AFRICA END TO END: ADRIEN LIECHTI’S ATTEMPT AT A FIRST-EVER FKT.

Hi Adrien, tell us the exactly what you’re hoping to do!

I’m setting off on 2 January 6:00 PM from Cap Angela in Tunisia to head for Cape Agulhas, South Africa. No one has yet completed this crossing by bicycle without support. Between these two points, I will cross 17 countries, cover approximately 16,800 km, and climb over 90,000 metres of elevation gain. I think it will take about 75 days, but it's hard to say for sure.

Why this challenge, and why now?

In June, I contacted the World Ultra Cycling Association to find out whether anyone had already crossed Africa from north to south by bicycle. They told me no. I’ve already spent a lot of time cycling on this continent – the Maghreb, deserts, East and Southern Africa – and I enjoy combining competitive bikepacking with travel. I wanted a real challenge, a project that would push my limits and make sense in light of my experience on the ground, so I told myself I had to put this project together and give it a try.

How did you choose your exact route, given political, climatic and safety considerations?

The route I’ll be following is, for now, the only one that’s truly possible. That said, everything can change depending on how the situation evolves in certain countries. The crossing of West Africa follows a classic itinerary for bicycle travellers. Passing through Algeria is rarer, but doable. I’m leaving at the beginning of January to avoid extreme heat in the Sahara and to benefit from a shorter rainy season further on. I’ll also avoid certain areas, such as parts of southern and northern Nigeria, which are controlled by armed groups.

How much of this is logistics vs. legs?

It’s taken six months of preparation: research, maps, administrative procedures. But once on the road, it will mean an average of 14 hours of cycling per day, while also managing food, water, accommodation and the unexpected. Logistics never stop, even while you’re pedalling. Every detail matters.

What’s the hardest environment you’ll face?

There won’t be just one difficult environment, but several extremes one after another. Temperatures close to 50°C in the Sahara and the Namib, muddy and slippery tracks in Nigeria and Cameroon, mosquito-infested areas in tropical regions and roads that are sometimes impassable after rain. Fatigue, lack of sleep and solitude will make every day demanding. I’ll have to be ready for everything and keep going, whatever happens.

Is there a country you’re most excited about?

I’m looking forward to discovering countries I’ve never crossed before, like Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, and returning to the Namib Desert. But what motivates me most are the encounters. The people, local cyclists, unexpected exchanges – that’s what will really define this crossing and make it unforgettable.

What’s the biggest unknown right now?

Possible changes in visa procedures for some countries in 2026. I’ll have to adapt on the road, improvise and find solutions as I go. The weather and security situation in certain countries are also unknowns. All of that is part of the challenge, and it’s what makes it exciting.

Adrien will be wearing exclusively Café du Cycliste on this record attempt, from the coldest summits to the hottest deserts, including the Gaelle ultralight insulated jacket, Suzette rain jacket, Edith windproof gilet and softshell gloves.

We’ll have regular updates from Adrien in the Gazette and on social media, but you can follow along via his tracker.