Ian Blayney chased a thief who stole his bike at yesterday's race; getting the better of him and retrieving his bike when he caught up with him (Photo: Toby Watson)
Having taken part in the mountain bike support race at round 7 of the Ulster Cyclocross Series in Belfast yesterday, Ian Blayney was to strike an unexpected blow on behalf of cyclists all across the country.
The North Down CC rider put his mountain bike onto the rack at the back of his car after the event only for it to be stolen by a thief apparently scouting the race venue for opportunities.
However, before Blayney even realised his bike was gone, the eagle eyed rider spotted a man cycling away from the Ormeau Park venue on one mountain bike, while pushing a second mount.
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When he returned to his car and saw his bike was gone, his instincts kicked into action ending in a happy outcome.
“I realised what had happened,” he said of the moment he connected his missing bike and the rider he had just seen leaving with two bikes.
“I jumped in the car and raced after him,” he said.
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“I found him on the Lagan tow path in the process of lowering my seat post.
“I ran towards him and he threw my bike down and rode off just before I was able to catch him,” he added.
Blayney accidentally made contact with the thief’s head as he grabbed his bike.
“While I was able to recover my bike I'm wondering was the other bike also stolen.”
He added he has a good description of the man and was keen that anyone missing a bike should make themselves known to the race organisers XMTB McConvey Cycles.
The robbery is the latest in a series of bikes and on-board electronic devices that have been taken from race or sportive venues.
It underlines the need for cyclists to be vigilant, especially when taking part in events where they believe the risk of having kit stolen is remote because they are in an environment with other riders.
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