The start of the European Peace Ride in Bad Ischl (Austria) fell victim to the continuous rain in the region this morning. Spokesman Arndt Hecker said that the 150 cyclists would have been completely soaked and frozen through within a short time at temperatures of just four degrees. In addition, in view of the risk of severe weather and flooding in the region, the police and rescue services did not want to be involved in the project.
The athletes are now traveling in buses to Lipno in the Czech Republic. Whether the second stage to Pilsen can start there on Saturday as planned should be decided in the evening.
The European Peace Ride (EPR) is a project of Chemnitz as European Capital of Culture 2025 and is intended to celebrate sports culture and set an example for peace. At the same time, it is reminiscent of the former Peace Ride - a popular cycling race that was held in the eastern countries of Europe for decades from 1948 and was intended to contribute to European understanding.
This year, at the fourth edition of the tour, the cyclists will symbolically bring a baton from Bad Ischl - one of the current European Capitals of Culture - to Chemnitz. Despite the unsuccessful start, they have it in their luggage, assured Hecker. In Chemnitz, the finish is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the ice sports center.
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