Jonas Deichmann's new project: Travelling around Europe on a gravel bike

Jonas Deichmann is embarking on another new project - this time with his new girlfriend Josefine Rutkowski. Starting in Munich, the route first takes them to Italy before travelling clockwise around the continent. Unlike previous projects, they are deliberately choosing small roads and paths through the hinterland instead of the fastest possible route. "Because of my world record of 120 Ironman distances in 120 daysthe classic adventure has been somewhat neglected in the past two years. Adventure has always been in my DNA - and I'm looking forward to four intense months in the tent," says Deichmann.

Route and challenges

The route does not run along the coast, but often through challenging hinterland. Off-road passages, extreme climatic conditions with heat in southern Europe and cold north of the Arctic Circle as well as the 250,000 metres of altitude make the daily average of 180 kilometres on the Gravelbike a particular challenge. Russia and Ukraine are bypassed due to the war. Both are transporting all their own equipment on their bikes and are travelling without an accompanying team. "I have great respect for this challenge and am particularly looking forward to the diversity of 27 countries with different cultures, languages, culinary impressions and landscapes," explains Josefine Rutkowski.

Jonas Deichmann and Josefine Rutkowski

For Rutkowski, it is the biggest adventure of her sporting life to date. After successful years in amateur triathlon with age group successes at the German Championships, the age group runner-up title at the European Championships and multiple participations in the World Championships in Hawaii.

Deichmann, on the other hand, is returning to his roots in expedition sports after his high-performance project with 120 Ironman distances in a row. He is building on his cycling world records for the fastest continent crossings of Eurasia, the Panamericana and from Norway to South Africa.

The two got to know each other during Deichmann's 2024 world record in Roth. With "Around Europe", they are now launching their biggest joint project to date. They regularly report on their experiences via their social media channels and are active as motivational speakers.