December 17, 2023 – Today at 5 a.m. in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Matteo Parsani has started Athar- East to West
We are excited to share this incredible coast-to-coast journey across the country where he resides.
- Matteo, who has been living with a spinal cord injury since 2017, will be alternating between a handcycle and a trike combined with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with pedaling for more than 3,000 kilometers in the next 30 days.
- The first step of his journey, from Dammam to Riyadh, will involve crossing a desert with significant temperature excursions. He will start pedaling in the early morning with temperatures ranging from 3 degrees Celsius and continue during the day with peaks reaching 32 degrees Celsius. But something else crossed his mind the day before the big event. “I am afraid of sandstorms that are caused by sudden changes in the weather and fueled by strong winds,” Matteo said. “To protect my face and ensure good breathing, I will be wearing goggles and a face mask, similar to the ones Formula 1 drivers use.”
- On our end, Dr. Franco Molteni, Clinical Director of Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Research Innovation Institute, and his team are all ready to collect the first biological data from a network of on-body sensor nodes (Internet of Bodies) to monitor Matteo’s vital signs. Matteo’s success in this adventure is important, but his health and safety are paramount.
