13.03.2003

Concerning Albina Achatova: She was cleared from the accusation of doping on purpuse, meaning she’s allowed to start in the World Championships. The Russian team physician was banned for 3 months for injecting Achatova the medicine containing the forbidden substance Nikethamide. The Russian Biathon Union looses financial contribution and support for one year (about 50.000 Euro). German team captain Norbert Baier thinks, the IBU “bend their knees for the organizers of the World Championships. I cannot understand it.” Uwe Müssiggang (German women’s trainer) said: “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”
Another subject was the competition calendar for 2003/2004. As reported, the January world cup event in Oberhof shouldn’t take place there, because of the World Championships in February. Now trainers of 18 nations demanded to leave Oberhof as a world cup venue in 2004. Wolfgang Pichler (training the Swedish team) siad: “Leaving out Oberhof would be the same as skipping Wimbleton in tennis.” A decision is not made yet. There will also be discussions on frequency and upvaluation on relay competitions.