Russian biathletes questioned in Austria over doping

Members of the Russia biathlon team are being investigated over alleged doping offences at the 2017 World Championships in Austria.

Police visited the Russian team's accommodation in Austria on Wednesday evening ahead of a World Cup event and spoke with athletes and staff.

Russia's third placed Ekaterina Yurlova-Percht competes during the women's 7,5 km individual competition at the Biathlon World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austrian province of Tyrol , Austria, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. [Photo: AP]

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the Russian Embassy has turned to Austrian authorities for explanation, adding that Moscow will respond if it feels the case has political undertones.

"What kind of traditions are reviving in Europe when police break into athletes' accommodation at night on the eve of an important sporting event. A strange, destabilising and depressing atmosphere of threats is created for athletes," Zakharova said.

The Russian Biathlon Union says the team will continue to compete in the World Cup and other international tournaments.

Earlier this month the International Biathlon Union charged four Russian athletes with doping offences.