The entire Ukrainian sports community is mourning the loss of elite amateur cyclist, father and friend Kostantin Deneka (Костя Денека) who was killed by Russian artillery in the embattled city of Bakhmut on 1 April while defending his country.

The Cycling Federation of Ukraine made the grim announcement. “A worst and painful loss for relatives and the entire cycling community of Ukraine. Defending Bakhmut, cycling athlete Kostya Deneka joined the heavenly defense,” they posted on Facebook.

The 28-year-old cyclist from Kiev, who hoped to compete in the Paris Olympics next year, won the third stage of Tour de Onur in 2021 for Team Leader Citron, but then gave up cycling and joined the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces to fight for his nation’s freedom by repelling Russian invaders.

Tomáš Zdechovský, a Czech member of the European Parliament, paid tribute to Deneka, “Kostya was killed in the fighting at Bakhmut, and he will no longer be at the Olympics in Paris.”

Deneka’s Team Leader Citron posted “A man who has always been open and sincere. A powerful racer that everyone was afraid of. Few people could sit on his wheel.” Adding a heartfelt,“There are no words that could comfort your wife, little daughter and son. Pain alone. Kostya, you are our HERO!!! You will always be in our hearts and in our memory.”

On Sunday 9 April Deneka was buried by his wife, family, friends and teammates in the Alley of Heroes of the Berkovetsky cemetery in Kiev, alongside thousands of Ukrainians who died defending their country.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced in February that it is considering allowing Russian and Belarusian cyclists in upcoming global competitions, including the Olympic Games and the amateur UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Team Leader Citron, Kostantin Deneka; Tour de Onur; Oleh Bohachyk

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