Sofiane is Coming Home!

Good news: Sofiane Sehili, the world-famous ultra-distance cyclist, will be released from Russian prison shortly. Here is the update from his partner Fanny Bensussan:

“Sofiane’s court hearing was today. Our Russian lawyer did remarkable work to get a decision as quickly as possible—and a positive decision, too! We kept all this confidential, so she could move forward without interference.

“Thank you for all your support during these two long months. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for just being there. It’ll take a few days to organize Sofiane’s return—then the next update will be from him.”

Sofiane was detained on September 2, upon crossing the border between China and Russia during the final stage of his ride across Eurasia. He was less than 200 km from the finish, on his quest to ride from southern Portugal to Vladivostok in Siberia in 64 days, to set a Guiness World Record. The court fined Sofiane 50,000 rubles (approx. $ 615), but the fine is expected to be waived in consideration of the time Sofiane has spent in detention.

All of us are relieved and overjoyed by these news.

Photos: Edoardo Frezet (@edoardo.frezet)