Athletes from the Ukrainian national team who were stranded in Turkey, unable to return home when Russia invaded on February 24, have found refuge until repatriation thanks to the Italian Cycling Federation.

The elite women's and U23 women's, elite men's, U23 men's, and junior men's teams were in Antalya for a training camp when the invasion began.

Although the names of the athletes have not been revealed, six junior athletes from Ukraine competed in the Manavgat Side junior men's race on March 3-4, and the women's team placed in the top two in the Grand Prix Gazipasa on March 5. Tour de Rwanda stage winner Anatoliy Budiak won the Grand Prix de Méditerranée on March 6.

The Ukrainian team (20 riders and 4 staff) arrived in Rome on Thursday, where they were met by Italian Cycling Federation President Cordiano Dagnoni and Secretary General Marcello Torr and shown to their accommodations in L'Aquila.

"The request for assistance, initiated by national team representative Sergiy Gretin, in response to the Italian Federation's familiarity with the people and athletes of Ukraine, was collected by journalist Francesca Monzone, who is taking on the role of FCI Cycling Ambassador The Italian Federation's press release stated.

"The cooperation of the Israel Cycling Academy also made this transfer a success.

"In Italy, the Abruzzi Association and the entire Italian cycling community immediately mobilized to help our Ukrainian colleagues, allowing them to train and participate in the competitions on the calendar."