PARIS, August 2. /TASS/. Philippe Verger, a businessman from France’s Tours who is traveling around Europe on a Russian-made Ural motorbike, told TASS on Wednesday he plans once in Moscow next week to hand over a message of friendship from his home town and thank Russians for the perfect organization of the FIFA World Cup.

On Wednesday, Verger made a stopover in Berlin having covered the first lap of 1,300 kilometers.

"All my friends and neighbors keenly followed the FIFA World Cup in Russia in social networks and on the television," he said. "These were the days when we discovered an amazingly beautiful and hospitable country, and I decided to visit Moscow to express my admiration to the Russians who perfectly organized this unique tournament."

He also said his tour is also linked with the history of World War II. "It is important to keep the memory of the nations’ fight against Nazism and pass it over to next generations," he noted. "Russia made a decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism and France pays tribute to its outstanding role in the common struggle."

Long-standing interest

The French traveler said he has been interested in Russia for many years. He was elected vice president of the French national club of French owners of Russian-made motorbikes, Ural-France, which sees is mission in organizing trips, meetings and exhibitions to promote technical and economic exchanges between the countries.

"I bought my first Ural eight years ago on the advice from my private partner, traveler and friend, Daniel Winter. Since then, I have had numerous chances to make sure it was the right choice," said Verger. "It’s a wonderful bike and it is better for me than a Harley-Davidson I used to ride before. The Ural bike is more comfortable for both the driver and the passenger during long rides and my son, who is accompanying me during my trip, can confirm that."

According to Verger, Ural motorbikes are enjoying growing popularity in the world, with Hollywood star Brad Pitt being among those who have such a bike.

Three days in Moscow

The traveler said he plans to spend two days in Berlin. His next stopover will be in Warsaw. "I plan to arrive in Moscow on August 9, in the evening," he said. "I plan to spend three days in the Russian capital city, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, to set off for a return trip on August 13."

"I ride my bike at a speed of 85 kilometers per hour. It is most comfortable for a Ural bike," he noted.

Verger’s trip is supported by a number of French sponsor. It is planned to shoot a film about the trip. The traveler said he plans to transfer sponsors’ money to the Magie · l'h·pital association helping sick children.