IM Alex Wohl is in many ways an unusual chess pro. Firstly, he is from Australia, and this is not a country that one all too often sees represented on the starting line in international tournaments. Second, he bikes to the tournaments he plays in; at least to some of them, and this year it’s the Arctic Chess Challenge.

We have been fortunate in Tromsø to get to know Alexander at last year’s ACC, and we like both his style and charm. We also note that in the past 10 years he has played 1006 rated games! Not many matches this; he beats even Ivanchuk by 106 games.

Less than a week ago he arrived in Levanger in central Norway and intends to cycle his way up to Tromsø! July 21st he celebrated his 47th birthday on the road with some strawberries and a nice meeting with another cyclist, until he stayed in his tent at Camping Holmsen just before Namsos.

On his blog he tells about his experiences along the way, like staying in Bodø last night, listening to Pink Floyd and getting a nice dinner. Obviously his tour works splendidly and he’s excellent in every way. Tonight he has come to Svolvær. We look forward to receive him in a few days here in Tromsø.

Will he arrive on time? We see with concern that tonight he thinks the tournament starts on Sunday and will take a detour! He is now notified, and we hope he reads e-mail!

Alex Wohl, biking Hide