Medical student cycles from France to Singapore during gap year
After years of working part-time in fast food joints and retail, 21-year-old Clement Lazzerini finally saved enough to embark on a trip spanning multiple countries.
But his journey was far from luxurious.
In February, the Australian medical student left most of his worldly possessions in Lyon, France, to cycle his way to Singapore and has been documenting his experience on social media ever since.
Photo courtesy of Clement
With a secondhand touring bicycle and what he described as the “bare essentials” — including a change of clothes and some camping gear — Clement completed his tour on 14 Sept.
Student commits to long-distance cycle with zero experience
The idea to cycle through different countries came out of the blue.
Although he knew that he wanted to see the world while on his gap year, Clement was still deciding exactly how to do it.
It was only while staying with family in Lyon that he chanced upon an Instagram video of someone who had cycled across Europe and Asia.
He then decided: Why not do the same?
Photo courtesy of Clement
“I didn’t prepare in any way,” said the third-year medical student, who also surprisingly shared that he has “never been that into cycling”.
Even so, Clement committed to the idea and chose to cycle as he had a grand plan to “meet new people, see cool places and experience cultures in a way that no other mode of transport would provide”.
Photo courtesy of Clement
With no appropriate bicycle of his own, he bought one from the preloved market before setting off on his solo trip.
Clement fought through the discomfort of the early weeks, soon reaping the fruits of his labour after his body got used to the daily 10-hour rides.
From bustling cities to jaw-dropping rural landscapes, the young student likely experienced it all.
Photo courtesy of Clement
He even clocked in 3,000 metres of ascent each day while cycling through the Tibetan region — a feat he found to be the most rewarding part of the 15,000km journey.
“The descent and the views were always so worth it,” said Clement, who also enjoyed immersing himself in the unique culture there.
But what also stuck with him was the kindness of strangers when things got a little tough.
Travelled 500km stretches in Uzbekistan with barely any people around
While making his way across Uzbekistan, Clement found himself stuck in the middle of the desert with little access to food or water.
During this 500km stretch, he described that there were “almost no villages or towns” in sight.
But in his time of need, people came to him with food, water, and even shelter for the night.
“Trusting strangers was amazing, and they always helped me,” said Clement.
Without the kindness of strangers, I don’t know what I would’ve done.
Photo courtesy of Clement
However, the medical student was quick to point out the importance of keeping your wits about you as a solo traveller.
He recounted several instances where he relied on his gut instincts when speaking to strangers.
“I would always just say I had to keep going and get out of there,” advised Clement.
Coping with the unexpected haze in Malaysia
Another challenge awaited the cyclist in Malaysia, where he had to battle less than ideal air conditions.
Clement shared that the haze got worse with each passing day in the country.
“As soon as I entered Kuala Lumpur and further south, I could barely see further than 1km in front of me during the day,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Clement
Although he decided to push on, the poor conditions took a physical toll.
Apart from finding it hard to breathe, Clement was also getting headaches almost every day.
In hindsight, the 21-year-old student noted that he could have avoided the ailments, saying: “I probably should have worn a mask, but for some reason I didn’t buy one. A bit silly.”
Not his first time in Singapore, says student
But difficulties aside, Clement has since safely made it to Singapore, where he will be spending a bit of time before taking a flight home to Australia.
The decision to end the months-long adventure in the Lion City was both practical and sentimental.
Photo courtesy of Clement
For Clement, Singapore made sense as it was “the end of the Asian landmass” and closer to home than Beijing or Japan. Plus, he has been here about four times already.
“I think the country is extremely different to the rest of Asia… It feels a lot more like back home for me,” said the student.
All in all, he shared that he spent approximately AUD$12,000 (S$10,880) across eight months of travel.
And while this adventure of a lifetime is done and dusted for Clement, those interested in his 19-country journey can still follow along in a series of videos on TikTok.
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Photos courtesy of Clement.
