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Thomas De Gendt’s polka-dot Tour de France bike has been stolen from the Ridley booth. The one-of-a-kind Ridley Helium SL was ridden by Lotto-Soudal’s De Gendt during this year’s Tour.
Thieves snatched the bike just before the show opened on Wednesday morning.
“The Thomas De Gendt bike, and a Dean, were cut out of our booth – they were hanging by wires, and bolted down. Somehow somebody rolled out of the door with them,” said Ridley’s VP of International Operations, Richard Wittenberg.
The De Gendt bike still has his race number on it, 163. The bike also has Campagnolo Bora wheels and a Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset.
The standard frameset retails for €2900, but because of the custom graphics and sentimental value it is described by Wittenberg as “priceless”.
Belgian De Gendt held the King of the Mountains lead on six stages of the Tour.
“We’re insured, that’s not the problem, but we’re upset for Thomas,” said Wittenberg. “He busted his ass for us in the Tour.”
