Sebastian Breuer takes on the European Divide Trail

Unifying Europe on the European Divide Trail.

During the summer of 2024, athlete Sebastian Breuer sets out on what he calls “the biggest challenge I've ever faced in terms of my sporting activities.”

The former German and European MTB Marathon champion, and winner of the Unbound Gravel 2024, set out to complete his most ambitious project yet: cycling from Grense Jakobselv in Norway to Sagres in Portugal. This incredible journey marks the longest predominantly off-road bikepacking route in the world, meticulously charted by Andy Cox.

Keep reading to get more insight into to this monumental journey.

For Sebastian, the EDT represented more than just a race. It was an opportunity to push his limits and explore the depths of his capabilities, both physically and mentally. "Make the impossible possible. Only you decide about the limit," he says, aligning with his mantra about breaking barriers and redefining what’s achievable.

"This is probably the biggest challenge I've ever faced in terms of my sporting activities," Sebastian admits. Unlike any other race he’s tackled, the EDT is a journey across his home continent, a trip he hopes to share with his grandchildren in the years to come. This mission extends beyond personal achievement. He aspires to inspire others to embrace the outdoors, live adventurously, and find enrichment in the people and experiences they encounter. "Life is short. But life takes place outside," he emphasizes. His journey is a testament to the enriching power of adventure, the joy of connecting with diverse cultures, and the impact of shared human experiences.

Sebastian’s goal was the world record, but he also highlights the spirit of adventure, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. His journey on the European Divide Trail is not just about breaking a record; it’s about pushing limits, discovering the beauty of Europe, and inspiring others to embrace life’s greatest adventures.

Unifying Europe by Bike

The Journey

Sebastian’s Goal

Sebastian’s journey started at Grense Jakobselv, Norway, on July 12, 2024. His goal was to beat the current fastest known time set by Angus Young in 2022, which stands at 32 days, 6 hours, and 28 minutes.

Sebastian changed the route slightly, but still finished in under 30 days.

”European connect is my very own mixed terrain bikepacking route from the north to the south of Europe. 7491km across Europe with 10 countries,” he says.

Meet Sebastian

Unifying Europe by Bike

The Journey

Sebastian’s Goal

Sebastian’s journey started at Grense Jakobselv, Norway, on July 12, 2024. His goal was to beat the current fastest known time set by Angus Young in 2022, which stands at 32 days, 6 hours, and 28 minutes.

Sebastian changed the route slightly, but still finished in under 30 days.

”European connect is my very own mixed terrain bikepacking route from the north to the south of Europe. 7491km across Europe with 10 countries,” he says.

Meet Sebastian

Life is short. But life takes place outside.

— Seb Breuer

Sebastian’s Rules

To complete his journey, Sebastian has a set of rules he will follow and hope to inspire others to do the same:

1. Rest for at least 12 hours within 48 hours: Sleep deprivation is not a solution to reaching the record.
2. Ride self-supported from your own strength: But don't forget the world around you. Some encounters, chances, and possibilities may never come again in life.
3. Connect and not divide: It's about connecting, not dividing or excluding. Everyone is invited to come along. Opportunities should not be a renunciation.
4. Have fun with what you do: It’s simple—have fun and take care.
5. Don't leave any waste: This should go without saying and be seen as a message to the world.
6. Time runs continuously from start to finish.
7. The entire route must be cycled: No motors or electric assistance allowed.
8. Social media is welcome and permitted: Without social media content, there is no entertainment for everyone at home. Our sport would not be able to grow if no one at home knew about it. Content is very welcome.
9. Health and a safe arrival at the destination always come first.
10. Always be a good ambassador for sponsors, sport, and life.

Seb's gear list

Sebastian’s Rules

To complete his journey, Sebastian has a set of rules he will follow and hope to inspire others to do the same:

1. Rest for at least 12 hours within 48 hours: Sleep deprivation is not a solution to reaching the record.
2. Ride self-supported from your own strength: But don't forget the world around you. Some encounters, chances, and possibilities may never come again in life.
3. Connect and not divide: It's about connecting, not dividing or excluding. Everyone is invited to come along. Opportunities should not be a renunciation.
4. Have fun with what you do: It’s simple—have fun and take care.
5. Don't leave any waste: This should go without saying and be seen as a message to the world.
6. Time runs continuously from start to finish.
7. The entire route must be cycled: No motors or electric assistance allowed.
8. Social media is welcome and permitted: Without social media content, there is no entertainment for everyone at home. Our sport would not be able to grow if no one at home knew about it. Content is very welcome.
9. Health and a safe arrival at the destination always come first.
10. Always be a good ambassador for sponsors, sport, and life.

Seb's gear list

What is the European Divide Trail?

The EDT is an unparalleled biking route that traverses over 7,500 kilometers (4,723 miles) across Europe. Starting from the rugged terrain near the Russian border in Norway, the trail winds through the endless forests, lakes, and dirt roads of Scandinavia, across the diverse landscapes of Central Europe, and finally into the rocky and loose trails of the Iberian Peninsula. The journey not only tests physical endurance but also demands strategic planning for logistics, including sourcing water, food, and accommodation amidst varying weather conditions.

The Stats:
• 7,600 kilometres (4,723 miles) total length
• 87,000 metres (285000 feet) of elevation
• 11 countries visited

Go to EDT’s Website

What is the European Divide Trail?

The EDT is an unparalleled biking route that traverses over 7,500 kilometers (4,723 miles) across Europe. Starting from the rugged terrain near the Russian border in Norway, the trail winds through the endless forests, lakes, and dirt roads of Scandinavia, across the diverse landscapes of Central Europe, and finally into the rocky and loose trails of the Iberian Peninsula. The journey not only tests physical endurance but also demands strategic planning for logistics, including sourcing water, food, and accommodation amidst varying weather conditions.

The Stats:
• 7,600 kilometres (4,723 miles) total length
• 87,000 metres (285000 feet) of elevation
• 11 countries visited

Go to EDT’s Website

Sebastian in Short:

The former German and European MTB marathon champion, as well as the winner of Unbound Gravel 2024, is constantly seeking new ways to challenge the sport. Sebastian's cycling philosophy aims to inspire exploration, meaningful adventures, and bring individuals together through shared experiences in this beloved sport.

• Discipline: Gravel Race
• Nationality: German
• Year of Birth: 1989

Visit Sebastian’s Instagram and YouTube channel.

Learn more about Sebastian

Sebastian in Short:

The former German and European MTB marathon champion, as well as the winner of Unbound Gravel 2024, is constantly seeking new ways to challenge the sport. Sebastian's cycling philosophy aims to inspire exploration, meaningful adventures, and bring individuals together through shared experiences in this beloved sport.

• Discipline: Gravel Race
• Nationality: German
• Year of Birth: 1989

Visit Sebastian’s Instagram and YouTube channel.

Learn more about Sebastian