Pope’s Pinarello

Pope’s Pinarello is up for sale.

What do you buy the cyclist who has everything? How about the Pope’s Pinarello? Gifted to Pope Francis in 2021 by Egan Bernal, the Dogma F12 has turned up on the Catawiki auction site. Bernal gave the bike and a signed pink jersey to the Pope after his Giro victory in ’21.

The Colombian rider, who is Catholic, said of the meeting that it was “the most beautiful experience I’ve had in my life”. The following year Bernal suffered a near-fatal accident and is only now starting to recover his previous form.

The Spec

The bike in question certainly stands out with its blue and white livery, the colours of the Argentinian flag, birth-place of the Pope. On the top-tube are the arms of the Vatican City and the name ‘FRANCESCO’, which is the Pope’s name in Italian. Underneath that is the Argentinian Sol de Mayo, or Sun of May, which also appears on the fork. Then under that is the Pope’s birth name, JORGE MARIO.

The Pope’s Pinarello is a 53cm frame with rim brakes, yes the Pope eschews modern cycling dogma! The rest of the spec includes a complete Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset, one piece carbon Most Ultra Talon cockpit and Vision carbon wheels

Looking at the photos, it’s fairly clear that the Pope hasn’t been able to get many miles in on it. The current bid is €8,500, with many sources estimating that this ultimate popemobile will sell for around €25000! As to who is actually selling it, that isn’t clear. The seller is listed as Pasquale Carulli, a private seller. Sources suggest once sold the proceeds will given to one of the Pope’s charitable foundations. The same seller is also selling Bernal’s signed pink jersey, which is currently at € 300.