Pavel Sivakov has been a part of INEOS Grenadiers since entering the professional scene in 2018. However, next year, the 26-year-old French cyclist will be seen competing in the colors of UAE Team Emirates. In his new team, he will work for Tadej Pogacar, but Sivakov maintains his personal ambitions.
New role at UAE Team Emirates
On The Cycling Podcast, Sivakov anticipates the upcoming cycling season with a new dynamic in a different team. The climber will spend much of the next year supporting the absolute leader of the team, Tadej Pogacar.
“He is the man in every race he starts. I will support him, if he starts a race, I’m looking forward to that too.”
“But I will also have my chances. We have already talked about it. I will probably be allowed to race alone in races like the Vuelta a València and Paris-Nice. I could have taken on the absolute leadership with other teams, but the level at UAE Team Emirates is very high. Everyone has their chance here,” said Sivakov.
French nationality
The podcast also discussed his personal life. Sivakov had Russian nationality for a long time but decided to switch to French citizenship in 2022. Sivakov grew up in France as a child, but his parents are Russian.
“I never felt different in France. I integrated well and felt the same as the other kids. We only spoke Russian at home.”
After Russian athletes were banned from international events, Sivakov decided to change his nationality.
“It didn’t change much for me. I haven’t changed as a person and people still look at me the same way. I appreciated that. It’s not about your nationality. On paper, I am French now, but that’s how I always felt.”