Archbishop of Glasgow roots for the Vatican Cycling Team

By Mario Galgano and Andrea Rego

A year ago, the Vatican’s very own Sports Association, Athletica Vaticana, for the first time in the history of International Sport, officially participated in the Road World Cycling Championships of the International Cycling Union (UCI) on 25 September 2022 in Wollongong, Australia.

The Vatican’s Cycling Team was represented by Dutch professional cyclist, Rien Schuurhuis, fondly known as “the Pope’s Cyclist”. The team aimed to testify to the authentic values that are part of the history of cycling, with particular attention to the most vulnerable people who participate in social inclusion initiatives.

The world of cycling has never experienced such an event that will take place from 3 to 13 August 2023 in Glasgow. The Vatican cyclists are mainly taking part in two important races.

A warm welcome from the archbishop

The Archbishop of Glasgow, William Nolan, is looking forward to welcoming guests from the Vatican. In an interview with Vatican Radio/Vatican News, he said,

“I would like to welcome the Vatican Cycling Team here in Glasgow to participate in the World Cycling Championship. It is a great sporting event, and like all sporting events, it helps bring together people from all cultures, languages and religions to participate in events that contribute to building friendship between us all.”

“I hope that the participants are welcomed by the people here in Glasgow and the presence of the Vatican here will help to highlight the good that can be achieved through sport, which in fact contributes to building bonds of friendship between all of us. “

Testimony of the ‘Pope’s cyclist’

Rien Schuurhuis, who represented the Vatican last year as well described it as “an incredible honour” to represent Athletica Vaticana in its debut at the Road World Championships of the International Cycling Union.

Born in Groningen, the Netherlands, on 12 August 1982, Rien recalled that cycling was always a part of his life. His daily routine included cycling to work, to school, to shop, and even to church.

Aged 40, he looked back on the days when he used his first allowance to buy a bicycle. He believes the love for cycling was always present in his heart.

Rien is convinced that ‘Sport transcends age, language and beliefs.’ His ‘cycling friendships’ have taught him to immerse in different cultures and have helped him grow as a person.

Cycling, and sport in general, he said, have served as "a great way to integrate into communities around the world." In 2009, Rien moved to Australia with his family and since then has lived in India, the French Pacific and now resides in Italy.

Rien said, “Cycling taught me to give my best. Living in Australia has taught me how sports can unite. Half of Australia’s population was born or has a parent born abroad, with an incredible mix of cultures and languages. Sport creates a bond that transcends all these differences.”

He looks forward to the race and acknowledges the team for its efforts and the team spirit that made it all possible.