Visma | Lease a Bike has been a victim of theft at the Vuelta a España. On the night from Sunday to Monday, several bikes were stolen from the Dutch team, the team confirms. It is expected that Jonas Vingegaard and his teammates will still be able to start the third stage through Italy 'normally'.
"Last night, the truck of our mechanics was broken into. Several bikes were stolen during the incident," Visma | Lease a Bike writes in a statement on social media. "Our mechanics are working hard to ensure the team is fully prepared for the third stage."
The police have launched an investigation into the bike theft, the team reports.
The bike theft is a setback for Visma | Lease a Bike, which achieved a double victory on Sunday in Italy, with team leader Jonas Vingegaard winning the first uphill finish of the Vuelta a España.
According to the Italian Tuttobiciweb, as many as 18 bikes were stolen, with an estimated damage of around 250,000 euros. The Italian website indicates that Visma | Lease a Bike may have to borrow bikes or components to fully ride the third stage, even if only as reserve equipment.
Richard Plugge stated in a message that some of the stolen bikes had been found in nearby bushes. He revealed this ahead of the start of the third stage. All riders can start 'normally', but the staff had to work hard to rebuild all the bikes on time. There is also enough reserve equipment available to ride the third stage.
