LONDON (AP) — Olympic cyclist David Millar, who served a two-year doping ban, has been praised by the sport's top official as a model for riders who face doping allegations.

International Cycling Union President Pat McQuaid says it is "very annoying and very frustrating" when riders make excuses after being caught.

McQuaid says it is "better and takes more character" to follow Millar's example and accept a punishment.

Millar completed a two-year ban in 2006, then campaigned for clean cycling and joined the World Anti-Doping Agency's athlete committee.

On Saturday, Millar rides for a five-man Britain team in the road race trying to bring sprint specialist Mark Cavendish home with the first gold medal of the London Games.