Russian cyclist accepts doping ban, is cleared to compete at Olympics

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.

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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.