French Cyclist Freed After 50 Days in Russian Custody

A French endurance cyclist, Sofiane Sehili, faced an unexpected twist in his quest to break the world record for the fastest cycling journey across Eurasia. What began as a remarkable 18,000-kilometre ride from Portugal ended with a 50-day detention in Russia after Sehili crossed the border illegally near Vladivostok. The 43-year-old adventurer was released on 23 October and flew back to Paris on Sunday, still determined to continue his passion for record-breaking cycling.

Sehili’s mission was to cycle from Lisbon to the Pacific Ocean faster than the current record holder, Jonas Deichmann of Germany, who completed the route in 64 days, two hours, and 26 minutes. By the time Sehili reached the Russian Far East, he was just 200 kilometres away from Vladivostok and on track to break that record. However, his plan came to a halt when Russian customs officials stopped him at the border, declaring that his electronic visa only allowed train entry, not cycling or walking across.

Faced with losing his record attempt, Sehili made a desperate choice. He decided not to wait for the next train and instead crossed the border on foot, carrying his bicycle through a dense forest. He used his GPS to navigate through dangerous terrain filled with streams, barbed wire, fallen trees, and razor-sharp grass. He later said, “I kind of gave up on that dream of breaking the world record somewhere in that forest after crossing the barbed wire.”

Despite the physical challenges, Sehili pressed on until he reached a railway track. Exhausted and realizing the seriousness of his actions, he turned himself in to Russian border officials later that day.

Sehili was detained in Ussuriysk, about 100 kilometres north of Vladivostok, and held in a pre-trial detention centre. He faced possible imprisonment for up to two years for crossing the border illegally. Describing the facility, Sehili said, “It was an old building in bad shape, humid and crumbling—but it was safe, not violent.”

He stayed in four different cells, sometimes with up to eight other inmates. Life in detention was tough—food was bland, mostly porridge, rice, and soup with little meat or vegetables. Sehili lost weight and even developed an ear infection and a bad cough. Photographs from his court appearance showed him standing in a cage, still wearing his cycling shoes with the laces removed. “These were my only shoes,” he explained.

After nearly two months in detention, Russian authorities freed Sehili, who admitted his border crossing was intentional. He expressed relief upon returning to France, saying he was thankful the experience was not violent, even though it was physically and mentally demanding. Despite the hardships, Sehili said the ordeal did not diminish his love for adventure or cycling.

Back home, the French cyclist made it clear that his spirit remains unbroken. “I am just going to keep riding my bike, racing ultras, and trying to break records. Not this record, but other ones for sure,” he told reporters. Sehili’s determination highlights his deep passion for long-distance cycling and adventure sports, even after enduring the challenges of imprisonment in a foreign country.

Sehili also offered a strong warning for anyone thinking about crossing borders illegally, especially in Russia. “I would strongly advise against breaking any law in Russia—any law,” he said firmly. “Whether you are a Russian citizen or a foreign citizen, they are not kidding.” His words reflect a sobering lesson learned from his experience—adventure should never come at the cost of breaking laws.

Although his record attempt ended in arrest, Sofiane Sehili’s story shows the resilience and courage that define ultra-endurance athletes. His 18,000-kilometre ride across continents, followed by his 50-day ordeal in custody, paints a picture of determination and passion. Despite losing his record chance, Sehili’s comeback spirit continues to inspire many around the world.