Torn Pogacar jersey from Milan-Sanremo becomes most expensive cycling jersey ever

The rainbow jersey, damaged in a crash with about 32 kilometres to go and later signed by Pogačar and his teammates, sold for €95,100. The world champion then chose to double the amount himself, with the full proceeds going to his charitable foundation.

After the crash before the Cipressa, Tadej Pogačar fought his way back into contention and turned the race around with help from his teammates. He eventually decided it in a two rider sprint against Tom Pidcock, crossing the line in his torn rainbow jersey.

Rather than discarding the damaged kit, he opted to auction it, a decision that has now resulted in the highest price ever paid for a cycling jersey. The funds will go to the foundation he established with his partner, Urška Žigart, which focuses on supporting young athletes and helping individuals recovering from serious illness.

The charitable aspect is a consistent theme in Pogačar’s career. According to his agent Alex Carera, who revealed this on the Domestique Hotseat podcast, income from personal sponsorship deals is often redirected towards Pogačar’s development team and his foundation rather than personal use.

It is not the first time an item linked to Pogačar has drawn significant interest at auction. In December, the Colnago bike he rode on Mont Ventoux during the 2025 Tour de France sold for €163,430 at Sotheby’s, far exceeding its estimated value.