A day of celebration, sport and devotion in front of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ghisallo, patron saint of cyclists worldwide
On Sunday 17 May 2026, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo will host a special day dedicated to cycling, families and tradition.
In Magreglio, in front of a landmark for cyclists from all over the world, the 7th Polisportiva Ghisallo Trophy will take place. This cycling race is open to the Under-13 boys’ and girls’ categories and is organised by the Gruppo Sportivo Madonna del Ghisallo and Polisportiva Ghisallo A.S.D.
The meeting point is at 12.30 pm at Piazzale del Ghisallo, whilst the races will start at 2.30 pm on a closed-off city circuit of approximately 1,300 metres, with the start and finish at Piazzale del Ghisallo.
It will be a day of celebration for the whole region: boys and girls taking part in the race, families lining the route, cycling clubs and enthusiasts gathering in the heart of Ghisallo, where a love of cycling meets the memory, faith and history of the sport.
At 5.00 pm, the blessing of the bicycles: an event open to all
A highlight of the day will be at 5.00 pm, with the traditional blessing of the bicycles in front of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo.
The blessing is open to everyone: not only to the athletes and teams taking part in the race, but also to fans, families, devotees and anyone who wishes to bring their own bicycle, their children’s bicycle or that of a loved one to Ghisallo.
It is a simple yet deeply heartfelt gesture that draws cyclists, pilgrims and cycling enthusiasts to the Sanctuary every year. It is a time to entrust to Our Lady of Ghisallo one’s journey, one’s passion, and also the memory of those for whom cycling was an important part of their lives.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo has always been a home for cyclists: a place people come to by bike, on a pilgrimage, with their family or with their team, to experience a moment of reflection, gratitude and fellowship.
The day’s programme
12.30 pm – Meet at Piazzale del Ghisallo
2.30 pm – Start of the Under-12 Boys’ and Girls’ races on a closed-off town circuit of approximately 1,300 metres
5.00 pm – Blessing of the bicycles in front of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo
The 7th Polisportiva Ghisallo Trophy will also present memorial awards dedicated to Mario Begni, Luigi Curioni and Enrico Lainati. Young participants will receive a bicycle strap bearing the image of the Madonna del Ghisallo, a jar of honey and free entry to the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum.
The Sanctuary invites everyone to take part in this day of sport, celebration and devotion, bringing their own bicycle to receive a blessing before Our Lady of Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists worldwide.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 17 May at Ghisallo.
