Mark Padun and Lachlan Morton to distribute bikes to Ukrainian racers

Australian rider Lachlan Morton along with his Ukrainian teammate Mark Padun are doing their best to help people affected by Russia's invasion. Padun has been collecting cycling clothing and equipment to hand to refugees, whereas Morton raised $297,000 for Global Giving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief fund this march.

Padun knows what it feels like to flee your country in fear. He was also forced to leave his home and friends behind when Russia invaded Ukraine a few years back. This weekend, Morton and Padun will deliver bikes to 13 children who fled Ukraine when Russia began the invasion.

“The war started with my first race of the season, and it was a pure shock to me,” Padun said. “But this is my job. I am doing this as best as I can. I always had these thoughts about what was happening, always checking the news, always asking the relatives how they are doing and hoping it is going to end soon,” concluded Padun.