Cycling Mecca

Way up in the hills above Lake Como is a shrine to cycling...Mecca as it were for those who are afflicted with the desire to sit on hard seats and trudge up insanely high mountains. La Madonna del Ghisallo.

Legend has it that in mediaeval times, a local count was being attacked by bandits when he saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary, and running towards this vision saved him. Thus, the Madonna del Ghisallo became the patroness of travellers. Then, in 1949 a local priest managed to persuade Pope Pius XII (a little papal intervention never hurts) to admit her as the patroness of cyclists. Since then, the small chapel has become a shrine to cycling legends, both living and deceased, and provides a memorial to those who have fallen in the sport.*

Rick and Chris at the monument to one of Italy's famous cyclists...Fausto Coppi

But wait...there is also a monument to Coppi's rival and also national hero...Gino Bartali

The inside of the chapel has a section dedicated to those cyclists who have died doing what they love.

A beautiful alter at the front

An eternal flame burns in the center of the chapel

Fausto Coppi memorabelia

Towards the ceiling there are bikes ridden by famous riders in epic races. Pennants of cycling clubs around the world adorn the walls as well as jerseys from winners of stages or races.

There were so many items in the chapel that they had to build a museum next door to house all the treasures.

A beautiful view of Lake Como

I don't know a lot of the famous riders because I really didn't know much of the sport before I began following it with Rick, but I do remember Greg Lemond, the American who gave the French a run for their money for a few years.

Chris and Rick in awe. They were both so happy and had the biggest smiles on their faces. Definitely worth the drive to get there.

*http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/la-madonna-del-ghisallo-the-patron-saint-of-cycling