Back From The Brink

The extraordinary story of Jaco van Gass: war veteran, Arctic adventurer and champion cyclist.

- Chris Saunders

Next time you pull out of that planned ride because it’s raining, you have a niggling injury, or you just don’t fancy it, spare a thought for Jaco van Gass. While serving with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009, this avid cyclist was blown up by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), suffering life-changing injuries as a result. A cycling nut since childhood, this horrific experience literally forced him out of the saddle. At least for a while. When he did get back on his bike again, though, he found that cycling helped his bashed-about soul rediscover its inner peace. Bikes Etc meets one extraordinary chap…

Talking to Jaco van Gass is a revelation. At 29 years old he is a man who has been to war, walked to the North Pole, run marathons, attempted to climb Everest, and despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, become a champion cyclist. To pinch a modern-day marketing phrase, impossible is nothing – at least where this inspiring guy is concerned.