Abdoujaparov was born in Tashkent to a Crimean Tatar family which was forcibly deported to Uzbekistan during Soviet rule . A graduate of the Soviet sports programme , he came into his prime just as his country gained independence ; after initial difficulties ( including Uzbekistan 's not being affiliated to the UCI , which caused problems with the Cycling World Championship ) he signed for a Western professional team and became one of the world 's top sprinters
deported to Uzbekistan during Soviet rule
Deportation of the Crimean Tatars
Djamolidine Abdoujaparov