Young man with rare disease cycles 18,000 km from France to China.

A young Frenchman spent eight months cycling across more than 30 countries, covering 18,000 km from his homeland to China, realizing his dream of the "Silk Road".

In early December, a video capturing the moment 24-year-old Killian Le Guyader stood on the Great Wall of China in Beijing quickly went viral on Chinese social media.

In the video, Le Guyader shared: "Mom, I did it! I cycled from France to China, covering 18,000 km and more than 30 countries. This is the most memorable moment of my life." He described the feeling of standing on the Great Wall as "amazing" and considered it a great achievement, according to SCMP .

Le Guyader said he wanted to dedicate this victory to patients with Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia, transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected deer ticks (black-footed ticks).

"I suffered from Lyme disease for three years and understand how difficult it is to endure the treatment process. If I can fight the disease and fulfill my dream of cycling to China, then others can make their dreams come true too. Anything is possible," he said.

Killian Le Guyader's bicycle was loaded with luggage from France to China. Photo: Douyin.

According to French media, Le Guyader graduated from university in 2023 with a bachelor's degree. He worked for eight months to save up for the trip. His biggest motivation came from his love of adventure literature and his long-standing fascination with the "Silk Road".

Le Guyader began his journey from Rennes, in northwestern France, earlier this year. Throughout his trip, he cycled solo for approximately 10,000 km across Europe and Asia.

A companion accompanied him as he crossed Türkiye and Georgia before continuing his solo journey to China. Harsh weather and challenging terrain presented the greatest obstacles, particularly in areas above 3,000 meters.

Le Guyader hopes his journey can inspire those suffering from chronic diseases. Photo: Douyin.

Le Guyader contracted Lyme disease at the age of 14 after being bitten by a tick in the woods. It's a disease that's often difficult to cure completely. "I was exhausted, even climbing stairs was difficult. It took months, even years, for me to recover," he recounted.

In another video posted on social media, Le Guyader appears in the middle of the vast desert in Uzbekistan.

"I had to manage everything myself. Maybe that's not particularly remarkable to many people, but for someone who suffered from severe Lyme disease, I think it's a commendable effort," he said.

Le Guyader said this was his first time in China. After a six-week stay, he returned to France by plane in early December. The total cost of the adventure was approximately 15,000 euros ( US$17,500 ), part of which was funded by a French bank, local authorities, and several social organizations.

Le Guyader's story received many congratulations and expressions of admiration on Chinese social media. "Congratulations, young man, welcome to China. Wishing you peace and good health," one person wrote.

Another person commented: "Everyone should learn from his perseverance, resilience, and courage."

Source: https://znews.vn/chang-trai-mac-benh-la-dap-xe-18000-km-tu-phap-den-trung-quoc-post1611493.html