Italian ultra-cyclist aims to complete first coast-to-coast crossing of Antartica by bike

Climate activist Omar di Felice hopes to complete the 2,000km trek - made possible by advent of 'fatbikes' - in 60 days after departing next weekNext week, Omar di Felice will begin a journey no human has previously attempted. The Italian ultra-endurance cyclist will arrive at Hercules Inlet, in western Antarctica, and begin cycling over the ice towards the south pole. All going well, he will ride for 60 days through almost 2,000km of treacherous terrain, passing the pole and reaching Leverett Glacier in mid-January to complete the first-ever coast-to-coast crossing on a bike.Cycling in Antarctica is a relatively recent phenomenon, made possible by the development of wide-tired bicycles known as "fatbikes", which can traverse snowy conditions. The first Antarctic cycling expedition took place in 2003; in the years since, just two men have managed to ride the full distance from Hercules Inlet to the south pole (about 1,250km). No one has yet ridden onwards to complete a coast-to-coast crossing of the continent. Continue reading...