presented by:
2 men - 2 legs
an extraordinary
Challenge
In summer 2020, Lars and Rüdiger started a spectacular challenge in Tarifa (Atlantic Ocean). They want to sail there sport catamaran across the Mediterranean Sea from Gibraltar along the European coast all the way to Palermo in about 30 days. What means working as a TEAM on a 2x2 meter trampoline for 10 to 12 hours a day in wind, waves, and weather. The special thing about this 3750 km long challenge: Rudy has been on the road without legs since an accident in 1997. The unequal duo is supported by a photographer, a filmmaker, and an experienced rescue and support team They accompany them in a motorboat and by car along the coast.
With the GP Challenge 2020 they want to show together what you can achieve as a team if everyone is ready to push his own limits, again and again, to give his best and to bring in his own strengths in the
right moment for TEAM success. They are all convinced that most of our limits exist exclusively in our heads and that life is not about what "you" cannot do. Rather, it is about discovering your own possibilities in order to then find the courage and support to put these possibilities into practice.
Together they break the boundaries in the people's minds and by setting an example because they show what is possible if a team is ready to give everything and disability DOES NOT play any role!
A spectacular challenge, fantastic emotions, great moments, and an unforgettable story that will be shown in cinemas - 2021 - in a documentary film that is extraordinary in every point of view!
The team
Sailing
Lars grew up sailing on Lake Thun and has various regatta victories and top rankings in div. classes. He became Swiss champion in the 470 class and participated several times as a member of the Swiss national squad at the Junior World Championships (2 x Top 15). He was able to make his catamaran experiences at two world championships with a German national team sailor. About 20 years ago he had lost the desire for sailing and regatta sports... Until Rudy came along with his idea...
Sailing
Rudy is Keynote-Speaker, Trainer & Coach and above all, he is an enthusiastic extreme athlete who is, true to his claim: no legs, no limits! overcoming his own limits over and over again. He has been without legs since a road accident in 1997. In 2017 he completed the extreme endurance project Follow the River successfully. Before his accident, the former sports student was an avid water sportsman, especially windsurfing had done it to him. As a sailor, he sets off for new shores.
The support team
René von Gunten
Film
René is a passionate documentary filmmaker. His drive is the fascination with the stories of people who are not afraid to venture into new things, explore the unknown, and turn things upside down. He tells you these stories because we can all learn from them. René accompanies the entire challenge with his camera.
Michele Di Fede
Photo & Support
Michele is both a photographer and a passionate athlete. He already accompanied Rüdi not only photographically on theFollow the River Projekt. He has the eye for the special moment and can pack properly if necessary. His cooking skills are well known. He documents the entire challenge in pictures.
Agostino Poli
Accompanying & lifeboat
Agostino from Alto Garda Kite is grown up on the water. He is very familiar with everything that runs quickly on the water. He is a trained kite instructor and has already gathered some sailing experience on Lake Garda. Through his work with handicapped kiters, he knows how to drive a motorboat on open waters to be there quickly, safely, and effectively whenever Lars and Rudy need something. He knows his craft 100%.
Giovanni Poli
Land Crew / Escort-/lifeboat
Giovanni from Alto Garda Kite knows everything that has a motor and can be moved either on water or on land. Where others don't go forwards, he easily drives every trailer backward. No way is too far for him and no move too much... He has an eye for the work that needs to be done and he can really grab hold of it. He is not too good for anything and he always finds a solution.
Fiore Capone
Land Crew
"Fiooooore" has been committed to inclusion for over 20 years. Digitale Assistive Technologien moves him in everyday working life. As a gofer, he gives everything with all his passion for the GP Challenge ... He plans, organizes, takes care of, and cooks for the team. At the same time, he is always taking care of all the different needs of each team member. There is probably no other name that is heard more often at the GP Challenge.
The sponsors
Because success is only possible with strong partners, we thank all our sponsors for their belief in this crazy idea and for their great support!
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Official partners
Equipment Suppliers & Supporters
