Violinist Vanessa-Mae to contest 'nonsensical' skiing ban

British violinist Vanessa-Mae competed at the Sochi Winter Olympics for her father's nation Thailand

Violinist Vanessa-Mae will take her appeal against a four-year skiing ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The International Ski Federation [FIS] imposed the punishment after ruling she helped "manipulate" results to ensure her place at the Sochi Olympics.

Mae, 36, and five officials were banned after an investigation into four races in Slovenia, taking place just before the January qualification deadline.

"[The] sanction against me is nonsensical," said Mae in a statement.

"I believe that suffering a nasty experience can be turned into positive inspiration."

The Singapore-born British violinist competed for her father's nation - Thailand - at the Sochi Winter Olympics and under his surname 'Vanakorn'.

She finished 67th and last in the Giant Slalom - over 50 seconds slower than Slovenian race winner Tina Maze - and more than 11 seconds behind the 66th competitor.