From 14 to 28 August, five determined cyclists rode from the gates of the British Museum to Athens' Acropolis. Once on Greek soil they were joined by a 6th cyclist and en route they did get additional support from more enthusiastic cyclists. The aim: to raise awareness for the campaign to reunite the Parthenon Marbles in Athens' superlative Acropolis Museum.
Vasiliki, Steffen, Giannis, Stavros and Vasilis, once they had completed the tough 15 days, cycling over 3000 kms, jointly said: "We would do it again and again! We love riding and although as we started our bodies felt the pain, our muscles the strain and we do/did get tired but our goal spurred stronger thinking - thinking of our country Greece and our culture! We, with millions not just in Greece of course, support the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. We were delighted that you exist and that the strong support for the reunification of these marbles is also alive and well in England. We look forward to the day when we can cycle from England to Greece to celebrate the reunification. Here’s to that very special day. Here’s to respecting cultural heritage!"
Vasiliki Voutzali added:"when we ride our bicycles, an old protest intensifies and the movement grows stronger in a sustainable way."
Giannis Efthymiou also said:”cycling for me personally was the best and most peaceful way of reaching our goal."
Stavros Soumas commented: "am 62 years old and my dream came true. I wanted to teach my grandson that anything is possible, if you believe in something that is right and you can fight for it, never stop trying."
Vasilis Kordas added:“If you believe it, it will happen."
Steffen Streichsaid: "from the fist moment I came to Greece, it felt like I was home. The “bring them back” project, cycling from the British Museum in London to the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum, was my way of showing my gratitude to Greece and her cultural heritage, and doing so with something that I love a lot, cycling!”
Christos Koromilas, joined the cyclists once they had reached Greek soil and he said:“when I was on the saddle of my bike, I thought and felt that nothing is impossible and everything is written in history.So we keep pedalling , smiling and thinking the Greek flag, Melina Mercouri and the Acropolis Museum."
A total of 3005 km were covered, the cyclists rode their bicycles around 10-12 hours every day, covering about 240 km each day. Vasiliki explains that they had a plan of the places that they could reach each day and where they could spend the night.
They met up with cycling enthusiast Giorgos Galanopoulos at Amiens, he rode with them from there to Provins, and Walter Reiterer joined them in Basel. Walter cycled with them until they reached Verona in Italy.
The cyclists were sponsored by:
1.Venocare Athens 2. H&B 3. Soumas mpataries 4. Woodcam 5. Coloriposto 6. ANEK LINES 7. SUPERFAST FERRIES 8. Toys store 9. DalavikasBike 10. Alfa cycling team 11. Gountas_physio 12. Nikolaidis driving school 13. Grill Spot 14. Zitrosock 15. pas pineios
Paulina Tzeirani, Communications Director of the Melina Mercouri Foundation met with the cyclists in the afternoon of the 28 of August at the marble sculpture of Melina Mercouri and subsequently sent this heartfelt message:
"I was very moved to meet Vasiliki Voutzali, Steffen Streich, Giannis Efthymiou, Vasilis Kordas, Stavros Soumas and Christos Koromilias, the athletes, who with fierce determination and admirable perseverance, completed their astounding endeavor by laying flowers and small caryatid statues in front of the bust of Melina Mercouri before ascending the sacred rock of the Acropolis. The thrill they experienced was contagious to the crowd that had gathered to show its appreciation for these young people who proved that the cause of the Return of the Parthenon Marbles concerns everyone, irrespective of age. The Melina Mercouri Foundation welcomes this admirable undertaking with great enthusiasm. The instigators are included among those who carry on Melina’s vision for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures."
Dr Christopher Stockdalewho first cycled from the British Museum to the Acropolis in 2005, set this congratulatory message to the cyclists also:
I was just so very delighted to hear that all the cyclists had successfully made it from London to Athens……and in such an incredible time too !!!!!…..the gods Hermes,Nike and Kratos were obviously in favour of their splendid endeavour and with them physically and spiritually, all the way. He wrote to Vasiliki the following message: "You have given of your time and extreme effort to illuminate the hopes of every member of BCRPM. All of us who long to see those separated Sculptures incarcerated in ‘prison’ Duveen reunited with their counterparts on the Parthenon THANK YOU and I applaud you for your strength of will and resolve to help our most noble cause. You rightly seem to have had the most wonderful welcome in Athens and I do so hope that fond memories of your worthy adventure will persist ad infinitum.I still remember much of my own journey vividly and treasure every memory. Thank you again on behalf of our British community who will continue to strive for the Sculptures reunification. Cherish your monumental success. With my very kindest regards", Chris Stockdale.
Many more BCRPM members added their congratulations too:
