On Sunday in Kuusamo, Finland, Germany's Jens Filbrich was prevented from racing the men's 15km free technique race after a pre-race blood test determined that his hemoglobin level was too high. He was suspended by FIS for five days.
Filbrich's hemoglobin level was 17 g/dL, which is the limit authorized by FIS. An elevated hemoglobin level can be an indicator of banned blood-enhancing substances, such as EPO.
Filbrich said the abnormal reading was because he has a naturally high hemoglobin. He was banned for a similar offence last year, when he tried to prove his innocence by showing that his brother has a hemoglobin level of 18 g/dL.
“It's unbelievable that I can't compete because of my genetic make-up. I do not dope,” said Filbrich Sunday.
The German Ski Federation (DSV) immediately appealed.
“Jens was in line with all the doping controls, he's a clean athlete who does not resort to doping,” said one of Germany's team coaches, Jochen Behle.