Climate Classic 2025 in Szczecin: A Cycling Manifesto for Clean Energy and River Ecosystem Protection
On 13 September 2025, the Polish city of Szczecin will host the third edition of Climate Classic Poland – a unique cycling event that combines the passion for sport with a powerful message in support of climate action and environmental responsibility. Organized by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), the event highlights the role of local initiatives in driving the green transition and promoting sustainable mobility.
In brief
The third edition of Climate Classic Polska will take place on 13 September 2025 in Szczecin and the surrounding Lower Oder Valley, organised by the Polish Wind Energy Association. The cycling rally route covers 50 kilometres or 100 kilometres and runs along the Oder, a river hit by an ecological disaster in 2022, over asphalt roads and paved off-road trails, with a stop in Krajnik Dolny. Participation is open with no age limit and no equipment requirements. Małgorzata Żmijewska-Kukiełka of the Polish Wind Energy Association stressed that the event is a manifesto of shared responsibility and draws attention to the importance of the Oder.
Unlike a competitive race, Climate Classic is a symbolic ride designed to raise awareness of the environmental challenges ahead. This year’s route follows the Oder River, a waterway that became emblematic of ecological crisis after the 2022 environmental disaster. The organizers emphasize that the route’s significance is both scenic and symbolic – serving as a reminder of the urgent need to protect river ecosystems and ensure responsible natural resource management.
Western Pomerania, hosting this year’s event, is not a random choice. The region is widely regarded as a national leader in the energy transition, with rapid growth in both wind and solar power. It also actively develops its cycling infrastructure, connecting urban and natural areas through a growing network of bike routes – positioning the bicycle as an environmentally friendly mode of transport.
– Climate Classic is more than a cycling event – it is a collective call to action. This year, we aim to emphasize the Oder River as a shared natural asset and highlight that the future of our planet begins with local engagement, says Małgorzata Żmijewska-Kukiełka, representative of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
The 2025 route includes two variants – 50 km and 100 km – to accommodate participants of all fitness levels and bicycle types. The course includes a mix of asphalt and hardened roads through green corridors and protected areas. A rest and refreshment zone is planned in Krajnik Dolny, offering participants a moment to connect with the river environment.
Climate Classic originated in Western Europe – including the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy – where the routes symbolically trace new potential coastlines in the event of continued sea-level rise. The Polish edition echoes this message but reinterprets it through the lens of inland water management, energy transformation, and climate resilience.
The event is held under the patronage of the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the Marshal of West Pomerania Region, the City of Szczecin, and the West Pomeranian Landscape Parks Authority.
PWEA encourages representatives of the public sector, the renewable energy industry, maritime transport stakeholders, and water management authorities to participate not only as riders but also as institutional partners. The Climate Classic Poland 2025 is an opportunity to showcase cross-sector commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable development along one of Central Europe’s most critical river systems.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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