BIOGENA supports extraordinary charity cycle ride from the North Cape to Natternbach

Salzburg/Natternbach, 2 July 2026. 3,320 kilometres, 32 days, six countries and a shared goal: to help people. As the main sponsor, BIOGENA supported the extraordinary charity challenge “N2N – North Cape to Natternbach” undertaken by Walter Ablinger, Mario Großfurtner and Gerald Bischof. The tour took them from the North Cape to Natternbach in Upper Austria, where the three athletes were given a ceremonial welcome at the IKUNA Naturresort on 27 June after 32 days, having crossed six countries and climbed around 24,000 metres in altitude. More than 40,000 euros have already been raised for two families with children with disabilities from Upper Austria.

On 27 May, the trio set off from the northernmost point of Europe. The route took them through Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. In total, the cyclists covered 3,320 kilometres and climbed around 24,000 metres in altitude – without a single rest day. Within a month, they experienced all of Europe’s vegetation zones, overcoming difficult road conditions, heavy rain and temperature differences of up to 39 degrees.

The tour epitomises the values that also characterise BIOGENA: physical activity, mental strength, responsibility and a shared commitment to others. It impressively demonstrates what people can achieve when they pursue a common goal and channel their energies towards a good cause.

A particularly inspiring example was set by three-time Paralympics participant and five-time Paralympics medallist Walter Ablinger, who covered the entire route on his handbike using only the strength of his arms.

“This journey was an incredible life experience – both physically and mentally. As a paraplegic wheelchair user, this tour allowed me to experience what true inclusion looks like: with wonderful people, countless supporters and a shared desire to help others. Covering the distance using only the strength of my arms has shown me once again what we humans are capable of. Our greatest motivation, however, was always supporting the two families. This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life,” says Walter Ablinger, Paralympic handcyclist.

The initiative was launched by Gerald Bischof, chairman of the association “Engal gibt’s wiakle”. The donations raised will benefit the Ecklmayer family from Natternbach and the Wallner family from Andorf, who face the daily challenges of having a child with a disability.

As the main sponsor, BIOGENA supported the project from the very beginning. The Austrian micronutrient company covered the fixed costs of the trip, provided the cycling kit and, together with the IKUNA Naturresort, helped organise the finish line celebrations. For BIOGENA’s founder, Dr Albert Schmidbauer, who himself comes from Natternbach, supporting the project was also a matter close to his heart:

“The story of ‘Nordkap to Natternbach’ impressively demonstrates what is possible when people go beyond their own limits to help others. This extraordinary commitment, team spirit and willingness to take responsibility for society are perfectly in line with our values at BIOGENA. That is why it was only natural for us to support this project close to our hearts as the main sponsor. We congratulate everyone involved on this extraordinary achievement and are delighted that more than 40,000 euros have already been raised for two affected families,” says Dr Albert Schmidbauer, founder and managing director of BIOGENA, about the campaign

With the charity tour, the participants wanted not only to raise funds, but also to send a message of solidarity, inclusion and social responsibility.

The fundraising campaign will run for a further two months. Contact details can be found at www.engalgibtswiakle.at.

• Start: 27 May 2026 at the North Cape

• Finish: 27 June 2026 at the IKUNA Nature Resort, Natternbach

• Distance: 3,320 kilometres

• Duration: 32 days

• Countries: Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria

• Elevation gain: around 24,000

• Participants: Walter Ablinger, Mario Großfurtner and Gerald Bischof, along with three support staff

• Total donations: already more than 40,000 euros

• Organiser: “Engal gibt’s wiakle” association

• Main sponsor: BIOGENA

The tour has impressively demonstrated that top sporting performances and social commitment can go hand in hand – and that working together makes a tangible difference.