A cap, a dream, and a young cyclist’s persistence

As dawn broke, the silhouette of a young cyclist emerged from the mist. This was Martin Nikolenko, who is an 11-year-old cyclist and was once jestingly referred to as “007” — 0 days rest, 0 days gym, and 7 days on the bike. While such a training regimen might be hyperbolic and far from scientific, the reality bore the marks of blood, tears, and sweat.

Martin’s passion for cycling ignited unexpectedly at the age of 8.5. He recalled, “I was in a triathlon club, I realized that cycling was what I genuinely enjoyed the most.” That enjoyment wasn’t fleeting, it blossomed into rides, races, and an unswerving desire to race with the legend. “I’ve worked my way up and I won’t stop. I’ll do my best to achieve the max,” he said with determination.