As too many of us know too well, bicycles are among the most easily- and therefore commonly-stolen items. Usually, when a lower-priced bike is taken, it’s a crime of opportunity. But when an expensive machine is pilfered, it more than likely been targeted, whether by an individual or someone working for a gang or other group that steals and sells bikes.
The latter scenario probably explains the theft of 11 bicycles valued at around 150000 Euros (about 163000 USD) from a team mechanic’s van in Le Lorian, a resort in the Massif Central of France.
Some of those bikes were spares for riders on the French Total Energies team. Others—possibly including the Anthony Turgis, rode to victory in Stage 9 earlier this week—were riders’ “best” bikes.
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| Anthony Turgis (from Getty Images) |
Other teams are helping TE build replacements, which is difficult without the mechanics’ tools.
I have to wonder why—or whether—TE was targeted. Most of those bikes were Enve Melees which, even if they were sold (as most high-end stolen bikes are) for a fraction of their retail value, would net a hefty profit.
Or is there someone who doesn’t want French riders like Turgis to win more stages—or the entire Tour for the first time since Bernard Hinault achieved his fifth Tour victory in 1985?
Could it be that some unscrupulous collector placed an order for Enve Melees or bikes ridden by Tour riders?
Whatever the case, the team’s riders and leaders say it’s just part of life and they’ll soldier on.
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