2025 Year in review
And just like that, another year has flown by. 2025 passed in a flash. Admittedly, it wasn’t a relaxing scheduled flight, but rather a long-haul flight with turbulence, tailwinds, headwinds, and the occasional unplanned lap of honor. But overall, it was a good, intense, and very moving year for me personally—both on and off the bike.
Back in the saddle – finally
After the many long breaks in 2024, it was clear that things couldn’t go on like this. From February onwards, I was back in the saddle regularly – a few pounds heavier than I would have liked, but all the more motivated. A training camp in the traditional sense? No way. While others were doing their laps in Mallorca, I preferred to stay in “my” area. No hotel buffets, but familiar roads, well-known climbs, and plenty of time to think. In total, I clocked up 17,000 kilometers in the eleven months of training.
On the way to the big goal
The big highlight of the year was without question the Northcape 4000 at the end of July. One thing was clear: after a bumpy previous year, I had some catching up to do. So it was a case of patience, long sessions, and slowly getting my body used to long distances again.
Lectures, stage fright, and full rows
April 4 was a first for me: my first lecture on ultracycling and the Transcontinental Race – at the Night of Libraries in the Düren City Library. Great atmosphere, lots of familiar faces, and an audience that was attentive, curious, and generous. At the end of the evening, €830 in donations (including donations on Betterplace) had been collected for the street children project run by the Malabon e.V. project group.
The second edition followed on June 5 at the municipal high school in Herzogenrath – again with great interest and another €200 for a good cause.
The finishing touches before the start
Seven weeks before the start, it was time to get in shape. I assessed my fitness with a trip from Aachen to Neckarsulm and back – in summer temperatures. By then, I knew for sure: I could handle the long pedaling again. With a few extra 200-kilometer laps under my belt, I finally set off for Verona and on to Rovereto for the start.
4,000 kilometers of rain, emotions, and community
The tour to the North Cape was tough. Extreme rain – first from Italy to just before Berlin, then again from Sweden to the Norwegian border – didn’t make things any easier. But that’s all part of it. What remains are not only 4000 kilometers, but also many encounters. Fellow cyclists from all over Europe, conversations at the roadside, shared suffering and shared laughter. Some contacts have lasted to this day – mostly digital, but maybe we’ll see each other again.
Thanks to your support, €3,815 in donations were collected during the race, plus a four-figure sum from jersey sponsorship. A huge success for the campaign!
You can find more details about the tour in the individual blog articles:
- I packed my suitcase and …
- Northcape 4000, from the start to Berlin.
- Northcape 4000, from Berlin to Husby
- Husby to Boden
- From Boden to the top of the world
An official video from the organizer (with a short interview with me) can be found here (external link to YouTube).
After the finish is before the adventure
After returning, I immediately continued with the Lämischrides – ten hours of gravel, a great atmosphere, perfect weather, and a route that was simply fun. I’ll be back – though not in 2026, as a private engagement will unfortunately prevent me from participating.
Autumn, hills, and a little distance
In October, I had a vacation in Alsace. Of course, this included the obligatory ride over the Grand Ballon and some of the surrounding “hills.” Fantastic scenery, good food, good wine, and perfect autumn weather. After that, I treated myself to a two-week break from cycling – with a little more running to compensate.
Zwift, darkness, and everyday life
With the time change, it got quieter outside. In the fourth quarter, I spent more time than usual on Zwift. The fun factor is manageable for me, but I was just really busy at work. Starting out in the dark in the evening – time and motivation were limited.
Another full house
At the end of November, I gave my lecture for the fourth time—this time at the Konzerthaus Harff in Herzogenrath (https://konzerthausharff.de). Minor adjustments to the lecture, a full house, and great feedback. Motivation enough to do it again at the end of February before continuing with a new series of lectures in 2027. I’ll tell you more about my plans for 2026 soon.
Looking ahead – and a quiet moment
Since the beginning of November, I’ve been busy preparing for 2026. Two events are already set, a preparatory race is scheduled for June, and a special adventure awaits in August. All I can say is that it will involve a 29er mountain bike. Few roads, lots of altitude – that’s all I’m revealing for now.
Despite all the joy, 2025 was also a year of reflection. Two close family members will no longer be sitting at the table with us at Christmas. Two more reasons to enjoy our time together more consciously than ever before.
With a total of €7,800 raised for the street children project, I am left with a great deal of gratitude – for your support, your donations, and your interest in what I do.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Yours, Bert
