Shivs recovered, but eight Specialized Amiras still to be found; reward offered for information
Team Tibco-To The Top has suffered a robbery on the eve of the Exergy Tour, as thieves broke into the team’s trailer in the race hotel parking lot in Boise, Idaho, and stole fourteen bikes. Taken were eight Specialized Amira road bikes and six Specialized Shiv time trial bikes, all were custom fitted to the individual riders, and which should hopefully make them easy to identify.
The Shivs were recovered earlier today at the Boise State campus, the Idaho Statesman reports, but the Amiras have yet to be found.
“These bikes are top-of-the-line race bikes, built with top-of-the-line SRAM Red components,” said team founder and director Linda Jackson. “The time trial bikes specifically are very unique and should be easily identifiable. In addition, all these bikes were painstakingly built and fitted to each rider with the help of Specialized. Having this custom equipment back for the U.S. National Championships next month is also critical for every team member.”
As well as the bikes, the thieves made off with a number of Reynolds wheels, including Element Discs and RZR 46’s and 92’s.
“These wheels are also very unique and are not readily available,” said Jackson. “The theft is a huge blow to the team. On the performance side, our riders now have to compete in the most important stage race in the country without their Specialized and Reynolds time trial equipment and their custom-built road bikes.
“George’s Cycles in Boise Idaho has generously offered a $500 reward for information leading to the safe return of the bikes, we thank them for that,” Jackson added. “We will match them and make the reward $1,000.” Exergy has also added a $1,000 reward for information.”
Boise Police are urging anyone who has information to call Crime Stoppers at 343-2677 or go the website www.343cops.com.