By Shumaila Aslam
Bureau Chief Pakistan
Scandinavian News Agency
Finland
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/french-cyclist-freed-by-russian-court-2025-10-23/A Russian court has released French endurance cyclist Sofiane Sehili, who was detained for illegally crossing into Russia from China during his record-breaking attempt to cycle across the Eurasian continent.
The court in Russia’s Far Eastern Primorye region found Sehili guilty of violating border laws but decided to release him without imposing the 50,000-rouble ($615) fine, citing his cooperation and admission of guilt.
Sehili, known globally as an “ultra-endurance racer and adventure cyclist,” was seen standing in a courtroom cage wearing cycling gear during the hearing.
According to court documents, authorities returned all confiscated items, including his passport, mobile phones, GPS device, e-book, video camera, and bicycle.
The 41-year-old athlete was attempting to break the world record for cycling across Eurasia when he accidentally crossed the restricted border zone between China and Russia.
His release has been welcomed by supporters and cycling enthusiasts worldwide, many of whom had been campaigning for his freedom since his arrest.
Read more about international travel and border security cases in our global news section.
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