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Two bicycle riders from Kazan cross US from east to west

A two-month journey was accomplished in honor of the forthcoming Universiade-2013 Games

KAZAN, April 3 (Itar-Tass) – Two bicycle riders from the Russian city of Kazan have crossed the United States from east to west in honor of the forthcoming Universiade-2013 Games. On April 3 the bikers are planning to board a flight in Los-Angeles to China, the press and information department of Kazan-2013 Executive Board told Itar-Tass.

During a two-month journey across the United States the bikers, Pavel Grachev and Alen Khairullin, have visited more than 40 U.S. towns, they told Itar-Tass. Alen Khairullin celebrated his 27th birthday during the journey.

The bikers began their journey in Kazan on November 3 and have travelled to a distance of 13,000 kilometers since the journey began. The schedule of the voyage has been strictly observed. In desert areas the bikers stay overnight either in tents or motels and sometimes are given shelter by the hospitable American people. Wherever the Russian bikers go they have been telling their hosts about Kazan which will host the 27th World Student Games in July 2013.

"On Wednesday we intend to fly to China where we are planning to continue the journey," the bikers said.

After visiting 13 countries and covering 21,000 kilometers on bikes the two travelers are planning to return to Kazan on July 6 in time to see the opening ceremony of Unversiade-2013 Student Games.

Another goal of the journey round the world is to celebrate the hundredth anniversary since the first ever bicycle journey round the world made by their fellow traveler from Kazan, Onisim Pankaratov,who crossed 25,000 kilometers on his bicycle in 1913. Onisim Pankratov – a pilot and Cavalier of the St.George award in tsarist Russia, was killed on World War I war front and buried in Kazan.

The World Student Games, during which participants will compete in 27 kinds of sport, will be held in Kazan on July 6-17.

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