With 2,000 letters to be delivered to Santa Claus within three weeks, Andy Chiarelli's bag is full. This Saturday, November 16, however, he is not taking off aboard a sleigh. At 32, this father of two children takes to the road by bike. He starts his journey from Valenciennes (North) and will end it in Rovaniemi, Finland, around December 7. The cyclist will thus travel 3,000 km independently ― with a 45 kg backpack, including 17 kg of food.
“Initially, the aim of the expedition was to bring letters to Santa from children who have had a difficult start in life,” explains Andy. The idea: to bring joy to sick and disabled children. “I didn't just want to raise money for an association… Because that doesn't really have any meaning for them. » Finally, his approach evolved: faced with the enthusiasm generated by his trip, Andy decided to take the letters “from all the children” who asked for him. “No difference!” “, proclaims the athlete.
During his journey, Santa's postman will set up his tent in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and finally Finland. He will cycle on average 150 km per day. And in extreme climatic conditions, sometimes with -30°C. “I’ve never driven in the snow,” says Andy. But I feel ready. »
In difficult times, he is certain, “the mental will take over from the physical”. “I’m in love with the Nordic countries and I’m going to see incredible scenery,” he slips. Enough to keep the strength to pedal to the final destination: Santa's village.
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