Disabled Chinese cyclist challenges Xinjiang-Tibet highway

A disabled cyclist has completed his bicycle challenge along one of the world's highest routes, the Henan Business Daily reported.

Sun Youzhi on his cycling challenge along the Xinjiang-Tibet highway [File Photo: IC]

Sun Youzhi, who has only one leg, flew to Lhasa on September 29, 2017, and then headed to Yecheng (Kargilik) County, where he began his tour of the Xinjiang-Tibet highway.

Before setting off, Sun sent his artificial limb back to his hometown in Henan Province, as he wanted to attempt "real one-legged cycling."

Sun Youzhi on his cycling challenge along the Xinjiang-Tibet highway [File Photo: IC]

Over the past few weeks, Sun and his friends rode an average of 100 kilometers each day.

During the journey, they climbed two mountain passes over 5,000 meters above sea level, and another of over 3,000 meters.

"There was a shortage of oxygen, and I felt so sleepy that I could have fallen asleep at any time," said Sun.

Despite the difficulties, Sun successfully completed his Xinjiang-Tibet highway cycling challenge.

Sun Youzhi on his cycling challenge along the Xinjiang-Tibet highway [File Photo: IC]

Sun lost his left leg in an accident in March, 2009. After a few years of "dark times," he was inspired to start cycling by a disabled cyclist in 2013.

Last year, Sun succeeded in conquering another of the world's most complex and dangerous roads, the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, and even rode to Everest base camp, in the Himalayas.

Sun Youzhi on his cycling challenge along the Xinjiang-Tibet highway [File Photo: IC]

"I heard the Xinjiang-Tibet highway is even more challenging (than the Sichuan-Tibet Highway), so I decided to give it a try," said Sun.

"Even though I have only one leg, I can still handle my future," the brave cyclist told journalists with Henan Business Daily.