VANCOUVER -- International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge urged Russia on Monday to get tougher on drug cheats, voicing his concern at the high number of doping cases among Russian biathletes and cross-country skiers.
Just four days before the start of the Vancouver Games, Rogge said he raised the matter in recent meetings with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Russian sports officials.
"We have alerted the Russian authorities, and we expect them to comply," Rogge said. "I understand that people are worried by the numbers. It is legitimate to be worried."
More than half a dozen Russians have been suspended in the past year for using banned blood-boosting drugs.
Big protests expected
VANCOUVER -- Police are expecting large crowds of protesters to mark the start of the Winter Games later this week, but international Olympic officials say they're not concerned the demonstrations will pose any serious problems.
Anti-Olympic groups are planning a large event in downtown Vancouver to coincide with Friday's opening ceremony, and others are expected to follow throughout the ensuing 16 days of the Games.
