RCMP ‘very pleased’ to return stolen bikes
Malaysian cycling team’s property taken from Argyll Velodrome storage shed
Nine racing bikes belonging to a competitive youth cycling team from Malaysia were recovered by RCMP this week.
The central Alberta crime reduction unit found the bikes undamaged at an abandoned property near Nisku, RCMP said in a news release Tuesday.
The bikes belong to a team of 17to 21-year-olds who were training in Edmonton this summer to prepare for a major competition in September.
The team’s 10 bikes and equipment were reported stolen July 18 after a break and enter at an Argyll Velodrome storage shed.
Velodrome board member Gail Wozny said she was relieved when she heard the bikes had been recovered, but the team wasn’t aware yet.
They returned to Malaysia a week ago to try to get new bikes ahead of their upcoming races, she said.
Velodrome directors emailed the team’s coach Wednesday afternoon to let them know, and were waiting to hear back.
The velodrome tried to help the team recover costs of the stolen bikes through insurance, Wozny said, but they were declined coverage.
Riders were able to continue training on donated bikes from the velodrome and the Juventus Cycling Club.
The recovered racing bikes, valued around $40,000, are in the possession of RCMP for evidence and will be returned once the investigation is complete, the news release said.
“We understand the loss that the racing team felt and we’re very pleased to be able to return these special bikes,” said RCMP Central Alberta District Cpl. William Hiscock.
No charges have been laid.