Congratulations to Adrien Liechti who set the record for Africa N-S in the following categories: Unsupported, Men, 18-49, upright bike. This includes 15 days in jail in Cameroon for being suspected a spy!

Rider’s Narrative Summary 

“This record was the result of a long preparation and years of dreaming about a project of this scale. It became one of the most significant adventures of my life.

Crossing so many countries, dealing with difficult border crossings, adapting to constantly changing conditions, and meeting incredible people along the way made the journey unforgettable. What was unique was being surrounded by so many people while still riding completely solo every day.

My time in prison was also a defining moment of the expedition. Staying focused on my objective helped me get through that experience and continue moving forward.

Now that the ride is over, I am only beginning to fully realize what happened during those three months. The distances, the challenges, the emotions, the encounters, and the lessons learned are still sinking in. Looking back, this journey was about much more than setting a record, it was an experience that changed me and showed me what is possible through determination, resilience, and perseverance. “

Record attempt: Africa Unsupported N-S 

Name of rider(s): Adrien Liechti 

Start date and exact start time: January 2nd, 2026 at 6:00 PM 

Exact start location: Cap Angela, Tunisia (37.346926, 9.7492313) 

Conditions: Sunny conditions with temperatures between 10°C and 12°C. Beautiful sunset at the start, with some wind along the coast. 

Why did you want to do this record?: I was looking for a new challenge combining bikepacking, racing, and traveling. As a bike traveler already in Africa, it felt like a natural and logical record attempt. 

Equipment used: A titanium gravel bike with 48 mm tires, a lightweight sleeping system, and full gear setup allowing me to handle temperatures ranging from -10°C to 50°C. 

Food & drink consumed: I ate what I could find along the way, mostly petrol station food and local food. The diet varied significantly across the 17 countries I crossed. 

Best part of the attempt: The desert sections, especially the Sahara and Namibia, which I particularly enjoy riding through. Also, the jungle section in Congo where I saw gorillas on the side of the road. 

Hardest part of the attempt: Being detained in Cameroon for 15 days, as authorities suspected I was a spy. I was eventually released and continued the journey. 

Anything unusual happen?: The 15-day detention in Cameroon was the most unusual and challenging event of the journey. 

Exact finish location: Cape Agulhas, South Africa (-34.833289, 19.999939) Exact finish time: April 9th, 2026 at 11:13 AM