A Tour de France trophy won by Geraint Thomas earlier this year has been stolen during a cycle display in the UK.
Bike manufacturer Pinarello borrowed the trophy for a tour across the UK and were at the NEC in Birmingham when someone grabbed it and left.
Geraint, who won his first Tour de France this summer, said the stolen trophy isnt worth much, but its special to him.
Geraint said: It is incredibly unfortunate that this has happened.
I was ashamed of being homeless, being treated like a human by strangers saved me
It goes without saying that the trophy is of pretty limited value to whoever took it, but means a lot to me and to the team.
Hopefully whoever took it will have the good grace to return it. A trophy is important, but clearly what matters most are the amazing memories from this incredible summer and no one can ever take those away.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Pinarello managing director Richard Hemington said he was devastated by the theft.
Mr Hemington said: We accept full responsibility and have personally apologised to Geraint.
We hope that the trophy can be recovered.
Thomas won Team Skys sixth Tour de France title in seven years in July.
It was the fourth successive grand tour win for the team after Chris Froome won the Tour and the Vuelta a Espana last year before clinching this years Giro dItalia.
Advertisement
Advertisement
[contf]
[contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
