UNAIR NEWS – Cycling 4,000 kilometers across multiple European countries is no small task. Yet Universitas Airlangga Faculty of Law alumnus and UI Master of Management graduate, Arbelly Noor, SH, MM, accomplished it through the #NorthCape4000 challenge. His route from Italy to Norway became a demonstration of perseverance, discipline, and determination.
Noor said his passion for sports began early. In high school, he played soccer, volleyball, and basketball. His shift to cycling came during the pandemic in 2021, when basketball courts in Jakarta were closed. “I started with running, but grew bored, so I turned to cycling. From short rides, I moved to longer tracks, until I found the world of ultra-cycling,” he recalled.
The ultra-cycling category Noor joined was unsupported, meaning he had to manage all technical, health, and logistical needs without a support team. Before entering #NorthCape4000, he had tested himself in other long-distance events, including the Surabaya–Mandalika Tour (500–600 km) and Bentang Jawa (1,500 km). “Preparation took seven months, with weekly training between 500 and 800 kilometers, along with proper nutrition and rest,” he said.
Challenges on Europe’s roads
The course from Italy to Norway took him through countries including Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. Weather posed the toughest obstacle. “Even in summer, winds can hit 45 km per hour, with temperatures around 12 to 20 degrees. For someone from the tropics, that’s draining,” he explained.
Limited food access also created difficulties. Much of the route passed through forests with no stores or markets. His solution was to stock up whenever he reached a town. Rest was another constraint, averaging only four to five hours of sleep a night.
Still, Noor was struck by the attitudes of local residents. “They’re disciplined, respectful toward cyclists, friendly, and trustworthy. I once stayed at a hotel with no receptionist—the key was just left at the door. In villages, people often offered fruit or drinks to passing cyclists,” he said.
Inspiration for alumni
As UNAIR alumnus, Noor hopes his journey encourages young people to pursue bold challenges. “Training never betrays results. Take care of your health early, because without it, no matter how great your skills or ambitions, they’re hard to achieve,” he emphasized.
He aims to finish by August 20, riding an average of 160 kilometers per day. “The closer to the Arctic Circle, the harder the terrain and weather become. But I believe that with a strong body and mindset, everything can be overcome,” he concluded.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
