Russian skiiers doping

Tchepalova (pictured) and Dementiev failed the test at a World Cup event in Italy in January, according to a local media report.

"Tchepalova and Dementiev have written to me, saying they plan to retire," said Vladimir Loginov, the president of the Russian cross-country skiing federation. "But still, if found guilty they will be suspended."

Another Russian skier, Nina Rysina, also tested positive for EPO at a World Cup event in France a few weeks later, the agency said. Loginov was not immediately available for comment.

Tchepalova, 32, has been one of the sport's most decorated and versatile athletes, having won an Olympic gold medal in three successive Winter Games as well as a host of world championship medals over the past decade.

She captured her first Olympic title in the 30-km freestyle race - the longest cross-country event for women - at the 1998 Nagano Games, then added a second in the 1.5-km sprint in Salt Lake City four years later. She was also a member of the victorious Russian relay team at the 2006 Olympics in Turin.

Dementiev, 26, won the men's 30-km pursuit title in Turin.