French endurance cyclist Sofiane Sehili was arrested September 2nd in Russia, just over 100 miles from completing a world record attempt. The mid-40s athlete had cycled more than 11,000 unassisted miles across 17 countries in 62 days, aiming to break the 64-day record for solo cycling from Portugal’s western tip to Russia’s far east. Despite holding a valid Russian visa, Sehili was accused of illegally crossing from China after failing to enter at official border checkpoints, including one restricted to Russian and Chinese citizens only. He crossed through a forest and presented his paperwork to Russian border guards upon emerging. Russian state media reports Sehili will remain jailed in Ussuriysk until at least October 4th while his case undergoes review. No formal charges have been announced yet. (Story URL)
