LONDON, Oct 12, 2008 (AFP) - Disgraced sprinter Dwain Chambers has backed the decision by the International Olympic Committee to re-test samples provided for dope tests at the Beijing Games, saying it sends out a 'strong message'.

The IOC and the World Anti-Doping Agency are to determine how many of the 4,770 samples given during the Olympic Games should be re-examined in the wake of traces of banned blood-boosting substance EPO Cera being detected in re-tested samples from the Tour de France.

'It's going to be very interesting and also very disappointing because all of those performances we thought were clean are now going to be exposed,' Chambers told BBC Radio.

'It shows the testing procedure is getting more stringent and it puts out a strong message, and that is something I am supporting.

'I'm curious to see the outcome,' added Chambers, saying that 'hopefully we can start working towards a clean sport for 2012.'

Chambers was banned from the Beijing Olympics on the basis of his two-year suspension for taking performance-enhancing drug THG in 2003.

'I would have loved to have been there. My actions prevented me from being there. It is tough to deal with,' he admitted.

'I'm getting over it now, channelling that energy into next year.'

Chambers also revealed he was looking forward to facing Olympic champion Usain Bolt next year.

He said: 'I had the privilege of training with him in 2006 and I always knew he was going to run fast. But I never expected him to run as fast as he did. It was thrilling to watch and he's lifted the bar to a new level.

'I'm thoroughly looking forward to competing with him next year.'

Chambers, 30, said he he did think about the potential consequences of cheating before doping.

'I just wish I'd never done it. Now, I know that what I did then (with doping) I could have done naturally.'