Alina Lysenko of Russia has claimed the gold medal in the keirin event at the European Track Cycling Championships in Konya, Turkey. The victory, secured on , marks a significant achievement for the 22-year-old cyclist and adds to the Russian team’s medal haul at the competition.
Lysenko’s win comes as the Russian national team competes under a neutral flag at the championships. The team has demonstrated strong performance throughout the event, accumulating a total of six medals – two gold, one silver, and three bronze – as of .
The final race saw Lysenko overcome fierce competition, ultimately defeating France’s Matilda Gros, who secured the silver medal, and Germany’s Lia Sophie Friedrich, who took bronze. The details of the race itself, beyond the final standings, haven’t been widely reported, but the result underscores Lysenko’s skill and tactical prowess in the fast-paced keirin discipline.
This European Championship title builds upon a growing list of accomplishments for Lysenko. She was the sprint title winner at the 2024 UCI Track Champions League, establishing her as a prominent figure in track cycling. Prior to that, representing Russia, she secured sprint, keirin, and team sprint titles at the 2021 World Junior Championships in Cairo, demonstrating her potential from a young age.
The Russian team’s success in Konya is particularly noteworthy given the current geopolitical climate. Competing under a neutral flag, the athletes have focused on their performance, delivering results that highlight the depth of talent within the Russian track cycling program. The team was met at Vnukovo airport upon their return, as reported by Izvestia on .
Lysenko herself expressed gratitude to her support network following the victory. According to a report in Izvestia, she thanked her coach, parents, and the entire team for their contributions to her preparation and success. She emphasized the collaborative nature of her achievement, stating, “This victory would not have happened without them.”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Lysenko is already looking ahead to her next challenge. She indicated to Izvestia that she has “no time to relax,” as she is immediately transitioning to preparations for her upcoming race. This dedication highlights her commitment to continuous improvement and her ambition to maintain her position at the forefront of the sport.
Beyond Lysenko’s gold, the Russian team also saw success from Lev Gonov, who reached the final of the individual pursuit on . Gonov set a new Russian record with a time of 4 minutes and 2.281 seconds, further demonstrating the team’s rising performance level.
The European Championships in Konya, held from to , served as a crucial proving ground for athletes aiming to compete at higher levels, including the Olympic Games. Lysenko’s victory and the overall performance of the Russian team suggest they are well-positioned to contend for medals on the international stage.
Alina Lysenko’s journey from a promising junior cyclist to a European champion is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the strength of the Russian track cycling program. Her win in Konya is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for her team and a signal of their continued competitiveness in the world of track cycling.
