How Cycling Became Jan’s Path to Recovery.
Images by Tom Kieslich
For most, a bike is sports equipment. For Jan, it’s a Fluchtfahrzeug—an escape vehicle.
This winter, videographer Tom Kieslich set out to document a story that goes far deeper than podiums or Strava segments. It’s a raw look at Jan’s recovery from drug abuse and how two wheels helped him rebuild a life that was nearly lost.
"I’ve seen many people and friends go. And actually, I already dealt with the thought of my life going a similar path." — Jan
Finding Structure in the Spin
Drug abuse strips away your foundation. For Jan, cycling wasn't just a hobby; it was the blueprint for a new life. The bike provided the resilience and structure he lacked, shaping him back into the athlete he once was and proving that the stigma surrounding mental health can be broken, one pedal stroke at a time.
