Russian doping expert says training in mountain might have affected Boulami's epo test

Russian doping expert, Nicolai Dourmanov, said an athlete training in high altitude might test positive to the EPO analysis, and added that for the case of Morocco's Boulami, the steeplechase world record holder, additional data are needed before saying he actually consumed EPO.

The expert who was interviewed by Radio channel, Medi 1, said additional testing is needed for the case of Brahim Boulami who tested positive for EPO, for two reasons: because he trains in mountainous regions and because methods need to be upgraded and are not completely reliable.

Brahim Boulami, faces a possible ban of at least two years after his positive doping test was confirmed by a second sample.

The IAAF said Friday Boulami's "B sample tested positive for EPO," a banned endurance-booster.

Boulami has denied taking banned substances.

Boulami's record on the Aug. 17 Weltklasse meet in Zurich, Switzerland, where he slashed more than two seconds off his world record time in the 3,000 steeplechase will be scratched if the athlete is suspended. His previous world record, set in 2001, will stand.