Snow & Storms on Route to Beijing Olympics for Philippe Fuchs

I just got off the phone with Philippe.  He was running somewhere between Cologne and Berlin, yet it sounded like we were walking down the street together.  (Not the type of heavy breathing you’d hear from me if I were to simultaneously chat and run, then again, running isn’t my thing.)

Philippe told me the only challenge he’s met so far during his Paris-Beijing run is the weather.  It started with a big storm as he was leaving France to cross into Belgium.   Here’s a picture of the freshly uprooted trees he encountered along the way.  Looks more like a tornado aftermath to me! 

The car in the photo is the official V+R Challenge camper.  Philippe sleeps in it 6 nights out of 7! 

Full-on tree damage:

The good news is that the wind is pushing Philippe along, giving him another form of encouragement.  Well, as long as he doesn’t get uprooted like the trees!

Also before crossing into Belgium, Philippe encountered some Belgium trekkers (and their donkey) on St. James’ Way.   Notice their weather gear!

Philippe did have some nice weather though.  Here he and Daniel (his cycling Paris-Beijing companion) are enjoying some tourism at the Cologne Cathedral.

Around an hour before I spoke with Philippe, he was taking a break from the  . . . SNOW!  He told me he wanted to keep going, but it was just too cold.  In order to keep up with Philippe’s running speed, Daniel has to bike slower than he normally would.  Therefore he’s not as warm as Philippe and wanted to stop.  Understandable, Daniel!  Plus, it’s good for Philippe- helps to keep him reasonable on the way to Beijing.  

So far 685 kilometers covered; only 9,500 left to run!

–Kate

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