Once the defining symbol of Soviet might, the former Iron Curtain could soon become a hotspot for lycra tights if EU politicians get their way.

Plans have been put forward to transform the historic dividing line between east and west – which stretches more than 6,000 miles (9,656km) through 20 countries – into a cycling route.

During a recent unveiling ceremony at Vienna’s House of the European Union, Austrian EU commissioner Johannes Hahn and the German Green MEP Michael Cramer set the starter gun on the Iron Curtain Trail, with €1.8m (US$2.4m, £1.4m) of EU funds already set aside to bring it to fruition.

The plans incorporate existing cycle paths, some of which require maintenance, with the route having been registered under the EU’s Eurovelo network – a continent-wide selection of high-quality biking routes – since 2012.

EU supporters say marking the route with small blue squares – as is already the case in parts of Germany and Austria – to complement the many monuments already skirting the curtain, would provide a welcome boost to Europe’s burgeoning bike tourism.

According to Cramer, the route was inspired by the already-popular cycle trail along the East Side Gallery (what is left of the Berlin Wall), and it is thought that the Iron Curtain Trail could become a cult challenge among cyclists. Although they’ll need to save up their holiday time – one team currently cycling the entire route is expected to complete it in a month.

To see the full Iron Curtain Trail plans, click here.