Who are the Gazprom-RusVelo cycling team and how are they linked to the Russian government?

The Russian team are in the spotlight after the invasion of Ukraine

Gazprom-RusVelo
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to economic sanctions on the individuals and companies tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin. One such company that might face tightening restrictions on its activities across Europe is Gazprom, the Russian majority state-owned energy company that gives its name to the Gazprom-RusVelo cycling team.

Last Friday, the team's Czech rider Mathias Vacek won stage six of the UAE Tour, and the squad have been highly visible all week, with Dmitry Strakhov leading the intermediate sprints competition at the race. The timing of the Russian team's success while Russian forces are in Ukraine has attracted the fierce glare of the spotlight.

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