Meet the Warwick students cycling around the world

Maxence Béguin, Roland Huyghues Despointes and Louis Delahaye, three Warwick students from France, are currently spending their third year cycling 20,000km around the world to promote clean and safe energy through microfinance.

The three students connected during their first year through their mutual love for politics, finance and environmental issues. Passionate about the ‘green energy revolution’, they came up with the idea of linking renewable energy and entrepreneurship with microfinance. They decided to call their project ‘The Green Wheels’.

The concept of microfinance was originated by Bangladeshi social entrepreneur Muhammed Yunus in the 1970s, when he started Grameen Bank, which gave loans to those too poor to qualify for larger banks. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for creating “economic and social development from below”.  The Green Wheels will visit Bangladesh on their expedition.

Their mission is simple: to spread a message of hope while raising as much money as possible to support green entrepreneurs

“We always dream about being actors of a better future and we wanted to start as soon as possible,” states Louis.

In September 2013, Roland suggested that they promote the green message while achieving one of his childhood dreams: cycling around the world.

After a year of planning, getting advice from teachers and family members, finding sponsors – which include the University of Warwick – and promoting their journey, the three friends left in July 2015. Their mission is simple: to spread a message of hope while raising as much money as possible to support green entrepreneurs.

From Brussels to Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama and many more, the three cyclists keep going regardless of the weather conditions. They discover new landscapes, new cultures and sleep in tents or, if lucky, at the home of a generous local. After Central and South America, the three friends spent their six-month anniversary on the road in Asia. “The constantly changing environment makes the trip both unpredictable and fantastic. We have the chance to experience something new every day,” states Louis.

“Our final objective is to show other young (and less young!) people in Europe that we have to be the ones to build a better future”

When their journey comes to an end in July 2016, the three companions plan to keep promoting the values of The
Green Wheels. They are in touch with other young entrepreneurs who are looking to start similar projects and want to share their experience to guide them. “We want to show people that a multitude of small actions can lead to big changes. Our final objective is to show other young (and less young!) people in Europe that we have to be the ones to build a better future.”

The Green Wheels regularly update their Facebook page with pictures and videos and you can support the boys by donating at their website.