German Hand Cyclist Stefan Voormans does it again; cycles 510kms in Maharashtra to raise awareness about orthopedic disability in India. The Braveheart inspires millions through his epic journey.
Watch Stefan Voormans in action cycling on busy and chaotic roads of Mumbai:
In this blog, I would like to share the reactions of people who participated in the Cyclothon 2024 along with Stefan Voormans. Simply because they were on the road along with Stefan and, they have a lot of anecdotes to share from their personal experiences. And along with observations and experiences, we have some of the best photos to share with you. So, enjoy the whole blog with videos and photo album.
Stefan Voormans, lead rider Cyclothon 2024:
Initially, I was not sure if I could manage the long distances. I had no idea in which condition I was, but it went all well, and we could even cover longer distances once we started. Everything was possible just because of the team around it. They protected me and when there was a bumper they took me over, they pulled me and took me over that bumper, so I had no problems with this. They took away the traffic of me, so it was, I will not say an easy ride, it was hard work, and I was exhausted, but it was also determined, and you know, when you are in this mood you can nearly get everything and, yeah, sure, you must have this willpower to do it. Even if you are cycling for seven hours and the sun is burning, there are unfamiliar road conditions and you must be fully focused, you still, need the power. This was not that easy, but I knew it from my previous experience and, I enjoyed the ride. A lot of people on the road, took pictures of me, were cheering us and, that was amazing, and I just can always say I love India, I love the people here and, I’m happy that I’m able, that the people can give me the chance to ride here, because this, is fascinating.
Rajiv Mehta, Founder Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust:
Stefan Voormans, Para Cycling Champion came to India to propagate the cause of disability, inclusivity, and giving respect and empathy to physically challenged people to make them part of mainstream society. Since, Ratna Nidhi is working for the cause of disability from past twenty years, even rehabilitated disabled people of India and donated more than two lakh eighty thousand different types of prosthetics. And when we talk with the disabled people, the challenges they face – Stefan has risen like a phoenix, a hero, a role model, and inspires people around the world. For him, when legs are not working, to do hand cycling on the highways and streets of Maharashtra over five days and five hundred plus kms of journey in the heat and sun, gravel, tar and cement roads – come what may and I shall succeed. His undying spirit and the will to fight against the god and tell God that whatever you give me, I shall fightback and I shall rise again. This is the message that Ratna Nidhi is conveying to the disabled people of India through this cyclothon. And we do believe the kind of response that we received, the love and affection, from the people on the road, from the military, from the police, from the Rotaries, from the cyclists, cycling association of Nashik and all around; the message is being transmitted, step by step, word by word from the community that we belong to. Thank you!
Amish Gandhi, Founder Komon Cents Events Management Company:
Cyclothon 2024 was as exciting and a bit more than Cyclothon 2020. This is one of the most exciting, thrilling, and adventurous events that one could possibly manage. Team Komon Cents takes extreme pleasure and is proud to have had this opportunity. Truly and experience of a lifetime. The new challenges of this cyclothon mainly were the Kasara Ghat this time around was open to traffic going both ways giving us one lane to descend upon with oncoming traffic unlike Cyclothon 2020 where it was a one way going downhill. The second major challenge was the heavy construction on road to Thane from Nasik. The day would start around 4:30 a.m. with the ride beginning around 6 a.m. at all locations and each day the right was anywhere between 5 to 7 hours. The energy and determination of Stefan Voormans was very motivating and encouraging. This was followed by awareness creating and felicitation functions at all locations. It was great to receive support from the Rotarians, Pune Army institute, Queen Mary’s technical institute for vocational training of soldiers disabled in active duty and, also the support from the Nashik Commissioner of Police office and the entire Maharashtra state police.
I would also like to make a special mention about Stefan’s Co-Rider and Bike Mechanic Gazi Ali for his alertness. While Stefan was cycling, his back wheel was about to come out and Ali spotted just in time and averted a tragedy. Apart from being diligent, focused and dedicated to his role, Ali demonstrated a calm, composed and cordial approach with all the support staff. From the organizing team, We would like to Thank Gazi Ali for all his efforts and we are lucky to have him as part of our event.
Rohit Mahadev, Cyclist and Photographer:
Capturing Stefan Voormans from my lens in action would certainly be one of the best moments in my career. As a cyclist myself, it was also a learning experience. What I witnessed was two totally different sides of Stefan. One as a social, down to earth, interacting and taking pictures with everyone who wanted to be a part of this epic event and the other as a rider who was fully focused, had an amazingly high intensity aura around him while riding. It was quite challenging to shoot him, firstly, as a cyclist myself I was craving to be a part of his riding squad and feel the high energy. Secondly, his speed and the angles which I had to shoot was something I never did before. Thanks to the wonderful team support. Overall, it was an adrenaline rush and a memorable experience.
Chirag Shah, Bicycle Mayor of Thane:
I feel that riding with Stephen was amazing, mind-boggling. Stephen despite being paralyzed with both the legs and multiple surgeries he rides with all the energy and all the motivation. He has no excuses in fact we cyclists have hundreds of reasons not to ride and we all should get motivated by seeing him. The pace with which he rides the bike with his hands is incredible and riding with him was an honor for us and we have learnt a lot of things from this Cyclothon, and he is truly an inspirational person, thank you.
Vijay Malhotra, Founder of this Blog:
After meeting Stefan, I have stopped complaining to God for my situation. The biggest lesson I have learnt from his life is to be grateful for what we have. Every time I visit a temple, a church, or a mosque, I only pray for everyone’s good health.
Stefan’s story is inspiring, and we want it to be told to everyone. Hence, this blog is an inclusive and collaborative effort to communicate to the world that with a strong will power one can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
Please share Stefan Voormans heartwarming story with all the disabled persons and give them a chance to unleash their inner power.
If you have any messages and compliments for Stefan Voormans and the organizers of this Cyclothon, please leave a comment below or write to us using the contact form on this website with the subject line ‘Stefan Voormans’.
You can watch an exclusive interview with Stefan Voormans here:
And this video is about his Bike Fit in Mumbai:
The organizer Rajiv Mehta from Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust and Amish Gandhi from Komon Cents events shares their views about Stefans Cyclothon 2024 in this video:
If you haven’t read my previous blog, please read it here in which I spoke about Stefan Voormans Cyclothon 2024
GERMAN HAND CYCLIST STEFAN VOORMANS TO RIDE 510 KMS IN MAHARASHTRA
Photo and Video credits: Gr8 Photography by Rohit Mahadev
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
