Particle.news
Download on the App Store

French Ultracyclist Sofiane Sehili Returns Home After Russian Detention for Illegal Border Crossing

He says pressure to keep his ultracycling record attempt on schedule led to the decision to enter Russia without authorization.

Overview

  • Sehili was released on October 23 after a Russian court found him guilty of illegal border crossing and fined him 50,000 roubles, about €529.
  • He spent roughly 50 days in custody and arrived in Paris on Sunday after transiting through Thailand.
  • He says he first tried to enter Russia legally at the China–Russia border, then chose an unauthorized route to stay on pace for a Lisbon-to-Vladivostok record.
  • After slipping into Russian territory, he rode for several hours through dense forest before approaching authorities, expecting a quick return to China that did not occur.
  • He reports being treated like other detainees, citing medical checks and formal hearings, and says he did not experience mistreatment.