The Temple of Heaven proves an appropriate backdrop as the intrepid duo takes in the sights of Beijing. [Photo/IC]

Rousseau congratulated the two French cyclists for realizing their high school dreams, and said they took the chance to bridge the gap between Paris and Beijing by bicycle to celebrate China-France's half-century friendship.

"I can feel the freedom they exhibited. But undoubtedly it took them indomitable persistence to reach China's capital. I hope the courage and spirit in them will inspire more young people from China and France to challenge themselves, and more communication and cooperation in sports between the two countries," he said.

For their final leg in Beijing, cycling from the Zhengyici Peking Opera Theatre, one of the oldest wooden structures in China to a five-star hotel, the Frenchmen were joined by Tangla Beijing, 10 cycling enthusiasts from the Hainan Airlines' cycling club.

Pottier recalled the many interesting and beautiful moments they experienced on the road. For example, they met a curious and kind-hearted Iranian who drove a tractor to join them, and also offered them a room to sleep in. They also befriended Central Asian sheep dogs from Turkmenistan.

"The most valuable part was to meet different people and to experience different local cultures. What also impressed me was the hand pilaf in Kashgar, and Yangro Paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup) in Xi'an," Pottier said.

After a short stopover in Beijing, Pottier and Poniard plan to cycle to Yunnan province before flying back to France via Singapore, and will then look for jobs back home.