Silk Road Race Turns Into Charity Ride for Young Cancer Patients

Two international cyclists are set to turn their endurance challenge into a charitable mission during this year’s Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan, as they ride to support children battling cancer.

Patrick Mayerle from Ravensburg, Germany, and Peter Bray from Westchester, US, will participate in the mountain biking event from August 15 to 30, 2025, The Caspian Post reports per Kyrgyz media.

The high-altitude race stretches from Osh to Karakol, covering some of the country’s most demanding terrain.

Aizada Pertner, a representative of the Stuttgart-based non-profit Umai, said that the initiative is being carried out in partnership with Kyrgyzstan’s Helping is Easy Foundation. The goal is to raise funds to purchase essential medications for young cancer patients.

“This is Patrick’s second time riding for this cause. Last year, he raised approximately 1 million soms ($80,150), all of which was donated to help children in Kyrgyzstan receive life-saving treatment,” Pertner said.

Ahead of the race, Mayerle and Bray are expected to meet with children undergoing cancer treatment and their families in Osh city.

Fundraising will continue throughout the event, with the procurement and distribution of the medicines set to begin right after the race ends.