Russian biathlete Loginov fails doping test

MOSCOW (AP) A Russian biathlete who competed at February's Winter Olympics in Sochi has been suspended after failing a doping test.

The Russian Biathlon Union said Alexander Loginov had tested positive for an unspecified ''banned substance'' and had been withdrawn from the opening World Cup competition in Ostersund, Sweden, which starts Sunday.

The 22-year-old Loginov is a four-time world junior championship gold medalist.

The failed test dates back to November 2013, the RBU said, meaning that Loginov could lose a World Cup relay gold medal from December and have his Olympic results struck off.

Loginov finished 30th in the men's 10-kilometer individual race at the Sochi Olympics.

The International Biathlon Union refused to comment on why Loginov's positive test had not been announced earlier.

IBU spokesman Peer Lange told The Associated Press that the organization would release a statement ''in the coming days.''