Tour of Spain: Aussie rider's 12,000-euro stolen bike was being sold for 120 euros in Madrid

Spanish police said yesterday they found a bike worth around 12,000 euros ($13,600) that was stolen from an Australian rider in the Tour of Spain for sale in a second hand shop for just 120 euros

Madrid: Spanish police said yesterday they found a bike worth around 12,000 euros ($13,600) that was stolen from an Australian rider in the Tour of Spain for sale in a second hand shop for just 120 euros.

Two police officers spotted the bicycle during an inspection of the shop in the southern city of Malaga and became suspicious because the asking price was so low despite its "exceptional characteristics", police said in a statement.

They opened an investigation and discovered it matched the description of a bike that was stolen from Australian cyclist Simon Gerrans at the end of the third stage of the Tour of Spain race on August 24, a ride from Mijas to Malaga.

The bicycle had been sold to the shop by a man who lives in Malaga "with a long police record", along with another one which was also on display. Police handed the bicycle over to a representative of Gerrans' Australian Orica Greenedge team in Madrid yesterday. Race leaders are traditionally given a red jersey to wear.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!