Turkish cyclist on world tour aims for Ethiopia's peaks

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

A Turkish cyclist, who is on a world tour, has begun his 1,500-kilometer long journey in Ethiopia, including to one of the country’s highest points, the Bale Mountains.

Gurkan Genc's current tour of Ethiopia is part of his 120,000-kilometer long, 90-nation tour around seven continents on his cycle.

“I have so far covered 31 countries [37,000-km],” Genc told Anadolu Agency in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa where he met authorities of the local cycling federation on Wednesday.

Genc began his eight-year world tour in 2012.

“I will cycle my way into the Guinness Book of World Records,” he said. “I target two such records for covering all deserts in the world and all highest passes [pinnacles],” he added.

Genc, who describes himself as a touring cyclist and journey writer, said: “Upon completion of my tours, I want to become the sports minister of Turkey,” he quipped, adding: “That is not an impossible dream”.

About the message he wants to give out through his quest, he said: “My message is that cycling is a very good means of transport [and] it is environmentally healthy too”.

He said he planned to cover several countries in Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. “I plan to cover Africa’s tallest mountain Kilimanjaro”.

He has so far cycled his way across the highest passes in Europe and difficult deserts in Asia and the Middle East.

But it hasn't always been a smooth ride.

During his journey, Genc faced several challenges and life threatening experiences, including a near fatal car accident in Saudi Arabia, a snake bite and a robbery incident. “If feels great every time you cope with such adversities; they make you stronger,” he added.

Addis Ababa Cycling Federation President Tesfaye Mekonned said that the federation was happy to receive Genc.

“We will facilitate your tours and we support the ideal you uphold in your global tours,” Mekonned said.

Genc also said that he wanted to bring the people of Turkey and Ethiopia closer together.