Roman Buzyle, a former Ukrainian national cycling champion who later became a soldier, has been killed in combat while defending his country against Russia’s invasion. He was 33.
Buzyle served with Ukraine’s 80th Separate Air Assault Galician Brigade. His death was announced by the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, his alma mater, which described him as a talented athlete and brave defender of Ukraine.
Born in Kharkiv on Monday 28 September 1992, Buzyle began racing through the city’s Olimpia sports school before joining Ukraine’s national cycling program. He became a multiple Ukrainian road cycling champion and medalist in different age categories and represented Ukraine at the UCI Road World Championships and European Championships as a junior.
Buzyle also competed at the 2013 Tour de l’Avenir, the prestigious French stage race regarded as a major showcase for emerging U23 talent.
He was buried in his native Kharkiv following a funeral held this week.
Buzyle is the latest Ukrainian cyclist reported to have been killed while serving in the war against Russia. Kostiantyn Deneka, a successful elite cyclist who had hoped to compete at the Paris Olympics, was killed near Bakhmut in March 2023 while serving in a special operations unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports reported in February 2026 that more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches had been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Gran Fondo Daily News extends its condolences to Buzyle’s family, fellow soldiers and the Ukrainian cycling community.
Photo Credit: Ukraine Ministry of Youth and Sports
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