The entire month of May at the University of South Bohemia was marked by cycling and solidarity. Students, staff, alumni, and partners of the USB took part in the Academic Bicycle Challenge 2025. Every kilometer participants cycled during May meant one crown donated to support people with autism.
Over thirty days, riders carefully tallied their kilometers individually or in teams. This year’s results are exceptional – almost 113,000 kilometers were ridden at the University of South Bohemia. The number of participants was also a record, with 365 people joining in this year.
“Universities from all over Europe can take part in the cycling challenge. The University of South Bohemia participated for the fifth time, and this year’s result is a record. We exceeded last year’s total by more than 24,000 kilometers,” commented USB Rector Pavel Kozák.
The most successful individual rider for USB was Jaromíra Vondrášková from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, who contributed 1,932 kilometers to the university challenge. From the main partner, Leader Fox, she received a voucher for a 20% discount. The victory among teams was shared by cyclists from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters and the team led by Rector Pavel Kozák, both groups recording exactly 10,282 kilometers. The university also recognized the most active student rider, who won the main prize – a new Leader Fox bicycle. All other riders who covered at least 100 kilometers in May were entered into a draw for a second bicycle.
Throughout May, kilometers were tallied not only by USB students and staff but also by representatives of university partners. The absolute winner of this year’s challenge came from among them, covering an incredible 5,225 kilometers in 30 days, which is one and a half times the length of the Tour de France.
However, this year’s Academic Bicycle Challenge was about more than just numbers and performances. The challenge united the entire university in an effort to overcome barriers, push boundaries, and do something for themselves and others. The charitable purpose of the event motivated riders, knowing that their efforts would help someone who cannot do without the help of others.
“We follow the motto ‘Every kilometer counts,’ because one crown for every kilometer goes to charity. I am truly proud of everyone who took part in this year’s cycling challenge. The experiences and stories from the past month will live on at the university for a long time, and I hope they will motivate even more people in the future. Sport is an integral part of university life, and connecting it with helping those in need makes the most sense to us,” said Rector Pavel Kozák in his closing remarks to all cyclists.
Thanks also go to this year’s ABC Challenge partners – Leader Fox, Budějovický Budvar, and the ČEZ Group.
