All over the world, Russians and Belarusians have been stopped from participating in international competitions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a decision supported by many sports stars.
Now several cyclists, together with the International Cyclists’ Association, CPA, are out to support the cyclists who have been suspended since the beginning of the war.
In a press release, the CPA writes that the blue bracelets with the text “Why” that appeared on cyclists during the ongoing Giro d’Italia are a stance against the International Cycling Union, UCI, decision to suspend riders and teams from international competition since Russia invaded Ukraine.
However, no nationalities are mentioned in the press release.
“Why do we not show that sport unites, does not divide us”? is one of the questions you ask.
“Like the rest of us, the 21 cyclists in this case are absolutely against and not part of the war, but they will have direct consequences as a result, if the UCI does not intervene now, they will have to stop competing forever.”
Furthermore, it is also written that sports must remain impartial.
“The right of these athletes to work has been taken away from them for no reason and, as an association, we feel we must protect it.”
The UCI was closed this spring by Russian and Belarusian teams from all competing and individual cyclists from championships, but the cyclists who have dual citizenship were offered to change national teams. Normally you are not allowed to compete at the World Cup and Olympics until two years after the change.