Quebec paralympic athlete gets back one of two stolen bikes

QUEBEC — A Quebec paralympic cyclist whose two racing bicycles were stolen just weeks before the Rio Games has one of them back in her possession.

“It needs a bit of love but it (the damage) is superficial,” Marie-Eve Croteau told a news conference. “I am really happy.

Croteau, 37, said on the weekend she thought her trip to Rio was in doubt after she discovered the theft Friday.

The bike that was found is for road racing, while the one still missing is for time trials.

Neither police nor Croteau gave any details about how the bike was tracked down.

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Croteau admits the last few days have taken their toll in some ways.

“Now, it’s time to concentrate,” she said. “I’m a bit tired right now and it’s not the right kind of fatigue. It’s not the fatigue you want as an athlete.”

Both bicycles have modified frames with two back wheels and were specially made for Croteau, who says she has a handicap that affects mostly her left side.

Surveillance footage Croteau posted online showed two men entering the underground garage of her condo building early last week.

They could be seen leaving with the bicycles moments later.

Croteau was named to the Canadian team for the 2012 Games in London but was unable to compete due to a concussion.

She is set to leave for Brazil on Sept. 5 and said she would love to reward Quebecers and other Canadians for their support during the ordeal.

“I’m going to do everything I can to come back with a medal,” she added.

The owner of the company that built her bicycles, Louis Garneau, offered to replace the bicycles in time for the Games.

The Canadian Press