Spotlights of Day 4
-From Brno to Vienna: The Final (Windy) Push-
They say it’s often the third stage that tests you most — when fatigue starts to creep in but the finish line is still far away. Yet, as we learned, the fourth and final stage of our ride from Brno to Vienna had its own surprises in store.
We allowed ourselves a slightly later start. It was Saturday, yet Prof. Martin Smrčka, head of the Department of Neurosurgery, kindly came in to welcome us personally. He gave us a short tour of the ward and treated us to a traditional breakfast on the 11th floor, with a stunning view over sunlit Brno.
By mid-morning, we were on our way again: the 160 km to Vienna looked flat on paper but felt uphill all day, thanks to a stubborn headwind. It was in the wheel of my Finnish teammate that I realised the importance of teamwork.
The wind forced us to have our instant noodles out of the trunk of the car but gave us just enough fuel for the final four climbs. By late afternoon, the skyline of Vienna finally appeared — a moment of relief, pride, and quiet celebration. We rolled up to the EANS2025 Congress Venue, the Vienna Congress & Convention Center, where the board and staff welcomed us warmly. Despite tired legs and windburned faces, we felt the sense of achievement. And already there, in the dark, plans were being made for future challenges.
This journey, 815km from Berlin to Vienna was more than a cycling trip. It was a ride in the spirit of collaboration, endurance, and connection, the very values that drive our neurosurgical community forward.
And as we leaned our bikes against the walls of the Congress Venue, one thing was clear: we had reached our destination and our purpose.
Thank you all for your support!
