In early October, neurosurgeons from across the globe will gather in Vienna for the EANS2025 Congress, under the inspiring theme: Embracing Collaboration in Neurosurgery.

Community and collaboration have always been at the heart of the EANS mission. Although Europe is known as the veteran continent, its people reinvent themselves by standing together and focusing on shared values.

This year, we aim to challenge ourselves even further and inspire others.

Starting from Berlin, a team of brave neurosurgeons will cycle through Europe: Dresden, Prague, Brno and ultimately reach Vienna for the EANS2025 Congress. Covering a total distance of 700 kilometres, we aim to send a strong message: That much can be achieved through collaboration and community empowerment. Long distances can be covered, difficulties can be overcome, and amazing things can happen.

Join this ambitious project, led by Dr. Rik Demaerel and supported by EANS, and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, towards the neurosurgical heart of Europe – The EANS Congress!

We will cycle along a route linking various neurosurgical centres, to finish just before the Congress in Vienna.

However, it’s not only the physical aspect that’s important; we also want to engage with as many people as possible and connect with colleagues and friends along the way.

This will be done in two ways.

First, the stage will start every morning from the local neurosurgical centre of the city we are passing through. After a short keynote talk and a hot coffee, we will continue towards Vienna.

Second, a group of professional photographers will follow us along the route to document our adventures. They will make sure to capture the ride and emotions during and after the stage.

Details:

• How to apply: Follow the link and register your interest.
• Application deadline: August 31
• Team selection: First week of September.
• First online meeting: Second week of September.
• Trip timeline:

Departure: Berlin, September 30

Stages: (October 1-2-3-4)

Arrival: Vienna, October 4

• Route:

Berlin (Germany)

Dresden (Germany)

Prague (Czech Republic)

Brno (Czech Republic)

Vienna (Austria)

The Team:

• Rik Demaerel, who currently works as a neurosurgeon in Kortrijk, Belgium, and is the organiser of the trip.
• RPM Souplesse is a cycling and video collective from Ghent, Belgium. They consist of professional photographers with experience in organising and recording these kinds of adventures.

Requirements for applicants:

• Good physical condition: The average speed will be 26-27 km/h, but you must be able to cycle 100-150 km per day. We are not looking for the fittest person, and no one will be left behind, but a basic level of fitness is important for safety. The team of photographers will follow us in a bus which will also carry our luggage and, in case of emergency, transport us to the next stage. The primary goal, of course, is to cycle the entire route.
• We hope to build a balanced group of people with different backgrounds and genders. So, even if you have doubts, apply, and we look forward to evaluating your application.
• Bring your own bike to your point of departure. Road bikes are recommended, but gravel bikes are also okay if you prefer them.
• In the following months, we will communicate what will be provided and what is your responsibility, but for now, assume that you need to bring all materials.
• Participate in the EANS Congress in Vienna. You don’t need to be a doctor, but since we are heading to the European Congress of Neurosurgery, you must be involved in the field of neurosurgery and have purchased a ticket to the Congress.
• Be able to join us at one of the four starting locations (Berlin, Dresden, Prague, or Brno). We hope to ride with most of the group from beginning to end, but, as this might be too challenging, we welcome applicants who can join us further along the route.
• Agree to be filmed or photographed during the trip and allow the content to be used for marketing purposes.
• If you are interested in giving a short keynote talk or scientific presentation about your experience as a neurosurgeon, that would be an added bonus. If it fits our schedule, we may add it to our morning program before departing from the local neurosurgical centers.

Disclaimer
While this initiative is supported by EANS, participation is voluntary and undertaken at each individual’s own risk. EANS and the organisers accept no liability for accidents, injuries, or losses incurred during the journey. All participants take part at their own risk and responsibility. We strongly recommend ensuring you have appropriate health and travel insurance coverage for the duration of the trip.

For any further questions, please contact Rik Demaerel at rik.demaerel@gmail.com.