Pavel Sivakov
Pavel Sivakov, born 11 July 1997 in Italy, is a French climber and stage-race rider who races for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. A gifted general classification talent and a valued mountain domestique, Sivakov has won week-long stage races including the Tour de Pologne and supports the sport's biggest leaders in the Grand Tours. Born in Italy to Russian parents and raised in France, he switched his sporting nationality from Russia to France in 2022. Find Pavel Sivakov's latest results, stats and race calendar on this page.
Biography of pro cyclist Pavel Sivakov
Pavel Sivakov is a pure climber who has carved out a career both as a GC contender in shorter stage races and as one of the most dependable mountain helpers in the peloton. His climbing strength and consistency make him a key support rider for the leaders he serves.
His story is also one of identity: born in Italy, of Russian heritage, and racing under the French flag, Sivakov embodies the international nature of modern cycling.
Early life and rise
Sivakov was born in Italy to Russian parents who later settled in France, where he grew up and developed as a cyclist. A standout junior and under-23 rider, he turned professional with Team Sky in 2018, joining one of the strongest squads in the sport. He quickly established himself as a climbing prospect with Grand Tour potential.
Stage-race wins and Grand Tour service
Sivakov's breakthrough came in 2019, when he won the overall title at the Tour de Pologne and finished ninth overall at the Giro d'Italia, confirming his GC promise. He later added the overall at the Vuelta a Burgos in 2022. Over time his role evolved: at Ineos Grenadiers and then at UAE Team Emirates, he became a high-class mountain domestique, riding in service of the team's Grand Tour leaders while still picking up strong individual results, such as a stage podium at the Vuelta a Andalucía in 2025.
Nationality switch
In March 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sivakov changed his sporting nationality from Russian to French, a decision he has described as long considered and ultimately driven by his opposition to the war and his upbringing in France. He has raced under the French flag ever since.
Rider profile: strengths, style, and characteristics
Sivakov is a climber first and foremost, with the endurance to perform across three-week races and the selflessness to ride for others in the high mountains. He is most effective on sustained climbs and in week-long stage races, where his consistency can translate into GC results. His value to a super-team like UAE lies as much in his support work as in his own ambitions.
Personal life
Raised in France with Russian roots and an Italian birthplace, Sivakov has a genuinely international background. He is regarded as a hard-working, low-key professional respected within the bunch for his commitment to the team cause.
Records and milestones
- Overall winner, Tour de Pologne 2019
- Overall winner, Vuelta a Burgos 2022
- 9th overall, Giro d'Italia 2019
- Switched sporting nationality from Russia to France (2022)
- Key mountain domestique for Ineos Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates
What's next for Pavel Sivakov?
At UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Sivakov continues to balance personal opportunities with his role supporting the team's Grand Tour campaigns. Expect him to keep targeting GC results in shorter stage races while remaining one of the most trusted climbers in the high mountains.
