Cyklo Zvolen visited Helsinki on their long ride

Jaakko Antikainen of CCH leading the Slovak riders. Photo is a composition of two video frames, by Esko Lius.

Twelve Slovak cyclists started their ride from Imatra, Finland, six days ago. Next Sunday they will reach their hometown Zvolen.

This EUROPEAN CYCLING RIDE 2022 is an assisted and well-supported 'mini-peloton' that is to cover 1,300 km in six countries.

The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Finland contacted Cycle Club Helsinki and inquired if we could meet the cyclists and escort them to the embassy in Kulosaari.

We met the cyclists at Östersundom. Peter Drozdik, the leader of the Slovakian event, told they had had rain and headwind on both of the days in Finland. So, they felt very happy to have sun and dry weather when reaching Helsinki.

Jaakko Antikainen and Esko Lius of CCH led the group via Vuosaari and Marjaniemi, so that they were able to see some nicer paths and the picturesque seashore instead of Itäväylä highway.

The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Helsinki welcomed warmly us cyclists. Our sincere thanks for the hospitality, in particular to our Embassy host Deputy Head of Mission, Mrs Evelína Mäsiarová!

The EUROPEAN CYCLING RIDE 2022 is arranged by the Slovak cycling club Cyklo Zvolen. Read more on their website, and follow their tour on their Facebook page. Watch also Esko Lius' podcast episode ECR22 Slovakia Finland.

Behind the banner EU Commission representative Ms Maria Kokkonen and the ECR22 organizer Peter Drozdik (in yellow cap). Photo: Esko Lius.