In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Tour de France, Team Cofidis can breathe a sigh of relief after their stolen bikes were successfully recovered.
The theft occurred following the opening stage when thieves broke into the team’s equipment truck, making off with 11 high-end Look bikes valued at approximately €13,000 each.
Initial Discovery Brings Hope
Team staff didn’t wait around for good news to come to them. Their immediate search of the surrounding area near the team hotel proved fruitful, with five bikes found abandoned in nearby undergrowth.
The remaining six bikes were later located by police near Halluin, close to the Belgian border.
Race Continues Despite Setback
The show must go on, as they say, and Team Cofidis wasn’t about to let a bike theft derail their Tour de France campaign.
The team successfully competed in stage two using their backup bikes, while Look quickly arranged replacement frames and new Campagnolo components were rushed from Italy.
Swift Response from All Parties
Team manager Cédric Vasseur has expressed gratitude for the coordinated effort between police, race organizers, and sponsors.
“I’d like to warmly congratulate the Tour de France organisers and the police who did everything possible to find them. A huge amount of investigative work has been carried out, which will enable us to continue the Tour de France with peace of mind.” – Cédric Vasseur
Among the recovered items was a specially prepared bike for Benjamin Thomas, who was wearing the prestigious King of the Mountains jersey.
This incident serves as a reminder that even at the highest levels of professional cycling, security remains a crucial concern. Perhaps it’s time for enhanced security measures at major cycling events to prevent similar incidents in the future.
