A major theft at La Vuelta has rocked Visma-Lease a Bike after thieves raided the team truck in north-west Italy.
According to Belgian media, 18 bikes were stolen on Sunday night, with three later discovered dumped in woodland near the team hotel.
“Last night, our mechanics’ truck was broken into and several bikes were stolen,” read a team statement.
“Our mechanics are working hard to ensure that the team is fully prepared for the third stage. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.”
The drama came just hours after Jonas Vingegaard claimed the leader’s red jersey for Visma with a thrilling Stage 2 win.
The Dane hit the deck on treacherous wet roads with 26km to go but bounced back to outsprint Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) in a nail-biting finale. Despite cuts to his elbow, he now leads the GC by four seconds.
‘Super happy’ – Vingegaard reflects on Stage 2 victory
Video credit: TNT Sports
But celebrations were overshadowed as the team woke to discover the theft.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Stage 3 on Monday, Visma chief Richard Plugge said: “It was indeed bad news. The truck was broken open and some bikes were stolen. And then we find ourselves in an investigation with the police – that’s not how you want to start a day.
“The mechanics did an incredible job by building the bikes we need. We have enough bikes to race, fortunately.
“We found several bikes. I don’t know why they left these bikes, but that’s really good for us.”
Every rider still in the race has at least one bike available – with Axel Zingle the only exception, though he has been forced out of the race after dislocating his shoulder on Sunday.
Confusion swirled around Zingle’s bike, which appeared to vanish after he handed it to a roadside spectator before heading into an ambulance to have his shoulder put back in.
“He didn’t speak much English, so I just gave him my bike. When I got out, the bike was gone. I had to wait five or 10 minutes for a replacement,” he explained.
Visma later confirmed his bike was found in the broom wagon and reunited with the team.
The race continues with Stage 3 in Italy before heading into France on Tuesday and reaching Spanish soil on Wednesday.
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