Parachute Regiment veteran Chris Willmott is set to embark on an extraordinary solo cycling challenge this August, riding 1,382 kilometres (859 miles) from Auschwitz, Poland to Arnhem in the Netherlands, on an 80-year-old single-speed bicycle.
The 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’s mission is not just a personal endurance feat, but a powerful tribute to the memory of Allied soldiers and the sacrifices made for freedom.
A Bike with a Story and Serious Challenges
The vintage single-speed bicycle, lovingly restored by Dutch bike mechanic Paul Hendriks of Paul Hendriks Tweewielers in Wolfheze, represents a bygone era. But its age presents real risks.
A recent inspection in the Netherlands revealed the bicycle is unlikely to survive the full journey, with concerns ranging from component fatigue to frame integrity. Despite this, Chris is pressing on — determined to honour history through grit, resilience, and remembrance.
“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 Route
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.
Chris Willmott continued, “The bonds forged in service run deep, and the well-being of our veteran community remains close to my heart. That’s why I’m undertaking a significant personal challenge: to cycle from Auschwitz, Poland, to Arnhem, Netherlands – a journey of approximately 1,400 kilometres.
“This ride is more than just a physical feat; it’s a symbolic passage through the landscape of European history. Auschwitz stands as a stark reminder of the depths of human suffering and the vital importance of fighting for freedom and human dignity. Arnhem, the site of the heroic but ultimately costly Operation Market Garden, echoes the immense sacrifices made by Allied forces, including many airborne troops, for that very freedom.
“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 London 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.
“They ensure that the isolation and challenges some veterans face are met with understanding and practical help.
“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.
“Every km I pedal will be in dedication to their service and in support of the incredible work of the London based Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.”
Challenge Schedule – Key Stops
Start: Auschwitz, Poland
End: Arnhem, Netherlands
- 17 Aug – Auschwitz → Kraków
- 21 Aug – Olesno → Wrocław
- 25 Aug – Słubice → Berlin
- 29 Aug – Helmstedt → Hanover
- 02 Sep – Enschede → Arnhem
Total: 1,382 km / 859 miles across 17 days
A dedicated supporter of veteran causes, Chris’s ride echoes the values of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, with which he has long been involved.
To find out more about the support the Taxi Charity offers to veterans visit www.taxicharity.org and to donate to Chris’s challenge visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/chris-willmott-to-cycle-across-europe-for-taxi-charity
About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948. It is the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment and arranges free trips (for veterans from all conflicts) to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration and days out to museums, concerts, or social events across the UK.
The charity received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, a remarkable milestone for a small, niche charity peopled by enthusiastic volunteers.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
