2Wheels4Purpose: pedalling for charity

Some initiatives draw their strength as much from the challenge they represent as from the cause they serve. With 2Wheels4Purpose, cycling becomes much more than just a sporting endeavour: it rallies a collective commitment around the fight against cancer.

Due to start on 1 May 2026, the project will take the form of a 7,000-kilometre Odyssey across more than 20 European countries, from Estonia to Gibraltar. Its aim is to raise awareness, motivate action and raise funds for the Fondation Saint-Luc to support the Ciclibiome research project. But beyond the distance to be pedalled lies a wider message: turning every kilometre into tangible support for a deeply human cause.

This initiative is led by René Beltjens, Sander van der Fluit and Marc Bijlsma, all three having been personally affected by the disease. They have transformed an idea into a visible, collective and worthwhile project. This is what gives 2Wheels4Purpose a special resonance: the effort is all channelled into what it can help achieve.

A stage in which our colleagues will take part

Before the start of the trans-European ride, 2Wheels4Purpose is planning a ‘preamble’ to be held on 17 and 18 April 2026, between Luxembourg and Brussels. For participants setting off from Luxembourg, this is a 259-kilometre route, cycled over two days.

Joining the action under the colours of Banque de Luxembourg and Banque de Luxembourg Belgium will be David Schmidt, Pit Breyer and Steven Maertens. Their participation adds a very personal dimension to this effort. It also embodies the very essence of this type of initiative – individuals choosing to get actively involved on the ground to raise the profile of a vital cause and contribute to a charity fundraising effort.

Commitment expressed in action

Such enthusiastic support serves as a reminder that a commitment truly comes into its own when it translates into concrete and concerted action. Supporting 2Wheels4Purpose is not just about taking part in a sporting challenge. It is about connecting a public health issue, a human dynamic and valuable support for research.

It is also what makes this participation really meaningful: bringing charitable purpose to life not only in intention but also in action, giving it a demonstrable form through individuals rallying together and setting their wheels in motion to support a shared objective.

How to support the initiative

People can support this fundraising campaign on Fondation Saint-Luc’s dedicated donation page. All funds raised through the initiative will go directly to the foundation, including amounts contributed by sponsors. The costs of organising the Odyssey are covered by the founding team.

Donations are tax-deductible in Belgium and Luxembourg and a tax certificate will be sent by the foundation in the first quarter of the following year.

With 2Wheels4Purpose, it is not just about covering a long distance. Above all, it is about transforming a personal effort into collective momentum and reminding us that some causes are genuinely advanced through the physical efforts of individuals rallying together.