The New Zealander Matthew Fairbrother continues to delight the sport of mountain biking with new adventures. The 21-year-old's most recent feat: He rode from the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière at 3747 meters above sea level in one piece to the Mediterranean Sea near Finale Ligure. A hussar ride lasting no less than 15 hours.

After a six-month break from mountain biking due to several injuries, Fairbrother was looking for a very special project for his return. His idea: to return to the places that had particularly shaped him as a mountain biker. This gave rise to the idea of riding from the highest mountain bike summit in Europe all the way down to the Mediterranean in Finale Ligure. Two places that could hardly be more different, but both played a central role in his development. The Grande Sassière stands for his first experiences in high alpine terrain, Finale Ligure for years of returning, familiar trails and an enduring community.

On the eve of this hussar ride, he bivouacs below the summit of the Grande Sassière to head into the descent with the first rays of sunshine. The start proved to be the most difficult moment. The summit area of the Grande Sassière is rough, steep and high alpine. Tolerance for mistakes? None. Later, the landscape changes between alpine meadows, single trails, old military paths, agricultural access roads and canal paths. The variety had a particular impact on him, says Fairbrother afterwards. Each section had its own requirements and its own rhythm. After 14 hours and 54 minutes, he finally reaches the Mediterranean. The contrast between the starting and finishing points could hardly be greater: from 3,747 meters above sea level down to sea level, from snow to sand, from doubt to gratitude.

Fairbrother emphasizes that despite the solo nature of the extreme ride, it was not a purely individual achievement. He was able to rely on a network of medical support, his trainer Matt Miller as well as supporters and partners such as Ergon and Deviate Cycles.

Fairbrother sees the tour not as a relief, but as confidence - in his own body, in the process he has covered and in his ability to keep going even in difficult phases. The project was not so much a record attempt as a personal path back to self-confidence. His message: pursue goals consistently instead of waiting for perfect conditions: progress is made step by step.

The route to the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière can also be found in the Ride tour database:
ride-mtb.com/touren/aiguille-de-la-grand-sassiere