quality read and I'm glad that I gave it a go (the e-version was something like £1.99 on Amazon and my "Millar, pfft"conviction was never going to withstand such a bargain). As John says, this in no way condones Millar's actions - heck, I remain far from a fan - but it is a good read and very well written.

Hearing him speak still grates though, not least about Armstrong, so watching the film may be a step too far.