Ride for Neurosurgery "The Power of
Collaboration"
An EANS-supported journey
1-4 October 2025
In early October, neurosurgeons from across the globe will gather in Vienna for the EANS2025 Congress, under the inspiring theme: Embracing Collaboration in Neurosurgery.
This year, we’re taking that message to the road — literally.
5 days – 4 stops – 1 goal: 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 invite you to be part of this cycling journey from Berlin to Vienna, connecting neurosurgical centers and communities along the way. This 700 km ride is more than just a physical challenge — it’s a powerful statement about what we can achieve when we work together.
- Distance: ~700 km over 4 stages
- Route: Berlin → Dresden → Prague → Brno → Vienna
- Starting from Berlin: September 30
- Cycling: October 1–4
- Arrival in Vienna: October 4 (in time for the EANS Congress)
- Celebrate community, collaboration, and shared values in neurosurgery.
- Ride alongside colleagues from around Europe.
- Start each day from a local neurosurgical center with coffee and a keynote talk.
- Be part of a story told through stunning photography and film by RPM Souplesse, a creative cycling collective.
✅ Who Can Apply?
We’re building a diverse and balanced group — open to neurosurgeons, researchers, and professionals in the field.
Requirements:
- Good physical condition: average speed 26–27 km/h; 100–150 km per day.
- Bring your own bike (road bikes recommended; gravel bikes also welcome).
- Join us at one of the starting points: Berlin, Dresden, Prague, or Brno.
- Be willing to be filmed/photographed for a documentary project.
- Have a ticket for the EANS Congress in Vienna (you don’t need to be a doctor, but you must be involved in neurosurgery).
- Bonus: Interested in giving a short morning talk? Let us know — we’d love to include your voice in the ride.
We’re not looking for elite cyclists, and we’ll support one another every step of the way. A support van will carry luggage and assist if needed.
📅 Key Dates
- Apply by: August 31
- Team selection: First week of September
- First online meeting: Second week of September
- Dr. Rik Demaerel – Neurosurgeon (Kortrijk, Belgium) and trip organizer
- RPM Souplesse – A Ghent-based cycling and video collective documenting the journey
Ready to ride?
📧 Questions?
Contact Dr. Rik Demaerel at rik.demaerel@gmail.com
Let’s ride for collaboration. Let’s ride for neurosurgery.
Berlin to Vienna — are you in?
