Tadej Pogačar's Colnago Y1Rs "naked black", used during the iconic Mont Ventoux stage of the Tour de France 2025, was sold at auction for 190,500.00 USD (approximately 163,500.00 €), becoming the most expensive commercial bicycle ever sold.

The previous record belonged to the Colnago Gioiello No. 1/50, auctioned by Sotheby's in 2023 for 125,000.00 €.

The Story of Tadej Pogačar's Y1Rs Naked-black

On July 22, 2025, Tadej Pogačar appeared at the start of the 16th stage of the Tour de France in Montpellier, in the yellow jersey and riding a bicycle that immediately captured the attention of the cycling world. For the time trial towards Peyragudes just days before, he had already used a Colnago Y1Rs in a raw black-and-white livery, devoid of UCI colors: the first public appearance of this special model.

During the rest day, the bike was completed with iconic World Champion accents — red, green, yellow, and blue — giving life to the "naked" version now known. This configuration officially debuted in the 16th stage, to tackle the legendary Mont Ventoux climb.

The exposed carbon finish and attention to detail embody both extreme engineering and aesthetic refinement, perfectly in line with the World Champion's profile and his race towards the final Tour de France victory.

Pogačar then conquered his fourth Tour de France, consolidating his place among the greats. From that day forward, he no longer used other bikes for his most important victories, achieving additional successes including the World Championship, European Championship, and a record of five consecutive Il Lombardia — all won with this unmistakable Y1Rs carbon-black.

Colnago as a Collectible

Colnago is becoming an increasingly sought-after brand by collectors. Thanks to its artisan mastery, iconic history, rarity, and sporting pedigree, the Italian brand's bicycles are attracting growing interest from enthusiasts and investors worldwide.

During the Sotheby's Collectors Week, three other extremely rare Colnago bicycles were also auctioned:

- C35 Oro – Ferrari Collaboration: 35,560.00 USD

- C68 Rossa No. 1/90: 21,590.00 USD

- Restored Colnago track bicycle, built to the measurements of Eddy Merckx's hour record from 1972: 12,065.00 USD