Athletes told some of their stories and showed how sport has transformed their lives
October 2022 - On Thursday, the 21st, afternoon, another social action by Instituto Brasil Ride was held in Arraial d'Ajuda: a lecture for students from schools in the district. Around 200 students closely followed the founder of Brasil Ride, Mario Roma, in addition to 6 super special guests - world champions Henrique Avancini and Tiago Ferreira; the champion and also Portuguese teacher Celina Carpinteiro; the Minas Gerais-based police officer Carol Coleman; doctor José Cruvinel Neto and Ryan Braz, a local from Porto Seguro.
They all have in common the transformation that sport - especially cycling - has made in their lives. Mário introduced each of the guests and told a little about their stories in MTB."
Celina is a teacher and has participated in about 8 competitions in the 12 editions of Brasil Ride.
"This ultramarathon is the most spectacular and where I witnessed unimaginable things. Brazilians are a welcoming people. This is where I made history, lived emotions and learned a love for the sport, which you don't see in other places", she declared.
Carol was one of the winners of the Espinhaço edition and almost could not participate in Bahia’s edition. "If it weren't for people who embraced my cause, I wouldn't be able to get here. I received help from many people, who were moved by my purpose and I'm here to live another Brasil Ride experience", she commented.
José is a doctor and came to Brasil Ride with the goal of losing weight. "I'm always the last to arrive, better known as peba. The ultramarathon changed my life in several ways: it brought me health, friends and helped me understand the real meaning of life. Today I understand how sport transforms. I went from being obese and a person who lived to work to someone who loves life and who now understands that one can be a professional and have a personal life as well," he said.
Elite - Both Tiago Ferreira and Henrique Avancini had challenges as well. Tiago very tall and few thought he 'had it'. Avancini had the dream of being big, since he was little, when he use to draw famous sponsorship brands on his t-shirt, while still training on a bike 'built by his father'.
"I proved to people that I was better. I abandoned the labels and followed my dreams. We have to build our own path and put aside what others think", declared Tiago.
Ryan Braz, is not an athlete, but his life was transformed by cycling, when he was embraced by Brasil Ride, having the support of the Institute for the cure of cancer.
"I doubted the cure several times, but I had the support to keep going. That's why I never gave up."
Ana Luiza Costa Souza, is 13 years old and wants to be a journalist. "It's my first time participating in the event. I really enjoyed this chat and all the inspiring stories we heard here," she said.
The Portuguese language teacher, Andrea Oliveira, said that the meeting was very a important opportunity for everyone to hear the experiences. "It's motivating for students to hear from people who have faced challenges and managed to achieve their goals and dreams. I think it's important to have sport as a protagonist that can take them off the wrong path. It was definitely valuable to them," she said.
Brasil Ride Bahia is sponsored by the Sports Office, Ministry of Citizenship, Specialized, Continental Tires, Shimano and Unidas Rent a Car, Garmin, Red Bull, HB, Squirt, and Porto Seguro and Guaratinga Municipalities. The race has the support of Full Gas, Spot, Thule, Coca-Cola, Pau Brasil National Park and Alto Cariri National Park. With the aproval of the International Cycling Union (UCI), Brazilian Cycling Confederation (CBC) and FBC (Bahia Cycling Federation). The organization is from Brasil Ride Institute.
The 7 stages of the ultramarathon:
1st stage, October 23 – 21.6 km and 404 m accumulated ascension in Arraial d'Ajuda
2nd stage, October 24 – 128 km and 2,660 m accumulated ascension from Arraial to Guaratinga
3rd stage, October 25 – 57.4 km and 1,070 m accumulated ascension in Guaratinga
4th stage, October 26 – 101 km and 2,440 m accumulated ascension in Guaratinga
5th stage, October 27 – 135 km and 2,200 m accumulated ascension from Guaratinga to Arraial
6th stage, October 28 – 30 km and 496 m accumulated ascension in Arraial d'Ajuda
7th stage, October 29 – 39.6 km and 465 m accumulated ascension in Arraial d'Ajuda
Brasil Ride: More than a race, a stage in your life.
More information about Brasil Ride:
www.brasilride.com.br
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BRASILRIDE
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brasilride
Press information:
Débora do Carmo – 84625/SP
+55 11 9 5772-1789
E-mail: press@brasilride.com.br
