Aleksandr Vlasov shares his views on Russian invasion of Ukraine

BORA - hansgrohe's Aleksandr Vlasov is one of, if not the highest profile Russian athlete in the men's peloton and with the current invasion of Ukraine by his home country, he is by consequence being sanctioned by some governing bodies in cycling.

Vlasov was a product of the development within Gazprom - Rusvelo, who have this week lost their UCI status due to the war Russia has triggered in Ukraine. The UCI has applied sanctions that didn't directly affect the 25-year old, however the governing bodies of each country in cycling have the power to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in it, as has been the case with Australia and the Netherlands. He has taken to Instagram to give his thoughts on the ongoing conflict.

"I, like a lot of Russians, just want peace. I’m not a political person, and normal people like me weren’t asked if we want a war. It has been a shock for everyone and I hope that it will stop as soon as possible. It’s a difficult situation for everybody. I feel sorry for all the people who are suffering, and I hope that there will soon be peace. I am an athlete and my goal should be to unite people across political borders, rather than divide them. I think that should be the role of sports," he said.

In the coming days there are high chances that more countries will prevent riders like Vlasov from competing in their territory. Although not known goals for the Russian this season, as things stand he does not have the option to compete at the World Championships, Vuelta a España and Amstel Gold Race for example. He has had a fantastic start to the season with the win at Volta a Comunitat Valenciana and a fourth place at the UAE Tour, and will be looking to keep that good run of form at Paris-Nice which starts this Sunday.