Pavel Sivakov has urged people not to direct hate at Russians because of the war in Ukraine. The 24-year-old, who has represented Russia since he was a junior, made his appeal as his home nation was invading Ukraine.
The Ineos Grenadiers rider was speaking after Ukrainian Anatoliy Budyak (Terengganu Polygon) won stage 6 at Tour du Rwanda yesterday on the same day as the Russian team Gazprom-RusVelo won stage 6 at UAE Tour, with its 19-year-old Czech rider Mathias Vacek.
"It's been a difficult few days seeing what's currently happening," Sivakov sad. "First of all I just want to say that I'm totally against the war and can't get around of what's going on in Ukraine all my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.
"I also want people to understand that most of the Russians only want peace and never asked for all of this to happen. We shouldn't be targets of hate just because of our origin. I know these few lines won't make a big difference to the current situation but I just wanted to share it."
Advertisement
Related News
Sivakov's parents are Russian former international cyclists Alexei Sivakov and Aleksandra Koliaseva. While he was born in Italy he spent his formative years in France, which he calls home, though he declared for Russia as a teenager.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has been condemned by the international community and the sporting world has made moves to limit Russian involvement in international sports. The F1 Grand Prix in Sochi has been called off and St Petersburg has lost the Champions League final, among other cancellations of sports events that had been planned for the country.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also urged sports federations worldwide to move or cancel any events planned for Russia or Belarus; the latter a Russian ally that allowed its territory be used for part of the invasion.
The UCI has also condemned the invasion, saying "sport and cycling have often been able to lead the way to peace and dialogue". It also urged the Russian government to "cease hostilities and resume dialogue to give a chance for a peaceful resolution of this military action."
