Malayali cyclist Arun Thadagath to embark on global journey during Paris Olympics

KOLANCHERI: On the 26th of this month, as the Olympics are hosted in Paris, Arun Thadagath, a 42-year-old native of Ernakulam Ambalamedu, will embark on a world tour by bicycle. Using the global event as a platform, Arun will leave Kochi and reach Paris on the 25th at 7 pm, riding a Surly cycle imported from the US for Rs 2 lakh.

Arun, the son of Narayan and Thangamani from Parekatt, leads a solitary life and works as a Senior Clerk at the Ernakulam Collectorate. He holds a postgraduate degree in psychology and has taken five-and-a-half years of leave during his 20-year service for cycling trips. His first major trip was in 2019-20 through Southeast Asian countries.

Arun is also known for his interest in eco-friendly home construction, having built a three-story bamboo house in just 10 days at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Journey through 40 countries in two years

Arun plans to travel through 40 countries over the next two years. From Paris, he will head to Slovakia via Germany and Austria, then to Istanbul, Turkey, upon the expiry of his 90-day Schengen visa. Following a six-month visa renewal in Turkey, he will travel through Iran and Gulf countries, then proceed to Norway via the Czech Republic, Poland and Finland. Upon visa expiration, he will fly to Kazakhstan, then travel to Iran via Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, before returning to Kerala for another visa renewal. His route will then take him through Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

Arun has taken a loan of Rs 6 lakh for this journey. He aims to cover a distance of 50 km per day, sustaining himself on fruits, vegetables and juice.