Organised by Taxi Charity For Military VeteransParachute Regiment veteran Chris Willmott is set to embark on an extraordinary solo cycling challenge this August, riding 1,382 km (859 miles) from Auschwitz in Poland to Arnhem in the Netherlands, on an 80-year-old single-speed bicycle.
Chris' journey, which begins on 17 August 2025, retraces a route steeped in wartime history, ending in Arnhem - the site of the pivotal Operation Market Garden during WWII. Chris' mission is not just a personal endurance feat, but a powerful tribute to the memory of Allied soldiers and the sacrifices made for freedom.
Chris will be riding a vintage single-speed bicycle, lovingly restored by Dutch bike mechanic Paul Hendriks of Paul Hendriks Tweewielers in Wolfheze.
This is more than just a ride,” Chris says. “It’s about marking the path of liberation, remembering those who never made it home, and showing what’s still possible, even on something built eight decades ago.
The 17-day route passes through Poland, Germany and the Netherlands, with stops in historic cities including Kraków, Wrocław, Berlin and Magdeburg. It concludes on 2 September 2025 in Arnhem, timed to coincide with commemorations of Operation Market Garden.
A highlight of the final leg will be a stop at the Glider Museum in Wolfheze, a tribute to the airborne troops and glider pilots of WWII.
As an ex-Para, the spirit of resilience and duty is ingrained within me. This cycle connects those historical sacrifices with the present-day needs of our veterans. The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans provides invaluable support, offering companionship, transportation to vital appointments, and a sense of community to those who have served our country. This journey from a place of immense loss to a place synonymous with the bravery of our airborne forces is my way of honouring the past while directly supporting the present and future of our veteran community
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