World Ski Championships medalist Poltoranin's disqualification extended

MOSCOW, January 10 Disqualification of two-time World Ski Championships medalist the race of Kazakhstani Alexei Poltoranin has been extended until 2026, according to the website of the Kazakhstan National Anti-Doping Center.
In 2019, the athlete was suspended for four years in a blood doping case. According to sportarena.kz, while serving his disqualification, Poltoranin informed the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) about his retirement, which is why the suspension period was frozen. After returning to the sport, the athlete’s disqualification was automatically extended until March 1, 2026.
In February 2019, investigative authorities from Germany and Austria conducted a joint anti-doping raid at the World Ski Championships in Seefeld, Austria, and detained several skiers, including Poltoranin. According to Austrian media, the athletes admitted to blood doping, gave detailed statements to the police and were released. The FIS subsequently suspended them from competition.

Poltoranin is 36 years old. At the 2013 World Championships he won bronze medals in the team sprint and marathon.