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An elderly Russian cyclist who has already pedalled 145,000km around the world has taken to
Scotland's roads as part of his latest trip.
Muscovite Professor Georgy Goncharov, 73, said he decided to include Scotland because of its
historic links with Russia.
The professor of Turkish studies started the latest leg of his world tour by cycling from London to
Edinburgh in five days.
He will travel through Aberdeen, Fort William, Mull and Glasgow on the same bicycle he has had since
1953 and expects to do 200km a day.
The highlight of his trip will be his visit to Aberdeen where he will mark the 450th anniversary of
the first trade voyage from Britain to Russia in 1553.
Mr Goncharov has already warmed up for the Scottish leg of his trip by cycling from London to
Edinburgh in just five days.
The starting point for the Scottish tour is the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh and he will then
travel to Dundee, which will be the first stopping point.
Prof Goncharov has been cycling around the world since he was diagnosed with a heart condition at
the age of 25.
He must complete the journey around Scotland and a planned tour of Ireland before 6 August, because
he has booked a flight back to Russia from London.
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Guy
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