The Subaru / Gary Fisher team's truck was stolen on Monday night from a lighted hotel parking lot in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec, site of the World Cup last weekend.
At the time of the theft the team's truck and trailer were disconnected, so fortunately for the team, the trailer containing team bikes and support equipment was not also stolen.
"I'm sure there is some small personal stuff gone for our mechanic, but it shouldn't affect the team's racers," said Fisher brand manager Travis Ott to Cyclingnews.
The loss is presenting some headaches for the team management. "Fortunately, the whole circuit is close knit and another team will help us move the trailer to Bromont for the next World Cup," said Ott. "But at the same time our mechanic is shopping for a new truck to replace the stolen Ford F350.
Although the two World Cups are in Canada, the American-based team is looking for a vehicle in the US, in nearby Vermont. "We have to buy the new truck in the US because if you buy it in Canada, it is a hassle to bring back to the US," said Ott. "Plus we'd like it to read out miles and miles per hour."
"It would have been easier if they'd stolen it much closer to home - they're about as far away as they ever compete in North America."
The stolen truck was decked out in Subaru / Gary Fisher colors and had "not easily removable" decals from the team and its sponsors all over it.
Theft has been a problem on the World Cup circuit this year, especially for the Multivan Merida team, which had 100,000 euro worth of equipment stolen in Houffalize, Belgium, and was the victim of another attempted theft in Madrid. GT's bikes were also stolen the day before the Houffalize round.
