10-year-old’s BMX bike stolen – during competition at National Cycling Centre

A 10-year-old cyclist had his BMX bike stolen last weekend – while taking part in a competition at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

According to Greater Manchester Police, two men were later seen wheeling the bike past a nearby supermarket.

According to a Facebook post by the force, the youngster was participating in an event at the venue, home to national governing body British Cycling, last Sunday 10 September.

“His bike was snatched from the competitors’ bike area,” the post revealed.

“It was last seen being pushed past the Asda store in Eastlands by two unknown males.”

The bike is described as a Pure Junior BMX Race Bike, and police have launched an appeal “for information that could help the investigation – including footage such as mobile, CCTV or dashcam.”

Greater Manchester Police has asked anyone with information to contact officers on 0161 856 1152, quoting 3708 of 10/09/2023.

Alternatively, information can be given, anonymously, to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The National Cycling Centre is home to the world’s first purpose-built indoor BMX Track, which cost £24 million and opened in 2011, joining the existing velodrome that was built at a time when Manchester was bidding for the Olympic Games.

The velodrome, nicknamed ‘The Medal Factory’ due to the host of medals won at Olympic and Paralympic Games by cyclists training at the facility, reopened last month after a two-year, £27 million refurbishment.

> Manchester Velodrome, the home of British Cycling, reopens after 2 years and a £27m refurbishment

More than £1 million of that money was spent on repairs to the roof – although it has subsequently emerged that it continues to leak, creating a safety hazard on the track.

Earlier this month, Luthfur Rahman, deputy chair of Manchester City Council, told Mail Sport: “We are aware of this issue and will be taking quick action to ensure that it is repaired.

“Over the course of the £27m refurbishment of the velodrome, roof repairs were identified and carried out, however additional issues have been identified and will be rectified as a matter of priority.”