Tour de France trophy stolen from Birmingham

The Tour de France trophy, which was won by professional British cyclist Geraint Thomas this year, has been stolen from a display in Birmingham.

The trophy, along with three other Grand tour trophies, was put on display for the fans as a mark of their unprecedented success over the last year.

An official statement from Team Sky (For which Thomas rides) stated that the incident took place "during the clear-up operation at the end of the event" when the trophy was "momentarily left unattended."

Reflecting on the incident, Thomas said that it is an unfortunate thing to happen and further hoped that whoever took the trophy would "have the good grace to return it."

"It is incredibly unfortunate that this has happened. It goes without saying that the trophy is of pretty limited value to whoever took it, but means a lot to me and to the Team," Team Sky website quoted Thomas, as saying.

"Hopefully whoever took it will have the good grace to return it. A trophy is important, but clearly what matters most are the amazing memories from this incredible summer - and no-one can ever take those away," he added.

Team Sky are in talks with all the relevant parties over the issue.

-ANI