Update: Disqualification of Valentin Novikov (RUS)

Valentin Novikov (RUS) disqualified

According to the competition rules the athletes competing in the qualification race for the long-distance event have to be present at the checkpoint at 09.30 hours in order to check in by giving their signatures (analogously to bicycle races). Afterwards they are put in quarantine. Different witnesses were able to affirm that Valentin Novikov was present at that time.

However, he left the quarantine zone afterwards again because of a digestive upset. He has not signed in again until 10.00 hours. Due to the late check-in the organizer was forced to arrange a separate transport to the starting area just for Novikov.

The Jury has disqualified Valentin Novikov for not observing the quarantine rules. The Russian Team has filed protest which was unanimously rejected by the jury in the evening of August 4, 2003. Novikov remains disqualified and will not participate in the long distance final on Wednesday.

(Note: The last two sentences covering the protest and its rejection are new.)

Posted: 2003-08-04 22:04:19