Cycling news - Geraint Thomas makes appeal after tour trophy stolen
BySportsbeat
Updated 12/10/2018 at 08:24 GMT
Geraint Thomas has called for his Tour de France trophy to be returned after it was stolen by thieves at a cycle show.
Britain's Geraint Thomas waves during a celebratory homecoming event in Cardiff, south Wales, on August 9, 2018 following Thomas's victory in the Tour de France cycling race. - Geraint Thomas was labelled the 'Perfect Poster Boy' after the British Team Sk
Image credit: Getty Images
The trophy - won by the Welshman in July - was on display at The Cycle Show in Birmingham after being loaned to Thomas' Team Sky sponsors Pinarello.
The handmade trophy - also known as the Coupe Omnisports - was awarded to the 32-year-old when he became just the third Brit to win the tour.
And whilst the Welshman, who is also a double Olympic champion, noted that the victory itself will endure in the memory, he admitted that the cup is of great sentimental value to both him and Team Sky.
"The trophy means a lot to me and to the team," he said.
"It is incredibly unfortunate that this has happened. It goes without saying that the trophy is of pretty limited value to whoever took it and hopefully [they] will have the good grace to return it.
"A trophy is important, but clearly what matters most are the amazing memories from this incredible summer - and no-one can ever take those away."
Police have opened an investigation into the case after the cup was thought to have been taken whilst the show was being cleared up.
It had been displayed alongside the Vuelta a Espana and Giro d'Italia trophies, both won by Thomas' teammate Chris Froome.
Pinarello Managing Director Richard Hemington has apologised to Thomas for the incident.
"We are obviously devastated about this," he said.
"We accept full responsibility. Obviously we all hope that the trophy can be recovered."
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