20260703 – Reflections on the Road to Milan – The Long and Very Winding Road

Written by Kenny McKeown and Gerry Regan

Glasgow has the Clyde, Basel has the Rhine and, as it curves through the centre of Basel, it is the heartbeat of the city. On June 13, at the gates of St. Jakob Stadium in Basel, where Celtic played their first match in the 1970 European Cup campaign, the hearts of 17 cyclists began to beat that wee bit faster, as the enormity of our next seven days began to dawn. As we patiently lined up for photos, anticipation and nervous energy combined to create the enthusiasm to get our first few miles under the tyres and settle into a rhythm for the day.

Basel to Milan, over the Jura mountains and the Alps. 500 miles of cycling and 35,000 feet of climbing, before we reached the San Siro stadium in Milan, the scene of our second European Cup Final.

This was the third in a trilogy of cycles for Celtic FC Foundation – Lisbon, Seville and now Milan – to each of the stadia where Celtic have played in a European Final.

As a group, we set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £40,000 to support the Foundation’s Paradise Recovery Café, among other projects. By the time we cycled into the San Siro Stadium our total had almost reached £60,000 and is still climbing, thanks to the generosity of the Celtic Family.

Paradise Recovery Café provides vital support to people recovering from drug and/or alcohol dependence, as well as those experiencing mental health challenges, trauma and homelessness. Each week, people come together in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment where they can enjoy a meal, build supportive relationships and access help when they need it.

That first day, as we initially meandered along some flat cycle paths, stunning countryside and roads with no potholes, we left Switzerland, cycled into France, returned to Switzerland and eventually arrived at Villers le Lac in France. We were slightly bemused, very tired, elated and extremely hungry after 82 miles cycled including over 7,000 feet of climbing.

Unfortunately, the chef hadn’t got the memo. Nouvelle cuisine was his speciality and, whilst delicious, it wasn’t quite what 17 hungry cyclists needed. There was though, a local fete in the village that evening where the chip stall did a roaring trade from quite a few ravenous Celts.

The planning paid off, however, as from then on there was plenty to eat at dinner to refuel us and hearty breakfasts each morning to see us on our way. The support team also did a magnificent job in keeping us fed and hydrated during the very hot days.

And, hot they were! With typically perfect timing, a huge area of superheated Southern air parked itself over the entirety of our intended route. As most sensible people in Central Europe remained indoors, we set off in unprecedented temperatures to conquer the routes. Remaining hydrated and cool enough became as important as basic fitness. It was incredible that no one succumbed to heatstroke as the mercury would reach over 40 degrees. However, at the end of each day most of the group mastered the art of rehydration, as orders for the local beer flew over the bar.

The challenge of doing a multi-day cycle event is that it is like Groundhog Day. Cycle, eat, sleep and repeat. The real challenges were still to come, however, with two iconic category 1 climbs – Cormet de Roselend and Col de Petit St Bernard. These are amongst the most difficult climbs in professional cycling and although the pros can cycle them in a fraction of the time that we did, naturally, the gradient of the climbs are the same for us as they are for them. Gradients of 12% and 14% in places made for two extremely tough days.

With each turn of the pedals, causing our breath to labour, our hearts to hammer and our legs to burn we knew that the physical pain we were going through was nothing compared to the emotional pain and struggles that some participants on projects such as the Paradise Recovery Café may endure on a daily basis, whilst facing a plethora of challenges.

There was an enormous sense of relief and achievement as we negotiated the switchbacks and crested the top of Col de Petit St Berrnard. This could only be celebrated in the way we do, with a Huddle at the top to the absolute bemusement of the cyclists of many other nationalities. The top of this mountain is the border between France and Italy, so the magnificent scenery on the descent into Italy and the thought of our first pizza made the effort all worthwhile.

Six days of cycling covering over 400 miles and 35,000 feet of altitude led us to our last day and a flat 63 miles from Biella to Milan. The pressure was still on though as we were booked to enter the stadium for photos and a tour at 3pm. As Murphy’s law would dictate one of the group got a puncture, the first one of the whole trip which resulted in a slightly delayed arrival.

No harm done though as we had a Prosecco celebration at the entrance to the San Siro and experienced the sky walk, the stadium tour and an opportunity to take photos and let family know we had completed the challenge.

There is no doubt this was a physical challenge, as our cumulative elevation totalled more than the height of Mount Everest over the course of the week. At times an emotional challenge too, as we drew on reserves, some of us didn’t think we had, not to give up. This though pales when we consider the challenges that those supported by the Foundation can face on a daily basis. Hopefully by cycling over these mountains and by doing so, raising funds to support the Paradise Recovery Café and other projects, we hope that the mountains others will have to climb in their lives may not seem so steep.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts throughout the challenge. There’s still time to show your support if you’d kindly wish to do so, by making a donation HERE.