FIS MEDIA INFO: Natalia Matveeva (RUS) tests positive for rEPO

Oberhofen, 8th April//- Russian Cross-Country skier, Natalia Matveeva has tested positive for the use of the prohibited substance recombinant Erythropoietin (rEPO), identified on the WADA Prohibited List 2009 in Class S2. Hormones and related Substances.

The urine sample was submitted at an in-competition doping control on 16th January 2009, in Whistler (CAN). The athlete is provisionally suspended from competition forthwith following the receipt of the confirmation B analysis from the WADA accredited laboratory in Quebec (CAN).

The case of Natalia Matveeva will be reviewed and adjudicated by the FIS Doping Panel, chaired by Justice Patrick Smith (CAN).

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Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. It administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations, FIS stages more than 6'000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com 

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