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LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) -- Zach Lund, who returned from a one-year suspension for doping, made the U.S. skeleton team Monday and will compete in the World Cup season.
The eight-person roster was selected on results from six trial races -- three in Lake Placid, N.Y., and three in Park City, Utah. Caleb Smith, of Lake Placid, and Katie Uhlaender, of Breckenridge, Colo., were the top finishers.
Lund was the world's top-ranked slider last season before a positive doping test -- triggered by an anti-baldness medication -- ended his chance to compete at the Turin Olympics. His suspension ended Thursday.
Lund won Friday's race in Park City in the team trials and finished seventh overall in points. A waiver was approved by the U.S. Olympic Committee's Management and Governance Committee, and he was awarded the final men's spot.
"Zach came here and left no doubt that he deserved a spot on this team," assistant coach Greg Sand said. "He went out and put an exclamation point on his performance."
Eric Bernotas, of Avondale, Pa., who was sixth at Turin, and Chris Hedquist, of Salt Lake City, also made the men's squad.
Joining Uhlaender on the women's side were: Noelle Pikus-Pace, Orem, Utah; Courtney Yamada, Boise, Idaho; and Bree Schaaf-Boyer, Bremerton, Wash., who edged 2002 Olympic gold medalist Tristan Gale and will make her first appearance on the World Cup circuit.
The World Cup season opens Nov. 30 in Calgary.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-11-13-06 1339MST
