Jackson warns bobsleigh turning into complete farce

British bobsleigh pilot John Jackson has warned his sport is descending into “complete farce” after convicted drugs cheat Elena Nikitina claimed victory in the Skeleton European Championships in Igls.

Nikitina was stripped of her Sochi 2014 bronze medal and banned from the games for life by the International Olympic Committee last month after being found guilty of doping improprieties.

But she is still allowed to compete in races sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation because her initial, provisional ban was lifted after a hearing earlier this month.

Nikitina took full advantage, storming to victory by over half a second and denying a European bronze medal to Briton Laura Deas, who finished fourth in the continental standings.

Jackson is himself set to receive a retrospective bronze medal from Sochi after two Russian four-man crews which finished ahead of him were disqualified due to doping earlier this month.

Jackson posted on Twitter yesterday: “Yet another week this complete farce continues to ruin the true results for the supporters and fans of these sliding sports.

“Don’t know how anyone out there could be genuinely happy with these results.

“Clean sport continues to get a big slap in the face and laughed at.”

Deas actually finished sixth in a race which doubled as a World Cup meeting, but came fourth in the European standings as two of those who finished above her were Canadians.

Reigning Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold finished in a disappointing 16th place overall, one place ahead of World Cup debutant Madelaine Smith.

“Clean sport gets a big slap in the face and laughed at”

Fourth place: For Britain’s Laura Deas