Global cycling union drops all sanctions against Belarus
Russian athletes were also granted partial relief from the restrictions (photo: Getty Images)
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has decided to lift all sanctions on Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete in international events under their national symbols, according to the UCI website.
The statement says the decision was made during a meeting of the UCI Management Committee held from June 2 to 4 in Desenzano del Garda, Italy.
The organization explained that, following updated recommendations issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in May 2026 regarding the participation of Belarusian and Russian athletes, the UCI removed all restrictions on Belarusian cyclists competing in international events.
As a result, Belarusian cyclists will now be allowed to compete in World Championships and World Cup events under the national flag.
The UCI also eased restrictions for Russian athletes. They will no longer be required to apply for Individual Neutral Athlete status and will now be permitted to compete in team events. However, Russian national symbols will remain banned.
"They remain, however, subject to the neutrality requirements. Any reference to Russia therefore remains prohibited, including on start lists, results sheets and television graphics, while national emblems and symbols continue to be prohibited, notably on riders' jerseys and equipment," the statement said.
Other cases
Earlier, in May, the European Gymnastics Federation fully lifted all sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes. As a result, Russian competitors could soon be allowed to compete under their national flags.
In addition, the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation also decided to remove restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus that had been in place since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Reports also emerged that the International Fencing Federation adopted a similar decision, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the World Championships.
