Cycling: Millar backs suspension

Leading British cyclist David Millar has backed the self-imposed suspension from racing of his French team, Cofidis.

"I support this necessary decision 100 per cent," the Scot, who aims to compete in road and track events at the Olym-pic Games in Athens, said. "My objectives for 2004 and my motivation remain the same."

Cofidis opted for the suspension afterallegations about the squad, which had been made by a former team rider during an ongoing police inquiry into doping, were leaked to and published by French newspaper L'Equipe. The four-month inquiry has puteight people, including five past and present Cofidis riders, under formal examination.

An overhaul of the team's line-up has been suggested by Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc, although he hinted that Cofidis would keep their place in the blue-riband event this summer.

Millar withdrew from this weekend's Manchester Track World Cup event, but British Cycling official Dave Brailsford, who is overseeing his Olympic bid, said the organisation were "100 per cent supportive of David.We deal in facts, not in allegations".