China News Service, November 28. How crazy can it be to watch the World Cup?
According to a CNN report on the 27th, two fans in France rode 7,000 kilometers in three months to watch the World Cup in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to cheer for the French team.
"It's a crazy idea, but we're the kind of people who think big and don't want any regrets," said Mehdi Balamissa, one of the riders.
"Because we are all self-employed, we decided to take three months to cycle to Qatar."
After cycling from France to Italy to watch the UEFA Nations League last year, the pair came up with the idea of cycling to Qatar to test themselves on a longer journey, the report said.
They hope cycling will spread the word about the benefits of green and sustainable travel and, upon their return, they hope to provide cycling workshops to underprivileged children.
It is reported that Balamisa and Gabriel Martin set off from the Stade de France in Paris, crossed 13 countries in the middle, and rode about 115 kilometers a day on average. They took proper rest when necessary and arrived in Qatar after a long journey Lusail Stadium, and was lucky enough to meet and take photos with the French players. French coach Didier Deschamps also presented each of them with a national team jersey with the player's signature.
The two had many difficulties along the way, including dozens of bicycle punctures. In one case, they had to spend 15 hours traveling to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to find a bicycle repair shop, and then spent another 15 hours returning to the original place where the puncture occurred.
"We had a lot of trouble, but we solved them as we went," Martin said.
"Bike travel is very flexible and adaptable to the situation as much as possible. In fact, I think we do a good job."
Currently, they say they will continue to stay in Qatar to watch the French team's game, and then fly back home.