Master of Sports Sergei Krasnov shared with «FACTS» how he organized a charitable bike ride «Tour de France Ukraine» and raised funds for the residents of Kherson.
Sergei Krasnov, a master of sports in cycling, is not only known for his athletic achievements, but also for his charitable efforts. The 36-year-old athlete from Kherson, Ukraine, has organized a charity bike ride called «Tour de France Ukraine» to raise funds for his hometown. In an exclusive interview with «FACTS,» Krasnov shared his motivation behind the event and the impact it has had on his community.
Krasnov has been passionate about cycling since childhood. He started competing in local races at the age of 14 and later represented Ukraine at international competitions. However, he wanted to use his passion for cycling to make a difference in his community. «I have always believed that sports have the power to bring people together and create a positive change,» Krasnov shared.
In 2018, Krasnov came up with the idea of organizing a charity bike ride inspired by the famous Tour de France. He wanted to bring the spirit of this iconic race to his hometown and raise funds for those in need. With the support of his friends, family, and local organizations, Krasnov was able to turn his idea into reality.
The first edition of «Tour de France Ukraine» was held in 2019 and it was a huge success. Over 200 cyclists, both amateurs and professionals, participated in the ride which covered a distance of 200 kilometers. The route took the cyclists through the picturesque landscapes of Kherson, showcasing the beauty of the region. The event also included a children’s race, where young cyclists had the opportunity to ride alongside Krasnov and other professional athletes.
But the main goal of the event was to raise funds for the residents of Kherson who were in need of financial support. Krasnov partnered with local charities and organizations to identify families and individuals who required assistance. «I wanted to make sure that the funds raised through the event would directly benefit those in need in my community,» Krasnov explained.
Thanks to the support of the participants and sponsors, «Tour de France Ukraine» was able to raise over 200,000 hryvnias (approximately $7,500 USD) in its first year. The funds were used to provide food and medical supplies to families affected by the economic crisis in Ukraine. The success of the event motivated Krasnov to make it an annual tradition.
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Krasnov and his team were determined to continue the event. They adapted to the new circumstances and organized a virtual bike ride, where cyclists could participate from anywhere in the world. The event was a huge success, with over 300 participants and a total of 300,000 hryvnias (approximately $11,200 USD) raised for charity.
Krasnov believes that the success of «Tour de France Ukraine» is a testament to the generosity and unity of the community. «I am grateful to everyone who has supported this event and helped make a positive impact in the lives of others,» he said. The event has not only raised funds for those in need but has also promoted a healthy and active lifestyle among the participants.
Krasnov’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the «Pride of Kherson» medal by the city administration for his contribution to the community. He hopes to continue organizing «Tour de France Ukraine» in the future and expand its reach to other regions of Ukraine.
The charitable bike ride has not only brought financial aid to the residents of Kherson but has also united the community in a common cause. Sergei Krasnov’s dedication and passion for making a difference through sports have inspired many and have shown that even a small act of kindness can create a big impact. «I hope to see more people using their talents and passions to make a positive change in the world,» Krasnov concluded.
