ID :
125583
Wed, 06/02/2010 - 12:11
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/125583
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Cycling race in memory of Andrei Kivelev
Astana, June 02, 2010 (Khabar) - The French Riviera, Nice, and Saint-Laurent-du-Var are recollecting Kazakhstan’s cyclist Andrei Kivelev. Local residents still cannot believe in the tragedy which happened on the 11th of March 2003. Then, a prominent Kazakhstani cyclist who was a winner of various prestigious races all over the world, tragically died during a race stretching from Paris to Nice. He collided with other riders, fell to the ground and got a serious brain injury as he was not wearing a helmet at that moment. Doctors were struggling for Andrei’s life until the last moment. On that day, his son Leonardo turned 6 months old. This is a shock we still cannot recover from, said participants in the memorial race.
Michel Gefroix, cycling race organizer:
- After the accident with Andrei, all riders have to wear a protective helmet. We do not want such accidents to happen again. It is a pity to lose such a good and kind athlete. This race is supported by Alexander Vinokurov, Sergei Yakovlev, Andrei Mizurov and other prominent athletes. I think Kazakhstan’s cycling school is the best one in the world.
This is the 5th race of such a kind held in France. Professional cyclists were unable to take part in the race as they were at prestigious competitions in other countries. Alexander Vinokurov was also unable to attend the race as he has been riding at Giro d’Italia with Astana. The cycling race, devoted to the memory of Kazakhstan’s rider Andrei Kivilev consisted of three stages. The first one stretched over 175 kilometres, the second and the third ones were 105 and 40 kilometres long respectively. Almost all of 670 participants in the race including 18 year-old boys and girls as well as adult and elderly riders, all crossed the finish line despite the +30 degrees centigrade heat. The memorial cycling race was also organised representatives of the French fan-club Ki.Vi. The name of the club means the first letters from the surnames of Kazakhstan’s prominent rider Andrei Kivilev and Alexander Vinokurov.
Gerard Tournier, Ki.Vi. Club President:
- Andrei Kivilev and Alexander Vinokurov are the first representatives of your country who made Kazakhstan known to us. We always support our favourite team Astana. Now, we are going to support them at the forth-coming Tour de France. The Astana cycling team became a bridge linking France and Kazakhstan. We love Andrei very much and we are still sorry about his death. He was very kind and open.
Marina Mizurova:
- It is hard to believe that a person who is loved by hundreds of people passed away. It is unfair because he was so energetic, easy-going and bright. We are still sorry about his death. This is why; we are here today to help. Andrei used to be called the sun and it is fair. It was him who united us.
The mayor of Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Henri Revel, took part in the award ceremony and Andrei Kivilev’s 7-year-old son Leonardo helped organisers with the lottery.
Natalya Kivileva, wife of Andrei Kivilev:
- It is a very important memorial day for Andrei and I do not feel alone. I think about him everyday and this feeling gives me support. It is always a very moving day for me. I would like to say thanks to those who remember Andrei here in France and Kazakhstan and other countries.
Natalya is not interested in cycling races anymore. This page is closed for her forever. Her 7-year old son Leonardo dreams of becoming a football player like outstanding Zidan.
Michel Gefroix, cycling race organizer:
- After the accident with Andrei, all riders have to wear a protective helmet. We do not want such accidents to happen again. It is a pity to lose such a good and kind athlete. This race is supported by Alexander Vinokurov, Sergei Yakovlev, Andrei Mizurov and other prominent athletes. I think Kazakhstan’s cycling school is the best one in the world.
This is the 5th race of such a kind held in France. Professional cyclists were unable to take part in the race as they were at prestigious competitions in other countries. Alexander Vinokurov was also unable to attend the race as he has been riding at Giro d’Italia with Astana. The cycling race, devoted to the memory of Kazakhstan’s rider Andrei Kivilev consisted of three stages. The first one stretched over 175 kilometres, the second and the third ones were 105 and 40 kilometres long respectively. Almost all of 670 participants in the race including 18 year-old boys and girls as well as adult and elderly riders, all crossed the finish line despite the +30 degrees centigrade heat. The memorial cycling race was also organised representatives of the French fan-club Ki.Vi. The name of the club means the first letters from the surnames of Kazakhstan’s prominent rider Andrei Kivilev and Alexander Vinokurov.
Gerard Tournier, Ki.Vi. Club President:
- Andrei Kivilev and Alexander Vinokurov are the first representatives of your country who made Kazakhstan known to us. We always support our favourite team Astana. Now, we are going to support them at the forth-coming Tour de France. The Astana cycling team became a bridge linking France and Kazakhstan. We love Andrei very much and we are still sorry about his death. He was very kind and open.
Marina Mizurova:
- It is hard to believe that a person who is loved by hundreds of people passed away. It is unfair because he was so energetic, easy-going and bright. We are still sorry about his death. This is why; we are here today to help. Andrei used to be called the sun and it is fair. It was him who united us.
The mayor of Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Henri Revel, took part in the award ceremony and Andrei Kivilev’s 7-year-old son Leonardo helped organisers with the lottery.
Natalya Kivileva, wife of Andrei Kivilev:
- It is a very important memorial day for Andrei and I do not feel alone. I think about him everyday and this feeling gives me support. It is always a very moving day for me. I would like to say thanks to those who remember Andrei here in France and Kazakhstan and other countries.
Natalya is not interested in cycling races anymore. This page is closed for her forever. Her 7-year old son Leonardo dreams of becoming a football player like outstanding Zidan.
