Unibet Rose Rockets bikes stolen in France before Spanish race weekend
The French team will still compete in two races in Spain after thieves broke into the team van near Poitiers and stole several Rose Bikes.
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The cycling team was travelling to Spain when its van was targeted in the Poitiers area. Images published by the squad showed extensive damage to the vehicle, including a smashed window and doors that had been forced open.
“Not exactly the kind of start to a race week we were hoping for,” the team stated on social media after discovering the damage.
A number of bikes supplied by Rose Bikes were taken from the vehicle. Unibet Rose Rockets has not confirmed how many bicycles were stolen or disclosed their estimated value.
“Last night, while on the way to our upcoming races in Spain, our team van was broken into in the Poitiers area of France,” the team said. “A number of our Rose Bikes were stolen.”
The theft initially cast doubt over the team’s preparations for its upcoming races in Spain. Unibet Rose Rockets is due to compete in the Ordiziako Klasika on July 25, followed by the Vuelta a Castilla y León a day later.
With the first start less than 48 hours away, staff moved quickly to source replacement equipment and keep the race schedule intact.
“Bike theft is, unfortunately, something that happens far too often in cycling,” the team said. “It sucks, it’s frustrating, and it’s certainly not how we planned to start our race week.”
The squad confirmed that a solution had been found, allowing the riders to continue their journey and compete in both events as planned.
“But Rocketeers don’t stop that easily,” the statement continued. “Our team immediately got to work and, thanks to a huge effort from everyone involved, we’ve managed to find a solution.”
Unibet Rose Rockets also urged supporters, bike retailers and online buyers to look out for the stolen equipment, particularly if any of the bikes appear on resale platforms.
“If you happen to spot one of our bikes being offered for sale somewhere, please DM us,” the team said. “We’d really appreciate you keeping an eye out.”
The statement concluded with a pointed message for those responsible.
“We get it, Rose Bikes are pretty nice,” the team said. “But stealing them is definitely not the way to get your hands on one.”
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