Colombia was in an uproar last week when Egan Bernal’s iconic yellow Tour bike was reported stolen. It has now been revealed that this was merely a publicity stunt to promote Bernal’s own cycling festival.
The Colombian rider said last week in a video interview with a Colombian journalist that his bike had been stolen. “We are currently investigating what exactly happened. I hope things will become clear soon,” he said, among other comments. The INEOS Grenadiers rider also added that there was CCTV footage of the theft and that the break-in would be analyzed.
We received this video from our champion Egan Bernal, who reports the disappearance of his yellow bicycle with which he conquered the Tour de France. A piece that symbolizes the glory of Cundinamarca and the pride of an entire country.
They are seeking to clarify where the bike is. pic.twitter.com/4BBoL5PlI3
— Diego Rueda (@diegonoticia) November 5, 2025
It now turns out that Bernal’s yellow Tour bike was not stolen at all. The bike was only temporarily moved to Zipaquira for the Grand Fondo Egan, where Bernal’s big cycling festival is taking place this weekend. Good news for Bernal himself, but will the rest of Colombia appreciate the publicity stunt?
