K2 Women Team Welcomes Ukrainian Talent Melnychuk

The K2 Women Team family welcomes Viktoria Melnychuk who becomes effective immediately as a new athlete on Team Manager Massimo Ruffilli’s group, debuting Sunday on Veneto roads.

The 26-year-old Ukrainian athlete, born June 2nd, 1998, in Kiev, started cycling in middle school following a project dedicated to female students and sports. After being talent-spotted, she then landed in the world of professional cycling. Viktoria is a passer and climber. She knows Italy very well because in previous seasons she raced for Conceria Zabri – Fanini- Guerciotti and then later for Servetto. The Russian-Ukrainian war stopped the sport and the possibility of continuing to cycle for the young Ukrainian talent. 

Viktoria Melnychuk has already settled in perfectly with her teammates and staff. She will make her debut in K2 Women Team jersey in Levada di Ponte di Piave in the province of Treviso with the San Gabriel Gold Race included in the open calendar. The race, very suitable for fast wheels, offers the athletes an 8.6-kilometre circuit, repeated 11 times for a total of 94.6 km.

The K2 Women Team will be at the starting line with a team of 7 athletes ready to do battle. Joining rookie Viktoria Melnychuk will be Giulia Giuliani, Vittoria Ruffilli, Alice Papo, Rebekka Pigolotti, Sara Pellegrini and junior athlete Giada la Cioppa.

Viktoria Melnychik said of her new team, ’I am absolutely thrilled to be able to race again, and I am even happier to be able to do it in Italy. Cycling has always had a special place in my heart, I started cycling when I was about 12 years old and then pursued the dream of becoming a professional athlete. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war in my country practically stopped the sport and there were no more races. I am grateful to the K2 Women Team, Massimo Ruffilli, Enrico Giuliani and all the staff for believing in me and now my task is to improve as much as possible and reward everyone for the trust they have given me!’

K2 Women Team Line Up –  San Gabriel Gold Race

–       Giulia Giuliani

–       Viktoria Melnychuk

–       Alice Papo

–       Sara Pellegrini

–       Rebekka Pigolotti

–       Vittoria Ruffilli

–       Giada la Cioppa (Junior)