(ANSA) – ROME, APRIL 22 – The UCI, which was involved in the transfer and hospitality of runners from Ukraine and Afghanistan, welcomed a delegation from the IOC – led by President Thomas Bach – to the UCI World Cycling Center in Aigle (Switzerland). The IOC delegation met the Ukrainian athletes of BMX Racing, mountain biking and training track on the BMX track, on the pump track and on the velodrome of the center, then they talked with the 32 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, but also with the 23 Afghans of the road disciplines. The president of the Afghan Cycling Federation, Fazli Ahmad Fazli, was present at the meeting with the IOC delegation. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February of this year, the UCI has also worked closely with the president of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee and IOC member, Sergej Bubka, and the European Cycling Union, chaired by Enrico Della Home.
“The UCI and our World Cycling Center are committed to the well-being of the entire family of cyclists – said the president of the UCI, David Lappartient -. With the current crisis in Afghanistan and Ukraine it was obvious that we should to make our accommodation and training facilities available to athletes in danger in their respective countries. The whole Olympic movement is doing its best to help all athletes in these difficult times, it has been a pleasure and an honor to welcome the representatives of the IOC and the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee. It is important that these young cyclists feel supported, I am sure that the activities carried out here in Aigle will strengthen their sense of security “.
“It was particularly touching to see that Ukrainian and Afghan athletes are both benefiting from the solidarity of the Olympic movement,” added IOC president Thomas Bach. “This reflects the true Olympic spirit.
We will continue to support Ukrainian and Afghan athletes in the same way that we support other members of the global Olympic community who are affected by wars and aggression. “
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Source: Ansa
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