BAN ON BELARUSIAN CYCLISTS LIFTED, RESTRICTIONS EASED FOR RUSSIAN JUNIORS

AIGLE, JUNE 6 /SRNA–Reuters/ – The Union Cycliste Internationale /UCI/ has lifted its ban on Belarusian cyclists and eased restrictions on young Russian cyclists, revising rules that were originally adopted following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.

Belarusian national teams and athletes will now be allowed to participate in all competitions organised under the UCI, including World Cups and World Championships. All restrictions related to protocol matters, symbols, and insignia have also been removed.

Young Russian cyclists and members of their support teams will no longer be required to apply for individual neutral athlete status in order to compete in events on the international calendar.

The UCI added that the rule prohibiting any reference to Russia on start lists, results sheets, and television graphics will remain in force.

The ban on displaying Russian state symbols and insignia on jerseys and equipment also remains in effect.

The UCI stated that the changes were adopted following updated recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, which removed all restrictions on Belarusian athletes.