Xavier Jullien

My name is Xavier Jullien. I was born on March 19th, 1977. I have been teaching history and geography in a school in the town of Bagnolet, near Paris since 2003. I speak German, English and Italian and am currently learning Russian. I am also brushing up on my mechanical skills in a repair shop in Paris.

I was confronted to cancer in 2003 and 2004. I was treated at the Hôpital Saint-Louis, and have now the privilege of being cancer-free.

It took four years to fully understand the impact cancer had on me and to decide I had the duty of transforming that experience into something which would inspire all the people who are now waging the same war I was.

All those miles will express, better than i can, the depths of the hardships endured and the beauty of life.

I have chosen to travel by bike because it is a sport I have always enjoyed, and although my body suffered from cancer, it was not overcome by it. It will also enable me to practice patience and endurance. Bicycles are humble means of transportation, silent and discreet. I cannot find better or greener tool to accompany me, as I have no wish to upset the earth, like cancer upsets bodies.