Armitstead to blame for missed test chaos

World champion Lizzie Armitstead is responsible for the chaos she is in following three missed drugs tests, fellow British cyclist Mark Cavendish says.

Armitstead was allowed to compete at the Rio Olympics only after being cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a provisional suspension by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).

"Did she dope? No and I don't be believe she did. Was it an administrative error? Yes it was, absolutely? Was it her fault? Yes it was, absolutely," Cavendish told Sky Sports.

Armitstead, who finished fifth in the Olympic road race on Sunday, said her phone was on silent when testers tried to locate her at a hotel.

Cavendish, who has 30 Tour de France stage wins to his name, said he understood how difficult the whereabouts system could be, having once missed a test himself.

"You are a bit blase until you miss your first test, but missing three? I think Lizzie herself could have prevented the chaos that she's in," he said.

Cavendish, however, hinted the rule that states an athlete can face a suspension of up to two years in the case they miss three tests within a 12-month rolling period, is too harsh.

"I don't think it is fair that you can get a bigger sanction for an administrative failure than for an actual doping offence. It's ridiculous," he said.

Cavendish is in Rio to take part in the omnium event on the track.