Archbishop Sigeric the Serious travelled from Canterbury to Rome in 991 to fetch his pallium and famously left a recording of his itinerary. Recently a group of cyclists followed in his footsteps.
In August 27 cyclists left Canterbury Cathedral heading for Rome. Over 16 days, the team followed in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric the Serious, who travelled this road - Via Francigena - in 991. The cyclists averaged 75 miles a day and climbed a total of 53,000 ft during the 16 day cycle. The highest point reached was the top of the Grand St Bernard Pass at 2469 metres (8101 ft) above sea level. It has been calculated that Siegeric travelled between 10 and 15 miles a day on a mule.
The cyclists who took part in the adventure were aged between 16 and 65. They included a Crown Court Judge, the Chief Executive of Canterbury City Council, a Kent businessmen, a professor of music, a teacher, a medical consultant and students; the group was led by Canon Ed Condry, the Treasurer of Canterbury Cathedral. Each cyclist put in at least 100 hours of training covering 1000 miles in preparation.
Purpose of the trip was to contribute to the funds need to restore Canterbury Cathedral and succeed in getting sponsors to a total sum of over £ 100.000.
Read more about the Toru de Francigena
Read about Sigeric the Serious and look up his itenerary in modern terms
Karen Schousboe
- 14. september 2007
Read more