The International Cycling Union (UCI) will allow cyclists from Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions in a neutral status from June 1.
Russian and Belarusian riders will be able to participate in “events of the UCI International Calendar, including the World Cup, Nations Cup and World Championships”, but as “neutral individual athletes”, without any links to Russia or Belarus, their national federations or Olympic committees.
"Any person wishing to obtain the status of "neutral individual athlete" will have to apply to the UCI within the framework of a procedure which will lead, if the conditions are met, to the issue of this status by the UCI. The possibility of participating in international competitions as a "neutral individual athlete" will become effective from 1st June” the UCI said in its statement.
Admission will be based on the following principles:
- no contractual or other link with the army of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, or with any state security agency;
- no communication around Russia or Belarus by not associating in any way with flags, emblems, anthems or any other symbols of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus;
- no active support for the events in Ukraine in any form of verbal, non-verbal or written expression.
The national teams of Russia and Belarus are still prohibited from participating in races under the auspices of the UCI. The ban on holding any sporting events under the auspices of the Union has also been preserved.
