February 4, 2010 – As mandated by the World Anti-Doping Code, no notice, out-of-competition target tests are the primary focus of testing within the FIS Anti-Doping program during the current season. Besides EPO urine tests, CERA blood testing has also been carried out. FIS also conducts in-competition testing at selected FIS World Cup events. For the up-to-date numbers of tests conducted this season until the beginning of the Olympic period Thursday 4th February 2010, please review the latest FIS Fact Sheet available here.

At the Olympic Games, anti-doping work is the responsibility of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which operates in accordance with the latest WADA rules. During the Vancouver 2010 Games, the IOC will delegate the responsibility for implementing doping controls to VANOC and WADA. The IOC is exclusively responsible for managing the results.

FIS is cooperating closely with the task force, created by the IOC, VANOC and WADA, that is responsible for planning and coordinating pre-Games testing. At the Vancouver 2010 Games, FIS is responsible for the pre-competition Blood Testing program that will include all Cross-Country and Nordic Combined skiers before their first Olympic competition. These blood tests will be conducted following the newly adopted procedures for WADA’s Athletes’ Passport program and will also be included as part of the longitudinal FIS Blood Profiling Program that has been in place since the 2001/2002 season. The testing will be carried out in close cooperation with the IOC task force.

From Cross Country Canada
Of note, the Russian team has been tested every 5 days during their pre Olympic training camp in Austria. The Canadian team members have also had a number of no-notice tests. 4. FIS statement on cases concerning Russian athletes Following the announcement by the Russian Ski Association of the doping case of cross-country skier Alena Sidko in a national test in Russia, there have now been five cases of Russian Cross-Country skiers within the current season alone. FIS President Gian Franco Kasper stated: “The International Ski Federation (FIS) is aware of the latest doping case in Russia. Our anti-doping activities are being closely coordinated with the International Biathlon Union who have also had several cases in Russia in the past year The FIS Doping Panel is studying the situation and after the season it will submit recommendations to the FIS Council which will determine any measures to be taken.”

Note: based on the WADA code, sanctions can be taken against National Associations and countries that show evidence of repeated doping infractions.