On the initiative of parents, competitors and members of the ‘Riders United’ Cycling Club, we are launching the ‘Together for Dani’ campaign in support of Danail Angelov. We believe that the cycling community is strong and united, and should not succumb to manipulation or personal interests.

As most of you know, Dani is one of the most active members of our community. Over the past 15 years or more, he has done an immense amount to develop and promote mountain biking in Bulgaria and the wider region. Unfortunately, he has become the target of a targeted, malicious campaign based on lies and manipulation, which led to a sanction from the International Cycling Union (UCI).

The decision was appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. However, the proceedings at the CAS did not involve a completely new investigation, but were based primarily on the administrative file compiled by the UCI, on the grounds that the parties had had the opportunity to defend themselves there.

Despite this framework, after a long wait, the ruling is finally here. The most important thing for us is that it officially dismisses the allegations of race manipulation and timing fraud — it was precisely these points that formed the main basis for the attacks against Danny and the ‘Riders United’ cycling club. Unfortunately, due to procedural restrictions, the remaining charges and the financial penalty remain in force.

You can read more in this post, where you’ll also find the full ruling in the comments:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162475879206581&set=a.10150585437526581

Anyone familiar with Danny and his work over the years can judge for themselves whether he would ever threaten anyone or take advantage of his position within the federation. As a member of the BFK Executive Committee, he has carried out a huge amount of work entirely on a voluntary basis, and all the decisions and actions of which he stands accused were voted on collectively by the Executive Committee, not taken unilaterally.

This attack is aimed at sowing division, creating conflict and driving away the people who build our sport. We do not believe it is right or fair that a man who has given so much to our beloved sport should now be made to pay such a high price for his hard work and dedication.

To support Danny and his family, we are launching a fundraising campaign to raise the €9,500 required to pay the fine.

Anyone who is able and willing to do so can get involved. Let’s show that Danny is not alone in this fight and that we won’t let any of ‘our own’ pay for their hard work!

Every bit of help counts – not just financially, but as a clear sign that we’re in this together! Share this post, support the campaign, and let’s stand united! ✊👊