Igor Makarov, a member of the UCI Management Board, is one of 14 "elites and close associates of the Russian regime" sanctioned by the Canadian government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

On Tuesday, the Canadian government announced that it was sanctioning Makarov for "complicity in Russia's unjustified invasion of Ukraine," putting him on a list that also includes the governor of the Russian central bank and two of Putin's daughters. (opens in new tab)"

Makarov is the founder of the Swiss cycling team Katusha and a former professional cyclist himself. His company Aleti (formerly Itella) has sponsored the European Cycling Union in the past. He is currently honorary president of the Russian Cycling Federation.

Makarov's company is a major shareholder in Spartan Delta, a Calgary-based energy production company.

It was also revealed that Makarov was sanctioned by the Australian government earlier this month and placed on the list of "Designated and Declared Persons and Organizations - Russia and Ukraine." (Open in new tab)"

The Australian government described the 149 individuals on the list as "responsible for or complicit in threats to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The sanctions include a travel ban, and Makarov will not be able to attend the UCI Congress and World Championships in Wollongong in September.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UCI immediately suspended all Russian and Belarusian teams.

However, due to the UCI's decision, the non-Russian Gazprom Rusvelo athletes lost their jobs, but Makarov continues to be listed on the Steering Committee's website as a member of the Steering Committee.

Cycling News has asked the UCI to confirm Makarov's status; a UCI spokesperson has refused to answer questions from Cycling News about Makarov since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.