The last of the Russian riders, who climbed on the podium of the general classification of the Grand Tours, Ilnur Zakarin forced to end his career earlier than expected – it was planned to do so beautifully at the end of the season, but due to sanctions against Russian sports and Gazprom-Rusvelo in particular, he lost the opportunity to ride the remaining races in 2022.
– Ilnur, there were so many plans for the last season of my career. You didn’t want to wait, stay another year, look for a team?
‘No, there was no such desire. Yes, everything happened so fast… The way I end my career is bad. I would like to drive the race knowing that it is the last of my career, as it has proven to be the case with others – on the Champs Elysées or in Milan. But what is, is. I’m finishing my career, I’m going to work on my projects.
Why didn’t you want to stay a year?
– A lot of effort went into the preparation for last season, there was an understanding of how I want to end my career. The first two months in general there was complete apathy and I didn’t want anything anymore. Even now, it remains in my head that I continue to perform. A guy here asked me for a machine, but I’m thinking how to train, it’s raining in January, I need a machine. Then I think – stop, I’m done.
– Still not letting go?
– Not yet (smiling).
Are you planning to fly to Russia this summer?
I will probably do it in August. I haven’t seen my mother for a long time, my wife was missed by her relatives. Now I am in Cyprus. We have created a cycling club for amateurs. In July, I plan to accompany them to France for a five-day trip. Amateur racing.
Can you start there?
– Yes, the organizers told me that there would be no problem with that.
— What are your plans for the near future?
– Now I speak with large IT companies. I want to create a pro-continental team and be the general manager.
What kind of CEO do you see yourself as? Will you control all directions?
— I was in many teams. I know that there are people who control the work in every way, climb into the work of mechanics, masseurs. This is not my approach. For now, I just hope that this project will take place, that everything will be fine. If not, I have something to do.
I understood that sooner or later an athlete’s career had to come to an end. I have two construction companies and cycling is for the soul.
What advice would you give to those who still practice the sport in a situation of total uncertainty?
– Our career depends more on our health, and if something happens, you can only rely on yourself. Officials say everything will be in order, which they will support, if necessary. But as life shows, if something suddenly goes wrong, no matter how cool you are, they won’t help you, and when your health ends, you’ll be left with no support. Therefore, you need to think about life after sports from the very beginning, so as not to end up with nothing.
I have no resentment. I don’t have anyone to offend, because initially I didn’t count on anyone, only myself. In addition, we always have a particular type of sport, and if you are a professional cyclist, the situation is also particular. They will deprive me of my salary from the region, it will not be so noticeable, but in other sports – yes.
But you ask the athletes for advice, and that’s my advice – don’t trust the officials. In the region, they will deduct it from your salary as soon as your health deteriorates or you hint that you are planning to leave. In this sense, you have to rely only on yourself. You have to take care of your own future.
– Was there a moment in your career when you wanted to stop everything or at least take a break?
– I never wanted to stop, it was enough to restart one or two days. Plus, we have contracts, so you don’t have to think long.
— How will this whole situation with Gazprom-Rusvelo evolve for you?
– As a runner, I am ending my career, but, of course, I am not letting go of this situation. My lawyers work there. We will seek justice and reparation.
— What about the children’s collections project?
We are rethinking the format. Due to logistical issues, we now want to implement it in Russia, possibly in Krasnaya Polyana. You can’t imagine what emotions you feel when you see kids riding bikes with what fun. Words cannot describe. I can say that the project has caught people’s attention and many want to support it financially.
— And INEX — what is this project about?
It is a cycling club for amateurs. A project that I plan to develop. People will be able to ride with us, go to competitions in other countries, come to training camps in Cyprus, train calmly, where there is no traffic. Here are all the conditions, all the times to rent bikes, we do everything to make people feel comfortable in this situation. For a person to come, get on, get high, sit down and drink coffee. In general, to make it fun.
Source : MatchTV
