On June 21st, I made the difficult decision to stop my Around the World Ride after experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion during the record-breaking heatwave across Europe.
The conditions were extreme.
The Heatwave produced the highest national average temperatures ever recorded in France, broke hundreds of local temperature records, and led authorities to cancel or modify outdoor events across parts of the country. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in many areas and reached 44.3°C in southwestern France.
Looking ahead, forecasts showed the same heat system continuing along much of my planned route toward Kazakhstan, leaving little opportunity for recovery or safer riding conditions.
Stopping the ride was incredibly disappointing, but it was the right decision for my health and safety.