A small group of Afghan women cyclists has managed to reach Italy on board a C-130 of the Italian Air Force that landed at Fiumicino (Rome) on 27th August.
> Afghan women cycle to “make Afghanistan proud”
Six athletes are currently in quarantine, alongside a male athlete and several family members.
However, Alessandra Cappellotto, head of the Women's CPA, said that the mission to rescue all the female riders still had a way to go.
She said: "Of course we are happy for the women athletes we were able to rescue, but we are still extremely worried about those who are still there.
"This has been a first step, but we really hope that all the athletes will be brought to safety through the International channels.
"We are yet to cross the finish line: it’s not yet time to celebrate, but this little drop of hope in the ocean of pain and suffering still means a lot».
"The Afghan athletes were in danger (and those who are still in the country continue to be) because they were recognisable and famous due to the national and International media coverage of their efforts for the promotion of women’s cycling."