Europe-wide Cycling Expedition Commencing in the Northern Regions - Wineberg Edition - Cyclist embarks on European tour, beginning in the northern regions
Markus Weinberg, a former professional cyclist, has embarked on an extraordinary 7,800km bicycle tour through 14 European countries, known as the European Connection Trail13. This journey begins in the north at the Norwegian-Russian border and ends in the southernmost point of Portugal4.
The tour is conducted in a bikepacking self-sufficiency mode, meaning Weinberg carries his own gear and provisions throughout the journey4. The route, which covers diverse landscapes and cultures across Europe, is designed to offer an immersive experience, allowing Weinberg to share the feeling of Europe through close contact with the environment, people, and stories encountered along the way3.
Weinberg's primary goal for the tour is to promote European unity. Two "stage goals" for him include a visit to the European Parliament and a stop in Strasbourg3. Another planned stop is the European Mountain Bike Congress in mid-September in Spain's Boltana.
The idea for the tour came to Weinberg three years ago during a trip through remote nature in Canada and the USA with a gravel bike and a tent5. The European Connection Trail, however, differs from the European Divide Trail established by British cyclist Andy Cox in 2019, as Weinberg chose "Connection" over "Divide" for his tour6.
The response to the European Connection Trail has been significant. After the first four stages, Weinberg plans to average around 165 kilometers per day and cover approximately 80,000 meters of elevation7. Weinberg met German tourists at the start of the tour in the border town of Grense Jakobselv, Norway8.
Sports enthusiasts can join Weinberg on his journey. He welcomes participants for a day tour of 10, 50, or even 100 kilometers9. After the first stage, Weinberg rode from the town of Kirkenes, following the coastline and dipping into the cold Barents Sea10.
- Markus Weinberg, during his vocational training as a professional cyclist, has embarked on a 7,800km bicycle tour through 14 EC countries, advocating for European unity and offering an immersive experience through diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Alongside his cycling adventure, sports enthusiasts are invited to join Markus Weinberg for day tours of various distances on the European Connection Trail, connecting with the environment, people, and stories encountered along the way.
