Cape to cape - "I'll do it in 75 days"

September 16, 2019

Ultra Endurance athlete Jonas Deichmann tells us about his challenge from the north cap to Cape Town. The Supernova Airstream also includes its equipment.

"We have Now Crossed the Arctic Circle and Are Pushing Towards Russia. Constant Headwind So Far But Legs Are Good and Spirits High. ”With these words, Ultra Endurance Cyclists Jonas Deichmann reports to us a few days ago with a first update in his new challenge. Since the beginning of September 2019, he has been on the road with his racing driver Philipp Hympendahl.

Cape to Cape: 18,000 km from the North Cape to Cape Town. In 75 days.Jonas Deichmann has decided to break the world record for this route. It is currently still 102 days. The vibrating South African metropolis of Cape Town, the vibrating South African metropolis of Cape Town from Turkey and the Arabian Peninsula through East African continent from Turkey and the Arabian Peninsula. That means spending a daily 11-13 hours on the saddle. The calculator says 240 km a day. He has to eat 10,000 kilocalories every day on such extreme tours. That is a lot of pasta.

Defy the arctic wind? Encounter giraffes and lions? Thirsty cross the Sahara? "I just feel alive when I do something like that". Jonas Deichmann, medium -sized, rather bearded, speaks in clear sentences. He has been on the road for twelve years. What does he miss the most when he's on tour? "A good coffee in the morning". Modest answer. In the past two years, the extreme athlete has set up two world records,Eurasia Challenge andPanamerica Solo. For him, training means torturing yourself through 100,000 meters of altitude. "The hard moments are the best memories".

"Discover alone in the wilderness and exotic countries". From child to Jonas loves the adventure, leaving the bike at the world at my studies, discovering his fascination for Ultra Endurance. Then the goal in 2017: theEurasia world record. Jonas was lucky, he found sponsors, gave lectures, the plan got going. "I made my hobby to life". With a record of 14,331 km in 64 days. Here he sits, talking about his next Mammut tour, as the "next logical step" after crossing the Eurasian continent and thePanamerica Solo Tour across the America a year ago: 23,000 km in 97 days. This time it is Europe along, and Africa.

ALles begins with a clear announcement. "I can do it in 75 days". No hope, no will, no skills. 90 % of such a challenge happen in the head, because the body is tired after six days. How do you start? Make it easy, according to his motto. You then learn most of it on the go. "The most difficult thing is to get to the starting line." And then? Think positive. No matter whether downhill, headwind or brooding heat. Set small achievable goals. The next petrol station where there is chocolate. Strive for an hour goal, not a kilometer number. Certain external factors cannot be influenced. And take little luggage with you. Most pack too much on their first trip.

Here the professional speaks, it quickly becomes clear. Routine answers. If he doesn't sit on the bike, he will give lectures. About his travels and motivation. His equipment is "optimized on the last gram". Five kilos are damn little. He knows exactly what he needs. TheSupernova Airstream 2 withTail light And Power Bank is firmly planned for every tour, whether extreme or 24h race. At the time, Deichmann followed the good reputation in the industry in his decision for supernova lighting. He has to be able to rely 100 % on his spotlights, especially where the next workshop is not exactly around the corner. He simply invites the Power Bank to stop in the restaurant. While most long distance driversSupernova dynamo grab, he has in hisAirstream Power Team found the perfect companion for his special use. That has not let him down in any race. He also uses the batteryer during a lot of traffic during the day, for safety. And if he wants, he turns the night into day.

AAt the paper, the route looks easier than that on the American continents. But Deichmann is clear about possible risks. He tells about it in a calm voice. Boundaries may be impassable, medication will be difficult to get. He should avoid larger breakdowns and accidents. Deichmann speaks without fear. It continued with broken ribs. He is 100 % sure of his cause. And the first thing he does when he arrives in Cape Town? "Jump into the sea". He also made the last records and has reached symbol status in a way. We look forward to the selfie!

You have become curious? Follow his trip Instagram! 

Text: Myriel Hauser ι Images: Jonas Deichmann, Pål Laukli, David Saintyves, Thiebaut Veroz ι Quotes: Jonas Deichmann