Russian bobsled teams banned for World Cup

The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation voted on Tuesday to maintain the exclusion of full Russian teams from the upcoming World Cup season. The decision extends sanctions tied to the country's ongoing war with Ukraine. This ban applies to all bobsled events, including two-man and four-man disciplines.

According to the federation, Russian athletes may still participate in skeleton and monobob races. However, they must compete as individual neutral athletes. Eligibility is contingent on meeting specific vetting conditions. The neutrality of each competitor is the primary factor in determining who can race.

This process mirrors the standards used when selecting athletes for the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Independent review bodies will assess each Russian slider to ensure they have not publicly supported the war. They must also demonstrate no affiliation with the Russian military or other state forces. These criteria apply equally to skeleton and monobob participants.

The distinction between event types drives the different eligibility rules. Skeleton and monobob are individual disciplines where one person operates the sled. In contrast, bobsled is a team sport with two or four members. The federation determined that team events require a higher level of collective neutrality.

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych welcomed the vote. In a statement posted on social media, he noted that a fair decision was reached by a convincing majority. He cited the federation's presentation of facts regarding the involvement of the Russian Bobsleigh Federation in supporting government actions.

Heraskevych, a likely medal contender for the Milan-Cortina Games, highlighted cases where Russian athletes have affiliations with the Russian army. He was previously barred from racing in February after refusing an International Olympic Committee request. He did not want to wear a helmet honoring more than 20 athletes and coaches killed since Russia invaded his country over four years ago.

The first World Cup bobsled and skeleton races of the season are scheduled for November 27. The events will take place in Altenberg, Germany.