French ultraendurance athlete Sofiane Sehili was nearing the end of his 17,600 km (10,936 miles) Lisbon to Vladivostok Trans Europe record attempt when Russian authorities detained him…

Sofiane had made it through Tajikistan, Mongolia, and China before Russian authorities ended his ride just 400 kilometers (248 miles) short of his final destination.  Currently, Sehili is being held in Vladivostok, Russia, by authorities after attempting to break the world record for cycling from Lisbon to Vladivostok.

According to L’Equipe, Russian authorities stated Sofiane had illegally attempted to enter the country before being detained. It all began on the Chinese-Russian frontier on September 2nd when Sehili posted on Instagram that customs officials had blocked his entry.

“I am the main attraction, the only foreigner… The police inspect my bike, look at me, and say nothing to me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to cross the border.” Sehili stated in an Instagram video while waiting at the border.

Being so close to his destination and at the end of his ride, he tried two more points of entry 200 kilometers (124 miles) apart before being detained.

The French consulate is working to assist the detained cyclist, according to Le Monde. Officials have not disclosed the status of diplomatic efforts to secure his release.