The countdown is on: 7,400 km – To the limit and beyond
I’m fit, and I’m ready for it
Born in the German city of Zittau, he currently lives between two very different worlds: the vibrant, bustling metropolis of Berlin and the quiet town of Zittau in Saxony. The distance between Zittau and Berlin is 294 kilometers. The race he is preparing for right now will be 25 times longer. It is the NorthCape-Tarifa race, stretching from the North Cape through Finland, the Baltic States, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, France, and Spain. In total, the route crosses 15 countries and covers an astonishing distance of 7,400 kilometers. And now, on June 20, the adventure begins. Hannes is also riding this race in support of HITA. We spoke with Hannes about the challenge that lies ahead.
Hannes, how did you come up with this idea?
The idea came to me about two years ago. I had already taken part in an ultra-distance race, and from there the fascination stayed with me. I wanted to do something even bigger. At the same time, I wanted to stay within Europe, and that’s how I came across the NorthCape–Tarifa race. I wasn’t even fully aware that it is the longest race in the world. I signed up in August 2025. Then, in January 2026, the idea for the film came up during a relaxed family moment at my cousin’s son’s birthday. Someone said: “Why don’t you make a film about it?” And I thought – yes, why not. Since then, Ferdinand has been accompanying me with his camera for a whole year. I believe the film will also help explore the deeper question of why I’m doing this.
Only two weeks to go until the start at 12:01 a.m. How have you prepared?
Since February, I’ve been working with a coaching team that supports me. They create weekly training plans, including nutrition advice and mental coaching. So of course, I spend a lot of time on the bike. But I also swim, do strength training, and monitor my weight. I even lost a bit of weight to be lighter on the bike, although I still need some fat reserves for energy. One of the harder parts is cutting back on social life. An evening at the pub with friends is simply not possible right now. Overall, it requires a lot of discipline – although, honestly, I do allow myself small exceptions.
That sounds like a very disciplined time. Has everything gone smoothly so far?
I set myself a lot of goals, but unexpected things always happen. At the end of April, I injured my foot while playing football very intensely with my son. I lost an entire week of training, and at that moment I was really down – I almost felt like the whole project was slipping away. But I managed to fight my way back. I feel strong again now. I’m fit, and I’m motivated. Last week I cycled from Berlin to Vienna – 640 kilometers in total. That was an important test, and it went really well.
7,400 kilometers in the saddle – that’s hard to imagine. How long will it take, and what are the biggest challenges?
The race will take between three and four weeks – I expect around 24 to 25 days. On average, I’ll be riding about 300 kilometers per day, which means 15 to 17 hours in the saddle every day, plus one to two hours of breaks. So yes, I expect saddle pain and, honestly, sleep deprivation. My biggest opponent will be fatigue. I’ll probably sleep only five to six hours per night and spend the rest of the time on the bike. You can prepare for many things, but never for everything. It always comes down to how you deal with it – and that’s exactly what makes this race so special.
And you’ll be doing all of this completely alone?
There are a maximum of 100 participants in this race, as the organizers strictly limit the field. I will be riding completely alone in the unsupported category. That means I cannot accept any outside help – not from friends, not from family. Everyone competes under the same conditions. That also makes this a very mental challenge. Riding in rain, heat, or at night – every decision is mine alone. Do I stop or keep going? Do I rest or continue? It’s something I have to figure out on my own.
And what if something breaks down on the way?
If something breaks, I can either find a bike shop or repair it myself if I have the tools with me. That’s allowed. But I cannot call a friend and ask for help. External support is not permitted.
What will you carry with you?
Not much, actually. I travel very minimally. I’ll bring cycling clothes, a swimsuit, a sports T-shirt, and rain gear. Some warm clothing as well, because nights in Norway will be much colder than in Spain. I also carry my camera equipment – a drone and a system camera – because I will document parts of the journey. Of course, I also bring tools for small repairs. Food and drinks I will buy along the way. Everything I carry is weight I have to move myself, so I try to keep it minimal.
And surely not the mental baggage as well. Hannes, why do you do this?
The answer is quite simple: I’m trying to find out. I need time for myself and want to live my core value: freedom. I want to focus entirely on myself and nothing else. For me, this is an experiment – what happens when I push myself to my mental and physical limits? What does it do to me, and what can I learn from it? I believe I can transfer these experiences into other areas of life, including my professional work. In a way, it already makes me richer – at least in a metaphorical sense.
You are also riding for a good cause – for HITA. Why?
I’ve been given so many opportunities in our European world, and I don’t take that for granted. For me, it feels natural to give something back. Supporting people who don’t have the same opportunities is something I deeply believe in.
Thank you, Hannes
Thank you for taking the time during your preparation. We are excited and will be cheering you on.
Support & follow Hannes
If you would like to support Hannes and HITA:
“7,400 km to the limit: A race. A film. A good cause.” Spendenaufruf von Hannes Muenzner: 7.400 km ans Limit: Ein Rennen. Ein Film. Ein guter Zweck.
To follow Hannes during the race:
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