French Adventurer to Cycle 19,000 km to Vietnam, Taking on 14 of Asia and Europe's Highest Passes

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According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondent in France, Bastien Rebotton's journey has attracted attention not only because of its nearly 20,000-kilometre distance but also because of the unique challenge he has set for himself: in every country he passes through, he will first conquer its highest paved mountain pass before continuing his journey.

Over the course of the approximately three-month expedition, Bastien plans to cross a total of 14 mountain passes exceeding 2,000 metres in elevation. One of the most anticipated milestones is O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai Province, where he is expected to arrive on September 24. Afterward, the French cyclist will spend around one month experiencing and exploring different regions of Vietnam.

For many people, completing a journey of nearly 20,000 kilometres within such a short period would be an extremely difficult goal. However, Bastien said this has been a dream he has nurtured for many years. On the eve of his departure, he shared that what once seemed impossible is now about to become a reality.

Bastien's first major climb will be Col de l'Iseran in the French Alps, at an elevation of 2,764 metres. The highest point of the entire journey will be Haizi Shan Pass in China's Sichuan Province, which stands at 4,685 metres above sea level.

Bastien Rebotton, a 29-year-old from the Savoie region in southeastern France, will begin his 19,000-kilometre cycling journey to Vietnam. (Photo: VNA News)

According to Bastien, his decision to prioritise mountainous routes is not simply to increase the level of difficulty, but because these areas offer the most spectacular scenery. He said he particularly enjoys the intense focus required with every pedal stroke while climbing and the exhilaration of long descents after reaching the summit.

No stranger to self-supported long-distance cycling trips across Europe, Bastien said the motivation for this journey stemmed from a life-changing event. About a year ago, he was involved in a traffic accident after colliding with a car. The incident made him realise that life can change at any moment, prompting him to stop postponing his dream.

He also hopes to discover the world through its mountain regions, where people are often more open, easier to connect with, and where the climate is generally cooler. For Bastien, mountains have always held a special appeal.

The French cyclist plans to cover around 200 kilometres each day. He views the journey as both a physical challenge and an opportunity to better understand his own limits. However, his objective extends beyond personal achievement. Bastien hopes to have the chance to stay in local people's homes rather than relying solely on camping in a tent.

He said he wants to meet as many people as possible and, in every place he visits, learn a local saying or expression that reflects the area's unique identity, believing that such expressions offer one of the clearest reflections of a region's culture. The entire journey will be documented using cameras and video equipment, with real-time updates posted on his personal website.

From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the vast grasslands of Mongolia, Bastien expects to adapt to a wide range of terrains and climates. He plans to set off at sunrise each day to avoid heavy traffic, although there will also be stretches where he may encounter almost no one.

As he has chosen not to travel through Russia or Iran, Bastien will take a flight of approximately one hour to cross the Caspian Sea before resuming his journey by bicycle.

According to Bastien, the biggest challenge in preparing for the expedition has not been the distance or the elevation, but finding border crossings that permit cyclists to pass. This factor alone forced him to revise his original 17,000-kilometre route to 19,000 kilometres, including an additional 1,000 kilometres through Mongolia.

Although his family remains concerned, Bastien believes the experience he has gained from previous journeys will help him overcome the challenges ahead. He recalled one occasion when he wandered through the mountains of Spain at 2 a.m. searching for a place to stay and eventually gathered the courage to knock on the door of a stranger's home to ask for shelter. After a few moments of hesitation, the homeowner welcomed him inside. For Bastien, it is unexpected encounters like these that make every journey truly unforgettable.

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