By Langrenn.com
Norwegian World Cup skier Tore Ruud Hofstad was denied start right in Saturday’s 15-kilometer classic race in Gallivare, Sweden. This was done following a pre race test that showed too high hemoglobin values – also called too high blood values.
Norwegian broadcasting (NRK) reported that his values were tested to 17.2 while the limit is 17.0. He was tested in a routine health check. The Norwegian team doctor, Inggard Lerheim, tells NRK that everyone knows that Ruud Hofstad has naturally high values and that there is nothing more to it.
But there have not been any big cases with high blood values before, and I suspect that when it happens, it can cause speculations, said Lerheim.
Ruud Hofstad will automatically get five days start denial.
He should according to the plan have skied on the Norwegian relay team on Sunday.
He is now traveling back to Norway instead.
