Shanks’ stolen bike returned

Alison Shanks’ preparations for the upcoming track season have been put back on track following the return of her customised track bike. The New Zealand track star’s bike had been stolen from NZ Outdoor Adventure Expo at Pioneer Leisure Centre last Friday, but showed up in an alley beside a local cycling store on Tuesday.

“I was extremely upset when it was stolen,” Shanks said. “It had thrown my whole campaign into turmoil.

“I am so happy with the news that the bike had been returned and I want to thank the media for their support in bringing this to the attention of those who had taken the bike. It is great news and I am looking forward to picking it up this week and getting my season back on track.”

The bike, valued at $15,000 NZD, has been specially designed for Shanks and features custom designed aero handlebars for the individual pursuit world champion. She had just returned from wind tunnel testing in San Diego, USA before the bike’s theft, where she worked on refining her position on the bike.

Shanks will take part in a BikeNZ training camp next week at the ILT Velodrome in Invercargill on New Zealand’s south island next week.

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