Posted online: May 30th, 2007

Gardai have stepped up a gear in a bid to catch thieves who stole bicycles worth an estimated €20,000 from a racing team in Inishowen.

The five bicycles, which were snatched from outside a hotel in Ballyliffin last Thursday, belonged to contestants in the Ras cycling competition.

The theft occurred as the cyclists completed the strenuous stage five of the race including Mamore Gap.

Sergeant John O’Keefe, from Buncrana garda station, yesterday said they were following several lines of enquiry.

“However, we would appeal to people to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for the bicycles in case they have been dumped,” he said.

The bicycles were taken from a ‘Team Ireland’ van parked outside the hotel.

However, Team Ireland organised for replacement bicycles in order to allow the participants to continue the remaining 96km.

“The bicycles are very specific types and would be of no real value for everyday use,” added Sgt O’Keefe.

“Thieves will also find it very difficult to sell them on because of this.”

The yearly cycling competition made a welcome return to the North West this year.

It could be another four years before it happens in this area again.

One of the participants left without a bicycle was David McCann.

Mr McCann was the 2004 Milk Ras winner. Ironically, he was in eighth place at the time of the theft.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the gardaí at Buncrana on 074 93 41055.