Sliding Sports: Russian Teams Stay Out of World Cup Bobsled

The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation voted on Tuesday to keep Russian teams out of World Cup bobsled races this season.

The sanction extends to the sport's world championships, according to the governing body. The decision stems from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Individual Russian athletes may still race in skeleton and monobob events. However, they must compete as neutral parties and pass specific eligibility and vetting checks. This mirrors the process used to set fields for the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Independent reviewers must confirm that these athletes have not publicly supported the war. They must also show no ties to the Russian military or other state forces. The distinction exists because skeleton and monobob are individual disciplines. A skeleton sled carries one rider headfirst down the track. A monobob carries one woman. Two- and four-man bobsled events require teams.

Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, commented on the vote via social media. He described the decision as fair and adopted by a convincing majority. Heraskevych noted that the body reviewed facts regarding the Russian Bobsleigh Federation's support for government actions. He also cited the military affiliation of some Russian athletes.

Heraskevych is a likely medal contender at the Milan-Cortina Games. Last February, he was barred from racing after refusing an International Olympic Committee request. He wanted to wear a helmet honoring more than 20 athletes and coaches killed since the invasion began more than four years ago.

The first World Cup bobsled and skeleton races are scheduled for Nov. 27 at Altenberg, Germany.