TOUR: How did you come up with the idea of creating images on Strava?
Christian Ohantel: I did art when I was young - I was also on an advanced art course. When I bought a sat nav a few years ago, I thought: I could track a camel. In the end it was 380 kilometres and the camel was one leg short - I wouldn't do that today. But I realised that I really enjoyed it, Pictures on Strava and now I plan the pictures very well.
How do you plan the route?
With the Strava route planner it works surprisingly well. Of course, it can happen that there is suddenly a roadworks site or that you get lost. A classic example is that I only realise after turning off that there was a small path that I missed. But if you're driving a few metres in the wrong direction, you don't notice it when you're driving over 200 kilometres. It's stupid when you suddenly come across private land. For my bullfighter picture, I suddenly found myself in front of the BMW premises. The gatekeeper wouldn't let me in, so I had to spontaneously change the torrero's hat. But if necessary, I'll climb over a fence...
Do you exchange ideas with other Strava artists?
We know each other in the scene and we write to each other. There has just been a challenge in which two partners from two countries join forces: one plans - the other follows. For example, an Australian from Melbourne planned an eagle and I then drove it in Munich. I also know someone in Brazil who does complicated things. For example, he drew Marilyn Monroe on a patch of sand while jogging.
If necessary, I'll climb over a fence
What other projects do you have planned?
I once planned a rugby player with a second one jumping into his legs. That would be a tour of 300 kilometres. I usually start at five o'clock in the morning, when it's easier with the traffic and you can sometimes drive through a red light. I'm finished by midday. But with the distance, I would have to split it over two days. I usually get my ideas from friends: once a boxer asked me if I could do something, another time a wrestler. I've done both - I'm happy when I get new ideas.
Are you also a sporty traveller?
I'm a long-distance cyclist and have been pretty much everywhere in cycling marathons. I also enjoy cross-country racing. I actually come from triathlon, but they've all been cancelled since corona. That's why I've had more time to come up with new images - I still have a few ideas in my head.
You are a structural engineer by profession. What do your colleagues say about your hobby?
In my job, it's unusual to do sport after work. I have one colleague in the team who is interested in my things - the others don't care.
On his Instagram channel he posts Strava artist Christian Ohantel his latest creations. Many more Strava artworks by cyclists from all over the world can be found on the platform Strav.Art
Kristian Bauer
Editor
