World Champion Peter Sagan was in the Vatican today to meet Pope Francis and give him a custom Specialized Venge road bike.
The Venge sported a personalized paint job in white and gold to match the colors of the Vatican flag and included the coat of arms of the Vatican City painted on the down tube.
However, sources close to Pope Francis have suggested that while it was a wonderful and generous gift, the pontiff is also wondering if he might choose a new name for the Venge.
As the global leader and visionary light of the Catholic church around the world, the connotations of vengeance and vindictiveness may not be a good fit. Apparently, the Pope has already decided to call the new bike the “Perdono” for forgiveness, a sentiment far more appropriate for his message of peace and harmony.
However, a number of senior advisors to the Pope have come forward with several other names for him to consider: The Specialized Paradiso (Heaven), Specialized Clarita (charity & kindness), Specialized Venerare (worship & reverence) and the Specialized Devozione (devotion).
There was also a vote for trading in the Venge for a Specialized S-Works CruX. This would seem to be the perfect solution since it’s designed as a full-on “cross” bike.
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