Spanish police nab a 44-year-old suspect who impersonated a KTM mechanic to access the Valencia paddock and steal the world champion’s rare Pinarello bicycle.
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Spanish authorities have arrested a man suspected of stealing a custom €20,000 (RM95,714) Pinarello bicycle belonging to 2024 MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin during the Valencia Grand Prix weekend last month.
The high-end bicycle, used by Martin for training and known for its exclusivity, only a handful were ever produced, was taken from the rider’s motorhome in a bold theft that has raised fresh concerns about paddock security.
According to Spain’s TodoCircuito, the Guardia Civil confirmed the arrest of a 44-year-old man who allegedly carried out the theft. Investigators were able to track the suspect using CCTV footage, uncovering a surprising detail: the thief gained MotoGP paddock access by dressing in KTM team gear and posing as a mechanic.
Disguised as a crew member, the suspect reportedly wandered through team trucks without drawing suspicion before breaking into Martin’s belongings and escaping with the rare bike.
Further CCTV footage placed the man at a nearby petrol station still wearing KTM attire, with the stolen bicycle visible. This clue allowed police to identify him and trace him back to his residence in Madrid, where he was later arrested.
Authorities revealed that the suspect had a long criminal history and was already under investigation for stealing a car from a dealership. Reports suggest he had only recently been released from prison before committing the theft.
The stolen Pinarello is expected to be returned to Jorge Martin soon. However, the incident casts a spotlight on security protocols within the MotoGP paddock. While theft involving top riders is uncommon, personal belongings of team members and media have been reported stolen at various events. MotoGP has yet to issue any official statement regarding the breach.
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