Russian cyclist Olga Zabelinskaya has accepted an 18-month doping ban but will be eligible to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics this summer.
The rider, who took the bronze medals in both the road race and time trial at London 2012, was previously cleared of any wrong doing by the Russian Cycling Federation after testing positive for the banned stimulant octopamine in March 2014.
That decision was challenged by the UCI and the appeal was due to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The case was "resolved via an acceptance of consequences" by the athlete, which meant Zabelinskaya accepted an 18-month ban.
>>> Katusha not suspended by UCI after Commission rules conditions for ban were ‘not met’
The year and a half doping ban expired in September 2015 and as such the Russian's preparations for the Olympics are unlikely to have been too thoroughly affected.
Present World Champion Lizzie Armitstead is seen by many as the women to beat for the Olympic road race, but she has stated that she is not the favourite for the hilly course.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Would you collaborate with the very people standing between you and your lifelong dream of an Olympic medal?
Olympian Lea Davison's TedX talk reveals the story behind "USlay" and how collaboration is winning even if you lose
-
Tom Dumoulin ends career with immediate effect
Dutch former Giro d’Italia winner brings forward retirement from professional cycling
-
American cyclist Jackson ’Huntley’ Nash handed lifetime ban after doping violations
USADA hand down penalty after multiple offences discovered by investigation
-
Philippe Gilbert slams UCI for ‘negligence’ at Vuelta a Burgos
‘It’s time safety topics are taken seriously’ says Belgian former World Champion
-
London to host 2022-23 Cyclocross World Cup
The announcement raises the possibility of van der Poel, Van Aert and Vos making a winter appearance in London.
-
What do the UCI's rules for Russian and Belarusian teams and riders actually mean?
Cycling's governing body announced sanctions on teams and riders in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine
-
UCI will allow drones to film races from March 1, but only 'if prior admission is requested'
This decision comes after the governing body banned a drone mid-race at the Superprestige cyclocross race last Saturday
-
UCI announces teams for the 2022 WorldTour with six new women's teams joining the top tier
The women's top division of the sport is growing every year with yet more teams joining
-
UCI reveals it has refused Qhubeka-NextHash's WorldTour licence for 2022
The South African team has struggled with financial issues for the last few years
-
Guillaume Martin: The big question is this grey area of ketones
The Frenchman says he is in favour of banning ketones for reasons of fairness
