Amateur cyclist, a dancer and barista, is new national champion

Israel’s newest national cycling champion is a 25-year-old immigrant dancer and barista, Vlad Logionov.

Logionov, who immigrated from Ukraine three years ago, is not a professional cyclist.

He surprised many at the Israel Road Race Championships at Beit Guvrin on Saturday, but his trainer at the 500 Watt cycling club, Ilan Ulman, told the Shvoong sports site that his win was “no accident.”

Ulman said Logionov was intensely dedicated to the training and brought his technique and training mentality from the world of dance to the race.

“I know everyone is a little surprised, but the truth is I came to this race with a plan to surprise, and win,” Logionov said after crossing the finish line.

Logionov said he knew the professional cyclists would be fighting among themselves for the lead, which he hoped would allow him to swiftly pass them solo.

That is exactly what Logionov managed to do during Saturday’s race.

“He’s a fantastic athlete, as a dancer and as a rider,” his trainer said. “He’s a student with an enormous curiosity for sports, he is smart, and he learns fast,” Ulman added.

Logionov also told Channel 12 he is considering taking up cycling professionally, and hopes to get offers following his victory.