Olympics-Crosscountry-Russia appeal men's skiathlon result-organisers

ROSA KHUTOR, Russia, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Russia have filed an official appeal against the result of Sunday's Olympic skiathlon event after their initial attempt to have the placings changed was rejected. The Russian team lodged a protest immediately after Sunday's race, claiming one of their competitors was denied a medal because he was impeded by a rival in the closing stages of the gruelling event. Russia's Maxim Vylegzhanin missed out on the bronze medal by one-tenth of a second after crossing the line fourth behind Norwegian skier Martin Johnsrud Sundby. Sundby appeared to cross into Vylegzhanin's lane, in breach of the rules. Sunbdby was issued with a written reprimand but allowed to keep the medal after the jury decided that his actions did not change the result. Russia is seeking to have that ruling overturned. Organisers said the International Ski Federation had up to 72 hours to consider the appeal. (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Julian Linden)