Lao Dong Newspaper had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Marino to listen to the story behind each wheel, where the long roads are not only measured by kilometers but by contemplations of willpower, loss and life.
Hello Marino, congratulations on completing your cycling journey of more than 22,000km from Spain to Vietnam. After 11 months on the saddle, what was your first feeling when you set foot in Vietnam?
- December 7, 2025 will be a milestone and I will never forget it. It is not just a day on the calendar, but the day, exactly 10 months after leaving Massamagrell Town Hall (Valencia, Spain), I kept my promise to myself: Coming to Vietnam by bicycle.
The moment of crossing the border gate brought a feeling of absolute relief. When the official stamped my passport, I felt like an invisible burden had just been lifted from my shoulders.
When the car left China and rolled into Vietnam, I felt like setting foot in another world. Silence gave way to a vibrant rhythm of life: Motorbikes rolling non-stop, the smell of herbs and hot bowls spread everywhere, and everyone's smiles filled with energy, wrapping you up from the first minute.
But besides pride is exhaustion. A deep feeling of fatigue that only those who have cycled more than 22,000km understand. Looking back, I see the cold, the harsh heat, the lonely nights, the doubts, fears and even difficult decisions. I also always see the image of my father, the love for my children and the image of my granddaughter - who accompanied me every kilometer, like a silent motive.
Why did you start this journey? How did the decisive moment come to you?
- Initially, my goal was very simple: to show gratitude to my father, who died of leukemia (also known as leukemia or vascular cancer). My father was always deeply attached to nature and always supported all my plans. That was the private origin of the trip.
But as the departure day approaches, that personal challenge, almost naturally, has become a much greater thing: an organized humanitarian mission, with specific goals and practical actions.
That's why I decided to dedicate this journey to calling for fundraising for the fight against cancer, because I understand that the disease has been and is affecting many lives, including my family.
I also decided to make this trip for my children and granddaughters. I want to show my children and grandchildren that, to enjoy life, it is not necessary to do too great things. Discovering and understanding yourself is within the reach of anyone, as long as you truly desire it.
And cycling is not just a means of transportation, but also my commitment to sustainability and the environment. I want to spread the message about cycling as a vehicle that is close and accessible to everyone, contributing to improving transportation infrastructure and inspiring a healthy lifestyle.
Over tens of thousands of kilometers, how have you faced difficulties? Have you ever thought about giving up?
- Many difficulties, especially in terms of fitness and weather: Snow, rain, bone-chilling cold, continuous wind and deep fatigue accumulated over many months. There are days that are really very difficult.
Even so, I never thought about giving up. My mind and body always coordinate together. If I need to stop, I will stop; if I need to take a day off, I will take a break. Listening to the body is essential to be able to continue.
From the beginning, my goal was very clear: This is a trip to enjoy and honor the memory of my father. Later, something equally important was added: Humanitarian missions in Vietnam. Knowing that there are people in need of help and behind me is a solid support network is what has brought meaning to every kilometer I have traveled.
The cross-continental cycling journey is certainly not just a personal effort. Who contributed to helping you complete the trip?
- No one can go so far if they are alone. This is not a trip, nor is it a single individual initiative. This is an activity for the community, organized and accompanied by dedicated units such as La Goutte d'Eau Organization in France, Vinh Duc Hospital and the Go Noi Love Fund in Da Nang.
My children have always been by my side, accompanying and being a support for me from afar. Throughout the journey, many people helped me, mostly unexpected people. People who appeared when I least expected and offered help without asking for anything. Those were simple but humane meetings, deeply ingrained in my mind forever and you know that the connection will continue after the trip.
You have traveled through 22 countries, why is Vietnam the final destination on this trip?
- Right from the beginning of planning for the cycling journey, Vietnam was the first name I thought of. This is a country that has always fascinated me - from culture, cuisine to natural beauty.
Vietnam is not a random choice. It is a country that I have had a relationship with, both emotionally and humanely, for a long time before starting my bicycle journey. Therefore, I also hope to have the opportunity to meet old friends again, people I have not met for many years.
Vietnam in my imagination has many idealizations. But Vietnam in real life is very human. What impressed me most is the people and how they live with time.
Vietnam maintains a very special rhythm, a beautiful rhythm. People are not in a hurry, but also not slow: Everything flows. A cup of coffee by a hundred-year-old tree, a stranger newly acquainted a few days ago invites you for coffee at dawn... and then, not knowing when, time is no longer important.
Besides the scenery or cuisine, what really impresses is the way Vietnamese people share simple things with extraordinary enthusiasm.
What do you plan to do after fulfilling your father's wishes?
- After so many months of effort, my legs are very stiff and I need a few weeks of rest. I will take advantage of this time to continue to visit the country and meet the people we have connected with recently.
I will return to Spain to end the trip by celebrating with those who have supported me.
When I have fulfilled my father's wish, I hope to be able to calm down and reflect so that in the coming years, there will be a real bridge between Spain, France and Vietnam, and can continue to contribute my "small drop of water", my grain of sand, to sustainable projects over time and help the most vulnerable and vulnerable people.
Through fundraising activities, Marino Izquierdo Juan mobilized 150 million VND to support patients in difficult circumstances in Hue and Da Nang. He coordinated the implementation of a free breast cancer screening program for 100 women, accompanied by the donation of diagnostic imaging medical equipment. This journey also contributed to improving social security by donating 54 million VND to repair a household's house, donating a bicycle to a poor but studious female student and a bed for a cancer patient. The bicycle accompanied 22,000km along with all luggage will be auctioned to raise funds for the campaign "For Go Noi not to sink!", to support rescue vehicles for the flood center in Da Nang.
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