Foreign cyclist completes 22,000km journey, donates bike to aid flood-prone communities in Da Nang
A Spanish endurance cyclist who rode more than 22,000 kilometers across dozens of countries has donated his bicycle and gear in Da Nang City, central Vietnam to raise funds for flood relief.
Marino Izquierdo, a Spanish cyclist, donated his bicycle and full travel gear to raise funds for flood relief along the Thu Bon River in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, upon his arrival in the beach city on December 25, 2025. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre
Marino Izquierdo arrived in Da Nang on Thursday, marking the end of an extraordinary cycling expedition that began in his hometown in Spain nearly a year earlier.
Over the course of the journey, Izquierdo pedaled through 20 countries, covering an estimated 22,000 kilometers before reaching central Vietnam.
Rather than keeping his equipment as a personal memento, Izquierdo chose to donate his bicycle along with all of his travel gear to the local charity fund ‘Yeu Go Noi’ (Love Go Noi).
The donated items include the bicycle itself, a helmet, racing apparel, and medals earned along the route.
Marino Izquierdo arrived in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on December 25, 2025, completing a 22,000-kilometer cycling journey across 20 countries. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre
The Yeu Go Noi fund will take care of the items and hold a public auction in Ho Chi Minh City in early 2026.
Proceeds from the auction will be used to purchase rescue vehicles and emergency equipment to support flood response efforts in communities along the Thu Bon River, an area frequently described as a ‘flood hotspot’ due to its exposure to storms and prolonged inundation during the rainy season.
Izquierdo explained that he chose Da Nang as the final destination of his journey because of his long-standing connections with several charitable organizations in central Vietnam.
He said the repeated devastation caused by floods along the Thu Bon River reminded him of regions in Spain that also suffer from extreme weather events.
He expressed hope that his donation would help Go Noi Commune residents in Da Nang cope more effectively with future disasters.
Residents and schoolchildren welcome Marino Izquierdo upon his arrival in Go Noi Commune, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, December 25, 2025. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre
Tran Thu, a representative of the Yeu Go Noi fund, said the organization was founded by local residents who wanted to support their hometown during increasingly severe flood seasons.
Thu added that all funds raised from the auction, combined with donations from benefactors, will be used to purchase 360 small boats, 34 motorboats, and essential safety equipment such as life jackets, boots, and flashlights.
The gesture of Izquierdo has drawn praise from local residents, who welcomed him warmly upon his arrival in the beach city.
Minh Duy - Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News