Cyclist Michael Vanthourenhout's racing bike stolen during holiday in France

Belgian cyclocross rider Michael Vanthourenhout had his racing bike stolen from his car during a holiday in France. Thieves smashed the car windows while Vanthourenhout and his family were in Grenoble watching the Tour de France. The incident forced them to cut their vacation short and return home. "There was only a rear wheel on the bike, so they couldn't have ridden away with it," Vanthourenhout said, noting the bike would not fit in the car with just one wheel. The stolen items included the racing bike and a backpack, though the backpack was later found. The theft required the family to adjust their travel plans, which had included following the Alpe d'Huez stage and the final stage in Paris. Instead, they focused on getting the car windows repaired to drive home. Vanthourenhout reported the incident to the police. He typically parks his car in a way that deters break-ins, but could not find a suitable spot on this occasion.

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There was only a rear wheel on the bike, so they couldn't have ridden away with it.