The results of the record-breaking expedition "100,000 Kilometers of Opportunities" were summarized at the National Centre RUSSIA

On December 18, at the National Centre RUSSIA, the outcomes of the record-breaking auto-expedition "100,000 Kilometers of Opportunities" were presented. The expedition, which began on April 8 at the International RUSSIA EXPO, successfully concluded after eight months on the road.

Participants and organizers shared the project's goals, experiences with the country's tourism and road infrastructure, and the development of regional areas. Additionally, during the press conference, a national record was set for the longest auto-expedition within a single country using a unique route.

The ambitious journey across Russia was undertaken by two crews in two vehicles, led by multiple-time national motorsport record-holder, television journalist and producer, tourism committee expert, and organizer of over 100 auto-expeditions, driver Andrei Leontiev.

"It feels like we’ve just started at RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH, and now we’ve returned here, but this time to the National Centre RUSSIA to share our experiences. It will take not just one month, but perhaps even two or three, to fully capture everything we’ve witnessed. Contrary to the skeptics’ expectations, we traveled 101,853 kilometers according to the measuring devices, visited all 85 regions of Russia, and more than 700 cities. And the main conclusion we’ve made is this: today, in our country, you can get into any car somewhere near the Norwegian border in the Kola Peninsula and confidently reach Vladivostok, passing through the North Caucasus, the Urals, Khakassia, and even visiting BAM. It’s possible, and everything is already there," said Andrei Leontuev. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

At the press conference, participants not only announced the completion of the expedition but also previewed upcoming projects. During the expedition, a vast collection of photos and videos was collected, which will form the basis of a future online portal for auto-travelers. There, they will be able to access up-to-date information on the country’s transport infrastructure, expert advice, and plan their routes. However, the main discovery of this record-breaking auto-expedition wasn’t just the roads, natural beauty, or landmarks, but the people – 100 vibrant heroes who have already made positive changes in their cities or villages.

"The most important thing is that we met those very people who, in our opinion, embody the ‘salt of the earth’ – the Russia that is moving into the future. These are the creators who change the life of their native land not by order, not for a salary. We made an effort to convey the passion of these people through a series of interviews. We sincerely hope that the resource where they are already published will, over time, become a unique platform, gathering similar inspiring stories, and their number will continue to grow," said Andrei Leontiev.

Nina Abrosova, a world boxing champion, two-time world champion in powerboat racing, a record-holder in Russian auto-sport, public figure, children’s ombudsman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, shared what a person sees when they first arrive in a place they’ve never been before. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

 "The most important thing I realized, and what still cannot fully settle in my mind, is that to travel across our entire country, it would take more than nine months. That’s a significant period – during which you could even give birth to a child! This journey has become, perhaps, a separate small life for me. Therefore, to anyone planning to travel, I advise doing it more often. It’s enough to get into a car and take a bank card with you," said Nina Abrosova.

The expedition crews demonstrated a new global achievement by surpassing the record set in 2016 for the longest automobile journey within a single country along an unprecedented route. The establishment of the national record was solemnly declared by the editor-in-chief of the Russian Book of Records, Stanislav Koneko.

"This record is remarkable in terms of its complexity, duration, and various other aspects, and I am grateful to the entire team for bringing this record back to Russia. Over the past 12 years, we have already registered more than four thousand records in the Russian Book of Records, and thanks to people like you, these records only grow more impressive year by year," Stanislav Koneko admitted.

The press conference also featured the participation of State Duma deputy, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure Development, Natalya Kostenko, as well as the Head of Public Relations at M.Video-Eldorado Group, Sergei Kolyada, and the Head of the Passenger and Light Truck Tires Department at AO Cordiant, Ksenia Glinnik, who were involved in the technical support and vehicle outfitting for the expedition. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The unique expedition "100,000 Kilometers of Opportunities" was held with the support of the presidential platform "Russia – Land of Opportunity" and the Russian Tourist Forum "Travel!," as well as with the informational support of the National Projects of Russia. The initiative was partnered by the International RUSSIA EXPO, the M.Video-Eldorado Group, the Cordiant tire cluster, the modern network of roadside cafes Baranka, and PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. The project organizer was LAV Racing.

Two crews in domestic vehicles participated in the auto expedition. The main goal of the initiative was to highlight the contribution of regional residents to the development of their hometowns, establish a world record for the longest non-repetitive route within one country, conduct a comprehensive audit of tourist attractions, road routes, and infrastructure, and provide a new perspective on the concept of automotive travel in Russia. Additionally, the expedition aimed to recreate and expand the famous collection of color photographs by pioneer Sergei Prokudin-Gorsky.

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work.

The National Centre RUSSIA is located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day except Monday.