May 3, 2008 (Madrid, Spain) – After all of the Multivan-Merida Biking Team’s race bikes had been stolen out of a secure basement at the World Cup start in Houffalize, Belgium, the team has become the victim of another burglary. In the run-up to Madrid’s World Cup race two Multivan-Merida Biking Team cars were forced open early Saturday morning. Using a pick-axe and metal shears, a big hole was cut into the sidewall of the team mechanic’s car in an attempt to get to the expensive racing equipment. In doing so the thieves caused a substantial damage without making any haul. For security reasons the cars were completely empty and all of the equipment had been stored at a safe place.

Thus the Multivan-Merida Biking Team has already become the victim of a second burglary attempt this season. As planned and without any cutbacks, all athletes including José Hermida, Ralph Näf, Gunn-Rita Dahle FlesjÃ¥ and Moritz Milatz are going to compete in Sunday’s races. “The material damage caused to the cars is huge and these cases of burglary are an annoyance. We have taken comprehensive security measures, and as a result we have not lost any additional equipment. Nevertheless, our equipment seems to be in high demand with professional gangs of burglars,” was team manager Andi Rottler’s comment on the most recent incident.