January 9, 2010 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – The Russians are back in the news with two skiers Ivan Alypov and Alexander Kuznetsov being banned from starting the Tour de Ski Stage 7 men’s 20km mass start event on Saturday due to high hemoglobin reports ski-nordique.net – read more here.

Both skiers must observe a rest period of five days before being re-tested for permission to continue. Top Russian men Maxim Vylegzhanin and Alexander Legkov recently withdrew from the Tour along with Natalia Korosteleva.

While not a doping infraction the hemoglobin issue raises eyebrows once again and shines the spotlight on the beleaguered Russian team which has been the focus of much scrutiny for numerous doping incidents over the years, and following the recent sanctioning of several athletes including high profile skiers Julia Tchepalova and Yevgeny Dementiev who tested positive for EPO in January.

“This is another example and opportunity for FIS to finally take action,” says Marty Hall, former US and Canadian National coach. “FIS president [Gian Franco] Kasper should be taking charge as he recently said he would, and clamp down on the Russians and all offenders so deserving skiers get the podiums and accolades they deserve.” – read more here.