Alternative Olympic torch for peace

 


The European Velo Marathon 2012 - the alternative Olympic Torch Relay for Road Peace is a 50-day ride from Bulgaria to London to promote cycling, sustainable travel and road safety.


The international relay will be led by the veteran Bulgarian cyclist Mladen Belchev. who almost died in a road accident last year. Despite his injuries,  Mladen is completing the 2,500 mile journey to the Olympic stadium in London using the HASE kettwiesel recumbent trike.


Mladen will be accompanied by 20 other European cyclists on the ride. Our team will travel through 11 countries, following the EuroVelo cycle network.


The Velo Marathon is looking for collaborators all around Europe. We invite organisations and individuals to join EVM 2012 or organise their own EVMs using the rest of the EuroVelo routes and meet us in Freiburg, Germany.


They are also looking for cyclists who have been affected by road traffic accidents to join the relay and help carry the alternative Olympic torch to the 2012 stadium in London.


The marathon departed from Sofia, Bulgaria on 2 June 2012 and will cross the finish line in London on 25 July 2012 -two days before the opening of the Olympics. By cycling over 3500km we want to celebrate the most sustainable Olympic Games ever.


The challenge is to complete the distance. But the ride is not just about the journey.


There will be events in 11 European countries to inspire cycling and promote safer roads


There are meetings with the mayors and local authorities of European villages, towns and seven capital cities, inviting them to do what is in their power to improve conditions for one of the most sustainable forms of transport - the bicycle


A film documentary of the marathon is being made and stories of victory, success and wisdom being collected.


Further information: http://www.velomarathon.eu/about-evm2012/
Further information on tourism-inspired Olympic world peacehttp://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2001563


Valere Tjolle
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Monday, June 4, 2012

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