Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, female cyclists—previously representing the nation on the international stage—faced immediate danger. A covert operation was launched to evacuate these athletes from the country, prioritizing their safety and anonymity. Journalists Matteo Born and Alain Rimbert investigated and documented the details of this complex and risky undertaking. The cyclists’ lives were threatened due to the Taliban’s restrictive policies regarding women’s participation in sports. The evacuation plan involved significant logistical challenges and relied on a network of individuals committed to assisting the athletes. The operation successfully extracted the cyclists from Afghanistan, offering them a path to continue their athletic careers and lives free from persecution. The story highlights the vulnerability of female athletes under the new regime and the extraordinary efforts made to protect them.