SIDEBAR Legkov lawyer attacks IOC and McLaren after CAS ruling

Berlin (dpa) - Alexander Legkov‘s lawyer lashed out at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and doping investigator Richard McLaren after the Russian cross-country skier won back his 2014 gold and silver medals and had an Olympic life ban overturned on Thursday.Legkov was among 28 Russians who successfully appealed the IOC sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which said there was not enough evidence to justify the punishment. Eleven others had sanctions partially lifted. "Alexander Legkov‘s medals are clean," a statement from lawyer Christof Wieschemann said on the athlete who won 50-kilometres gold and relay silver four years ago."Those responsible for the IOC have never respected findings which are long standing in their possession that tangibly refute important parts of Dr Rodchenkov‘s information, and they have not pursued further evidence that could have rid the athletes of suspicions - despite our request. "This also applies to Prof McLaren, who has sought only findings that corroborate the information provided by Dr Rodchenkov, but not those that could refute them. However, essential information provided by Dr Rodchenkov is indeed refuted."In all, 43 Russians were sanctioned by the IOC in connection with doping practices in Russia and at the Sochi 2014 Games. Forty-two appealed at CAS which has now dealt with 39 cases.The IOC rulings were based on reports from the World Anti-Doping Agency investigator McLaren with the former Moscow anti-doping lab chief Rodchenkov a key whistleblower.Wieschemann did not want to comment on whether Legkov will now seek entry into the upcoming Pyeongchang Games, speaking only of "pending procedures in connection with the participation in the Olympic Games 2018."The IOC has said the 28 can‘t compete in South Korea February 9-25 because the Russian Olympic Committee is suspended and it has only invited 169 Russians to compete as neutrals.