The European Peace Ride (EPR) is more than just a bike ride - it is a symbol of peace, cooperation and the European idea. Behind this special event is a dedicated team of organizers, helpers and supporters who, with passion and team spirit, ensure that the event becomes a unique experience.

The European Peace Ride is an event for society as a whole

    How it all began

    • The International Peace Tour (Course de la Paix)

      The International Peace Tour, also known as the Course de la Paix, was the most watched amateur cycling event behind the Iron Curtain. At its peak, it was even compared to the famous Tour de France. First held in 1952, it ran annually across Eastern Europe and used Chemnitz, or at that time Karl-Marx-Stadt, as a stage location several times. With sport that unites peoples, it should send a peaceful message against the tensions of the Cold War. It was held in this form for the last time in 2006.

    • 2020: The cornerstone of a project for society as a whole

      We laid the first foundation for a “Peace Trip Reloaded” during the application phase for the European Capital of Culture. In September 2020, we staged the submission of the application book as a major cultural event. 39 people from Chemnitz drove the so-called “bid book” across Germany in 48 hours and handed it over to the jury in Berlin. A month later, Chemnitz was awarded the title: “European Capital of Culture 2025”.

    Who we are

    • Sports enthusiasts

      From former cycling professionals to passionate hobby riders who contribute their experience and enthusiasm.

    • Event and organization professionals

      They take care of route planning, logistics, participant coordination and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

    • Volunteers & Supporters

      Whether as helpers at the aid stations, technical support or motivating support - they make the ride possible.

    • Partners & Networkers

      Companies, institutions and initiatives that use the European Peace Ride as a platform for cross-border exchange and cooperation.

    EPR stands for togetherness.

    • The European Peace Ride (EPR) stands for openness and togetherness - regardless of gender, religion, origin or handicap. Thanks to a variety of activities, the population was able to actively participate in the first events.

      Together with Poland and the Czech Republic, a historically anchored, Europe-wide project with new impulses is being created.

      Cultural events such as concerts and rallies accompany the event annually.

      The EPR combines cycling with culture and society and thus sets a unique example with European appeal.

    Our culture

    The EPR lives a values-based corporate culture

    “Peace” at the European Peace Ride

    We are not naive. We know that “peace”, “humanism”, “democracy” and “freedom” are not self-fulfilling prophecies and that securing these values ​​requires a daily effort. Anyone who joins the European Peace Ride accepts that peace must be defensive and that populist pseudo-pacifism has no place here.

    The European Peace Ride is peaceful, European and cultural

    We are fascinated by the idea that people of very different origins, religions, gender identities or world views can bring top (cycling) sporting performance onto the road together for at least three days in a kind of community of values ​​without competing against each other. The culture in the peloton, over beer in the evening or in preparation with European partners and authorities is an expression of this peaceful coexistence. Anyone who joins the EPR drives these values ​​on European roads out of an intrinsic motivation.

    Tolerance and zero tolerance 

    We know and are happy that the world population is so diverse.

    The history of human development has only ever taken place through exchange between different cultures, ethnic groups, peoples and so on. The basis of these encounters was tolerance towards difference and curiosity about it. We are therefore tolerant in our encounters and curious in our dealings with one another, as long as freedom and the limits of human dignity are not exceeded. Anyone who joins the EPR is not a racist. Anyone we catch will continue on their own.

    Equality, gender neutrality, integration and inclusion 

    We know that peace only works in diversity. The fact that people come into this world as women or men or with a different gender identification is a fact and a matter of birth. It is not a decision made by third parties and certainly not to be questioned. The European Peace Ride focuses on humanity and the sporting ability to cycle across different route profiles and lengths at an average speed of 28 kilometers per hour. The material or physical equipment in which this is completed is fundamentally irrelevant. A racing bike would be an advantage. Anyone who joins the EPR accepts this attitude.

    Authenticity 

    We are authentic because we take our concerns and the task, the messages and the mission very seriously. We have found that authenticity is often lost in this world currently ruled by populists, election campaigners, self-promoters and ideologues. The people we meet and want to meet appreciate it when they encounter openness and clarity, humor and honesty. That's why we want to inspire them with ideas and creativity, with speed and sustainable images. This is reflected in our language, the images and the way we interact with each other. Anyone who joins the EPR is always taking new paths.

    Our mission statement

    The EPR pursues the following value system externally

    European values

    The European Peace Ride does not serve an end in itself. It is a joint cycling event that, in connection with the awarding of the title of European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 in 2020, has ambitiously transported European values ​​such as peace, cohesion, community spirit, solidarity and, last but not least, diversity across European national borders.

    Cycling and cultural event

    In terms of its values, the European Peace Ride is not a cycling race. Rather, it is a cycling and cultural event in which people ride together instead of against each other. Basic physiological requirements must not be an obstacle to being able to take part together in this sporting and ambitious journey for peace and equality among the peoples and people in Europe.

     Equality, inclusiveness and inclusion 

    The activities at the European Peace Ride focus in particular on raising society's awareness of equality and inclusion. The topics of equality, intercultural balance between different generations and cultures as well as the explicit promotion of gender equality and inclusion are integral to the values ​​of the European Peace Ride. The European Peace Ride brings the founding ideas of the European community of values ​​onto the streets and to the people in the European regions. The EPR also promotes direct contacts, exchange, collaboration and intercultural learning between people in the regions and initially in the D-CZ-PL border area.

    The EPR complies with the values ​​of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU)

    Equal treatment and non-discrimination (Article 21) 

    The European Peace Ride expressly emphasizes that there are no exclusion criteria with regard to personal gender identification, religion, origin or personal handicaps. This is in line with the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Everyone, regardless of gender, religion or origin, has the right to take part in the EPR. This promotes social inclusion and equality.

    Right to life and physical integrity (Article 2) 

    The European Peace Ride is an event focused on sport and physical activity. In doing so, it promotes the right to life and physical integrity, as set out in Article 2 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Sports activities contribute to health and well-being and support the physical integrity of the participants.

    Freedom of assembly and association (Articles 12 and 11) 

    The European Peace Ride promotes togetherness and community participation in a social event. This corresponds to the right to freedom of assembly (Article 12) and the right to freedom of association (Article 11). People have the right to gather to pursue common interests and the EPR provides a European platform for this.

    Cultural and social participation 

    The European Peace Ride is not a race, but goes far beyond that as a cultural event. It not only integrates numerous cultural events and activities, but also the different cultures of the participants. This promotes cultural participation and the right to cultural development, as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Furthermore, the EPR contributes to promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different communities.

    European cooperation and international understanding 

    Through partnerships with countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic, the European Peace Ride aims to create a European-relevant, unifying project. This corresponds to the spirit of European cooperation and international understanding, as promoted in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    Become part of the team!

    Whether as a participant, helper or supporter – we are happy about every person who shares our vision. Together we make the European Peace Ride something very special!

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