A notice from the Russian Cycling Federation (FVSR) confirmed the passing of 17-year-old cyclist Darina Samoilovich after a traffic accident in August. The federation expressed deep sorrow to her family and friends, recognizing her as a promising young talent who had begun to make a mark in national cycling competitions.
According to the FVSR report, the incident occurred on August 12 on the Donetsk ring road, when a KamAZ truck collided with a group of cyclists during a training ride. Darina Samoilovich was among those affected, and two other riders were reported to be in serious condition. The federation noted the severity of the tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to the athlete’s loved ones, while also wishing a swift and full recovery to the injured cyclists. The message underscored the sense of loss felt across the cycling community, reflecting on the impact of the accident on participants, teams, and supporters alike.
Darina Samoilovich had already established herself in the sport. In 2022 she earned victory in the All-Russian cyclocross competition, and in 2023 she added two silver medals in cyclocross and cross-country events. Her accomplishments highlighted a rising career and the potential she demonstrated in national and regional racing circuits. The federation’s tribute acknowledged these achievements and the promise she showed to peers and successors in the sport.
Earlier reporting described the broader context of the accident, noting that it occurred during a training session and involved a vehicle unexpectedly entering the cyclists’ route. The incident drew attention to safety considerations for cycling groups and the protocols used during group training on public roads. In the wake of such events, sports organizations and communities often review safety measures and reinforce the importance of protective practices for athletes while training in open traffic environments.
In expressing sympathy, the FVSR conveyed a message of solidarity with Darina’s family and teammates. The federation’s statement reflected a sense of shared grief within the Russian cycling community and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the families affected by the tragedy while continuing to promote the sport with care for participant safety and well-being. The loss was framed as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise during every training ride and the enduring impact such events have on athletes who dedicate themselves to racing and competition. [FVSR Tribute]