Germany's longest cycling marathon: the Race Across Germany

Heavy legs, pouring rain, but also tears of joy: the Race Across Germany cycling marathon is a unique experience for Stefan Feilen. In the end, he needed 57 hours and 28 minutes to complete the 1,100 kilometre route, reaching the finish line in the required time - despite having to battle with difficulties time and again. His EMS suit from Antelope plays an important role both before and after the race.

Stefan Feilen wears the EMS suit from Antelope during the bike race.

How did the race go for you - were you more efficient thanks to your EMS suit?

Stefan: I am very satisfied with my values and data and would definitely like to continue working with Antelope. I got the suit this year in February, which was five months of preparation. The training has already given me a decent increase in performance, I've also lost two and a half kilos in weight and built up muscle. But I'm really looking forward to seeing how it goes with a full nine or ten months of preparation - what I can still tease out. I didn't have any neck or back pain this time either - that was extreme in the past.

A graph shows Stefan's improved performance after his EMS training with Antelope.

In preparation for the Race Across Germany, Stefan was able to significantly increase his FTP value. This indicates the maximum power in watts that an athlete produces on average in one hour.

How did the Race Across Germany feel for you compared to previous competitions?

Stefan: The race is actually no comparison to all the competitions before it. It was the toughest I've ever ridden. Even when I think back to 2019, when I took part in the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling marathon. It's another 100 kilometres further, but the Race Across Germany is more challenging. The metres in altitude are completely different and extremely challenging. I've also never ridden such a long distance with a support crew, always unsupported. Nevertheless, it went really well - until I crashed after kilometre 250. I saw a bump too late, hit it with my front wheel and rolled over.

Stefan Feilen on his racing bike after his preparation with the EMS suit from Antelope.

Was it difficult for you to continue driving afterwards?

Stefan: No. Ten minutes later I was back on my bike. Of course you think: "What could have happened?" But you have to put it out of your mind quickly. I had a few grazes and a bruise on my back. The saddle on the bike itself was broken, which I didn't realise at first. After a few hours, however, it became noticeable on my bum. (laughs)

What else was challenging for you?

Stefan: The first night after the crash was really bad. I cycled until half past two. I was struggling a lot with fatigue. And I was really, really cold because it rained for 300 kilometres. On the second night, my racing bike also broke down and I had to switch back to my time trial bike.

Stefan Feilen rides his racing bike at the Race Across Germany after his preparation with the EMS suit from Antelope.

Have you ever thought: "I won't be able to do this in the allotted time"?

Stefan: Not myself. You don't think much during a bike marathon anyway - mostly just "hunger, thirst and a stupid headwind". The crew in the car were worried on the last day. They did a lot of maths and calculations. But I never thought about giving up.

How did you take care of your muscle recovery after the race?

Stefan: My EMS suit from Antelope was definitely a big help. I've always had the feeling during EMS training that I get fit again quickly and don't have to struggle with sore muscles even after hard sessions. So on Monday, before we left, I put on the Antelope EMS suit in the morning and switched on the massage programme to slowly loosen up my muscles. In 2019, after Paris, I couldn't cycle for six weeks due to problems with my back and joints. My Achilles tendon was also inflamed. This time, I was back on the bike a week later for a relaxed session. My recovery is still ongoing, even though the race was over ten days ago. My hands are still numb.

Stefan Feilen is happy after the successful bike race following his training with the EMS suit from Antelope.

Despite the resistance: Would you do the Race Across Germany again?

Stefan: The registration is already out. I want to get under 50 hours next year. This year we had 50 hours 22 minutes of driving time and just under 7 hours of standing time. There's definitely still room for improvement!

What was your personal highlight of the race?

Stefan: 70 kilometres before Garmisch, my best friend and his partner were standing along the route. He came all the way down the 500 kilometres from Trier. When they were waiting at the finish line, that was a real highlight. I was crying with joy.

Stefan Feilen can be seen training for the Race Across Germany. He is sitting on a training bike and training with the EMS suit from Antelope. He can be seen slightly to the side from head to below the knees and smiles past the camera on the left.

"I've been training according to a training plan for a long time, but with the Antelope EMS suit you can really get a lot more out of it."


Stefan Feilen


Ultra distance cyclist



You might also be interested in this:

Abonniere uns

Would you like to stay in touch with us on social media?

To top