Team manager Ralph Denk from the German cycling team Bora-hansgrohe has praised the world association UCI for its behavior regarding the Russian attack on Ukraine.
“I liked how the world cycling association UCI reacted. The UCI does not accept Russian teams, no Russian sponsors, no Russian national teams, no cycling races in Russia, no Russian officials. These are all severe sanctions,” Denk told the “Münchner Mercury”.
However, Russian drivers, such as Boras Aleksandr Vlasov, are still allowed to compete. To Denk’s delight: “I think that’s right, too. Because what can a single athlete do for Russia’s war?” said the 48-year-old.
How Vlasov deals with the situation will be seen on Sunday in the prestigious Paris-Nice long-distance race, which the German Maximilian Schachmann won twice in a row. “As far as I’ve gotten to know him so far, he’s someone who doesn’t let everything get to him,” said Denk.
Meanwhile, Denk hopes that “it won’t come to that” that the war in Ukraine will shake up sporting events even more. “We are not quite as affected in cycling as in other sports. Our team had not planned any races in Ukraine or Russia. But in this case it is clear: sport should always stand for peace,” said Denk.