Ukrainian cyclist creates UK-shaped Strava art to thank Brits for support

A Ukrainian cyclist living in the UK has completed an epic ride around London to create an outline of the United Kingdom.

© Tom Hashemi

Victoria Gudyma and Tom Hashemi on their epic London ride

Victoria Gudyma, 32, who fled her home in Kyiv to escape the war, said the ride was intended to thank "all British people for your support, kindness and generosity".

Gudyma, joined by renowned Strava art creator Tom Hashemi, rode 193.1km in eight hours and 51 minutes, with a total of 1,411 metres of elevation gain around the English capital.

On completing the ride, Gudyma told the PA news agency: "I know how many people have opened their homes there for Ukrainians who fled the war, helped us with each challenge of living in the new country, and I know how hard the British armed forces are working to help break the invasion plans.

"Ukraine must win this war, because Ukrainian soldiers are fighting for common European values ​​and freedom.

"The war is still going on, and more military support is needed. I hope that the recently appointed Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, will continue to support Ukraine."

Gudyma was accompanied on her ride by Hashemi, 35, who has some history of creating incredible works of Strava art, and a track record for raising awareness and support for the victims of the conflict.

Hashemi has previously ridden around London in the shape of Ukraine, and in the shape of a love heart, the latter to show support for Refugee Week. In Spring, Hashemi even rode from London to Lviv, a 1,700km journey that took 14 days and raised over £20,000 for landmine clearances in Ukraine.

The two cyclists connected online, after Hashemi posted an image of his route with an open call on Instagram: "Are there any Ukrainian riders in London that would like to draw a map of the United Kingdom over London with me in the next couple of weeks?"

Hashemi is the CEO of a public relations agency with offices in Ukraine. With friends, family and colleagues in real danger, he too is deeply saddened by the conflict in Ukraine and advocates for British support.

Hashemi told GCN:

"I’ve done a few Ukrainian-focused rides [...] and one of the big things that’s always stood out has been how many Ukrainians say thank you for all the support from the UK.

"The goal for this ride was really to communicate that back to British people. So Victoria - who is from Kyiv - and I rode 200km to draw a map of the UK and send a message to the new Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps that Ukrainians are grateful for the support, long may it continue.

"As for the ride itself… well, it wasn't exactly delightful! The challenge with these things is that urban/suburban areas are the only places that have enough roads that allow you to draw something with the GPS. But then you’re cycling 200km in a city with the traffic, traffic lights, potholes etc. to compete with.

"But we did it, that’s the important bit. And I’m told the message is going to be passed to the Sec of State, which is awesome."