Théotime Massot's 20,000 km cycling adventure from Paris to Cape Town raises funds for cystic fibrosis
Theotime Massot at the Cape of Good Hope
Image: Supplied
24-year-old French cyclist Théotime Massot has pedalled over 20,000 kilometres across Africa, cycling from Paris to the Cape of Good Hope in just under a year...335 days to be exact, arriving in his Faf de Klerk underpants.
He started by cycling from Paris to Turkey, for more than 3000kms and hopped on a plane to Kenya where he cycled through Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho, reaching South Africa last week.
Massot set out to raise €10,000 (R204,445) for Fighting Against Cystic Fibrosis, one of Europe’s leading foundations supporting research and families affected by the disease. He is now closing in on his target, with less than €3,000 (R61,333) remaining to be raised.
Massot on the road
Image: Supplied
Msssot riding through African countries
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The French national stopped along he coast for a quick breather
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Massot, who first took on a long-distance cycling challenge for cystic fibrosis when he was 17-years odl, said his motivation was personal. “When I was 17, I cycled until the Polar Cycle against cystic fibrosis because I have a friend that has this disease. When I arrived, I talked to my friend Malo, and one day we joked about going to South Africa with a bicycle. Seven years later, I really wanted to do it.”
Reflecting on the enormity of the journey, he admitted: “Before leaving, I thought it was impossible to go to the Cape of Good Hope on a bike. But it’s not impossible if you take your time, enjoy the people, and focus on discovering more than just racing. It’s an amazing journey.”
Massot said the trip tested him both physically and mentally. “There were a lot of challenges, but those challenges made me stronger. The Sahara crossing with my friend Charles was tough, we had 40, 45 degrees, monotony, 2,000 kilometres with almost no supply points.
Massot at the Tropic of Capricorn
Image: Supplied
When Massot reached South Africa he rode in his Faf underpants
Image: Supplied
From Paris to Cape Town
Image: Supplied
“In Liberia, I cycled through muddy, narrow trails for four days without electricity. In Gabon, I had only 10 rounds to survive for five days. Namibia was sand, heat and limited supply. But the generosity of people I met helped me through, especially churches – I even helped cut grass with a machete.”
Massot said the trip offered more than just a physical test. “You have to enjoy the people, discover the food, talk to locals. It’s an amazing way to learn about the world. I think it changes your personality – resilience, determination – and young people can learn so much by leaving their comfort zone.”
Funds raised by Massot go to research and support for families affected by cystic fibrosis, a disease that affects lung function and respiratory health. “It’s important to me because of my friend and because I’ve met many people with this disease. I wanted to make something strong to help find a solution.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
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