A man with a bycycle
Krefeld-based entrepreneur Mathias Huppenbauer plans to cycle 10,000 kilometres for a good cause—from Krefeld to Lapland.

“Every kilometre counts” - Cycling from Lisbon to Lapland for action medeor

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Around 10,000 kilometres across Europe, at least ten countries, countless climbs and innumerable encounters: on 27 February 2026, Krefeld entrepreneur Mathias Huppenbauer and his partner will embark on an extraordinary cycling journey—from Lisbon all the way to Lapland.
The journey is guided by the motto “Every kilometre counts” and combines a personal adventure with a clear goal: raising donations for action medeor, the “World’s Emergency Pharmacy.”

Entrepreneurial initiative as a source of inspiration

The idea for the project came to Mathias Huppenbauer through his long-standing involvement in the Entrepreneurial Initiative Lower Rhine. As managing director of the Krefeld-based company machart, he has been a member of the initiative for many years. The network of regional businesses has been supporting action medeor for over twelve years through regular donations and special fundraising activities.

For Huppenbauer, it was clear that he now wanted to dedicate a deeply personal project to a good cause as well.
“action medeor has accompanied me for many years. For me, it was clear: if I am going to fulfill this lifelong dream, it should be more than just a private journey. Every kilometre we cycle can mean a piece of help,” Huppenbauer explains. 

For action medeor, the initiative is a powerful sign of solidarity. “We are deeply touched and impressed when members of the Entrepreneurial Initiative connect their personal life moments with our work. This level of identification shows how profoundly the partnership has grown, and we are very grateful for that,” says Miriam Colonna, coordinator of the initiative.

Close to nature – 10,000 kilometres for a good cause

Mathias Huppenbauer’s route will take him through Portugal, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, several Baltic countries, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Along the way, he and his partner will overcome around 110,000 metres of elevation gain.

During the journey, the couple plan to travel consciously and close to nature. They will mostly stay in a tent, with only occasional nights in simple accommodations—depending on the region and circumstances. The tour is intended not only as a sporting challenge, but also as an intense encounter with Europe’s landscapes, people, and cultures.

Throughout the journey, there will be regular progress updates from the road, sharing impressions, encounters, and current stages of the route to accompany the campaign communicatively. Their return to the Lower Rhine region is planned for the last weekend of August 2026. 

10,000 kilometres - 10,000 euros

Running parallel to the tour is a fundraising campaign. Under the title “Every kilometre counts,” both companies and private individuals are invited to take part. Online, donors can choose an individual donation amount. The goal is to match the route: 10,000 kilometres cycled, 10,000 euros raised.

“Every contribution helps - and turns kilometres cycled into concrete aid for people in need,” says Miriam Colonna of the Entrepreneurial Initiative, expressing her delight at the commitment.
Anyone wishing to support the campaign can donate directly online at www.medeor.de/jederkilometerzaehlt 

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