On the 73rd day of Ice2Ice we split the stage in three parts due to the storm. Shortly after 3 am in the morning I got on my bike for the first time. After two hours I was freezing so much and had such aching toes that I crawled back into my sleeping bag. With the rising sun I started the fight against the wind again. In the afternoon, the storm forced us to take a break. The evening stage then lasted until about 11 pm.

Today I cycled 202 km and 2000 meters gain in height. At the moment we can just think from day to day and check the wind forecasts as often as possible to make the best of it. A few months ago I wouldn’t have thought that I have to be satisfied with 200 km a day in South America. But since I have to fight these extremely difficult headwind, this distance is the maximum I can achieve without destroying myself completely. I could probably cycle more each day. But together with my team, I always try to find exactly the maximum, which lets me get on the bike the next day too.

I stopped briefly at sunset. Together, we looked at the last rays of sunshine we see disappearing in the Pacific during Ice2Ice. It was the highlight of a day that pushes me mentally and physically to the limit. Meanwhile, we have turned inland.

At the moment cycling is indescribably grueling. It is an extremely difficult time, because I really thought that this would be different. All I can do now is fight and not give up on every day. I do not know how to describe it …

In these difficult days, I am even more pleased that Racing4Charity is so greatly supported. After reaching the 23,000 Euros, we heard the great news about another 7,000 Euros, with which Ströck will round up the amount. I am very grateful for this huge grant. Many many thanks! If you want to support Racing4Charity and people who are suffering from ALS or ME/CFS with one click, you can do so by voting for me at “Sportler mit Herz”. You can vote daily until October 16th.

Tomorrow Chile’s capital Santiago awaits us. After the chaotic and above all dangerous conditions in Medellin and Lima, I am a bit nervous when I think about cycling through the city. I hope everything goes well tomorrow! Keep your fingers crossed!