Sarasota police ask public to help find paratriathlete's bicycle

Investigators with the Sarasota Police Department are asking for the public’s help to find a bicycle they believe was stolen from a visually impaired paratriathlete Oct. 10.

In a release, the SPD said the victim reported that sometime between 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 10, his white with red stripe tandem Cannondale racing bicycle was stolen from his room at the Quality Inn at 4800 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. 

The bicycle was not locked during the time in question, according to police.  The bicycle, designed to help a rider accommodate a guide while racing, is valued at $8,000. 

“It’s not a bike you usually see around town," said SPD spokeswoman Genevieve Judge. 

The victim, Juan Carlos Villarroel-Gonzalez, is from Chile and was in town for the Sarasota-Bradenton World Cup paratriathlon that was held Oct. 8 on Bradenton Beach. He has already returned to Chile, but Judge said SPD plans to return the bike to him should they find it.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call Civilian Investigator Jeffrey Birdwell at 941-954-7070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers of Sarasota by calling 941-366-TIPS or online.

“It’s such a sad situation," Judge said. "We’re hoping someone might spot it and see it and give us a call."