Morton's 1,000 kilometre ride finishes at Ukraine border

After 42 hours of riding, Australian professional cyclist and ultra-endurance rider Lachlan Morton reached the Ukraine-Poland border after starting from Munich, Germany.

Source: Getty

Morton's ride was completed a mere 42 hours after starting out from Germany, as he aimed to raise money for Ukrainian refugees and highlight that the horribles realities of war were just 'a ride away' from the middle of Europe. He rode with people who came out in big numbers through the days and nights, smashing his initial fundraising target, ultimately he raised more than $280,000 AUD for Ukrainian refugees by the ride's end.

Cold weather, and lack of sleep made for a challenging effort, with a clearly exhausted Morton documenting his thoughts at the end of the marathon effort.

“Well, made it to the border here, “ said Morton in a video shared on social media. “ Thanks for everyone who supported the trip, who came out on the road and made it a very special day.

“This marks the end of the chosen hardship for me, but it’s symbolic of the hardships being enforced upon a whole bunch of people just on the other side of this border. I hope the cycling community can get together and support those people.”

From the EF Education-Nippo (Morton's professional team) website: "When Lachy got tired, friends on the road pushed him on. When he was cold and hungry, people along the way opened their doors, offered him a warm meal and a hot shower. He was encouraged every kilometre – on social media and on the side of the road."

This effort is the latest of Morton's adventures that have seen him take on some strenuous challenges to push his body and mind to the limit. Last year, he cycled the length of the Tour de France, post-stage transfers included, at the same time as the professional peloton, alone and unsupported. There he raised almost $1 million AUD for the World Bicycle Relief Fund.

The 1,063 kilometre Ukraine ride saw Morton pass through Czechia and into Poland on his way to his destination, the Korczowa - Krakovets border crossing. GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund will be the beneficiary of Morton's ride, you can find out more information including how to donate here.