I am writing this because my friend, Sofiane Sehili, is in a Russian prison right now. Sofiane set out from Cabo de Roca in Portugal to ride unsupported across Europe and Asia, aiming to reach Vladivostok faster than anyone before. Carrying everything on his bike, he averaged around 300 kilometers per day — a pace almost beyond comprehension.
After crossing two continents, he was stopped just short of his finish line, accused of illegally entering Russia on an old road from China. The accusations are not minor as I had to learn, and he is supposed to be heard in front of court after 30 days. This leads to guess the trial is not of an administrative nature where he would be deported, but a criminal case is being opened. His visa will likely be annuled and he will probably be banned from re-entry for some period. Worse he might be facing up to 2 years in prison. 5 in aggrevated cases, but I can really see no reason for that in Sofiane's case. However some recent changes in law give authorities additional tools for removal and higher penalties in some context.
And practice varies largely. Recent reports show criminal cases against foreigners for illegal border crossing with varying outcome. On a positive note many end via administrative removal or shorter penalties. Let's hope for the latter. It is also hard to say if Sofiane being a person of public interest is helping him or making it harder.
In any case, let’s not fool ourselves: being imprisoned in Russia is not a simple matter. This goes far beyond bureaucracy.
How Our Paths Crossed
I first met Sofiane in Morocco in 2020 at the inaugural Atlas Mountain Race. Back then, he seemed distant, maybe even a little arrogant, and certainly closed off. We barely spoke. It took a few more events before we really began to connect.
The breakthrough came during the Rhino Run in South Africa and Namibia, especially in Windhoek after the race. That was when I discovered the real Sofiane: thoughtful, multi-faceted, and deeply reflective. Since then, we’ve shared roads and trails all around the world. He has visited me in Salzburg, and I’ve always planned to visit him at his new home in the south of France.
Beyond cycling, Sofiane is one of the smartest people I know. You can speak with him about politics, philosophy, or history just as easily as about bikes. And he has this remarkable talent for languages: he listens, reads, and somehow starts speaking naturally. That’s how he picked up basic Russian during his travels.
More Than a Cyclist
Maybe Sofiane is the GOAT of our sport. He has essentially won every major event on the ultra-distance calendar. His achievements are extreme, almost unbelievable. But they are not the result of chance. They are built on a mindset: never giving up, staying hyper-focused, finding solutions when others collapse.
This mindset also involves risk. But risk does not mean carelessness. Like all great ultra-athletes, Sofiane calculates. He measures. He decides. To frame him as reckless, to say “he shouldn’t have tried to enter Russia in the first place”, is short-sighted. He planned this record attempt thoroughly. He had visas, documents, and every reason to believe he was acting correctly.
The Reality Now
Right now, Sofiane is not updating social media because he cannot. He is in a Russian prison. They don’t hand out smartphones to keep fans informed. People need to pause and reflect on what that actually means.
I worry deeply for my friend. After weeks of riding nearly 300 kilometers a day, he must be exhausted, hungry, and worn down. Now he faces this ordeal. I can’t imagine what his partner Fanny and his family are going through. If I could, I would cycle to Russia myself to bring him home. And I am sure the whole bikepacking community feels the same and stands united behind him. All I want is something simple: to share a coffee with him again before or after a ride, and talk about bikes, about life.
A Reminder of Freedom
Sofiane’s imprisonment is also a stark reminder of the freedoms we enjoy in Europe. Schengen, open borders, free travel — these are not small details. They are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. A community of states that allows us to move freely, to live and connect without barriers, is unique in this world.
His situation shows us the opposite: a world where borders are walls, not bridges, and where freedom of movement can vanish in an instant.
How can we help Sofiane?
Honestly there is not a lot we can do, but wait.
We can however make sure to make ourselves heard. To voice our support for Sofiane and the ones who are closest to him. Maybe he will somehow hear about it, maybe it gives him strength. Hopefully it also helps his partner and family to know they don't have to deal with this alone, that we will do what we can when there is a need for it.
Maybe even Russian authorities will read about who he is and hopefully decide to let the foolish cyclist go home.
The most important message is: Sofiane, you are not alone!
I will try and update this article as good as I can and we will keep the conversation about our friend up.
Standing Together
Now is not the time for fighting in comment sections or pointing fingers. Sofiane is not a headline or a fleeting story. He is a human being. A man who set out to chase freedom on two wheels, who inspires us all by showing what is possible when you leave the comfort of home and take the long road.
We should stand behind him, his partner, and his family. We should voice clearly that Russia must release him. And we should remember: Sofiane Sehili is more than a cyclist. He is a friend, a symbol of courage, and proof of what freedom can look like when we dare to live it.
