Mark Padun grew up in Donetsk, Ukraine. Cycling captured his imagination when he was 11. That year, a coach came to his school and offered all of the children the chance to try some bikes. At first, Mark just liked racing around town with his brother. As he got older, he got faster and faster. He started doing well in bigger and bigger races, representing his school, and then his town, and then his region.

He was invited to attend high-school at a special sports academy near Kyiv. After he graduated in 2014, he returned to Donetsk to continue racing, but had to leave when Russia invaded. There was no future for a young bike racer in eastern Ukraine, where Mark had grown up.

Mark moved to Italy to continue racing, where he showed he was one of the most exciting talents in the sport. He signed his first professional contract at the age of 21 and was soon going toe-to-toe with the best climbers in the world in the high mountains.

After winning two stages of the Dauphine in 2021, Mark moved to EF Education-Easypost last season. In February, he won his first race for the team: a time trial at Gran Camiño. It was a reward for all of the hard work that Mark has put into improving in the discipline. He wants to become a grand tour contender. He will continue to inspire all of the people who have believed in him.