The Pinarello Prince holds a special place in the evolution of modern racing bicycles. Introduced as the first full-carbon framed Pinarello designed for professional racing, it combined Italian craftsmanship, cutting-edge materials, and race-focused geometry in a package that immediately captured the attention of the pro peloton. This particular example is a faithful reproduction of the team bike ridden by Alejandro Valverde for Caisse d’Epargne in the 2008 Tour de France, offering collectors and enthusiasts the chance to experience a piece of cycling history tied to one of the sport’s most celebrated riders.
The Prince was a revolutionary step for Pinarello. Prior to its introduction, the brand had achieved international renown with its steel and early carbon-aluminium models, but the move to a fully carbon monocoque frame allowed for unprecedented stiffness, weight savings, and aerodynamic efficiency. The frame geometry was optimised for the demands of professional racing, balancing aggressive positioning with comfort for long stage days. This made the Prince ideally suited for both Grand Tours and the one-day Classics, and it quickly became the bike of choice for Pinarello-sponsored teams in the early 2000s.
This particular build was recreated with meticulous attention to detail to match the Caisse d’Epargne team specification used by Valverde during his Tour de France campaigns. Fitted with a high-end Pinarello-branded wheelset manufactured by Corima, the bicycle delivers both performance and visual authenticity. Corima’s carbon wheels were a hallmark of professional racing at the time, known for their strength, lightness, and aerodynamic efficiency. Paired with the Prince frame, they offer the look and feel of a genuine team bike, even though this is a replica built for collectors rather than a machine actually raced in competition.
Alejandro Valverde himself is one of cycling’s most versatile and accomplished riders, with an ability to compete at the highest level across a wide range of terrain. During his time with Caisse d’Epargne, Valverde achieved stage wins in the Tour de France, overall victories in the Vuelta a España, and numerous one-day Classic successes. The Prince provided him with a reliable and high-performance platform to pursue these victories, and this replica faithfully represents the equipment that supported his remarkable performances.
The Caisse d’Epargne livery was instantly recognisable in the peloton, with its striking red, white, and black design. Combined with the sleek lines of the Prince, the bike was visually distinctive while also being built for pure racing efficiency. The attention to detail in this replica, including the original team decals and accurate wheelset, captures the essence of that era, allowing collectors to appreciate not only the technical achievements of the bicycle but also the aesthetics that made it iconic.
Although not ridden in professional competition, this Pinarello Prince Caisse d’Epargne replica provides a tangible link to a pivotal period in cycling history. It represents the moment when carbon fully supplanted aluminium and steel in professional road racing, and when Pinarello cemented its status as one of the world’s most innovative and respected bicycle manufacturers. For collectors, it offers both a visually stunning and historically significant addition to any serious collection.
This bike is a celebration of engineering, design, and cycling heritage. From its full-carbon Prince frame to the Corima wheels, every element evokes the atmosphere of Grand Tour racing and the professional standards of the mid 2000s. For anyone seeking a faithful reproduction of Alejandro Valverde’s team bicycle, this Pinarello Prince Caisse d’Epargne offers the perfect combination of authenticity, craftsmanship, and historical significance, capturing a moment in cycling when technology, style, and performance converged on the world stage.
Size: 54cm Horizontal Tope Tube
