Kai Horstmann: Ex-Exeter Chiefs star on epic Vesuvius-to-Etna ride for Looseheadz and Worcester's revival
Horstmann played at Worcester between 2005 and 2012
©Rob Passmore
This weekend, three former Exeter Chiefs players - Kai Horstmann, Phil Dolman, and Greg Bateman - will embark on an epic cycling challenge from Mount Vesuvius to Mount Etna in support of LooseHeadz, the rapidly growing mental health charity working within the rugby community.
Spanning 500 miles and climbing a gruelling 11,500 metres over six days, the challenge is as much about endurance as it is about raising awareness.
“Training’s been hard, actually,” admitted Horstmann, speaking to TRU ahead of the ride. “Rugby training is explosive, you hit the ruck, go flat out but this is about endurance, and mentally that’s a whole different shift.
With a nod to the physical demands, he laughs. "We’re just not built for cycling - big blokes trying to take on a challenge like this, it’s kind of all wrong but that’s why we’re doing it, it’s outside our comfort zone."
The trio are no strangers to big physical feats. Last year, they completed the Three Peaks Challenge, cycling between and climbing the UK’s highest mountains but Horstmann says this ride will eclipse anything they've done before.
"This ride is triple the cycling in the same amount of time, with over 11,500 metres of climbing. It’s going to be hotter, longer, and tougher.”
Despite training on Devon’s hills, Horstmann knows that nothing can truly prepare them for six consecutive days in 30-plus degree heat, capped off with the final push up Mount Etna.
"Vesuvius at the start will be exciting, but finishing with Etna after five gruelling days? That’s going to be a serious mental battle."
This isn't just a test of physical and mental limits. The real goal is to raise awareness and funds for LooseHeadz, a charity working to break the stigma around mental health in rugby.
“It was an easy decision,” said Horstmann. “LooseHeadz is a rugby mental health charity, and we've all seen teammates struggle - some you’d never expect."
Horstmann recalls the impact of witnessing former teammate Greg Bateman’s struggles following his retirement.
"He was the life and soul of the changing room. Seeing him go through tough times really hit me. We wanted to do something that was a real challenge for us and help shine a light on the incredible work LooseHeadz are doing.
"You’re in a hyper-masculine environment where weakness isn’t welcomed but that doesn’t serve players in the long run. Vulnerability can be a strength."
LooseHeadz’s vision is to place a mental health lead in every rugby club - a mission Horstmann wholeheartedly supports.
“Sometimes players won’t talk to teammates, but having someone neutral they can go to? That can make a massive difference."
Now based in Exeter, Horstmann remains close to his rugby roots, still following both Exeter Chiefs and the recently revived Worcester Warriors, where he was once Player of the Year and a fan favourite.
Speaking on Worcester’s return to professional rugby - with the club set to compete in 'Champ Rugby' this season - Horstmann beamed with pride: "Oh, amazing. I can’t say how chuffed I was to see the resurrection of Worcester Warriors. It’s not just a club, it’s the heartbeat of rugby in the Midlands. The fans always turned up, rain or shine, and I spent some of the best years of my career there.
“It’s a proper rugby city. Seeing it unravel the way it did was heartbreaking, especially knowing how much Cecil Duckworth [former chairman] put into the club. He loved Worcester, and we all did too. Now, seeing it rise again with 5,000 season tickets sold, strong recruitment, and a solid coaching team, it’s just class.
“The city deserves this. Worcester is a sleeping giant, and I really hope they get the time and support to rebuild properly. They’ve got all the ingredients."
Despite his focus now lying far from the pitch, Horstmann speaks with nothing but gratitude for the game.
“I woke up every day and worked with my best mates. I was paid to do something I adored - it was a dream. Rugby has given me confidence, purpose, and friendships for life.”
The Vesuvius to Etna challenge has already raised over £28,000, smashing the trio’s expectations.
“We never thought we’d hit that. We’re just three mates giving something a crack for a cause we believe in. The rugby community’s support has been incredible.”
With Mount Etna recently erupting, the final stretch now carries an extra layer of drama. But for Horstmann and his teammates, the mission remains clear.
“We just need to lock in, take it 10K at a time and make each other laugh along the way.”
To support the riders or donate to LooseHeadz, click HERE
