A ROSS cyclist has offered a substantial reward after his top of the range bike was stolen in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The bike, a Cannondale Supersix Ult Cosmic Sl, purchased in April this year, was in near perfect condition. Valued at around £3000, it is the only one of its type in the Ross area, making it particularly distinctive.

It is identical to the model in the photograph, left, apart from a number of differences: the stolen model had two plastic bottle cages fitted, and was black in colour. It also had a wireless trip computer fitted to the front forks and handlebars; a rear red light fitted to the seat post and a small black and white saddle bag with spare tube and multi tool and had SPD pedals. The frame size is 56cm and had a unique serial mark.

The victim's property had security lights and sheds that were properly secured with padlocks. He also owned a dog. However, despite all his efforts, sometime between the hours of 6pm on Friday, November 16th and 8am on Saturday, November 17th thieves broke into two garden sheds, overlooking tools and six other bikes, to get to this model. The victim believes he was targeted.

As a member of a local cycling club he wants to warn others to be aware. According to the CSO who visited him, bike theft is rife in Herefordshire.

The Gazette is also aware of the theft of a valuable bike from a secure garage in the Forest of Dean. The owner told the Gazette that his bike was also worth several thousand pounds as he had built it himself using top quality components. He believes that someone saw him on the bike and then followed him home in order to steal it.

Contact the Police on 0300 333 3000 if you have any information leading to the return of the Cannondale bike. The owner is prepared to give a reward for the return of the bike in mint condition.

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