Julian Sayarer

Julian Sayarer is a travel writer and endurance cyclist known for his exploration of global issues through long-distance journeys. A political science graduate from the University of Sussex, Sayarer worked as a bicycle courier in London and taught English in Vietnam and Turkey before focusing on writing. His diverse background, combining physical labor, political thought, and a passion for travel, informs his distinctive narrative style.

In his mid-twenties, Sayarer set a world record for circumnavigation by bicycle, riding 18,049 miles through 20 countries in 169 days. Averaging 110 miles per day, with some days reaching 240 miles, he completed the journey on a daily budget of £8.84. His route spanned Europe, Russia, Shanghai, Malaysia, New Zealand, and North America, offering firsthand insight into the landscapes and communities along the way.

Sayarer documented this experience in his debut book, "Life Cycles," which established his reputation in travel writing and adventure cycling. He received the Stanford Dolman Travel Writing Award for his account of hitchhiking through the United States, detailed in "Interstate." His other works include "Messengers," "All at Sea," "Fifty Miles Wide," "Iberia," and "Türkiye." Sayarer’s writing often examines the intersection of politics and travel, using personal journeys to shed light on broader social and economic issues.

His articles have appeared in London Review of Books, The Guardian, Aeon Magazine, and various cycling publications. Sayarer has spoken at festivals, universities, and organizations about the value of slow travel and narrative nonfiction in understanding global change. His work is recognized for blending endurance sports, political analysis, and travel literature.