Patrice Plozner

A former executive in the car industry, I’m passionate about travelling 100% solar with a bike I’ve cobbled together in my garage at minimal cost. Destination les portes du sahara will be my 4th major Suntrip.

Quite simply to turn the wheels of my bike on the African continent, while leaving France. Can’t wait to meet the Moroccans!

Since 2018, he has been one of the Sun Trip’s leading figures, taking part in both international and regional editions. In 2024, Frenchman Patrice Plozner is one of the participants in the great “Destination Sahara” adventure, driven by passion and conviction, but also with a very specific performance in mind!

Read his interview here, which opens a series of exchanges with 2024 participants.

1. Patrice, your name is once again on the ST24 startinglist. Can you list your entries since 2018?
ST 2018, STT 2019 Auvergne Rhône Alpes with Jean Louis, ST Corsica 2019, ST France 2020 and ST Europe 2021…. With a score on the first 2 days of ST Alpes 22 & 23. So this will be my 8th presence!

2. You have experience of both the “big Sun Trips” and the regional editions, and we get the impression that you like both equally. How do you explain these two types of adventure to people who don’t know about them?
The big Sun Trips are all about adventure, discovery and surpassing yourself. The experience of unforgettable encounters. The real challenge! Whereas the regional editions are all about sharing with old adventurers and newcomers, and helping each other out. And yes, I like this concept just as much.

3. Compared to your 2018 and 2021 participations, how do you imagine your 2024 participation? Is it safe to assume that this time you’ll be playing it solo from start to finish, with the podium in your sights?
Yes, you’d think so! I really want to be at the top of the ranking. But without forgetting the mutual aid between participants, the true values of the Sun Trip.

4. Beyond the performance aspect, what do you like about the Sun Trip spirit?
It’s all about sharing experiences and traveling with 100% solar power, without any impact on the environment. And build your own device.

5. What is your analysis of the 2024 route project? Decisive sectors?
The start of the adventure, especially in mid-April, and of course the big Moroccan part of the Atlas.

6. Which bike will you be using?
My Tandem in cargo version worked well for me in 2021…. A few minor modifications and I’ll be ready.

7. What has the Sun Trip changed in your life?
It gave me the desire to travel in a more ecological way, taking the time to enjoy every encounter and every landscape. The solar bike opens hearts and borders.