VIA race

🔥 VIA CHAPTER II: MEET THE RIDERS 🔥 We have names! Who will take the win? Who will surprise us with an epic story? 🌍 VIA Chapter II. Creating stories of epic journeys. 🌍 📢 Meet the riders: Gregor T 🇬🇧 Hasan B 🇮🇶 Isidre E 🇦🇩 Max S 🇩🇪 Alexandre D 🇫🇷 Damien M 🇫🇷 Joel F 🇬🇧 Florian S 🇫🇷 Steven B 🇬🇧 Ross T 🇬🇧 Michael F 🇩🇪 Sebastian R 🇨🇴 Alejandro A 🇪🇸 Francesco F 🇮🇹 Jens V 🇩🇪 David H 🇩🇪 Frédéric M 🇧🇪 Em W 🇿🇦 Iva Č 🇨🇭 Dr Philipp L 🇩🇪 Leona K 🇩🇪 Andy G 🇧🇪 Kristof D 🇧🇪 Sami K 🇫🇮 Christof J 🇨🇭 Brian K 🇺🇸 Tiziano D 🇮🇹 Sandro P 🇧🇪 Julien K 🇨🇭 Marcel A 🇮🇹 Rupert R 🇬🇧 Will P 🇬🇧 Abi S 🇬🇧 Bjoern S 🇬🇧 Michel V 🇧🇪 Marco H 🇳🇱 Steven H 🇸🇬 Nolan D 🇧🇪 Lauren O 🇦🇺 Connie E 🇺🇸 Brent O 🇺🇸 Paul B 🇬🇧 Jack W 🇬🇧 Jens B 🇩🇪 Markus L 🇩🇪 Christian P 🇸🇪 Ines L 🇺🇸 James B 🇬🇧 Billy P 🇺🇸 Giampiero M 🇮🇹 Mel N 🇬🇧 Magnus E 🇸🇪 Geert B 🇳🇱 Bram S 🇳🇱 Wout J 🇳🇱 Luca T 🇮🇹 Ole H 🇩🇪 Rasmus L 🇸🇪 Mark V 🇳🇱 Lieven G 🇧🇪 Vilas S 🇬🇧 Tobias F 🇩🇪 Lili D 🇫🇷 Dulce P 🇫🇮 Massimo M 🇮🇹 Clemence V 🇧🇪 Peter K 🇩🇪 Andy S 🇬🇧 Telbert J 🇬🇧 Inigo H 🇬🇧 Francis B 🇬🇧 Clare J 🇬🇧 Jens H 🇩🇪 Ronin R 🇺🇸 Mathias M 🇩🇪 Carolina A 🇨🇴 Antony L 🇦🇺 Juri Z 🇮🇹 Maurice S 🇨🇦 Moritz S 🇩🇪 Philippe P 🇳🇱 Wayne H 🇬🇧 Fran B 🇬🇧 Will V 🇬🇧 Krystian J 🇵🇱 Adam B 🇩🇪 Lucas B 🇩🇪 Jair H 🇳🇱 Benjamin J 🇬🇧 Calvin O 🇿🇦 Johann B 🇩🇪 Michele P 🇮🇹 Cezary U 🇵🇱 Alex A 🇬🇧 Juhani S 🇫🇮 Riccardo O 🇮🇹 Sergio C 🇨🇴 Philipp H 🇩🇪 Johannes Z 🇦🇹 Filippo L 🇮🇹 Daniele M 🇮🇹 Joanna R 🇵🇱 Marc B 🇨🇭 Renato C 🇮🇹 Bruno W 🇨🇭 Eivind Nordal G 🇳🇴 Fabian B 🇨🇭 Harry J 🇬🇧 Matthew D 🇬🇧 Daniel A 🇬🇧 Bjørn G 🇳🇴 Laurens W 🇳🇱 Alex G 🇩🇪 Jason V 🇺🇸 David S 🇬🇧 Rafael O 🇨🇴 Alberto V 🇮🇹 Cesare P 🇮🇹 Anthony Z 🇫🇷 Jo B 🇬🇧 Gert Jan S 🇳🇱 Anisa A 🇨🇦 Sam M 🇦🇺 Enrico H 🇩🇪 Rudy R 🇧🇪 Fiona S 🇬🇧 Urs A 🇨🇭 Konstantinos A 🇬🇷 Artur H 🇩🇪 Andy C 🇬🇧 Sarah R 🇨🇦 Matt S 🇬🇧 Jakub T 🇵🇱 Michal D 🇸🇰 Zlatimira P 🇧🇬 John W 🇬🇧 Simone P 🇮🇹 Veronica S 🇮🇹 Han L 🇬🇧 Jenny G 🇬🇧 #VIAChapterII #MeetTheRiders #UltraCycling

After last year’s journey, where we rode as Elephants along Hannibal’s legendary path, this year we rise as Eagles, following the trail of Germanicus. The second chapter of VIA, 2025, is an ultracycling odyssey from Giovinazzo to Amerongen—4,000km with 40,000 meters of elevation, and this time, your dear “biga” (chariot, bike) will carry you through a route steeped in history. Just as Germanicus led his army across the Rhine to reclaim the lost Roman Eagles, you’ll ride to reclaim your own freedom, power, and peace, enjoying VIA’s community. This year, the journey isn’t just about the miles. It’s about choosing your own path, navigating freely, whether you take the fast route, the scenic detours, or the toughest climbs. The course takes you through Gates and Refuges, like Germanicus Caesar’s battles across Germania, where each turn, each decision, becomes part of your story. In 9 CE, the Roman legions suffered a devastating defeat in the Teutoburg Forest, losing their sacred eagle standards to Arminius. But five years later, Germanicus led his forces to recover the Eagles, an act of determination that will echo through your own ride. Along the way, you’ll pass the statue of Arminius in Detmold, symbolising the struggle for the lost Eagles and the fierce will to free them from captivity. Last year, we rode as Elephants—strong, steadfast, following the path of Hannibal. This year, we rise as Eagles—freedom in flight, soaring toward the finish, just like Germanicus, riding our “biga” with strength and purpose. The journey awaits. Ride your own course, reclaim your Eagle. #VIA2025 #RideLikeGermanicus #EagleChase #ReclaimTheEagles

VIA Chapter II is in full swing, and we’re grateful for the recognition of our efforts toward sustainable travel! Your positive feedback on our recent post means the world to us. This year, VIA riders will be traveling from 22 different countries, with most making their way to Italy from across Europe. To support sustainable travel options for cyclists, we’ve researched the best ways to reach Giovinazzo using trains, buses, and ferries—with bikes. We’ve just updated last year’s Sustainable Travel Guide and released a new interactive travel map in our latest newsletter! This map highlights key train hubs across Europe and the best routes to get into Italy and down to Giovinazzo. The links between cities also include details on the fastest possible travel times. Plus, for those arriving in Bari, we’ve added two fresh arrival routes—whether you’re riding in from Bari Centrale railway station or from Karol Wojtyła Airport. 2025 has been off to a busy start! Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far: - Released the first version of the Compendium, your go-to race manual. - Hosted a Rookies’ webinar on 10.1—great turnout and positive vibes! - Met with paracyclists and riders with unique needs to ensure their safety and success. - Paired 30 riders with experienced buddies (more volunteers than requests—amazing!). - Recommended ultracycling coaches for those seeking expert guidance. - Updated our Sustainable Travel Guide from 2024 and released a travel map to help you get to Giovinazzo. We can’t wait to see everyone in Giovinazzo for the big party and the official start on 26.7.25. Let’s make this unforgettable!

Meet Wayne Harrod, a paracyclist who embodies the true spirit of adventure. From crossing the Pyrenees to riding unsupported across Europe, Wayne’s journey in Chapter I of the VIA race was more than just a race—it was a story of independence, strength, and pushing limits. 🚴 "You're stronger than you think. You can go further than you think. Take yourself to places you've never been before." Why limit yourself? Wayne’s reflections remind us all: adventure is not about what limits us but about what drives us to go beyond. And now, he’s gearing up for Chapter II: VIA Germanicus—an odyssey tracing the path of one of the last Caesars. 🌄 Are you ready to write your own story of resilience and exploration? Applications for VIA Germanicus closed on December 15th. VIA is open to paracyclists, and we welcome and encourage your participation. If you're a paracyclist, get in touch with us. #VIArace #Paracycling #NoLimits #AdventureAwaits #VIAChapterII #bc_IAMlimitless #invictusfoundation #Paracyling #pilgrimbandits #blesma

🚨 Applications for VIA Chapter II are open and will close soon! 🚨 🦅 Soar like an eagle, crossing the continent from sea to sea, over every mountain range in between. 🌍 Join last year’s Elephants and follow in the great footsteps of Germanicus Caesar in his epic quest to recover the three Roman Eagles from the forests and mountains of Germania. 📍 The journey begins in Giovinazzo and takes you through: Castel del Monte, Montevergine, Campo Imperatore, Sella Leonessa, Amelia, Passo del Giogo, Ponte del Druso, Kühtai dam, Pavlić pass, Rossfeld Panorama Strasse, Schwarzwald, Grand Ballon, Detmold, Lauwersmeer, and ends in Amerongen. 💬 “I want to join, but…” We know times can be tough, and we believe all good people are welcome in our community—no matter your background, challenges, or doubts. If you want to be part of Chapter II but face barriers like: Struggling financially or mentally Being neurodivergent A paracyclist From an underrepresented group Or just feeling unsure of yourself 💌 Please reach out to us at info@via-race.com—we’d love to hear from you! ⚡ Apply now at via-race.com ⚡ Your VIA, your journey begins here. #VIAChapterII #Ultracycling #FreerouteAdventures #JoinTheVIA

VIA race | Creating stories of epic journeys We're thrilled to unveil the new version of the VIA website, designed with YOU in mind! We've added fresh sections to bring the heart of our community even closer. 💻✨ 📝 VIA Diary: A place to dive into stories from our riders, the team, and our vibrant community – old and new. Explore our blog and get inspired by the people who make VIA the unique adventure it is. 📸 Gallery: Enjoy exclusive, never-before-seen photos from our media team, showcasing the soul of VIA, from breathtaking landscapes to behind-the-scenes moments. 🔄 FAQ Section: A refreshed, updated resource for everything you need to know, including details about the next chapter. But that’s not all – we need YOUR help! 🗺️ We're working on a new map, and we want you to guess the locations of the next VIA gates! Share your predictions and help us design the route. 🧩 🔔 Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop and receive the latest news, updates, and announcements about VIA. Diversity, adventure, and community are at the core of VIA – and we want YOU to be a part of our growing journey. Check out the new website now! 🌟

🌍🚴♀️ Our VIA, Our Faces, Our Stories 🚴♂️🌍 At VIA, every face has a story, and every story shapes our journey. Like Leibnitz’s monads forming reality, it’s not about us—it’s about you, them, all of our stories together. 💫 Ultracycling is more than a sport. It’s a ride to greatness: greatness in life, in everyday moments, in the history we pedal through, and in the vibrant, inclusive community we’re building. Everyone’s story matters, and we are here to tell it. Thank you for being part of this collective ride. Together, we’re creating a new way to conceive ultracycling: inclusive, diverse, and full of possibility. This is our commitment. This is our VIA: Creating stories of epic journeys. Applications for Chapter II open 30.11.2024. 📅 Subscribe to the newsletter to stay connected, hear the stories, and join the ride of a lifetime. 🌟 VIA - Creating stories of epic journeys #OurVIA

The Hundredth Mile — A Podcast Adventure Inside the Race Adventure Dive into the untold stories of the 4,000 km ultra-race across Europe with The Hundredth Mile podcast! Hosted by Jon Shubert, featuring VIA’s masterminds Ian To and Ingeborg Oie, and bringing you right alongside riders as they tackle relentless miles, extreme weather, and inspiring moments. From epic climbs to unexpected camaraderie, producing this series was a journey on its own. Tune in every other day at 7 PM (London time), starting November 1, 2024, for a new episode of the Chapter I podcast. On our Youtube channel. Get ready to feel the grit, the drive, and the passion that make VIA one of the hardest races on the planet. Follow the dots, hear the heartbeats, and don’t miss a single twist on this road to greatness! Find our playlist here: https://lnkd.in/dMH32dTc #TheHundredthMile #VIApodcast #ultraracing #VIArace #adventure

🌍 ANNOUNCEMENT: Doors open on 30.11.2024 for VIA Chapter II Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. VIA Chapter II applications are opening soon—save the date (30.11.2024) because spots to join our amazing community are limited! From breathtaking landscapes to winding roads, from mountain passes to refreshing fountains, this is your chance to be part of something truly special in the VIA community. 🚴♀️🚴♂️ Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist—men and women welcome!—a newcomer ready to challenge yourself, part of a pair, or a paracycling athlete, we want you to join us! Ride a road bike, a tandem, a cargo bike, or a folding bike? You’re welcome here! 📩 Subscribed to our newsletter? Keep an eye on your inbox for exclusive details and early access. Who’s ready to take on the challenge? Who’s in for the next chapter of this iconic journey? 💪 #ourVIA #VIA2025 #VIAChapterII #RoadToGreatness #RookiesWelcome #WomenInCycling #Paracyclists #CyclingCommunity 📸 Ryan Le Garrec & Edoardo Frezet Proudly partnered with: Cyclite.cc | Le Bezy Pyrénées | Café du Cycliste | Discover Giovinazzo | Velodromo Francone

“So the concept was really about making a journey meaningful to people. It’s really about sending people to beautiful places and understanding a story behind a journey. And we racked our brains for a long time about all the historical journeys which might be about, we don't know, three to five thousand kilometers long. And then we struck upon the idea of what's most iconic and most unusual in history — elephants crossing mountains in Europe. Hasn't been done since, apart from by the Carthaginians. And it wasn't done before. So it's a unique place in history. There have been migrations of peoples, invasions, wars, but elephants crossing mountains is something which nobody forgets.” – Ian To & Ingeborg Oie, creators of VIA in The Mettleset Podcast by Dawn Barnable And that was only chapter I of our VIA… Chapter II is coming soon. We’ll be revealing application and registration dates, what the new chapter is all about, and all sorts of exciting details and teasers. Stay tuned for the next epic journey—VIA Chapter II. 🌍🚴♂️✨ #ourVIA #RideTheRoadToGreatness #VIAChapterII #StayTuned #ultracycling Author: Francesco