Jonathan // RSV Steppenwolf

Felix Helmer

Quitschibo BB144

Philipp Gebhardt // Gravel Grinders Graz

Friedhelm Feige

Roland Leeb

Gravelhrt

Michel Schnepps

Thomas Wintrich

KayS

Robert

Marcel Friedrich

Christian k

Adrian Ionescu

Mirko // RSV Steppenwolf

Lars

Dani // Cycling-Collective-Berlin e.V.

Stefan

Martin Kecke

Sebastian Albeshausen

Tsundoku

Andre M

Kai-Uwe Größer

Dawid

James May

Teuthoidea

Kristijonas Gedgaudas

Francois Evano

Martin - Gravel.Mod

Tired Legz

Turbojürgen // Team Zossengenossen

Tim Sparenberg (Race Director)

Helen Vaaks (Race Photographer)

Team Fetzinger A

Team Fetzinger B

Juan Diaz & Brett Kamino B

Juan Diaz & Brett Kamino A

Ok - Ciao -Kakao B

Ok - Ciao -Kakao A

Grazer Krampfader Geschwader B

The (Pro) Claimers A

Grazer Krampfader Geschwader A

The (Pro) Claimers B

Dani & Sabi // mussdawurstsein A

Dani & Sabi // mussdawurstsein B

Over the last days, as the riders have reached Berlin one after the other, the updates here have gotten less frequent, but I wanted to do a final update on the race. This wednesday saw the arrival of our first women, very close together. Indeed, it was the two Austrian riders of team Ok - Ciao Kakao, who finished just one hour before the first solo female, Dani! Having ridden a strong race, they also finished 3rd in the pair ratings.

Also, James May put in a consistent effort and was able to finish the Supergrevet this year, at the end overtaking several others! Congrats! As of now, it seems all riders have finished, with the exception of only three scratched. Last to roll over the finish line in Berlin were team mussdawurstsein and Kai-Uwe Größer, but as we all now finishing an ultra event is no less of a feat than being among the fastest!

They arrived in time for the finisher's party taking place today in one of Berlin's finest craft breer breweries - Fürst Wiacek. There will be a pre-ride starting at 5pm local time, and then the party after 7pm, which will also see the giveaway of prizes to finishers of Berlins Grevet series! More details [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/C-p9JR5sRGs/?img_index=1).

All in all it can be said that this year shows that the historic Vienna-Berlin route, now adapted for gravel, can indeed be a very fast one - if conditions are dry. While we all love to see people suffering and braving muddy tracks, I am sure this years participants will be glad for the for the favourable weather they enjoyed! 


Last update and finishers party

The picture above shows the second and third finishers of Vienna-Berlin. Felix Helmel (left) and Quitschibo (right), while not starting as a pair, rode together for long stretches of the race, which makes their ride even more impressive! Lucky for them, the Grevet rules are not as strict when it comes to riding together for a bit.

### Further back
On the morning of the fifth day of the race, almost all racers have crossed the border back into Germany for the final section to Berlin. We are pleased to say that James May, who we covered in a previous report, is looking strong, having overtaken a few people at the back, and seemingly headed straight to the finish line.

![Screenshot 2024-08-28 082016](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/35vcKwWWmwR4JjrGfRiJZB/c914dd12b2711cf8437679704b309fb3/Screenshot_2024-08-28_082016.png)

That also means there is still a lot of activity at Görlitz, CP 7, with the last riders scheduled to arrive there by today. 

### First pair is in!
Last night the first pair, "Team Fetzinger" has crossed the finish line in Berlin! The two have prevailed against strong competition, first riding behind two of the other teams, and partially being pretty head to head with them. See a video of their arrival [here](https://www.instagram.com/stories/kurbelkollektivwien/)

Also, Dani has hit the sandy forests of Brandenburg and is set to arrive in Berlin by today as the first female! If you're there, make sure to give her a welcome!

![Screenshot 2024-08-28 081737](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3c9WPU1VyCChX0ZahUtptz/cd002c1c9c3902020176f6aeb3b194a3/Screenshot_2024-08-28_081737.png)

The last stretch

Today, at roughly 7:40pm local time, Jonathan passed the finish line in Berlin, making him the winner of the 2024 Supergrevet! His ride took him less than 60 hours - an impressive time even for the relatively lucky conditions the riders have enjoyed this year. Jonathan had not slept at CP7, Görlitz, rather pushing on into the night and just taking a few hours of roadside rest in a forest.

![IMG 0469](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1XeZHbHC66SNbNatRWEnaO/446619773eef32a5484c089ffecc7829/IMG_0469.JPG)

While we warned about the sandy steppes of Brandenburg, it seems like this is in fact Jonathan's natural habitat! Despite a small mechanical he was flying over east Germany and into the finish, where he was welcomed by Race Director Tim and a delegation of his cycling club - RSV Steppenwolf - who showered him in Champagne!

![Screenshot 2024-08-26 225019](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3lQBSd39UyWJkcEWB2DCWm/b9f876092a96cec694806648d88ec153/Screenshot_2024-08-26_225019.png)

### A look back in time
How did the first finishers of the 1893 originial "Distanzradfahrt Wien-Berlin" arrive at the finish line, you wonder? 

*For the arriving riders, "... in the restaurant of the Bock Brewery, which was separated from the control room by only the width of the street, every form of heartening refreshment was provided. There, too, were resting beds, wash water, and so forth. Yet only a few drivers made use of all this, scarcely doing more than taking a few sips of coffee and the like in the officials' room. They then boarded their carriages and drove straight to the bathhouse, for the desire to wash off the dust and sweat of their wild ride in warm water outweighed all other needs. Indeed, it is said that some even attempted to sleep directly in the tub, to such an extent that the attendants had all manner of trouble waking them"* (ASZ No. 48 / 9 July 1893, page 733 cited in Ulreich, Walter 1994: Die Distanz- Radfahrt Wien-Berlin 1893).

![Screenshot 2024-08-26 223049](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5orPcCglJIYsknNw1FTLXI/05708a6f6c38827f5e8164b8658180bb/Screenshot_2024-08-26_223049.png)

Whether Jonathan's biggest desire is also a hot bath, after braving the dusty steps of Brandenburg, only he himself knows.

### Görlitz is buzzing
Back at CP7, Sebastian König had a busy day! He welcomed P3 and 4 last night, who then seem to have left earlier than previously secondplaced Philip Genhard from Styria. They are set to arrive at the finish shortly. Today, positions 5 to 17 arrived in Görlitz! It really seems like riders have headed the calls of warning from last year and have paced themselves well, as so far there are not many scratches to speak of. Of course, the dry conditions will have helped.

![IMG 3376 (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/M86q80HSuXWMnPqlRKMml/c0bedfa0616a7e11a4514fb22bbeead3/IMG_3376__2_.jpeg)

Our first woman is still Dani, who arrived at Görlitz in 14th position. She seems to have slowed down her pace a bit, instead taking the time for some full sit-down meals and enjoying the sights along the way! Dani, as well as our first two pairs, which are still head to head, are now resting in Görlitz.
![Screenshot 2024-08-26 223748](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/U7U57UcS2RerYB5BgFcM7/6348cdada0d400c66286b8aeebf508c2/Screenshot_2024-08-26_223748.png)

We have our Winner!

The most challenging section of Vienna-Berlin is most likely from roughly km380 to 520, around the tri-border area of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. The forested hills hold some steep climbs and are not to be underestimated. During day 2, [Philip](https://www.instagram.com/velophil9/) and [Jonathan](https://www.instagram.com/jolunz/) have held their lead over the rest of the pack. They themselves have exchanged positions, Jonathan arriving first at Görlitz. 

![IMG 3347](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/27ZaxBGfxlfYxTUwZrb9Tg/75b728a271864b67aa4978755ab8626c/IMG_3347.jpeg)
*Jonathan arriving at CP7*

The checkpoint is roughly about 2/3rds of the way between Vienna and Berlin and is staffed by Sebastiak König, who welcomes riders in his oasis "[Cyclehausen](https://www.instagram.com/cycle.hausen/)". Here, riders will have the chance to refuel on some homemade food, have a place to sleep and access to expert repair tools. However, while Philip after having pushed through the last night, now takes the chance to catch up on some sleep, Jonathan seems to have left the checkpoint and is on his way once more!

![IMG 3352](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6owvQynfKeIjKzS3BGeEYB/4794df3d5702002b6bbc806ef7cd8a91/IMG_3352.jpeg)
*Philip refueling at the checkpoint.*

### Nothing is decided yet

However, the race is far from over. Time has shown that after catching up on some rest, riders usually push on towards Berlin in a single go. While being famously flat, Brandenburg, also sometimes nicknamed "Sandenburg" also might hold some unwelcoming surprises that might slow down the participants, like - well, sand, of course.

![Screenshot 2024-08-25 230031](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6FahT6kp1YAo0MHYiywKpT/518dc3a3fa391ad3f7043baff4f71817/Screenshot_2024-08-25_230031.png)
*Brandenburg may be flat, but that doesn't make it a walk in the park*

Our first and fourth placed riders, Felix Helmer and Quitschibo, have one advantage: They have rested significantly more than the two leaders. Will this mean they will catch up on the last section? It stays interesting for sure. 

Stay tuned for the thrilling finish for Berlin, as well as more updates from the midpack coming to you tomorrow!

First riders reach Görlitz

As already anticipated yesterday, a lot of riders at the front of the race chose to stay for the night in Jihlava, or Iglau in German. Having set themselves the roughly 200km as a goal, Race Director Tim, who covers the Race while riding with the pack himself (although taking shortcuts), was able to capture some content participants there. Dani (middle) arrived at the first woman, finishing the evening off with a beer in the picturesque town square. Quitschibo (left) and Felix Helmer (right) who both exchanged positions multiple times on day one, leading the race over large stretches, seemingly also decided to not risk anything and stay in the city. Looking at them, showered and in street clothes, one could think this race is nothing more than a spa-holiday for these guys, kudos!

![IMG 0346s](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/20xAOAa7XdY8Y7KMTs3m9c/fd8ec63e8b4f95820cfcad58612ab0c7/IMG_0346s.JPG)

### Current rankings
This strategy did cost them their lead though. While most riders stayed in Iglau, Philip Gebhard of Gravel Grinder Graz (Austrias first official gravel and bikepacking sports club) has soared to first position, seemingly sacrificing sleep for speed. He was first to reach CP4 in Kutna Hora, looking fresh and determined on his picture. Jonathan of rsv Steppenwolf is right now in second position. It seems like my mention down in the first update, that back in 1893 most riders were organized in clubs while today they are not, does not hold up. With bikepacking and ultraracing we see more clubs centered around this niche forming, like Gravel Grinders in Graz, Steppenwolf in Berlin, or Kurbel Kollektiv in Vienna.

![leaders](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2nZ6em9rq4prbIc5OQ3YKD/d469ee18c5b7177ab6be910925c4fb8c/leaders.png)
*Philip (middle) was first to reach CP4. Jonathan (right) is on hot pursuit, while Kay (left) seems to have taken a crash.*

Unlike Philipp however, Jonathan seems to have snoozed for a couple of hours in a Czech forest. Maybe he even found a wooden hut as a shelter, as those abound in the Central European country. Will this give him the edge on day 2? I myself did the first edition of Vienna-Berlin as my very first bikepacking event. Choosing not to sleep on the first night, I regretted that decision on the second day, as fatigue slowed me down to a point where I lost all of my lead. Will history repeat here, or will Philip defeat the sleep demons? Currently our third rider is Kay S, whom I do not know too much about. It seems however, like he also did not sleep yet. Yesterday, he was not among the fastest, adopting a "slow and steady" approach. What we are seeing then are three different strategies playing out - which one will prevail?

![Screenshot 2024-08-25 105103](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/62DKyejlfDL1Lqw7CAPCq0/e1411eae788563d275c8f3e671dc3486/Screenshot_2024-08-25_105103.png)
*At the point of writing, Philip and Jonathan are only a few kilometres apart, while Kay is some 25km behind. Still, with half of the race still ahead, anything is possible. Right now, it looks like they will our staffed Checkpoint Görlitz later in the day.*

### Pairs ranking
![Screenshot 2024-08-25 110308](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2huAiyjM3g12hl3pjb6fDk/fa057ea0673c452e5ef728e769e73c3b/Screenshot_2024-08-25_110308.png)

On the pairs side there has also been a switch in positions, with team Ciao Kakao, pictured below, now having taken the lead after leaving Jihlava. This means right now women are leading our pair race! On that note, I want to highlight that while Vienna-Berlin takes inspiration from the historic 1893 race, back then, it was only men allowed to take part, being called "Herrenfahrer" (gentlemen-racer). Today however, we are seeing women women ultra races left right and center, leading not only to a more diverse field of starters, but also more interesting dotwatching in general!

![ciakao](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4Qc2PYnPNeF58hENCfHO3w/f5dc2531bc8ad059c8d3ee97c4adb147/ciakao.png)

After the night

Riders crossing from Vienna to Berlin reported temperatures soaring above 35°C as they hit the Czech border. The opening stretch of the race moves swiftly through Austrian fields and vineyards, but offers little shade, making the sun the toughest opponent so far.

### Lead group is forming

![DSC02839](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4UqBpR5sreYOPk5GnkZjUK/f5d4eedca57789c7dc13e49c724d285d/DSC02839.jpg)

Thomas Wintrich was first to reach CP2, looking surprisingly fresh. Hot on his heels was Jonathan from RSV Steppenwolf, and the two briefly traded positions. Leading the charge, Juan Diaz and Brett Kamino—pictured in the title image—seemed to be in great spirits, taking in the scenic cliffs near the border. Meanwhile, Dani from Cyclist Collective Berlin enjoyed some grapes, cheerfully exclaiming, "I'm having a good day!"

All smiles now, but how long before fatigue sets in and morale begins to crack?

![DSC02693](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4wyvzNjeBQulQPgrAvVTpU/97dabbb20d1a8e58eaa482977a0c1341/DSC02693.jpg)

### Deep into Czech Republic
![Screenshot 2024-08-24 191520](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6WuHMlFx6vf4ljsk3ccTXH/26f04278b4014a554d47effc9c95cc0c/Screenshot_2024-08-24_191520.png)

As the riders press further into the heart of the Czech Republic, the landscape begins to shift, swallowing them in dense forests and shadowy woodlands. While the trees offer some relief from the sun’s relentless heat, the cover comes at a cost. As night falls, the trails grow narrower, the starlight snuffed out by the thick canopy above, and the riders are left to navigate in near-total darkness.

In the lead pack, Jonathan has mysteriously fallen behind after an extended stop. It’s unclear whether a mechanical issue has slowed him down or if exhaustion forced him to take a longer break. Meanwhile, the top three riders remain locked in their positions, with Dani holding a commanding lead in the women's race. Tension is rising as the hours tick on, and the next move could change everything.

![Screenshot 2024-08-24 191813](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2KTwdyqFDgrYTfPw0ptcDD/4db4b13c3581135727a28d5abf4344a0/Screenshot_2024-08-24_191813.png)

CP3, the spiral-shaped Marenka tower, won’t be the front pack’s final stop today. Word at the start was that many riders plan to overnight in Jihlava, around the 200 km mark. With a few hours of daylight remaining, it seems like a sensible target for day one. But has a sensible rider ever won a race? We’ll soon see if the top three pause in Jihlava or push on into the night.

### At the other end

Or Lanterne Rouge, James May, was photographed by race photographer Helen Vaaks in the town of Znojmo. James already took part last year, but ended up scratching. This year, he has more motivation to finish, because his wive is waiting for him in Berlin. Allez allez, James, you can do it!

![WhatsApp Image 2024-08-24 at 20.25.45 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6J1nUMeUkdy6US0ixGyWub/f3704d6768a091681b84a0867744772a/WhatsApp_Image_2024-08-24_at_20.25.45__1_.jpg)

Outpacing the heat

### The day before
A big group of local gravel riders, mainly from the Wiener Schotteria, arrived to take the Supergrevet starters on a little tour around Vienna. Climbing up through historic Sieveringer Straße, then switching onto a fast and fun gravel section, before looping back to the Kahlenberg - one of the most scenic views of vienna. The descent led through vineyards, appropriately commencing the pre-party.

![DSC3062](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2nA3a8wuQVaOkB5AkqaJkm/b67f79a582f8352d135f9187912735a9/_DSC3062.jpg)
![DSC3174](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4QoSRhVgVIzJjIOxJBenm9/b9c2d6534ffc34ea52971c12ef1489b0/_DSC3174.jpg)

But first, trackers were handed out, forms signed and the riders briefing took place. Most participants then gathered into groups, for chats and drinks, some of them also enjoying the local cuisine with a modern and sustainable spin, courtesy of the Wiener Würstelstand.
![DSC05045](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7Jty2lnokOkctqioC4JmOv/630f4f71a8b3f7a6151998d538b23c9f/DSC05045.jpg)
![DSC05109](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/42LR28FD8z3IKc3dqLjtC0/8f2d0229478a37970a080c45d37cb3a9/DSC05109.jpg)

The evening continued with a DJ set, more drinks, and a Goldsprint competition. Most riders however chose to leave at a reasonable time, to get some rest before tomorrow's adventure.

### And they're off
The next morning awaited us with the promise of a sweltering hot day to come. At the start, some people still received their trackers, while others nervously pumped up their tires a final time. Race director Tim gave another round of briefing to the riders, this time with a fair warning: During the 2023 edition, the Supergrevet experienced heavy rain and lightning storms. If this should repeat, and right now it looks like a possibility, riders safety is paramount, and no reckless risks should be taken.

![DSC05422](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1GvYO3tOFsU02mkKLfVedl/cb4ce54cffd917064fa18566c8e01e3d/DSC05422.jpg)
![DSC5294](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5fpSS4RKk0tTGFlhqHZTnC/695094587d3c451dc8ec4ac5cfcbd6a3/_DSC5294.jpg)

As the clock approached 10am, the peloton assembled for a leisourly ride out of Vienna. A premiere in Supergrevet history is indeed the timely start! Off the riders rolled, first onto the Danube Island via the famous Nordsteg, aka ["yellow bridge"](https://www.instagram.com/stories/direct/3441628224842462353_64590712906).

### Into the heat

As of the point of writing of this update, roughly 2.5 hours after the start, the first groups of riders have reached CP1. Fittingly, it is an old well in the historic town of Hollabrunn, where riders not only will stop to take a picture, but also to stock up on some much needed liquids.
![Screenshot 2024-08-24 123938](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/68TGvr3IFeuAt4LJ4gyxNI/2d3c126524353ae3b838a5725666f6fd/Screenshot_2024-08-24_123938.png)

It seems like Felix Helmer (#90) and Quitschibo BB144 (#81) were first to the checkpoint, shortly followed by the pair "the (Pro) Claimers". Although it is too early to say something about a potential lead forming, experience shows that after this first Checkpoint, the first groups are going to form.

We will keep you updated and will be back here in the evening, as Race Photographer Helen Vaaks awaits the first riders to cross the Czech border!


From the Bosna to the Currywurst - Supergrevet Vienna-Berlin has started!

As tomorrow's 10 a.m. start is coming closer, we see riders approaching Vienna by various means. [Flix Bus](https://www.instagram.com/stories/grevet_cycling/3440305466082791994/) being a popular choice due to the cumbersome train connections from Berlin to Vienna with the added difficulty of bringing a bike on board. Of course, [if the train is working](https://www.instagram.com/stories/grevet_cycling/3440783208985307902/), its also a great option, and in general, Vienna is a great start location for an event like this, due to its position in the heart of Europe. The rider's rigs look locked and loaded, ready to tackle the 800 kilometres from Vienna to Berlin!
![Unbenannt-2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/34Kc5JuXIu9ZNuByptxKF8/1d4cb5805abb4b1a3507bd5ce6ff36a3/Unbenannt-2.png)
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, __the pace is picking up__, as preparations for today's pre-ride and party have started. 

### Pre-Race Events
At 5pm local time, the Vienna-based bike collectives [Kurbel Kollektiv](https://www.instagram.com/kurbelkollektivwien/) and [Wiener Schotteria](https://www.instagram.com/wiener_schotteria/), the former of which also organized Austria's Grevet-Series this year, will be taking the riders on a short but scenic route over the Kahlenberg, to give them a glimpse of __Vienna's gravelscape__.
![20230825-DSC04768](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6x9zeG1lZhH5ieT1N5uFld/0313283b880e1d1f6a15319f59c80e09/20230825-DSC04768.webp)
After this brief ride, where __members of the mudbound locals__ will be joining, the group will head to an iconic "Sausage Stall" ([Würstelstand](https://www.instagram.com/wienerwuerstelstand/)) close to the landmark "Spittelau". Here, the __race briefing__ will take place, and riders will be treated to local-made sausages (vegan options available) and draught beer. 
![20230825-DSC04955-1024x683](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6HlBuED14q0dvjdeNyusLO/cfa6463ac69cb71545745b27f36f4cda/20230825-DSC04955-1024x683.webp)
Also, to warm up the legs even more for the epic gravel roads to Berlin, there will be a fun and friendly Goldsprint competition, the setup being provided by yet another local bike collective - [Urban Tribes](https://www.instagram.com/urbantribes.at/). The Goldsprint comes from bike messenger culture and sees people sprinting a virtual 500m distance against one another on track bikes placed on rollers. The question remains - will the riders be willing to give it their all despite embarking on an ultra-event the next day? Maybe [the prizes available](https://www.instagram.com/stories/kurbelkollektivwien/3440451055785169665/) for the fastest will give them an extra "push".
![1000132985goldsprint](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4gSi5AzX5ky1mr2peBla9U/d12897f8273755ba375d69cc07ef1d64/1000132985.jpg)
The trackers provided by [Follow My Challenge](https://followmychallenge.com/) have arrived and picked up in true Grevet fashion by way of [Cargo Bike](https://www.instagram.com/stories/grevet_cycling/3440511260800182048/). Did you know that unlike other races, the __Supergrevet will be supported entirely car free__? All the logistics are undertaken by a mix of public transport and bikes - just as it was in the original 1893 edition.

### A historic event
Just like the __1893 "Distanzradfahrt Wien-Berlin"__, our riders will be starting from Floridsdorf, across the Danube. Unlike today, however, most riders came to the startline being organized in official bicycle clubs, which were booming in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, to revive this __community spirit__, Grevet also brings together the local cycling collectives to support the race and send the participants off on their voyage! 

The following passage, translated from German, comes to us from a report from 1936 published by Franz Röschel in the magazine "Der Radfahrer" (the cyclist). The report, covering the experience of __underdog-racer Franz Gerger__, shows some of the same nervousness, that today's participants might also be experiencing:

"*Among the starting Austrians, an unknown, humble racer stood out, dressed in a shabby, thin, black jersey with a short rubber raincoat that was supposed to offer protection from both rain and cold, but did not fulfill this task at all. This unknown rider used a Styria touring bike with an elliptical chainring at a 63-tooth gear ratio. In short, neither the man nor his bike was known to the great world of sports. — 'Who is this fellow?' 'He signed in as Franz Gerger.' — 'Gerger?' No one knew him. 'Where is this newcomer from?' — 'Styria.' 'Which club?' — 'G. R. V. Wanderlust.' 'Poor fellow, he probably has little support to expect!' — “He would have done better to stay home.*'” 
![Seiten-aus-Bericht-2-1893](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5wec4bwJhwr8GZoXVei9gJ/7e4b468a0437b4eaac2899b414f0012d/Seiten-aus-Bericht-2-1893.webp)
Gerger, derided at the start, went on to become the third finisher arriving in Berlin. His underdog story calls back to the greater theme of bicycle racing in the day: In the 19th century, __the horse was still the main mode of transport__, cycling only slowly becoming accepted as such, as it previously was only a fun passtime for the upper class. However, these early bicycle races proved that __humans were indeed able surpass the horse on long distances__, paving the way for the success of bicycles.
![Unbenannt-1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/64uFPJPd7ULdZSLkCwPyJp/c2b8c9cd7adf34748100e09d42598ece/Unbenannt-1.png)
*The equipment has changed a bit since 1893 - but riding from Vienna to Berlin still presents a great challenge today.*

While we are excited for today's pre-events, back then, these bike races presented a __public sensation__! While we do not expect as many spectators as back then, we will provide frequent updates on the race here on the dotwatcher platform, to let you all take part in the revival of this historic event!

*"A procession consisting of eight hundred cyclists, both men and women — such a thing had never before been seen in Vienna, and according to consistent reports, we could also count an audience of __100,000 spectators__."
Deutscher Radfahrer-Bund: Amtliches Organ des deutschen Radfahrer-Bundes. Illustriertes Fachblatt für die Gesammtinteressen des Radfahrens. Magdeburg. Jahrgang 1893, Seite 516."*

Read more about the historic event [here](https://grevet.de/blog/2022/08/16/distanzfahrt-wien-berlin/) (in German).

### Looking ahead
Today, automotive traffic has transformed not only the speed of transport, but also our landscapes, with the lovely gravel and cobbled roads of the 1900s largely replaced by Autobahn's. With the impact of __climate change__ becoming more apparent every year, our Supergrevet aims to show that covering a large distance does not require  burning fossil fuels. While some riders may curse at some point during the race, wishing for a flatter and more direct route to Germany's capital, being on a bike, they will have __plenty of time to soak in the lovely views and landscapes__ on the way.
![supergrevet-2023-recap-30](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6I8XjeUsewXIZxy63ZbVnr/12eacb2fa264f6c791649f8d7a79d56d/supergrevet-2023-recap-30.jpg)
If the __weather__ allows, that is. So far, the first two editions of Vienna-Berlin have been __shaken by rainstorms__, that transformed the lovely gravel and forest roads into a true mudfest: 
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwzGjrSIal9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

Let's see if the participants are as prepared (or not) as our historic underdog Franz Gerger! What can be said though, is that this year's forecast looks promising. While the riders will have to likely face temperatures above 30°C, this might keep the tracks dry and fast-rolling. Will we see a __new fastest time__ this year? Follow our updates here to see for yourself!
![Screenshot 2024-08-23 101701](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3VGzzeISBMvWEmOWNTb96j/9eaf8b0482826143dd4e2c5ddf0cc925/Screenshot_2024-08-23_101701.png)
*Weather looks sunny for the first day or two. ©komoot*

The calm before the storm?

Lorenz Eimansberger

Grevet Vienna-Berlin 2024 Gravel bikepacking event Austria Germany

Grevet Vienna-Berlin 2024

The Supergrevet Vienna-Berlin follows the pioneering passion of those who rode the original event in 1893. While the route deviates slightly due to changes in the roads over the past 130 years, the spirit and flair remains.

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Grevet Vienna-Berlin 2024

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