Burlakova said the initial reason was her husband's compulsory military service, noting that his arguments that military service is mandatory for all men in Russia did not convince the relevant authorities.
She added: "They asked him for a certificate stating that he was not a soldier in the army. These certificates simply do not exist. It's like asking for a certificate stating that you are not a dog."
Burlakov explained that her husband still participates in local Russian championships, while the competitor herself had been allowed to participate in international championships, and subsequently achieved the title of world and European champion.
In May 2023, the International Cycling Union allowed Russian athletes to participate in championships under "neutral status," with the decision to grant permits being made individually for each competitor.
