Apparently this has been the year for professional cycling team robberies.
As of last night, Lampre -Merida joins the list of teams who have been robbed this season.
According to a team spokesperson, Lampre Merida’s headquarters was the victim of a major, overnight break-in; wherein a considerable amount of bikes and gear were stolen.
As a result, the Italian team has circulated details of the items that were stolen, along with a reward for information leading to their recovery.
“Team Lampre Merida suffered a robbery at the headquarters in Usmate Velate in a time period yet to be determined, but between the evening of Saturday November 23rd and the morning of Monday, November 25th,” it said in a statement.
“After breaking a window the thieves got into the warehouse which houses the headquarters of the blue-fuscia-green team and destroyed the alarm system controls, then focussed on the raid. The attention of the criminals was directed towards bikes and cycling equipment.
“The damage is enormous, both from a point of view of economics, and also of logistics, as the stolen bikes were ready to be delivered to the riders in the first meeting at Darfo Boario Terme and then used in the 2014 season.”
The police are already involved, and an extensive search and investigation into the stolen items is already underway.
Lampre Merida has has provided a list of stolen equipment – which they say is easily identifiable based on customized team colors and logos.
The list includes:
– Merida TT Warp time trial bikes, team colours, complete with wheels and components – Merida Reacto Evo bikes, team colour, complete with wheels and components – Merida Ride bikes, team colour, complete with wheels and components – Merida Sculpture bikes, team colours, complete with wheels and components – Merida frames ready for assembly – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 11 speed electronic groupsets – Fulcrum carbon wheels – fuchsia coloured lenticular models and high-profile rims (80 mm,
50 mm, 35 mm and 25 mm) – Selle San Marco (model 2013) and Prologo saddles (2014 models) – Measuring systems : SRM ( 2013 season ) and Rotor with computer Garmin ( 2014 season ) – All the spare parts relating to the bike
In addition, a mechanics van and team car were also stolen.
The team sources have told the media that over 100 bikes were stolen.
Lampre-Merida is requesting that anyone with knowledge of the theft or who spots any item(s) relating to the crime – contact them either by email at team@teamlampremerida.com or by phoning their mechanic at +39 335 6217725. A reward will be given.
This weekend’s crime follows in succession with several other team thefts this year, including Garmin-Sharp, RadioShack Leopard, Europcar and Synergy Baku, plus the Russian and Danish national teams at the world championships.
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