Pogačar's torn Sanremo jersey auctioned for record amount, World Champion doubles the pot

The dominance of Tadej Pogacar has been called boring by some. A victory for Wout van Aert in Paris-Roubaix is then celebrated extra hard, but don't forget: the World Champion is a fantastic example for the sport of cycling. This was evident once again after his torn jersey from Milan-San Remo was auctioned for a record amount. In fact, he added a massive contribution himself.

The rainbow jersey is a special one. In its own right, certainly, but the kit Pogacar wore during Milan-San Remo is extra special. He crashed before the Cipressa but managed to return and ultimately, with tears and stains on his outfit, won La Primavera for the first time by beating Tom Pidcock in the sprint on the Via Roma.

Six days after his monumental victory in Italy, he decided to offer the jersey for auction. Signed by the winner and his teammates, bidding started at 1,000 euros, but the price quickly rose to a staggering amount. Ultimately, the final bid was settled at 95,100 euros, the highest price ever for a cycling kit.

It was a wonderful achievement, as the proceeds were for charity. The money naturally went to the Tadej Pogacar Foundation, founded by the Slovenian himself and his fiancée Urska Zigart. The organisation raises money for people affected by natural disasters but also dedicates itself to sick children. It is hardly surprising, then, that Pogacar himself added a significant amount to the total.

He had already promised before the start of the auction to double the final amount. This brings the total from 95,100 to 190,200 euros. This jersey might be extra special. March 2026 may be the last time Pogačar lines up at the start of Milan-San Remo, at least with a jersey on. After his victory last month, he said that he might return one day, 'to eat Focaccia.' A real piece of cycling history then.