Pavel Sivakov granted French nationality by UCI

Friday, 04 March 2022 at 15:00

Pavel Sivakov is one of the riders whose recent sanctions have affected. Despite being in a British team, the prohibitions imposed by the likes of the Dutch and Australian federations have hampered his ability to choose his calendar on some big events, but that will no longer be the case as Sivakov is now allowed to race with the French colours.

“I was born in Italy and moved to France when I was one year old. France is where I grew up and was educated and where I fell in love with riding my bike which led me to racing. It feels like my home," Sivakov said, giving some insight on why the process has concluded in a critical time. On March 2nd he has been accepted to change nationality from Russian to French under UCI rules, with both cycling federations notified and with immediate effect.

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“I have wanted to become a French national for some time and had made the request to the UCI, but given what is happening in the Ukraine at the moment, I wanted to fast track this. I want to thank the UCI and the team at INEOS Grenadiers for supporting me with this process and helping make this a reality. To now have the opportunity to race as a French national in international events makes me incredibly happy. It would be a dream to race in Paris at the 2024 Olympics for France and this is something that the team have said they would fully support," he added. He will be allowed to race for the French national team in national and World Championships.

He concluded by adding to his peace plead: “As I have previously said, I am totally against this war and all my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. Like most people around the world right now, I hope for peace and a swift end to the suffering happening in the Ukraine.”