While he is celebrating a cycling race, thieves steal his expensive racing bike: « They knew very well what to have » (Sint-Niklaas)
Rico van Damme (left) won by bike that was stolen a little later. – © Ies
Cyclist Rico van Damme from Yerseke in Zeeland in Zeeland, on Tuesday afternoon, a mass of people took the victory in the cycling race championship of the Waasland. While he was celebrating the victory with his teammates, thieves ran away with his very expensive racing bike.
A sporty high party ended on Tuesday evening in Minor in Belsele. « We had a wonderful day with our team, » says team leader Gaspard Van Peteghem of the Cibel-Cebon cycling team, the winner of which is part. « After the victory, we went together with the entire team, the employees and also our sponsors, to drink a glass in cafeteria de Klavers. »
But when Van Damme wanted to return home, he noticed that his expensive racing bike with which he had won the game just before, had disappeared from the bicycle rack of his car with Dutch number plate.
To give evidence
« I had first mounted my bike on the bike carrier and behind it my reserve bike. So there was two racing bikes on my car. But the thieves only took my best bike. They clearly knew very well what to have, » a disappointed Van Damme sighed. « This was my success bike. I had already won it seven times this year. »
The victory party was given a sour aftertaste. – © Ies
At the time of the theft, there must undoubtedly have been a lot of movement in the parking lot. « All teams and riders who participated in the competition came together. They could also use the showers of the sports hall afterwards. So we hope that someone has seen something, » Van Peteghem continues.
10,000 euros
The bike is sprayed in the colors of Cibel-Cebon. « Only about 20 bikes of this type have been made. So the thief will probably not come on the street. But together with the very best parts of the Campagnolo brand, the bike is quickly worth 10,000 euros. In addition to the emotional value. Because everyone knows that a cyclist is really attached to his bike, » says Van Peteghem. (ies)
Anyone who has seen something suspected can contact 0485/55.49.24. Absolute discretion is guaranteed.
