World Champion's Track Bike Stolen

World cycling champion Alison Shanks is looking for a new bike after her racing machine was stolen from an Expo in Christchurch at the weekend.

The bike, worth approximately $15,000, was stolen from The NZ Outdoor Adventure Expo at Pioneer Leisure Centre. It had disappeared some stage early on Friday morning during the set-up for the event.

It is a specific bike that is designed to fit Shanks and the bike she uses for her track racing.

“Equipment like this is so specific for the rider, so it’s very disappointing,” said Mark Elliott, BikeNZ’s High Performance Director.

“The bike is completely useless for anyone else. It is a purpose built track bike and made specifically for Alison. It’s not as if anyone can sell it or use it. And the handlebars are also manufactured just for her – they are irreplaceable.

“We have world-leading track bike designers in New Zealand and it’s great to have their products seen close up by the public.

“It is very important equipment and here’s hoping whoever took it has the sense to just drop it back at a bike shop in the city.”

The loss is also at a critical time for Shanks with the UCI World Cup season only five weeks away and BikeNZ is holding its first major training camp at the ILT Velodrome in Invercargill next week which is a vital part of her preparation.”