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Manuel Entrup-Galindo, who now lives in Munich, was one of the first participants in the DWW Social Ride and surprised us with his athleticism, but above all with his calm, positive attitude. The former paratrooper, fixed-gear rider, and bikepacker received the devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that is still incurable, in 2021. Nevertheless, Manuel pedals hard. A conversation about freedom, resilience, and cycling as therapy.
Days Well Wasted: Hi Manuel! To jump right in: What fascinates you so much about cycling?
Manuel: Absolutely: the freedom. You move through the world under your own power. You see a mountain and think to yourself: I'm going to get that one. And then you go – you against the mountain. I love that.
And on long tours that last for weeks?
It gets even more intense. It slows you down completely. You experience the landscape with all your senses – smell it, feel it. And you're very close to yourself. You push your limits, listen to your body. This is especially important with MS. The disease is very individual – everyone has to find their own way of dealing with it. For me, cycling is a way to stay in touch with myself.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. How did that manifest itself?
I attended a Bundeswehr training course. We had to balance on a taut band – and I just couldn't do it. At first, I shrugged it off. But as I was running, it became really clear: My right leg wasn't keeping up with the flow, and my gait was completely off.
You don't immediately think of MS, do you?
Pff, absolutely not! I was a junior sergeant at the time – tough infantry. I liked that, too. But at some point I realized that twelve years of running through the woods with a pack and a rifle might not be all I wanted – and that cognitively, I was destined for more (laughs). So I changed careers, joined the paratroopers, and started out as a jumper.
And your gait?
I went to the orthopedist first and got insoles. But it didn't get any better.
„YOU ARE NEVER AS CLOSER TO YOURSELF AS ON A BIKE“
And then came the diagnosis?
Exactly. Then, in the Bundeswehr hospital, I received the official diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. It was like a house of cards collapsed for me.
How did those around me react?
It was a shock. My mother cried the most. But today, everyone sees: I can cycle to Istanbul despite the diagnosis – and I'm fit. Many people can't even manage that without the disease. I show every day: I can move on. I often say: There's something good in every bad. Today, I work from home, earn twice as much as before – and have found my way.
Did your time in the Bundeswehr help you deal with the diagnosis? Resilience…
Definitely! The training made me strong. Mentally and physically. That also helps me on long tours when I'm feeling a bit ill or my head is draining.
Cycling and MS – that doesn't sound entirely compatible at first...
I see the opposite. MS mainly affects my legs. But cycling provides a guided movement – especially with clipless pedals. I can train my muscles in a targeted manner. It's ideal for my body.
Exercise is generally said to be beneficial for MS...
Absolutely. If I don't exercise for a long time, I immediately notice small setbacks. Exercise is key for MS.
In 2023, the three of you set off on the "Tour de Kebab" – from Munich to Istanbul. With a fundraising goal...
Exactly. We raised money for the German Multiple Sclerosis Society (DMSG). 13 days on the bike, and in the end, we raised €4,600. We promoted the event on our Instagram channels – it went really well. And the best part: I didn't experience any MS-related problems during the tour.
What was the best moment?
Definitely – Albania! Challenging terrain, but beautiful and very hospitable. And the Turkish hinterland also impressed us. We drove through Bulgaria and along the Black Sea to Turkey – it was truly intense in terms of scenery and culture.
And the worst part?
Arriving. I could have kept going forever. I love being on the road – especially with the two friends I did the tour with.
And that wasn't your only tour, was it?
No, the year before we cycled to Corfu to raise money for World Bicycle Relief.
Was there a highlight there too?
Absolutely – Albania again! This country is truly something. Demanding, but beautiful, and the people are incredibly welcoming.
Und what are the plans for the next tour?
I'm thinking about a tour to Warsaw – from Munich. Or maybe Sardinia. But for that, Italian drivers would have to behave a little better towards cyclists (laughs).