Clear road ahead for new Russian cycling team
Published: 14 May, 2008, 21:55
Many of Russia’s best racing cyclists head abroad to join prestigious cycling clubs. But things could be about to change. A new continental road team called Katyusha has been set up. It boasts 15 promising cyclists, and hopes to make an impact on the spor
One of the Katyusha team’s principles is to have the whole team made up of Russians only.
President of Russia's Cycling Federation, Aleksandr Gousyatnikov, is convinced that the tide has turned.
“The country's current state of economy allows us to have more than just one continental cycling team. Ideally we should have one pro tour, two or three professional and five or six continental teams such as Katyusha. Only then can we say that cycling as a sport has reached its desired potential in Russia.”
Road cycling in Europe is arguably the third most popular sport. It’s accessible to the masses and ecologically said to be 100 per cent safe to the environment.
The Soviet Union and Russia produced their fair share of champions but the sport has never sparked much interest with the public.
Katyusha believes that could change.
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