Cycling: One is the head of the Catholic Church, the other is the king of cycling. Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) visited Pope Francis in the Vatican yesterday, Wednesday. He presented him with a signed world champion jersey and a bicycle.
Sagan in St. Peter's Square
Will Pope Francis be using it for his laps around the Vatican in the future? We don't know. But the fact is: he could! Peter Sagan presented the head of the Catholic Church with a racing bike and a signed world champion's jersey yesterday. The bike was painted yellow and white – in keeping with the Vatican's colors. The Vatican logo, a small Argentinian flag, and the name "Francesco" are also emblazoned on the frame.
During the brief audience, the two shook hands and had a pleasant conversation. It's no wonder that Peter the Great felt at home in St. Peter's Square, as the three-time world champion is a devout Catholic. According to the Vatican newspaper "L'Osservatore Romano," Peter Sagan even revealed to the Holy Father his pre-race ritual: "At the start of all my races, I make the sign of the cross. If my father is there, we do it together." Reports indicate that his wife, Katharina, accompanied him on this visit to Rome. Whether Sagan will be even more successful with the Pope's blessing remains to be seen. The classics season begins no later than the end of February with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad one-day race in Belgium.
Cover photo source: @ Youtube © AFP news agency