Brammeier’s race bike with distinctive Irish Champion’s paint job has been stolen in Belgium
By Brian Canty
Three-time National Road Race Champion, Matt Brammeier has had his Specialized S-Works race bike stolen from his car outside a Belgian hotel overnight.
The Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider was staying at the Auberge Du Pecheur hotel in the Sint-Martens-Latem region of the country following a criterium last night, Sunday, when the incident occurred.
Following a race in the West Flanders region of the country – which Brammeier competed in - he stayed overnight at the hotel, put his bike in the car boot as per usual, covered it and locked the doors.
But when he woke this morning to check on it, the bike wasn't there. Following a frantic search of the area and quizzing of hotel staff and personnel, he contacted the local police who are now dealing with the matter.
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A gutted Brammeier told stickybottle: "The police said that guys use special equipment that can open the car without a key or breaking anything. I’m just sickened. It was the bike, a few wheels and a few other bits they got away with.”
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The bike carried extra sentimental value for Brammeier as it had the National Champion’s livery on it. It is valued in excess of €7,000.
“It was a special bike,” he said when contacted this morning.
“It was the National Champion’s colour bike; it's the only one I've got so I'm fairly gutted. We were working it out there how much it costs and it's probably worth €7,500 with everything on it.”
Brammeier is hopeful of it turning up though, as it is so recognizable. He cited a previously stolen bike belonging to Mark Cavendish as a source of hope.
“A few years ago when I was living with Cavendish, his bike was stolen but the idiot who stole it put it up for sale on eBay and he was able to track it pretty easily so hopefully something like that might happen again.”
“Plus, Belgium is a pretty close-knit cycling community so hopefully I can get the word out about it as quickly as possible. It's a pretty unique bike so I'm sure if someone is riding it or knows someone who's riding it they'd know. It's a pretty easy bike to spot, pretty recognizable.”
If anybody sees the bike on their travels or on any sites being offered for sale get in touch with Matt on Twitter @Mattbrammeier85
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