VENI VIDI VICI VIA | MEET THE FOUNDERS
The first edition of VIA follows the epic journey of Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who in 218BC crossed Europe from southern Spain into Italy to attack the Romans, traversing the Alps with 38 elephants as he did so. Over 4,000 kilometres, VIA competitors trace this path of greatness, taking mountain ranges from the Sistema Central, the Picos and the Pyrenees, to the Massif Central, Alps and Apennines. The race features mandatory points to pass through – unmanned ‘Gates’, and ‘Refuges’ where there’ll be people, supplies and a roof to sleep under – but the rest of the route is up for the competitors to decide. In all, there’ll be more than 40,000 metres of elevation.
Born from a love for ultracycling, the event will prioritise participant wellbeing, environmental consciousness, and sportsmanship. It goes beyond a mere adventure or competitive challenge, aiming to foster a welcoming community for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. In 2025, Chapter II of VIA will start from where the first year left off, creating a whole new adventure, while the final edition in 2026 will again continue from 2025’s finish. We interviewed the founders, Ian To and Ingeborg Dybdal, just a few days before the start of VIA on 20 July.
Ultracycling (just like ultramarathons and trail races) is gaining in popularity and recognition. What do you think is so enticing?
The simplicity. Unsupported ultracycling is the purest form of cycling. Rider against the road and the elements. No team car, directeur sportif, mechanic, chef. Do everything yourself and expect nothing. Enjoy the solitude, the feeling of empowerment and adventure, racing yourself or others.
What made you want to create VIA?
Giving back to the sport and giving the best experience to riders. Whenever we participated or dotwatched races, we had so many ideas for how to make a good race. Of course, when you’re actually doing it, it’s hard to turn all those ideas into reality.
The ultra distance scene is diversifying and developing with a growing number of races and participants. What makes VIA unique?
In three words: adventure, community and competition. We focus on all of them, and bringing all of them to the same race. We’ve also put focus on being welcoming to all, regardless of gender, sexuality, disability
What are your hopes (and fears) for VIA, when it starts in a couple days?
We hope that our riders will have the best experience ever. We hope they will have a great adventure by riding to beautiful places, make many friends, and have learned something about themselves by pushing their limits further than they knew possible. Fears? We have been watching the weather forecast closely and we hope it won’t be a heatwave. The safety of the riders is our biggest concern.
