Alain Baxter (27, Aviemore), today lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, in an attempt to overturn the recent IOC decision to strip him of his Olympic slalom bronze and disqualify him from the Deer Valley race.

A determined Baxter explained his need to continue the fight, "I am convinced that the IOC have got this wrong and I am fighting to regain the ranking points and bronze medal I won on merit in Salt Lake.

"It is vital that the IOC allow an isomer separation test in order that I can fully clear my name of any doping charges. This is crucial to the future of my skiing career."

Baxter has the support of the British Ski and Snowboard Federation and the British Olympic Association in his appeal. The BSSF will be launching a 'fighting fund' to help finance Baxter's defence. Both organisations are convinced that the source of the positive test was the harmless nasal decongestant, Vicks Inhaler.

Baxter now has ten days in which to submit his written evidence to CAS. The IOC then has a further twenty days to respond with their case. Thereafter, CAS will set a date for the hearing.

Baxter will be making no further public statement until the CAS hearing is concluded.

Despite the on-going struggle to regain his medal, Baxter has been boosted by strong support from his sponsors. Peugeot UK, who agreed to extend their existing Team sponsorship to provide Baxter with a 406 Coupé on his return from Salt Lake, have agreed to honour their commitment and showed their full support for Baxter by delivering the car to the BSSF offices this morning. Alain's personal sponsor, Drambuie, have also chosen to pay Baxter the bonus he was due to receive on reaching the Olympic podium to help fund further training.

Baxter expressed his gratitude to his sponsors, stating, "It was great to be back training last week. I am keen to get life back to normal and appreciate the ongoing support of my sponsors."

The US form of Vicks Inhaler contains Levmethamphetamine, which is not contained in the UK product of the same name. An isomer separation test differentiates between the d- and l- methamphetamine.

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