Winning while war rages at home

Powerful and poignant victories for Ukrainians Budyak and Padun

Ukrainian riders have responded to the war at home by focusing on winning and trying to provide moral support to their compatriots fighting at home. Anatoliy Budyak won twice in the space of 10 days.

The 26-year-old, who rides for the Malaysian team Terengganu Polygon, won stage six of the Tour du Rwanda the day after Russia invaded his country, and on Sunday won the Grand Prix Mediterranean in Turkey.

Morale victory

Speaking to Cycling Weekly before his latest win, he said of his victory in Rwanda: “I wanted to win in order to support the whole of Ukraine. I tried to be focused on the race, but at the same time there were thoughts and feelings about my family and Ukraine. This situation motivated me.”