"I have already bought a plane ticket, but they won't give me my bike" - Tashkent's lone Tour finisher faces challenges from Uzbekistan's federation in her goal to start in Zurich
Cycling
Tashkent City Women Professional Cycling Team caused quite a stir in the cycling world with their appearances at the biggest female races, just like with the news that following the Olympic Games in Paris, the team would fold as it fulfilled its purpose in the eyes of Uzbekistan's cycling federation.
One of the bright aspects of Tashkent's stint was the 22-year-old Yanina Kuskova - the lone finisher from the Asian team at the Tour de France Femmes. The young rider showed determination as well as qualities worthy of a professional contract. Deservedly, she was nominated for the World Championships in Zurich, but her start in the road race is getting more complicated.
"I have already bought a ticket to participate in the World Championships. But now I faced a new problem - they won't give me my bike and Pinarello wheels, and all this at the Cycling Federation of Uzbekistan," Kuskova begins her heartfelt story on Instagram.
"When I asked why they don't give me my bike and wheels when I fully paid for my trip. They replied that I didn't deserve to compete for my behavior because I wrote an Instagram post a few days ago and they didn't like it," she explains the explanation provided by Uzbekistan's federation.
Kuskova continues: "I was also told off for my poor performance for 3 years and lack of results. It's all very sad because during those 3 years I tried my best but the cycling federation didn't notice it."
Finally, Kuskova appreciates the work of the people who put the Tashkent project on rails three years ago, fully aware that her harsh words towards the federation might be come back at her: "But I still love my team, my country because it gave me so much, but now I'm very upset that things are happening like this (I might get in trouble for this post, I realize that, but I just want to share what's going on with me and my emotions)."
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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Another twist in the tale of Yanina Kuskova's journey to the World Championships - she bought her own ticket to Zurich in the end after the fed ones only got her there the day before the road race Having done that, the Uzbekistan Cycling Fed is now not letting her have her bike
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