AN incredible group of cycling Celts left Paradise bright and early this morning, in the glorious sunshine, bound for Lisbon.

As the 50th anniversary of Celtic’s greatest triumph draws ever closer, this historic supporter-led fundraising event aims to mark that famous night in Portugal.

The Road to Lisbon cycle will see the Bhoys and Ghirls make their way to Portsmouth, before catching the ferry to Santander. The group will then cycle through Spain, before finally arriving in Portugal at the hallowed site of the Estadio Nacional stadium in Lisbon on Thursday, May 25, 2017.

That will be a mere 1,300 miles later and 50 years to the day since the majestic triumph of 11 men who lived within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park.

As well as commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 European Cup victory, the cycle, led by supporter Paul Muldoon, will raise funds for three charities close to the hearts of the participants – Celtic FC Foundation, Irish charity Children in Crossfire and Solving Kids Cancer.

And you can support their monumental effort here:

ONLINE – https://mydonate.bt.com/teams/theroadtolisbon

TEXT – text LISB17 followed by £1, £5 or £10 to 70070

Speaking about the event, organiser, Paul Muldoon, said: “We are very excited about celebrating the great achievement of the Lisbon Lions by creating such a positive legacy for three charities close to our hearts.”

Celtic FC Foundation CEO, Tony Hamilton, added: “The entire Celtic family are quite rightly fiercely proud of Jock Stein and the Lisbon Lions. Their European Cup triumph in May 1967 can never be matched and the 50th anniversary celebrations will be just wonderful.

“The Road to Lisbon cycle is an incredible – and very touching – tribute to our greatest ever team and the participants should be commended for taking on such a phenomenal challenge.

“We are honoured to be one of the three beneficiaries selected and I would ask supporters to please get behind the efforts of our cycling Celts, if they can.