On Wednesday, the International Cycling Union (UCI) granted French nationality to Sivakov before informing the two national federations. “I was born in Italy but I arrived in France when I was one year old. This is the country where I grew up, where I was educated and where I fell in love with cycling, ”said Sivakov, quoted in the press release.
A naturalization that the 24-year-old runner has wanted to accelerate in recent days after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. “I had applied for French nationality a long time ago, but I wanted it to go faster given the situation in Ukraine. I am totally opposed to this war and my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. I want to thank the UCI and my team who supported me in this procedure. I am happy to be able to ride for France and I dream of taking part in the Paris Olympics in 2024.”
