Dan Martin signs on earlier in the week before an unusual twist forced his team of the Tour of the Med
Dan Martin’s plans to get his first competitive climbing test under his belt at the Tour of the Mediterranean were dramatically halted today, Saturday, when his team was forced out of the race after its bikes were stolen overnight.
Martin is not a noted time trial rider but had put in a good performance in the 24km race against the clock on Thursday and would have felt confident of having a go up the summit finish on Mont Faron today.
However, the absence of his team’s bikes this morning meant the riders were forced to quit the race despite offers of bikes from rival squads. He had also come down with a head cold meaning he may not have started the stage anyway.
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The team confirmed in a statement that its truck containing the riders’ road bikes was broken into last night by thieves who stole 17 Cervelo bikes, several sets of wheels and an array of other equipment. Team principal Jonathan Vaughters confirmed local police were investigating the costly robbery.
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“This is a big loss for the team, not just from an equipment standpoint, but because the Tour of Med was a huge goal for us and the team was in great shape for it,” he said.
“Due to the theft, we were forced to withdraw. However, we are proud of the team and grateful to our sponsors – everyone has pulled together to help find solutions. We’re in the process of planning a camp for the team that was not able to continue at the race.”
“We’re very grateful to our dedicated riders, staff and sponsors for pulling together in this difficult time. We’re also grateful for the support we have received from local authorities and other teams, some of whom offered to help us continue the race by loaning us equipment — although that ultimately proved to be too difficult, the offers were deeply appreciated.”
“In every difficult situation you have to look for the good and we are proud of how everyone on our team, including our sponsors, have come through — this experiences gives us even more motivation in our next races.”
Martin sounded philosophical saying he had woken up with a head cold and was debating whether to start the stage when the bike theft was discovered and the decision was taken out of his hands.
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