Geraint Thomas appeals for return of Tour de France trophy after it was STOLEN from cycling show
Team Sky lent the trophy to manufacturers Pinarello to be displayed at The Cycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham
GERAINT THOMAS has pleaded for his Tour de France trophy to be returned – after it was STOLEN from a cycling show.
The Coupe Omnisports, presented to each winner of the Yellow Jersey, was loaned to sponsors and Italian bike manufacturers Pinarello for display at the The Cycle Show in Birmingham.
But police are now investigating after organisers discovered it was missing at the end of the three-day event at the NEC last month.
Welshman Thomas, who won the Tour in July, said: “It’s incredibly unfortunate. It goes without saying, the trophy is of pretty limited value to whoever took it, but it means a lot to me and the team.
“What matters most are the amazing memories of an incredible summer, and no one can ever take those away from me.
“But a trophy is important, and hopefully whoever took it will have the good grace to return it.”
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A spokesman for Pinarello said: “We are obviously devastated about this.
“We accept full responsibility and have personally apologised to Geraint. Obviously we hope the trophy can be recovered.”
Thomas' win in France was the first Grand Tour success of his 12-year career and he signed a new four-year deal with Team Sky in September.
He is set to be given a replica of the trophy next year as a permanent reminder of his success this summer.