Teodors Ķirsis – The Road Never Ends #122

On May 14, 2025, it was exactly 30 years since two Latvians – Teodors Ķirsis and Imants Zauls conquered Mount Everest. They were the first to raise the Latvian flag on the world’s highest peak.

Teodors Ķirsis was born on November 25, 1942, in Jelgava. His final climb was Mount Cook in New Zealand in 2003. Ķirsis was a Latvian entrepreneur, public figure, and mountaineer. He authored two books on mountaineering. One of them – "The Road Never Ends" (1997) – became a source of inspiration for the design of a new car carrier. These words now serve as the motto of Kurbads' vehicles, symbolizing an endless journey, continuous progress, and respect for those who have once reached the highest peaks.

The car carrier’s wheel has been entrusted to Aigars Sproģis – an experienced driver from Saldus municipality, who has been a Kurbads employee for more than five years.
Technically, carrier No. 122 is a modern Volvo FH 62T truck, equipped with Kässbohrer vehicle transport technology. Beneath the body is a 12.8-liter Turbo Compound diesel engine with 500 horsepower, delivering high efficiency, performance, and sustainability for long European routes.

Although the sky was covered with a veil of gray clouds, the christening ceremony was led by folklorist Inese Krūmiņa together with her creative team, continuing the Kurbads tradition of sending each new vehicle off with folk songs and ancient rituals. During the event, there was also a photo exhibition featuring the 1995 Himalayas expedition, documenting the mountaineers’ challenging path to the summit.

Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, draws thousands of climbers each year. But not everyone can reach the top. It takes strong willpower and experience, says the first Latvian to summit Everest, 83-year-old Imants Zauls. Thirty years ago, when the Latvians reached the summit, only about 400 mountaineers worldwide had done it.