Everyone Has A Story
At Label Collective, we believe cycling is not defined by speed, results, or labels. It is shaped by people. Different bodies. Different paths. Different reasons for riding. What connects us is movement, curiosity, and respect for each other.That belief is why we are starting this series in 2026. Everyone Has a Story gives space to the people behind the rides. Honest journeys. No hierarchy. No expectations of what a cyclist should look like or aim for.
Our friend Manuel’s story is the first to kickstart this series. It reflects what we value at Label Collective - adapting when things change, finding new ways to move, redefining what cycling can mean at different moments in life. We hope his story resonates with you and encourages you to see your own journey on the bike in a new light.
What first pulled you into cycling, and what kept you coming back?
Until 2023, running was my main sport. I was deeply into long distances, including ultramarathons. Then my knees forced a stop. I had surgery on my left knee in March 2023 and on my right knee in December. At that point, I had to look for an alternative. Like many injured runners, I started cycling. I bought my first proper bike, a gravel bike. That purchase marked the beginning of my cycling journey and slowly turned into a real passion.
How has riding shaped your routine, your mindset, or the way you see yourself?
Even before the injuries, my perspective on sport had already started to change. At first, it was always about faster, higher, further. That shifted when I moved from road running to trail running. Being outdoors became more important. Movement in fresh air and mental release started to matter more.
Cycling intensified that feeling. Compared to running, I am outside longer and with less intensity. That extra time increases the mental effect and gives me more space.
Is there a moment on the bike that changed something for you?
Before all this, I did have a bike and rode occasionally, maybe thirty to forty kilometres. I always had pain in my legs and from the saddle, and because of that, I hated it.
Everything changed when I bought a bike that actually fit my body. No pain. No constant discomfort. That was the real game changer. Today I ride both gravel and road, but most of my time is spent on the road bike. It feels simpler. I do not have to overthink routes. I just ride roads and bike paths.
What feels most meaningful when you ride: the effort, the freedom, the people, or something else?
Definitely the freedom and the feeling that I can ride very far.
What are you working toward right now, and why does that goal matter to you?
I do not have specific goals in cycling. Of course I want to get stronger, but only for myself. I do not train with a plan. I listen to my body and, if in doubt, I choose an easy ride.
If I had to name one goal, it would be the two hundred kilometre mark. My longest ride so far is 165 kilometres.
Mind
Set
What part of cycling feels most like you, and why?
I enjoy being alone and feel good that way. That applies to cycling too. I ride solo about ninety five percent of the time. I also care about what I wear and enjoy nice clothing, which fits naturally with cycling.
How has the community around cycling influenced your journey?
Not directly, since I mostly ride alone. I do come across events with many riders, but most of my inspiration comes from social platforms like Instagram and Strava.
What does a perfect ride look like for you?
About one hundred kilometres, which is currently my favourite distance. Good weather. A podcast or music in my ears. No punctures. No pressure to be home at a certain time.
Anything else you would like to add?
As much as I have learned to love cycling, I will probably always be an injured runner who rides a bike. That history stays with me. It shapes how I move, how I train, and how I listen to my body. Cycling is not a replacement. It is an evolution. A way to keep moving without forcing myself into something I am no longer able or willing to be. And I am completely fine with that.
This is what brings the Collective together. Different starting points. Different limits. Different reasons for riding. Performance defined on your own terms. Movement that adapts to life, injuries, changes, and phases. A shared space where you do not need to fit a mould to belong. You show up as you are, and that is enough.
From 2026 onward, we will introduce more of our Collective and the people who shape it. Different stories. Different reasons for riding. Shared values that connect us through movement.
Everyone has a story. If you feel like sharing yours, get in touch.
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