International reporting
The postcard of the Tour: from Kabul to Lausanne, the long stage of the Afghan cyclists
Audio 02:24
Masomah Ali Zada, Afghan professional cyclist, in front of the headquarters of the International Cycling Union, in Aigle, Switzerland, in July 2021. © AFP/Fabrice Coffrini
By: Alexis Bedu Follow
3 mins
The Tour de France is passing through Switzerland.
After arriving in Lausanne on Saturday July 9, the start of the 8th stage is in Aigle.
Headquarters of the International Cycling Union, the small town near Lake Geneva will host the Afghanistan women's cycling championship next September.
Several dozen women found refuge in Switzerland after the Taliban took power last August.
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From our special correspondent in Aigle,
They miss their country.
But to continue to turn the pedals in safety, it was necessary to leave.
Threatened with death, these Afghan women had no choice, explains Faizi Benafsha, spokesperson for the Afghan Olympic Committee.
“
The Taliban warned sports federations as soon as they came to power that women were not allowed to play sports
,” says Faizi Benafsha.
“
If they see women riding bikes, for example, they explained that it would not be their problem if they disappeared or were beaten.
All these women were therefore threatened if they wanted to continue their sport under a Taliban government
”.
► Also to listen: The bicycle, a tool for the emancipation of Afghan women
Incredible operation
At the beginning of October 2021, under the impetus of the International Cycling Union, an exfiltration is organized.
A total of 125 people, including around twenty cyclists and their families, will join Switzerland.
An operation led by Philippe Leuba, then State Councilor for the canton of Vaud in charge of the economy, innovation and sport.
“
We set up an incredible operation
,” recalls Philippe Leuba.
“
It finally took the form of chartering a plane that landed in northern Afghanistan without air control.
It was an operation that was like James Bond, since the passports were made in an Afghan embassy outside Afghanistan.
We had to bring these passports to Afghanistan when the borders were closed
,” he says.
Then, he adds: “
Former French minister Le Drian said to David Lappartient
(president of the International Cycling Union, editor’s note)
“
You have to explain to me how you did it because we, the French state, are not failed to do so
”
.
»
During a training session for professional cyclist Masomah Ali Zada in Aigle, July 2021. © AFP/Fabrice Coffrini
Rebirth in Switzerland
In this plane, among these cyclists, Masomah Ali Zada who was able to participate in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 in the refugee team.
The UCI, whose head office is located in Aigle, the start village of the day, provides equipment as well as coaches.
► To read also: Switzerland will soon host the Afghan women's cycling championship
“
Now they have the right and the opportunity to pursue their dream.
They have freedom
,” underlines Faizi Benafsha.
“
They can have bikes and train every day.
Arriving in this new Swiss society without knowing how to speak the language and leaving their relatives in Afghanistan was difficult for them.
But the plans and the dreams that we had for our country have flown away
”.
About sixty Afghan cyclists who have taken refuge in Europe will take part in the national championship in September.
A source of pride for Philippe Leuba: "
It's a form of rebirth
", he notes.
“
Cycling is still possible.
The practice of sport remains, despite everything, possible, despite all the pitfalls that some try to set up.
»
► See also: previous postcards of the Tour de France
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Cycling
Afghanistan
Postcard from the Tour de France
Swiss