Sachenbacher appeal fails

Sachenbacher Stehle was one of 12 cross-country skiers suspended for five days after the International Ski Federation (FIS) ruled they could not safely compete due to an abnormally high red blood cell count.

She was a medal contender for the event, which is her strongest. Sachenbacher Stehle won a gold for Germany in the relay at Salt Lake City in 2002.

Her German team had lodged an appeal with CAS saying she had a naturally higher count of red blood cells and should not have been suspended.

However, a three-man panel threw out the German argument on Saturday and will issue its written reasons on Sunday.

"We are going to accept the decision," the secretary-general of the German Ski Federation, Thomas Pfueller, told Reuters.

"Whatever will have to be done in this matter we will do after the Games. Right now it's all about looking ahead, reshuffling the team and working towards our goals."

Sachenbacher Stehle, who was not immediately available for comment, will be able to compete at later events if her red blood cell count drops, but she was heartbroken when suspended.

"My first thought was, 'A five-day suspension and I will miss my most important race on Sunday!'" the 25-year-old said on Friday before tears rolled down her cheeks.

Sachenbacher Stehle also won a silver in the sprint in the last Games four years ago.

The suspensions have cast a shadow over the Turin Games which opened on Friday night.

In cross-country, the incidence of abnormally-high haemoglobin levels in Turin is running at almost twice the normal level.

The 12 suspended skiers, out of a total of 328 taking part, represents about 3.7 percent. The average percentage of skiers with high red blood cell value is about 2.0 percent, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has said on its website.

High altitude training could be the cause, say FIS.

While the test results do not indicate the skiers have taken any illicit substance, high haemoglobin levels are also a key indication of blood doping, which is why FIS monitors them.

"It should be emphasised that this start prohibition is not a sanction but is considered to serve to protect the health of the athlete," FIS said in a statement.

CROSS-COUNTRY OLYMPIC CALENDAR