Overview
- Seventeen Russians and nine Belarusians are registered for the para cross-country World Cup in Finsterau, with racing set to begin on Wednesday.
- The entries follow the IPC General Assembly’s September vote lifting suspensions and a December CAS ruling that reinforced eligibility under IPC rules.
- DBS leaders cite moral objections tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and say participation on German soil is unacceptable for Ukrainian competitors.
- Concerns include opaque athlete classification and unreliable anti-doping oversight in recent years, referencing Russia’s past systemic doping.
- Officials warn the January World Cups, including Finsterau and a later stop in Poland, can yield ranking points toward Milan–Cortina 2026, while three Russians are also listed for the alpine World Cup in Saalbach.