Alexander Loginov was a search at the World Cup in Italy. Biathlonist was again suspected of taking doping

He thought about the end of his career

On February 22, the Russian biathlete Alexander Loginov, who came to Italy for the World Cup, was searched. According to Loginov, the police at six in the morning came to the hotel room, which he divides with the biathlete Evgeny Garanichev. “We immediately took our weapons - apparently, like very dangerous criminals. They asked us to sit still - naturally, in my underpants, ” said Loginov. The athlete seized the phone and laptop. After the search, Loginov went to the police station to draw up documents. The police had no complaints about Garanichev.

The search was held at the request of the International Biathlon Union (IBU). Loginov was suspected of repeated doping reception , said Vladimir Drachev, head of the Russian Biathlon Union. This information was confirmed by the Italian police. Loginov, who surrendered doping tests this season at least 16 times, emphasized that he was not charged with any accusations. “We are sure that now we are the cleanest team in the world. Because such close attention to the Russian team, only a madman can accept something, ”Drachev assured .

The search was also held by the personal coach of Loginov Alexander Kasperovich-due to the use of accreditation of the Ukrainian team. The head of the biathlon of Ukraine, Volodymyr Brynzak, said that Kasperovich asked the Ukrainian delegation member of the Ukrainian delegation on the day of the persecution day to get on the highway and prompt Loginov. According to Brynzak, this was noted by IBU sports director. The head coach of the Russian biathlon team Anatoly Khovantsev explained that the team did not have enough accreditation for Kasperovich.

IBU suspects that Kasperovich could transport doping, hiding under someone else's accreditation. This was announced by sports journalist Vasily Konov with reference to a decision on a search with Loginov and Kasperovich. This was confirmed by Drachev. “The search is associated with accreditation and doping. Perhaps [they think] Kasperovich is hiding under someone else's accreditation and brings prohibited drugs to the World Cup, ”said the head of the Russian biathlonists. According to the Mutko Against Telegram channel, the anti-doping manager of IBU Sara Fusskk-Khakkarainen complained to Loginova and Kasperovich.

The Russian Embassy in Italy demanded to explain searches. The Russian diplomat left for the Antholz Italian, where the world championship is held. The Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as the Olympic Committee of Russia, joined the proceedings. Loginov stated that he was upset due to the incident. “I hope that this will not remain jammed. <...> I’m not talking about the apologies, but this is very upset, ”he admitted. The head coach of the Russian biathlon team called the search an order against the team.

Due to the search, Loginov risked missing the baton, but still went to the start. The Biathlon World Championship is held in Italy from February 13 to 23. Russian team fourth in the medal standings. Both medals (“gold” in sprint and “bronze” in the persecution race) brought her Loginov. On February 22, he, along with Garanichev, was announced to the men's relay race, but could skip it because of the search and trip to the police station. Later it became known that Loginov will still participate in the relay. Russia took fourth place in it, losing to France, Norway and Germany.

Loginov allowed a quick end to his career due to IBU's claims. After the relay, he stated that "he did not use anything, even such a thought was not." “ Maybe thus trying to speed up my career ending? Well, if it is better for everyone, you probably have to do it. Not young, but someone may become comfortable for someone, ”said the biathlete. In turn, the embassy of Russia and Italy reported that the primary results of the search by Loginov and his coach did not reveal signs of doping.

This text was updated after the receipt of new information.

Olga Korelina