THIEVES have stolen the speedway bike of the former world champion.
Gary Havelock, of Stockton, who was world champion in 1992, said the thieves would not even be able to use the £4,000 bike, which has no brakes.
The bike was taken sometime on Saturday night or early Sunday morning from an address in the Yarm area, near Stockton.
Ex-Middlesbrough rider and member of the British Team, Mr Havelock described the theft as a major blow.
The father-of-two said: "It's not like the bike will be of any use to anyone other than a speedway rider.
"It was not even prepared for racing and they wouldn't even be able to start it.
"The speedway season doesn't start again until March, but this is still a major blow."
The bike is silver and orange and is fitted with an MG motor.
It has no brakes and no gears and is run on methanol.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Constable Mike Stokes on (01642) 302240
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