The project combines cycling with culture and sets an example for peace and social cohesion. The European Peace Ride – from Bad Ischl to Chemnitz in three stages in 2024 – is not a competition, but an encounter and exchange on an international level. On the day before the start of the 200 cyclists who make up the European Peace Ride, a cycling culture event with an entertainment programme and a cyclo-cross race with amateurs and professionals will take place in Bad Ischl Kurpark. In the run-up to the European Peace Ride, joint rides in the Salzkammergut and the “Salzkammergut Peace Ride” will take place from spring onwards.
European Peace Ride / Amateur Cycling Event
The international peace ride, also called Course de la Paix, was the most highly regarded amateur cycling event behind the Iron Curtain. The European Peace Ride is an event for the entire society and not “just” a bicycle race. There are no criteria for exclusion in terms of personal gender identification, religion, origin or personal handicaps. The culture of the EPR is one of togetherness.
The 2025 European Capital of Culture Chemnitz is reviving the bicycle race. With the partner countries of Germany, Poland and Czechia, the shared goal is to initiate a unifying project that is relevant to Europe which is historically anchored and, at the same time, able to provide new impulses. Numerous cultural events, including, amongst others, concerts and rallys, will be integrated within the European Peace Ride each year. The connection between cycling, cultural and societal topics make the European Peace Ride into something that has never existed before and combine to make it a project that attracts attention all throughout Europe and is intended for the entire society.
