FIS MEDIA INFO VANCOUVER 2010: Two athletes cleared to race, one additional athlete with start prohibition

Whistler, February 16th, 2010//- Following a second blood test conducted by FIS today (as per Article FIS B 4.5 of the Procedural Guidelines to the FIS Anti-Doping Rules), the following Athletes have been cleared to start as of tomorrow, 17th February 2010.

Nordic Combined
Niyaz NABEEV (RUS), cleared to start as of 17th February 2010

Cross-Country
Kaspar KOKK (EST), cleared to start as of 17th February 2010

In the course of further testing, an additional, third athlete has been issued with a start prohibition for five consecutive days due to too high haemoglobin values:

Cross-Country
Benjamin KOONS (NZE), start prohibition from 14th until and including 18th February 2010

Please note: This prohibition from participating in the competition(s) is NOT a sanction, but is instituted to protect the health of the athlete. Consequently, no disciplinary measures will be taken. A new blood test is required for the athletes to be allowed to start in their first Olympic competition.

FIS Blood Testing at Vancouver 2010

In the six days of testing, 351 athletes have been tested. The total number of Cross-Country and Nordic Combined athletes participating in the XXI Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 is 310 and 55, respectively.

For more information please refer to
FIS MEDIA INFO: 2 start prohibitions issued due to too high haemoglobin values
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/news/pressreleases/press-releases-2010/vancouver-2010-start-pro.html

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About FIS
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 (one currently suspended), 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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For further reference please see the attached Fact Sheets or consult:

FIS FACT SHEET: FIS Anti-Doping Program prepared for the Olympic Winter Games 2010
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/news/pressreleases/press-releases-2010/pre-games-anti-doping-up.html  

FIS FACT SHEET: Frequently Asked Questions - FIS Start Prohibition
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/news/pressreleases/press-releases-2010/fact-sheet-start-prohibi.html  

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