Ukrainian cyclists who recently joined a professional Lithuanian team share how the sport has provided them support during difficult times due to war.
Brothers Pavlas and Heorhijus, who grew up in Kyiv, recount their journey from childhood curiosity in various sports to finding a true passion for cycling, particularly during their competitive years in Switzerland with the Lithuanian team ‘Energus’. Living abroad due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, they express how the team has offered them not only a supportive environment but a sense of family.
Reflecting on their experiences, they discuss the difficult realities of loss and the maturity gained from adversity as they navigate their careers as cyclists amidst the backdrop of war. They acknowledge that their entry into the world of cycling at a relatively older age has allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of their interests and aspirations in the sport.
Ultimately, for these athletes, cycling represents more than just a sport; it has become an essential coping mechanism and a bridge to a newfound community, affirming their belief that sports can provide stability and hope in challenging times.
