After 15 months, 26 countries, and 19,000 kilometres on the road, 27-year-old German cyclist Cyprian finally reaches the Cape of Good Hope, overcoming physical challenges and countless encounters along the way
Cape Town, South Africa (28 October 2025) – It was a Monday morning at the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of the African continent, when a small group of U3A hikers witnessed something extraordinary. Cyprian, a 27-year-old German cyclist, rolled into the parking area after a 19,000-kilometre journey from Flensburg, Germany, to South Africa. This was a journey that took 15 months, 26 countries and countless encounters.
Cyprian had documented much of his adventure on his personal blog, capturing the highs and lows of his journey.
“I started the journey on the 19th of July last year. I was never a big cyclist before, but I’ve always loved endurance sports. Cycling… well, it wasn’t my favourite, but I wanted to challenge myself.”
When he first told his family and friends about his plan, reactions were mixed.
“Some were adventurous, encouraging me to go, saying it would be once in a lifetime. Others were more cautious. Worried about the danger and asking if I really wanted to do it. My parents were concerned, of course, but they supported me. They said, ‘If you want to do it, it will be incredible.’”
A typical day for Cyprian on the road was anything but ordinary. Rising around 7 a.m., he packed his tent and sleeping bag, had a small breakfast, and cycled from 8 or 9 until just before sunset. Distances varied, often between 70 and 90 kilometres, depending on weather and road conditions. He camped wherever he could. Sometimes it was in wide open spaces, sometimes with the generosity of local villagers.
“It was incredible how kind people were along the way.”
One vivid memory came from the Republic of Congo, where heavy rain left him and two fellow cyclists drenched. Villagers welcomed them under a roof, gave them blankets to warm up, and offered drinks.
“Moments like this just showed me the generosity of people everywhere.”
But nothing compared to the moment he finally reached the Cape of Good Hope.
“I saw the sign early in the morning. There were a few hikers taking photos, but for an hour, I was alone. I just looked out at the sea…and tears came. It was hard to realise that I had actually made it.”
Now, with his journey complete, Cyprian plans to take a short break to rest and return to everyday life. But he has dreams of a future adventure, cycling from Cape Town’s east coast back to Europe, if circumstances allow.
For now, the memory of standing at the tip of Africa and feeling a mix of exhaustion and triumph will remain with him. And with the lucky few who witnessed a young man accomplishing the extraordinary.
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