In 2021, Markus André Mayer completed one of the most ambitious charity rides in the history of Vespa — 6,300 km through 7 European countries on a 50-year-old 50cc Vespa, raising €88,000 for children with cancer across 20 countries. He rode the entire way in a suit and tie.
Inspired by a friend's donation ride in Italy, Markus set out to unite the international scooter community and national cancer foundations under one mission. The suit and tie were deliberate — a tribute to the classic history and elegance of the Vespa, and a statement that charity does not have to look ordinary.
The vehicle of choice was Eleanore — a 1971 Vespa V50N producing approximately 3 horsepower. The message was simple: it does not matter how big your engine is. What matters is how big your heart is.
The original plan called for a 25,000 km tour through 40 countries. Pandemic-related border restrictions and quarantine measures made this impossible. Markus completed 6,300 km through 7 countries in 62 days — and still raised €88,000 for children with cancer. The full 40-country tour remains a future goal.
Combined with the Giro Germanica in 2017, Markus has raised a total of €113,000 for children with cancer through Vespa charity rides.
The Gentleman Giro was more than a ride. It was a mission to set a positive impulse and remind people that despite global challenges, they are part of one large, caring family. Markus emphasised that 100% of all donations went directly to the cancer foundations — not a single euro was deducted for costs.
Travel costs — fuel, food and insurance — were covered separately: 30% by Markus himself, 30% by his family, and 40% by corporate sponsors.
Eleanore was no ordinary scooter. A 1971 Vespa V50N — one of the smallest and slowest Vespas ever built — was chosen deliberately. The Scooter Center built and optimised the motor to handle the extraordinary demands of the journey. At 50cc and approximately 3 horsepower, Eleanore was not built for 6,300 km across 7 countries. She did it anyway.
The tour was built around community. Over 200 Vespa clubs opened their doors across Europe, organising events including:
Major Supporters:
What was the Vespa Gentleman Giro? A 2021 charity ride by Markus André Mayer covering 6,300 km through 7 European countries on a 1971 Vespa V50N 50cc — raising €88,000 for children with cancer across 20 national foundations. Ridden entirely in a suit and tie.
Why a suit and tie on a Vespa? To honour the classic history and elegance of the Vespa, and to make a statement that charity does not have to look ordinary. The gentleman aesthetic became the identity of the entire project.
Did all donations reach the charities? Yes — 100% of all donations went directly to the cancer foundations. Travel costs were funded separately by Markus, his family and corporate sponsors.
Why was the original 40-country plan not completed? Pandemic-related border restrictions and quarantine measures in 2021 made a continuous 40-country tour impossible. Markus completed 7 countries in 62 days. The full tour remains a future goal.
How much money was raised in total across all charity rides? €113,000 — €25,000 from the Giro Germanica in 2017 and €88,000 from the Gentleman Giro in 2021.
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