The group of five cyclists climbed more than 9,500 metres of ascent across 17 stages. The tour started in the north of Germany, moving south and through the Czech Republic and into Austria. Along the way, they visited more than 80 historically significant memorials, reflecting on the tragedies of the past while engaging with local communities.
"To ensure that this story is not forgotten, we considered how we can actively shape a culture of remembrance, transfer it to the present day and connect people, memorial sites and institutions with one another," said group leader Jörg Türmer, on arrival at the UN headquarters in Vienna.
Through their journey, the cyclists aimed to promote peace, understanding and education as well as clean mobility and to show that small actions can contribute to greater global change.
In Austria, the team rode through Linz, Ybbs and Tulln and were joined at times by supporters both on the road and online. Just as they had done in Germany and the Czech Republic, the group visited places of historical significance such as Mauthausen, Gusen, and Melk concentration camp memorial sites.
On their final day, the group was warmly received at the Vienna International Centre by representatives of the United Nations, the City of Vienna, and the German Permanent Representative to the UN. Then they went on a guided tour of the UN Headquarters to find out more about the work of the Vienna-based organizations to prevent conflict, crime and disasters. The arrival at the UN symbolized not only the end of a physical journey, but the continuation of a shared commitment to peace, understanding and sustainability.
