Solo cyclist takes off for hot weather training to face icy Russian expedition
Explorer Khairil Aslan Ab Rasid has embarked on a solo cycling expedition across Peninsular Malaysia as part of his intensive cardio training for the Ice Storm Russia Expedition in February next year.

The Russian expedition is the first project where a Malaysian will cycle in temperatures of -50˚C over a distance of 655km on the icy plains of the world’s largest freshwater lake located in Irkutsk, on the border of Russia and Mongolia.

Khairil Aslan, 50, will cover the Malaysian expedition using a fatbike and trailer, loaded with around 80kg of equipment.

Khairil Aslan will face freezing temperatures in Russia.It will take him an expected 35 to 40 days to complete the 2,250km course.

“Last February, I became the first person to traverse a new area in northern India, enduring -35˚C on a newly formed glacier over 25 days.

“That was also part of my training for Irkutsk because the temperature there is -50˚C.

“I have experienced -45˚C during my climb of the three peaks of the Himalayas in 2016,” he told reporters at the flagging-off ceremony for the Malaysian expedition officiated by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim in Putrajaya.

Khairil Aslan, who hails from Perak, said he chose to embark on this journey because Malaysia’s current hot weather would boost his cardio training.

“The challenge might be in the Jeli (Kelantan) area, which involves a long climb up the Titiwangsa peak, and possibly the weather conditions from Alor Setar, Kedah towards Perlis,” he added.

Adam Adli said the Youth and Sports Ministry was considering several types of assistance that could be provided to Khairil Aslan.

“We will enhance cooperation with various parties to secure more sponsorships from the government as well as private and corporate sectors,” he said.
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Explorer Khairil Aslan Ab Rasid has embarked on a solo cycling expedition across Peninsular Malaysia as part of his intensive cardio training for the Ice Storm Russia Expedition in February next year.