150 cyclists from across Germany participated in the “Spring-Cycling” charity event, covering a combined total of 53,940 kilometers over a 21-day period, according to organizers. The initiative, spearheaded by the group “Laufend helfen Oberberg,” aimed to symbolically match the Earth’s circumference of approximately 42,000 kilometers—a target the participants comfortably surpassed by the time the event concluded.
Charity Spring-Cycling Event Surpasses Earth’s Circumference
The 21-day cycling challenge drew enthusiasts from various regions, including a sports-minded couple from Switzerland and several riders hailing from the Ruhr area. Organizers reported that the overall athletic standard remained exceptionally high throughout the three-week period, with participants averaging roughly 360 kilometers each.
Among the standout competitors was 83-year-old duathlete Paul Thelen from Würselen. Thelen logged 988 kilometers to capture his age division and secure ninth place in the overall standings.
In the main classifications, Alexander Pahlke claimed the overall title by finishing with 2,388 kilometers, narrowly edging out Ludger Garding. Edyta Zimon of RSC Dorsten led the women’s division with 1,376 kilometers. In the e-bike category, Michael Ganswind from Unna took first place, while Werner Hebel from Waldbröl finished third after recording 502 kilometers on his e-tricycle.
Fundraising Totals and Social Project Support
The athletic effort translated directly into charitable donations, with participants raising funds for every kilometer ridden. The event generated a total of 6,060 euros.
Organizers announced that the proceeds will be split evenly between two causes: “Mukoviszidose Oberberg” and “Hilfe für Nick & Co,” a project of the Ursula-Barth-Stiftung. With this year’s contribution, the “Laufend helfen Oberberg” team has raised nearly 80,000 euros for social initiatives and charitable organizations since 2017.
Final Group Ride and Leadership Transition
To mark the conclusion of the 21-day event, participants gathered for a final group ride centered around the village community center in Heienbach. Cyclists could choose between two mapped routes: the 50-kilometer “Tour de Reichshof” and the 25-kilometer “Tour de Denklingen.”
The event also marked a transition for the organizing body. Reiner Heske, speaking for the “Laufend helfen Oberberg” core team, announced that the organizers intend to step back from running the charity events for the time being due to personal reasons.
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