Four days that went differently than planned but were no less successful
Four days of European Peace Ride with 570 km and 6000 meters of altitude lie behind us
Four days of European Peace Ride with 570 km and 6000 meters of altitude lie behind our two colleagues Stefan Lorenz and Mickael Méry. Four days that went differently than planned but were no less successful - in short: it was phenomenal.
The EPR is a new edition of the legendary International Peace Ride, which was launched in 1949, and is one of the projects within the framework of our European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH. However, it is not a cycle race, but a cultural and sporting community project that sets an example for peace, cohesion and diversity.
Well before sunrise, 200 cyclists from this year's EPR met at Chemnitz Central Station. Together with a Saxon business delegation and MIKOMI | Hochschule Mittweida, they had traveled to this year's European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 on a special train operated by Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen. Despite the pouring rain, everyone was warmly welcomed and received a salt stone as a symbolic baton.
Due to the storm, the first and half of the second stage to Pilsen had to be moved to the bus. The third and final stage over the Erzgebirge ridge was once again a tough one with a strong headwind. On the last few kilometers, numerous Chemnitz riders joined the peleton until they crossed the finish line at the Eissportzentrum Chemnitz for the SattelFest.
This was the second time we were able to sponsor and participate in this peace-building event. Despite or even because of the impassability, the days, the new acquaintances in the team and also in the cities of Austria and the Czech Republic as well as the fantastic landscapes are unforgettable. Many thanks to the entire organization team around Kai Winkler, who made many and right decisions, the supporters and not to forget the professional cyclists Hanka Kupfernagel, Jens Voigt, Lukas Kaufmann and Thomas Barth.
Thank you very much for allowing us to be part of the event and contributing to the EPR's idea of peace.