The Vatican, the world’s smallest sovereign state, has a surprisingly active presence in the world of sports. Established in 2004, Athletica Vaticana, the official sports association of the Holy See, oversees various athletic activities for employees and residents of the Vatican City State. But it’s their cycling team, officially recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in September 2021, that has captured the imagination of the sporting world. This relatively young team, with its unique mission and dedicated participants, is slowly but surely making its mark on the international cycling scene.
The driving force behind the Vatican’s cycling ambitions is undeniably Pope Francis himself. An avid cyclist in his youth, Pope Francis is known for his appreciation for the sport’s values of perseverance, teamwork, and respect for nature. He has spoken publicly about the positive impact cycling can have on individuals and communities, and his personal enthusiasm is widely seen as a catalyst for the creation of the Vatican Cycling team.
The team itself is a fascinating mix of individuals. Rien Schuurhuis, a Dutch professional cyclist and husband of the former Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro, is often referred to as “the Pope’s Cyclist.” Schuurhuis has been a key figure in the team’s early years, participating in the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia, and again in the 2023 Championships held in Glasgow, Scotland.
Beyond Schuurhuis, the team draws its strength from a diverse pool of participants. Lay employees of the Vatican, such as Rino Alberto Bellapadrona who grew up near the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, and diplomats like Marcus Bergmann, the Austrian Ambassador to the Holy See, have donned the Vatican’s white and yellow cycling jerseys. This unique blend of professions and backgrounds reflects the team’s stated goal of promoting not just athletic competition, but also social inclusion and solidarity.
Financials for the Vatican Cycling team are not readily available to the public. Athletica Vaticana, the umbrella organization, likely receives some funding from the Holy See, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. Sponsorship deals with cycling brands or equipment manufacturers could be a potential source of revenue in the future, but the team seems more focused on its message of social responsibility than on pursuing large commercial partnerships.
Results on the track, while not earth-shattering, have been respectable. Schuurhuis, a seasoned professional, competed in the elite men’s road race at the 2023 World Championships, facing off against cycling titans like Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Wout van Aert. While he wasn’t able to secure a podium finish, his participation on the world stage was a significant achievement for the young Vatican team. In the Gran Fondo event, designed for amateur cyclists, Bellapadrona and Bergmann completed the grueling 160-kilometer course, showcasing the team’s commitment to participation at all levels.
The Vatican Cycling team’s impact goes beyond wins and losses. Their presence at major cycling events has garnered international media attention, placing the Holy See in a new light. News outlets worldwide have reported on the “Pope’s team,” sparking conversations about the role of sports in promoting religious values and social inclusion. The team’s focus on ethical competition and sportsmanship serves as a positive example for young athletes around the world.
Looking ahead, the future of the Vatican Cycling team is bright. With continued support from Pope Francis and dedicated participation from its members, the team can expect to grow and compete at even higher levels. While they may not be vying for Tour de France victories anytime soon, their presence in the international cycling arena is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and a well-maintained bicycle. The Vatican Cycling team may be a small but significant player in the world of sports, proving that sometimes the most impactful journeys are taken on two wheels, with a message of peace and hope pedaled alongside.
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