Russian cyclist Zabelinskaya accepts 18-month doping ban

AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Olga Zabelinskaya has accepted an 18-month doping ban which clears the Russian cyclist to compete at this year's games in Rio de Janeiro.

The International Cycling Union says it reached a settlement with Zabelinskaya to drop its appeals process at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The UCI says the case was ''resolved via an acceptance of consequences,'' after Zabelinskaya accepted the 18-month ban which expired in September.

Zabelinskaya tested positive for the banned stimulant octopamine in March 2014.

The Russian Cycling Federation cleared her of wrongdoing, prompting the UCI to seek sanctions by filing an appeal to CAS. That appeal is now withdrawn and she is free to compete.

Zabelinskaya won bronze medals in the road race and time trial at the 2012 London Olympics.