Belarusian National Rowing Team Searched and Interrogated in France

19 апреля 2016

The Belarusian national rowing and canoeing team was subjected to a search at the training camp in France. The team’s head coach Vladimir Shantarovich has told about the incident at a special meeting with journalists.

According to the coach, the search was initiated by the Paris Anti-Doping Agency and approved by the public prosecutor with involvement of police forces.

The interrogation of the athletes who came through an incredible emotional shock continued later in the evening. Besides, they tried to provoke our leading athletes so that they confess of using the forbidden preparation.

Vladimir Shantarovich, head coach of the national Belarusian rowing team: "This incident looks like a clear provocation aimed at suspending of the national rowing and canoeing team from participation in the upcoming Olympics. I consider such behavior of the Paris Anti-Doping Agency unacceptable.”

The Belarusian national rowing and canoeing team will continue preparation for the upcoming season in Brest upon return from France. The plans of the team, which has 12 Olympic licenses in hand, include participation in the World Cup series, Championships of Belarus and Europe, upon the results of which they will form the Olympic team to go to Rio de Janeiro.