Nodar Beridze is a Georgian cyclist and traveler, author of the 'Silk Road Reboot' project. With tens of thousands of kilometers, dozens of countries, and hundreds of human encounters behind him, he plans an international cycling tour across Central Asia in autumn 2026, describing it not as a sports event but as an 'attempt to connect people'.

In an interview with Podrobno.uz in Tashkent, Beridze shared his motivations and why he chooses the bicycle to explore the world. He emphasized that the essence of his journeys lies in meeting people, recounting a story from Turkmenistan where a shepherd fed him bread and meat when he was starving in the desert. 'I was filled not by the food, but by the attitude,' he said.

Beridze was not a professional cyclist; he was inspired by the legendary Georgian athlete Jumber Lezhava. After Lezhava's death in 2014, Beridze undertook a 5,000-kilometer cycling tour across Ukraine in his memory, a transformative experience that cemented his passion. Today, he views the bicycle as a symbol of freedom and health.

His project extends beyond cycling, incorporating cultural, humanitarian, and sporting activities. The 2026 tour is scheduled to pass through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, aiming to foster international cooperation, promote healthy lifestyles, and support humanitarian causes. Beridze also assists in searching for missing persons through the 'Wait for Me' program, having helped locate over 1,000 individuals.

The initiative is supported by the International Federation of Sports Tourism and maintains a non-political, humanitarian focus. Beridze aims to highlight Central Asia's potential for collaboration and strengthen grassroots diplomacy through this endeavor.

Source: podrobno.uz