With the C68 Rossa, Colnago delivers the third chapter of a unique journey that blends cycling artistry, culture, and Grand Departures. Following the Gioiello for the 2023 Giro d’Italia and the Fleur-de-Lys for the 2024 Tour de France Grand Départ in Florence, a new limited-edition bicycle is now born to celebrate the Salida Oficial of La Vuelta in Torino.
Colnago, the official bike partner of La Vuelta, is proud to unveil the Colnago C68 Rossa — a masterpiece that merges the heritage of the 70-year-old Italian brand with Italy’s signature creativity.
In 2025, Torino will host the Salida Oficial of La Vuelta for the first time. To mark this historic milestone — and celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Grand Tour — Colnago has crafted the C68 Rossa.
Following the Gioiello and Fleur-de-Lys, this final chapter of our trilogy of iconic bikes is a brilliant flash of red: only 90 units will ever be made.
Celebrating Spain and Italy, Under the Red Color and the Symbol of the Bull
The 2025 La Vuelta will unite Spain and Italy, two nations renowned worldwide for their Mediterranean spirit and the intensity with which they embrace life.
The C68 Rossa is a limited-edition bicycle, crafted as a dual homage to both Spain and Torino, the city where the race will kick off on August 23, 2025. The design of this bicycle draws inspiration from a shared symbol that connects the Italian city and the Iberian nation: the bull.
An emblem of both the Piedmontese city and Spanish culture, the bull represents pride, strength, and a fighting spirit. In Spanish tradition, it takes on an almost tragic, fateful aura: a creature destined to battle, much like the riders of La Vuelta, who embark on a journey of hardship, sacrifice, and glory.
But the symbolism doesn’t stop there. Red, the dominant color of the C68 Rossa, is more than just a hue. It is the very essence of Spain—passion, warmth, and temperament—but also the color of effort, and determination, all essential to succeed in La Vuelta.
These symbols and connections were crucial in shaping the design of the C68 Rossa—once again, a reflection of Colnago’s vision of cycling as art, as a heroic gesture. It represents the continuous tension between elegance and power.
Italian creativity and manufacturing inspired by the Passion of La Vuelta
The Colnago C68 Rossa is the latest creation to emerge from our Cambiago factory. Every day, our artisans craft unique bicycles in the C Series. But we are always striving to challenge ourselves, pushing the limits of our craft and unleashing our creative spirit through new and innovative projects. This limited-edition bicycle, designed specifically for La Vuelta, is a prime example of that commitment.
As with all our C Series bikes, the C68 Rossa is handcrafted in Italy. Its foundation is a modular frame, with the bike’s triangle constructed from carbon fiber tubes and joints meticulously bonded using a special proprietary technique we've refined over the years. As this construction method becomes increasingly rare, it adds a unique touch of craftsmanship to the bike. It takes approximately 50 hours to complete a single C68 Rossa, including the painting process. But excellence demands passion, and we are more than eager to deliver it.
The result is an exceptional, frictionless riding experience—something distinctly Colnago. This experience is further elevated by the customizations made specifically for the C68 Rossa.
Silver metal leaf and Candy Red finishing
The brilliance of the C68 Rossa livery is the first thing that captures the eye. This effect is achieved through a silver metal leaf finish, applied by hand each time, combined with the iconic Candy Red—a finish made legendary in the early 1980s by champion Giuseppe Saronni. With its ruby and garnet metallic tones, this transparent red shimmers as a tribute to Spain: a vibrant hue that breathes with the daylight and shifts in harmony with the rhythm of the race.
The La Vuelta Trophy-inspired bottle cage
The C68 Rossa also features a distinctive 3D-printed bottle cage, inspired by the iconic La Vuelta trophy. What makes this component truly unique is its transparent circular design, which combines innovative manufacturing technology with a striking visual element. This bottle cage not only pays tribute to the Spanish Grand Tour but also enhances the bike's overall aesthetic with its modern and functional design.
The rhombus pattern
The distinctive rhombus pattern on the C68 Rossa is inspired by the floor of the Galleria Grande in the Reggia di Venaria, one of the most captivating features of Baroque architecture. The rhombus design, which appears on the special Prologo saddle and the handlebar tape, reflects the symmetry and harmony of the original floor, a defining element of the Galleria’s grand visual impact. The dimensions and proportions of the rhombuses, which extend for approximately 80 meters, create a unique visual effect that captivates the eye and evokes a sense of movement. This pattern not only pays tribute to the location where the 2025 La Vuelta will start but also embodies the refinement and precision that define Colnago’s philosophy.
Colnago CC.01 La Vuelta special limited edition
The C68 Rossa mounts a special limited edition of the Colnago CC.01 handlebar, which comes with a special incision on the cap of the steering tube, the logo of Colnago x La Vuelta.
The fork
The bottom of the fork is adorned with the Colnago x La Vuelta logo, along with the indication of the number, out of 90, of this limited edition bike.
Dedicated components
The bike is further enriched by the creation of specific components, developed in collaboration with some of our most trusted suppliers, such as Prologo, Enve, Carbon-Ti, and CeramicSpeed. The graphics on these customized components feature references to key design elements of this special limited edition, such as the pattern inspired by the Galleria Grande on the Prologo saddle or the bulls on the bottle cage screws (Carbon-Ti).
90 Numbered Pieces for the 90th Anniversary of La Vuelta
Colnago's limited editions are globally revered and sought after by collectors. The C68 Rossa, with only 90 units available, is no exception. It stands as a true gem, distinguished by its brilliantly shining red livery and exclusive details.
Each bike is individually numbered, with the number displayed on the fork, and is accompanied by a special volume that takes the owner on a visual journey between Turin and Spain, showcasing the places that inspired the bike's design.
