We recently got word that ultra-distance cyclist Sofiane Sehili has reportedly been arrested after entering Russia on his Eurasian record attempt ride. He’s in pre-trial detention on allegations of illegally crossing the border. Read on for details…

We learned over the weekend that ultra-endurance legend Sofiane Sehili was detained in Russia after crossing the border, and he’s been in our thoughts since. However, we waited to share the news until we confirmed his safety and that the news wouldn’t jeopardize his legal proceedings. According to the French publication Le Monde, Sofiane was arrested during the final leg of his attempt to set an world record for the fastest crossing of Eurasia by bicycle.

Sofiane Sehili, 2023 Silk Road Mountain Race Winner
Sofiane During the 2023 Silk Road Mountain Race

Le Monde reports he is in pre-trial detention, accused of illegally crossing the border. Earlier, on September 2, Sehili said in an Instagram Story that he had been turned back twice by customs officers at two crossings roughly 200 kilometers apart along the Sino–Russian border, where he appeared to pause the ride. “Failing so close to the goal is heartbreaking. Now I have ten months to decide if I want to go for this record again… or if it will remain a failure forever,” he wrote at the time. Le Monde also stated that the French consulate is mobilizing to provide him with assistance. We hope for a quick decision and release, and will post again if we learn any additional details.

For more details on this developing story, visit ReneHerseCycles.com.

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