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Pope on a bike! Francis given customized racing bicycle

The Local Italy
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Pope on a bike! Francis given customized racing bicycle
Pope Francis has been given a two-wheeled Popemobile. Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP

What has two wheels, is white and yellow, and runs the world's biggest church?

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The answer is Pope Francis on a bike, a prospect made tantalizingly possible by the pontiff's latest gift. 

Francis was presented with a customized racing bike on Wednesday by three-time world cycling champion Peter Sagan, who dropped off the bicycle during a visit to the Vatican.

The speedy-looking two-wheeler came in the papal colours, gold and white, and was emblazoned with "Francesco". 


Peter Sagan (centre) with the Pope's bike. Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP

The Slovakian cyclist, who attended the Pope's weekly audience in St Peter's Square, also offered the signed jersey he wore as world champion. 

This is the pontiff's second pedal-powered Popemobile: in 2015, during a visit to Philadelphia in the US, he was presented with a more sturdy model by local bike makers Breezer. They also donated 100 bicycles to community programmes in the city.

They're the least flashy, but most eco-friendly, of the various vehicles that the Pope has received as gifts, which include a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a Lamborghini sports car

He had both vehicles auctioned off to raise money for charity. 

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