Was the 2024 Vienna-Bratislava Bike Ride a Fact or a Fiction?

In the world of thrilling sporting achievements, Usain Bolt's 100-meter dash, Federer's 2008 Wimbledon win, and Tiger Woods' 1997 Masters triumph are just the tip of the iceberg. These champions all share tenacity, dedication, and an unyielding spirit. However, a unique event happened on August 15, 2024, that left many questioning its legitimacy - a 40-mile bike ride from Vienna to Bratislava. To set the record straight, poker.pro takes a deep dive into investigating this seemingly unbelievable sporting legend.

Going back to November 2023, the Festival Bratislava was just around the corner, and numerous poker players plunged into various qualifiers, simultaneously vying for a seat to the awaited live event. One particular tournament on Coolbet and PAF, the "Battle of the Fishes," hosted a €1,935 package, and, amidst the competition, two figures in the poker community engaged in a different kind of battle - Martin "Franke" von Zweigbergk, founder of The Festival, and Mauritz Altikardes, Head of Poker at PokerListings.

This wasn't their first showdown, as they've been trying to one-up each other in various activities, from Chicago to padel tennis. On that fateful day, the public eye caught a glimpse of their rivalry as the Battle of the Fishes was being streamed live on TheValueTown's Twitch channel. Robin Johansson, who hosted the stream, confirmed the authenticity of the agreement:

"The deal was made. Anything else is hearsay and lies... utter lies. Get on your bike! See you in Bratislava!"

With a virtual handshake, the two adversaries agreed that the loser would undertake a daunting bike ride from Vienna to Bratislava. After busting Franke in fifth place, Altikardes granted him the mission to conquer the scenic route.

D-Day arrived, and approximately two hours before Franke embarked on his bicycle adventure, he could be found at a €1/€2 cash game table in Bratislava, dabbling in bomb pots and swigging Pilsner Urquell. While skepticism abounded due to Franke's less-than-fit lifestyle, his inner fire fueled his determination to complete the mammoth task.

E-BIKE EXPERT, a Slovakia-based bike rental shop, played a pivotal role in the unfolding saga, providing Franke with the e-bike that would help him create history. Jan Packa, Casino Manager of Banco Casino, assisted Franke in transporting the bike from Slovakia to Austria via a large-sized taxi.

As the afternoon sun hung low, Franke launched his epic ride. Geolocation data indicated that he started the journey at Námestie hraničiarov 2617/2617/8B, Petržalka, Slovakia. Despite battling fatigue brought on by sleep deprivation and excessive alcohol consumption, Franke managed to document his journey, proving that he completed the challenge.

To fill in the gaps, poker.pro investigated the 40-mile route between Vienna and Bratislava. The Freedom Cycling Bridge, a historically significant bridge that once marked a border separated by the Iron Curtain, is part of the journey. With its beautiful scenic views and stunning landmarks, such as Devin Castle and Schloßhof palace, the path is renowned for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal, making Franke's trek even more extraordinary.

While some may claim that Franke's e-bike invalidates his achievement, the United Nations Court of Justice defines a vehicle as "any motor vehicle propelled exclusively by mechanical power." Since an e-bike's electric motor is only meant to aid the rider when pedaling, it falls within the legal definition of a bike. Hence, the legitimacy of Franke's sporting achievement stands unchallenged.

In conclusion, Franzmarathon 2024 (as it has since been coined) is not just an urban legend or hearsay. Though it may not be on the same level as the sports achievements of legends like Usain Bolt or Tiger Woods, Franke's determination and grit to undertake the Vienna-Bratislava bike ride and complete it successfully are truly inspiring.

The rivalry between Martin "Franke" von Zweigbergk and Mauritz Altikardes, two key figures in the poker community, extended beyond poker to sports-betting events, such as the infamousFranmarathon 2024, where Franke completed a 40-mile bike ride from Vienna to Bratislava.
The poker community has witnessed a unique display of sportsmanship as Franke, after losing a bet with Altikardes in a poker tournament, took on the challenge of a 40-mile bike ride from Vienna to Bratislava, demonstrating that their sport extends beyond the typical definition of poker and into the realm of sports-betting.