AN athlete who has been training for a year for an Ironman competition fears his efforts could be wasted after thieves stole his £2,000 bike.

David Ardill from Clayton-le-Moors is preparing to take on his second ironman challenge in Bolton in July.

However, his preparations have been hit after his bike, which he had specifically designed to fit his measurements, was stolen from his shed.

Police said the racing bike was taken after a padlock was cut from the door.

The 32-year-old said: “I’ve been training for more than a year for this and it’s really thrown a spanner in the works.

“I know it’s not the end of the world, it’s a bike, but it’s frustrating the timing after spending so much time training and working on it.

“We think it’s just people being opportunistic but it’s mindless and stupid behaviour.

“It’s just a pair of wheels and a saddle to them but it’s galling for me and it’s caused so much disruption.

“It makes you feel a bit anxious and wary in your own home.”

The bike, made by American manufacturer Felt, was locked up in his shed at his home near Whalley Road when it was taken overnight Wednesday.

It cost £1,500 and Mr Ardill has since spent more than £750 renovating it.

The ironman event in Bolton, Mr Ardill, was preparing for consists of a 3.8km swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a marathon.

He was due to take part in his first race of the year tomorrow with the ‘Slateman’ triathlon in North Wales.

He will still be taking part in the race but had to change his plans to pick up a basic replacement bike.

Mr Ardill, who works for the not for profit education organisation Academy Ambassadors in Manchester paid tribute to fellow bikers and the police for their help.

He said: “The racing community has been great, I’ve already had so many offers of bikes for training and racing.

“But it’s still put my preparation in jeopardy because I wanted to get the best time possible.

“One way or another I’ll complete the race but it’s a shame.

“It’s quite a distinctive bike, hopefully someone might see something and report it and I’ll find it.”

A police spokesman said: “Someone knows who stole this triathlon racing bike . I would urge anyone with information to call police on 101."