#Ride2Unite: a unique project bringing together fans and pro cyclists

The WeLoveCycling platform helps cycling enthusiasts get out of quarantine with #Ride2Unite. What’s more, it gives fans a great opportunity to be in touch with real pros.

9. 6. 2020 Lifestyle

When we hear the words exercise bike, most of us think of a row of stationary bikes in a gym, while professional cyclists picture hours of torture spent on a machine at home as they try to stay fit.

Recent events have made people quit their standard activities and hobbies and stay at home for an unknown period of time. For some the restrictions involved were minor, but for others they were more substantial. Cyclists are among the latter group. That is why WeLoveCycling came up with an activity called #Ride2Unite, designed to keep the general cycling community positive and motivated.

Debates and records

#Ride2Unite mainly involves live debates with leading figures from the cycling world, which are moderated by famous Spanish commentator Laura Meseguer, who most people know from her work on Eurosport. Planned virtual rides on the Zwift or Rouvy platforms are another major activity.

This international campaign will invite people to take part in events right across Europe. On June 13, for example, there was a live stream of a Swedish #Ride2Unite event in which riders in three ten-member teams trying to cover a distance of 315 km on three various course locations in a time under ten hours. You could watch their attempt at welovecycling.com. Other events will follow as conditions allow. The website will keep you informed about upcoming activities, of course.

Wins, falls, online records

The debates, which started in mid-May, have so far featured or will feature the following people.

Wilco Kelderman, a 29-year-old Dutch racer from the Sunweb team, whose ambition is to finish in the top ten in this year’s Tour de France. He talked about his career and also about what it’s like to be at home with his kids during what should be the peak of the racing season and how to stay motivated during this period. You can watch a recording of the interview here.

Laurens Ten Dam, a 39-year-old racer also from the Netherlands. The ninth-place finisher in the 2014 Tour de France and key domestique of Tom Dumoulin during his Giro d’Italia win in 2017 gave us an insight into his Dirty Kanzelled project, featuring rides over 100 or 200 miles. You can watch the interview here.

Andy Schleck, a 34-year-old former rider from Luxembourg, Tour de France winner from 2010. In his interview he talked about his early days and the major Giro d’Italia success he achieved at the tender age of 21. He also revealed what he has in common with his biggest rival Alberto Contador.

Michael Matthews, a young Australian rider representing the Sunweb team tells us what it’s like to beat Peter Sagan, what he has been doing during the Covid-19 pandemic and how he’s looking forward to racing again. You can watch the interview here.

Jenny Rissveds, a 26-year-old Swedish mountain biker, Olympic champion from 2016 and multiple world champion. She discussed her motivation to return to racing after more than a year’s absence, her Team31 project that focuses on children’s rights and what cycling means to her. You can watch the interview here.

Phillip Gilbert, the 39-year-old Belgian legend who races for the Lotto Soudal team, talked to Laura about staying motivated over the years, his horrific fall down a ravine during the 2018 Tour de France, what it’s like to wear the world champion’s jersey and his plans for life after his pro career. You can watch the interview here.