February 11, 2006 (Pragelato, Italy) – Two U.S. Olympic cross country skiers were among eight athletes who will not be permitted to participate in competitions for five days as a result of high hemoglobin levels in testing conducted by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The no-start rule is a health and safety provision, and not a doping violation. Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) and Leif Zimmerman (Bozeman, MT) were among eight athletes who tested above the permitted level.

The athletes will be eligible for competition in five days from the tests, which were administered on Feb. 8, pending a successful re-test. According to the FIS statement, “This prohibition from participating in the competition(s) is not a sanction, but is considered to serve to protect the health of the athlete. Consequently, no disciplinary measures will be taken.”