Lewis Oliva's stolen Olympic cycling shoes found in alleyway by member of public

24 hours after they were stolen, a member of the public found track sprinter Lewis Oliva's shoes in an alleyway in Cardiff

Robert Davies with Lewis Oliva's shoes
(Image credit: South Wales Police)

Track sprinter Lewis Oliva's unique Olympic cycling shoes have been found by a member of the public in an alleyway 24 hours after they were stolen.

The specialist carbon-fibre shoes were stolen from a car belonging to fellow track cyclist Ciara Horne's car on Tuesday.

A thief smashed the side window of Horne's Volvo as it was parked near the University Hospital of Wales. They removed a bag containing Oliva's shoes.

Lewis Oliva's carbon-fibre track shoe. Photo: Ciara Horne/Twitter
(Image credit: Ciara Horne)

A widespread appeal asking people to look out for the distinctive footwear via social media and in the press came up with a result.

South Wales Police reported on Wednesday evening that Rob Davies had found them in a back lane and recognised them. Davies contacted police, and they collected them for return to Oliva.

See more

"Good news - the shoes have been found. Member of the public found them earlier today discarded in a back lane. @swpcardiff officers doing house to house & are making arrangements to return them asap," said South Wales Police on Twitter.

See more

Oliva replied via Twitter: "Thank you, so much to all those involved @swpolice great community spirit! Now I know how happy Cinderella felt after her shoe was returned!"

See more

Horne added: "Amazing news!!!! Thank you soooo much! So grateful to everyone on twitter who helped raise awareness! Massive thanks to Robert Davies for finding them!"

Twenty-five-year-old Oliva has been riding in the 2017-2018 UCI World Cup for the Wales national team this season, and is the current British keirin national champion.

Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.