Jalal Bin Thaneya is aiming to cycle 5,000-6,000km in about three weeks.
By comparison, professional cyclists competing in the Tour de France, one of the world’s toughest races, have to cover around 3,500km in the same time. The athletes get two rest days in between stages.
Divided in 21 stages, the race typically covers flat, hilly, and mountainous terrain.
Jalal’s trip will mostly take him through desert landscapes.
Regardless, the pressure on the body and mind to perform such challenges requires close planning and pacing. “Go too slow and I won’t make it in time. Go too fast and I’ll burn out,” Bin Thaneya told Gulf News.
He added that he avoids caffeine, which many people rely on for an energy boost.
“Energy drinks have too much caffeine and sugar, you crash after two hours,” he said, referring to a drop in energy.
A doctor said Bin Thaneya should double his intake of water, and take as many short rests and eat as many nutritious bite-size snacks as possible.
