Silence-Lotto bikes stolen in Italy

By Susan Westemeyer

Team Silence-Lotto was not at the start of Saturday's second stage of the Giro della Provinicia di Grosseto in Italy, having had 16 team bikes stolen overnight.

According to the team, an "organized gang" broke the windows of a team car and pushed it away, giving them access to the team truck. They then took eight racing bikes, eight reserve bikes and a number of spare tires.

The team is insured against the loss, but had no possibility to ride on Saturday. Chauffeur Jo Plankaert was on his way to the team with spare bikes so they could train for the upcoming Trofeo Laigueglia.