The patroness of cyclists is Our Lady of Ghisallo (the Madonna del Ghisallo), whose small hilltop chapel above Lake Como, in northern Italy, Pope Pius XII declared the shrine of all cyclists in 1949. Racing champions have left their bikes and jerseys there in thanks, and riders from around the world climb the steep road to pray. Cyclists, motorcyclists and all who travel also turn to St. Christopher, patron of travelers. Below are the story of Our Lady of Ghisallo, other patrons for riders, and prayers before a ride, for safety on the road and for cyclists who have died.
A short prayer before a ride, written for this page:
Our Lady of Ghisallo, watch over me on this ride.
Keep me alert and safe on the road, protect me from accidents and injury,
and bring me home to those I love. Amen.
Our Lady of Ghisallo
The sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo stands at the top of a steep climb above the village of Magreglio, between the two arms of Lake Como. According to a medieval legend, a nobleman, Count Ghisallo, was attacked by bandits on the road; seeing an image of the Virgin Mary at a wayside shrine, he ran to it, prayed, and was saved. The shrine became a place of prayer for travelers.
In the twentieth century the climb to Ghisallo became one of the most famous ascents in Italian bicycle racing, part of the Giro di Lombardia and often of the Giro d’Italia. At the request of the local priest, Father Ermelindo Viganò, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Our Lady of Ghisallo the patroness of cyclists in 1949. Today the chapel is filled with bicycles, jerseys and photos donated by great champions such as Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, and a candle burns in memory of cyclists who have died. A cycling museum stands next door.
Gino Bartali, a cyclist and a Righteous Gentile
Gino Bartali, three-time winner of the Giro d’Italia and twice winner of the Tour de France, was a devout Catholic and a member of the Carmelite Third Order. During the Second World War he hid forged identity papers in the frame of his bicycle and carried them on long “training rides” to help Jews escape the Nazis. In 2013 Israel honored him as Righteous Among the Nations.
Other patron saints for riders
- St. Christopher, patron of travelers and drivers, whose medal many cyclists and motorcyclists wear. See the St. Christopher prayer.
- St. Frances of Rome, named patroness of motorists by Pope Pius XI in 1925, because her guardian angel lit her way at night.
- St. Raphael the Archangel, guide and protector of travelers. See the novena to St. Raphael.
- Your Guardian Angel. See the Guardian Angel prayer.
Prayers for cyclists and bikers
Written for this page.
A cyclist’s prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of riding: for strong legs, open roads and fresh air.
Through the prayers of Our Lady of Ghisallo,
keep me safe in traffic and on the trails, give drivers patience and care,
and help me to ride with courtesy and gratitude. Amen.
A motorcyclist’s prayer
St. Christopher, protect me on this ride.
Give me a clear head and quick reflexes, keep my bike sound,
guard me from careless drivers and from my own carelessness,
and bring me and my riding companions home safely. Amen.
Before a race
Lord, I offer you this race.
Give me strength, endurance and a fair spirit.
Keep every rider safe, and whatever the result, let me give my best for you. Amen.
For cyclists who have died
Lord, receive into your peace the cyclists who have died on the road.
Comfort their families, and help us make our roads safer for all. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the patron saint of cyclists?
Our Lady of Ghisallo, named patroness of cyclists by Pope Pius XII in 1949.
Who is the patron saint of motorcyclists and bikers?
Many riders take St. Christopher, patron of travelers, and Our Lady of Ghisallo.
Where is the Madonna del Ghisallo?
At the top of the Ghisallo climb above Magreglio, near Bellagio on Lake Como, Italy.