UPDATE: Stolen Visma bikes relocated in bushes before Vuelta a Espana stage 3

Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s start to the Vuelta a España 2025 took another twist this morning when several of their stolen race bikes were discovered abandoned in bushes near the stage three start. The Dutch squad had been left scrambling overnight after thieves broke into their mechanics’ truck with a pickaxe and made off with most of the team’s equipment, sparking a police investigation.

Confirming the bizarre update, team boss Richard Plugge explained: "Some stolen bicycles were found in the bushes, that's true. That's good for us, but I don't know why they were left behind." The recovery eased some of the tension that had gripped the team in the wake of Jonas Vingegaard’s stage two victory and move into the red jersey.

Plugge admitted the timing could not have been worse. "Our truck had been broken into and several bikes were stolen, so suddenly we were the subject of a police investigation this morning. That's not how you want to start a day, especially not after yesterday's success," he said. With just hours to prepare for the next stage, the team’s mechanics faced a frantic rebuild operation.

"The mechanics have done an incredible job building all the bikes and getting all the bikes we need ready. They'll be here soon," Plugge explained before the start in San Maurizio Canavese. "And luckily, we'll have enough bikes to start." Despite the relief, the disruption was significant, with riders needing last-minute adjustments and checks to ensure everything was race-ready.

While some stability remained, Plugge acknowledged the strain placed on the squad: "Most riders still have their own bikes and a spare, but it's very sad. Jonas' bikes are thankfully still here; they require the least amount of work. But we had to rebuild the rest of the bikes, or check if everything was working properly, because it was a rush job to get all the bikes ready. Fortunately, everything worked out."