Pavel Sivakov racing for the first time with French nationality

After the invasion of Ukraine from Russia, the UCI has sanctioned the teams hailing from Russia and Belarus. Some national federations - like Australia and the Netherlands - have imposed their own sanctions, not allowing athletes from those two nations to participate in events that take place in national territory; consequences which have been avoided by Pavel Sivakov as he was granted French nationality.

Albeit being born in Italy, Sivakov had Russian nationality but has lived most of his life in France. Shortly after sanctions were applied on Russian riders, Sivakov applied for a French nationality which has been granted. Yesterday at the Volta a Catalunya, he raced for the first time as a French athlete.

Sivakov survived a tricky opening day in the race where there was a lot of rain and strong winds. There were splits and crashes throughout the day affecting INEOS Grenadiers, however the British team keep their GC hopes very much alive in the stage-race.