From Amsterdam to the Podium: PULSE Racing’s Silver Ride at CYBATHLON 2024

On October 26th, 2024, PULSE Racing celebrated an incredible achievement: second place at CYBATHLON 2024 in Zurich! Competing against top teams from around the world, we demonstrated how far teamwork, innovation, and determination can take us.

The race was intensely close—just 1.9 seconds separated us from Team BeAGain of South Korea, who took first place. Congratulations to them for an outstanding performance! For us, bringing home the silver medal feels like a huge accomplishment and showed how far we’ve come as a team.

The Race Highlights

At the centre of this achievement was PULSE Racing’s athlete, Peter van Burk. Peter has always been passionate about sports. Before his spinal cord injury in 2020, he trained almost every day, preparing for triathlons with the same focus and determination he brought to the CYBATHLON.

Years of preparation culminated in the race in Zurich, where Peter cycled an impressive 1960 meters in just 6.05 minutes using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology. The tension was palpable as he lined up at the starting line, fully aware of the hard work and innovation that had led to this moment.

As the race began, Peter gave it his all, powering through with focus and empowered by the energy of the crowed. His performance showed both his dedication and the capabilities of assistive technology. When he crossed the finish line—just 1.9 seconds behind the leader—we couldn’t have been prouder.

The silver medal was more than a result; it was a symbol of collaboration, perseverance, and the incredible potential of technology to empower people and unlock new possibilities.

The Science Behind FES

Functional Electrical Stimulation is an innovative technology that allows people with spinal cord injuries to move muscles that would otherwise be inactive. Using small electrical pulses, nerves are stimulated to create muscle contractions, enabling movements like cycling.

Beyond competitions, FES has significant health benefits for people with Spinal Cord Injuries. It helps build muscle, reduces bone loss, improves circulation, and decreases stiffness. For Peter, and for many others, it’s a game-changer that enhances both physical health and quality of life.

CYBATHLON: Where Technology and Teamwork Meet

CYBATHLON isn’t just a competition—it’s a showcase of what’s possible when technology and people work together. Teams from all over the world gather to compete in events like FES cycling, robotic prosthetics, and exoskeleton races. The atmosphere in Zurich was buzzing with energy and excitement as teams displayed their innovative designs and athletes gave their best.

FES pilots of Polimi FES and PULSE Racing trying different bikes to gain new knowledge and experiences!

What stood out in the FES cycling category was the sense of camaraderie between the teams. In the shared spaces, we exchanged ideas, cheered each other on, and even tried out each other’s equipment after the races. It was inspiring to meet so many people who share the same goal: improving lives through assistive technology.

More Than Just a Competition

CYBATHLON gave us so much more than a medal. It offered a glimpse into the diversity of assistive technologies being developed and the incredible talent driving these innovations. From advanced wheelchairs to robotic arms, we saw firsthand how technology is transforming independence and accessibility for people with disabilities.

It also created opportunities for learning and collaboration. Conversations with other teams provided valuable insights and inspiration that will shape our work in the future.

Our Team and Supporters

Achieving this milestone for our PULSE Racing team wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our entire team. Many team members worked together to prepare for CYBATHLON 2024, making countless adjustments to optimize our FES bike and support Peter’s training.

We’re also grateful to our sponsors and partners, including Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Dream Teams VU, VU Entrepreneurship, Demonstrator Lab Amsterdam, and BerkelBike BV. Their belief in our mission and support throughout the process made this journey possible.

The CYBATHLON: A Platform for the Future

While the silver medal is a significant achievement, CYBATHLON was also a platform for showcasing FES technology and its potential. There’s still so much more to explore and improve. Making these technologies even more accessible and effective is a goal we’re committed to pursuing.

CYBATHLON reminded us why we do what we do: to create opportunities, improve lives, and demonstrate the possibilities that arise when technology and human determination come together.

A Big Thank You

Finally, we want to thank everyone who has supported us—our partners, friends, families, and the entire CYBATHLON community. This experience has been unforgettable, and we’re excited to carry the momentum forward.

Here’s to more innovation, collaboration, and success in the future! 🚴‍♂️