His comments came soon after it emerged that Alexander Yargunkin, the only Russian walker whose name was on the startlists here for the 50km event, would not be competing because of a positive doping test for erythropoietin (EPO).

“Next year we are not going to compete at the World Race Walking Cup in Cheboksary,” said Toth at the post-race press conference.

“First of all, because the two major events - World Cup and Olympic Games - are too close each from other.

“Secondly, because of many doping scandals around Russian race walk.

"I think, Russian Athletics Federation made a very correct decision when didn’t allow for any of the athletes from Chegin’s group to compete at this World Championships."

He added: “I’m so sorry that I have to say something like that but I’m sure that today our competition was much cleaner than with Russian walkers' participation.

"It was not just an accident.

"They have too many doping rules violations as mostly all Chegin’s group tested positive for doping.

"I’m sure that Russian walkers could be very good in future even without doping.

"They are really strong and I wish they realised that we can have great performances and strong result competing clean."

The latest Russian doping scandal was made known today by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).

The athlete’s coach, Konstantin Golubtsov, told the TASS news agency: “I learnt only yesterday evening that my athlete was [sic] tested positive for erythropoietin and I’m completely shocked.”

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