Thieves target top cyclists in Ballyliffin 28.05.07

Elite Irish cyclists competing in the prestigious FBD Milk Ras were left without bikes last week after they were stolen from outside an Inishowen hotel. Five racing bicycles, worth a total of €20,000, were taken from a Team Ireland van parked outside the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin.

The incident happened on Thursday evening after the cyclists had completed the gruelling Stage 5 of the race including Mamore Gap. One of those left without a €4,000 bike was David McCann - 2004 Milk Ras winner - who was in eighth place at the time of the theft.
Team Ireland arranged for replacements to allow competitors continue the 96km Stage 6 the following day including Carndonagh, Moville, Muff and Derry. It's understood a high level of Garda security was organised for the cyclists in Buncrana but officers were not informed a team was staying in the Ballyliffin area. Gardai who have checked CCTV footage from Ballyliffin, told InishowenNews.com that the bikes, containing carbon fibre components, would be difficult for the thieves to sell on, given their high-spec customised nature. "It will be hard to find a market for them," said a spokesperson. They believe the bikes will be offered for sale in the near future and have appealed for help from the public. Anyone offered a top quality racing bike in suspicious circumstances or who knows anything about the whereabouts of the stolen items are asked to contact Gardai in Buncrana on 07493 61555. Meanwhile, the overall winner of the 2007 FBD Milk Ras was Tony Martin from Germany.
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