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News :: David Millar's Renaissance at Saunier Duval-Prodir

27 January 2006

David Millar's Renaissance at Saunier Duval-Prodir

David Millar's Renaissance at Saunier Duval-Prodir, photo: BiciRace.com

Earlier this week (25 January) was the presentation of the Spanish-Swiss super squadra: Saunier Duval-Prodir. Over the course of last fall the boys in yellow were rumored to have a certain David Millar in their sights. It was confirmed on 15 December 2005 that the Brit (28) had signed an agreement with Team Manager Mauro Gianetti.

The controversy of the signing stemmed from Millar's two year ban for drug use. Saunier Duval-Prodir is taking a chance in giving the Brit a second chance in the world of professional cycling after his 2004 EPO related suspension. He is currently serving a suspension that ends in June, which would allow him to return in the Tour de France, where he once wore the Maillot Jaune.

"Thanks to Saunier Duval-Prodir for giving me that second chance, that are so often not seen in life, to try to comeback for a renaissance." - David Millar on his new life in cycling.

Gianetti Gives Millar 2nd Shot, photo: BiciRace.com

Millar's fast TT engine is a huge coup for the yellow squadra given the number of TT kilometers in the 2006 Tour. The Brit is relaxed and ready for his return to the streets of Strasbourg (Tour prologue, 1 July). "You can win bigger races without drugs and you can do it all clean," said Millar.

Dude, Where is my Caffè?

Millar back with the boys (Dionne), photo: Saunier Duval-Prodir

Millar was not just relaxed on stage but even shared a light moment with BiciRace.com when we both got shafted on our caffè order. The Brit comes across as himself: straightforward and honest. "I have to pay my respects to cycling and come back better with a good and clear voice," continued Millar.

"From one day to the next I lost it all... my work, house and all the nice material items," explained Saunier's new signing. "At the start I thought that I would never return to cycling. I passed the first six months traveling, sleeping and drinking... Yes even getting drunk. I changed to retake control of my life... I went insane and thought that I can't continue on this way."

"It is terrible and sad for the sport of cycling. Especially when it comes from one of cycling's big names," said Millar referring to the recent Roberto Heras and Dario Frigo cases. "I would hope that they have all learned their lessons. ... The UCI is making great headway and there are more controls, and with the ProTour the teams are bound to an ethical code. It will be good for the future generations."

"Thanks to Saunier Duval-Prodir for giving me that second chance, that are so often not seen in life, to try to comeback for a renaissance," finished Millar.

Read:
Saunier Duval-Prodir Squadra a Milano, 26 January
Saunier Duval-Prodir Signs David Millar, 15 December

26 January News ...