Cycling, North Cape | Atle (32) cycled from the North Cape to South Africa: – I’m so tired

In 2022, Atle Førsvoll (32) set himself a wild goal. He was going to cycle from the North Cape to Cape Town – round trip. To achieve that goal, he prepared by delivering food as a Foodora cyclist.

When Nettavisen makes contact with Førsvoll, he is in place in Cape Town and will be in South Africa next month. Because the journey has been demanding, and he has cycled through all seasons.

– I am so tired now. It’s when a few days have passed and the body relaxes, that’s when it’s a complete crash. But the motivation is still good, he tells Nettavisen.

He has spent almost a year on the journey, more precisely 19,000 kilometers and 344 days.

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Drama in Iran

He has cycled through all possible storms, earthquakes, been under police interrogation in Iran, cycled through Iraq and cycled past military bases in Africa.

He points to one incident in particular as dramatic and terrifying.

– I cycled past a police post in Iran, and thought it was perfectly reasonable. But Iranian police stopped me as a foreigner on a bicycle, because I cycled past a military base, says Førsvoll.

However, there was one problem. He didn’t have a stamp in his passport, which led to some dramatic hours. The 32-year-old Norwegian was first questioned for two hours, where officials looked through photos and messages on his mobile phone.

What he feared most was if they would discover pictures of friendly strangers who had helped him along the way in Iran.

– I didn’t take that many photos of people, but everyone I met was so relaxed about it. Finally, I took some photos, including of a wine cellar where they brewed wine. It is very much forbidden in Iran, he says.

Førsvoll admits that he was stressed when he was reminded of the photos, and quickly took the first opportunity and deleted the photos before the police looked over.

– It was an insanely intense experience, the native of Roga admits.

– Kindest people I have met

He thought he was done with the police for this time, but already in the next town there was danger on the way again.

– It was clear that they were waiting for me. I was taken into a station or base, and then there was another interrogation. Then it seemed that they were checking me with the same questions as last time, and then I was there for three hours.

Despite the fact that the most terrifying experience took place in the disputed country, he also has many good memories from there.

– Iranian authorities are terrible, but Iranian citizens are the kindest people I have met. You can stand for five minutes and then at least two people come who want to offer accommodation, food and help me, says Førsvoll, who says Iran is his favorite country from the trip so far.

Got “help” from Haaland

It may not have helped too much against the brutal authorities in Iran, but in many places he received help from a well-known Norwegian face.

Yes, you guessed it right: Erling Braut Haaland.

– I have to send a thank you to Haaland. He helped me throughout Turkey and the Middle East. Whenever angry police asked where I was from, I answered Norway first. But when you answer Haaland, it suddenly becomes a very good atmosphere. Especially if I say Sandnes and say we’re practically neighbours, he grins.

On Instagram, the native of Rogaland tried to reach out to Team Haaland, but he says that it was unsuccessful.

However, he spent a rest day watching Haaland’s Manchester City team-mates win the FIFA Club World Cup, where they beat Brazilian Fluminense 4-0 in the final, without Haaland in the team.

Became a celebrity in South Africa

Although he has been stationed in Cape Town for some time, it has not been a quiet day. Shortly after his arrival, he ran an Ironman race, i.e. a triathlon consisting of swimming, cycling and running.

– It went just fine, so that’s why I’m extremely exhausted now. I spent 16 hours and 20 minutes, and the maximum time was 16 hours and 45 minutes, says the 32-year-old.

The Norwegian also caused a stir in South Africa with the stunt, and it really took off when he mentioned his Ironman plans to people in the Cape Town area.

– The speaker told the story of “the biking viking”. I then couldn’t walk the streets without taking selfies with people. Super Sport in South Africa also interviewed me, he says.

In around a month, the journey home awaits, where he will cycle through West Africa. It could present some financial obstacles, he predicts.

– I fear red numbers. I have had a bicycle and clothes sponsored, and I have had a job and saved up a lot. But the way it is now, I might have to ask grandma for a small loan, warns Førsvoll.

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