[1] [2] [3] [4] As part of my relaxing family holiday around the shores of Lake Como in Italy. Well as relaxing as our 2 year old daughter Amy will allow. I have been to visit the Madonna of Ghisallo Church. In 1949 the Pope of the time, appointed the Madonna of Ghisallo the patron Saint of Italian cycling. The Church is located on top of a climb, which is quite small to Italians but the equivalent of Holme Moss to us. A lot of you will know it as it is the final climb on the Tour of Lombardy in October. 

It has bikes of past champions dead and alive. Including the bike of Fabio Casartelli (16 August 1970 – 18 July 1995) who crashed and died on the descent of the Col de Portet d’Aspet, France, during the 15th stage of the 1995 Tour de France. Starring up at his bent and battered bike was a bit surreal as I was watching the race on TV when he crashed. Also bikes of Eddy Merckx, Gino Bartali and many others hang on the wall among signed donated jerseys of past and present champions. No Thorper Champions though! 

As it is our 120^thyear I left a Ravensthorpe C.C cap in the church and we lit a candle. Not that I am religious, but I hope it brings us Thorper members good luck when on our bikes.

Ciao Bello

Rich, Diane & Amy.