A man has been jailed after stealing a time-trial bike belonging to four-time triathlon world champion Chrissie Wellington.

When the world-beating 2011 bike was stolen from an office building in Chessington in July, Ms Wellington campaigned online to catch the burglar, even posting video of the theft on Youtube.

She told the Surrey Comet at the time: "It's got huge sentimental value. I tend to like to keep many of the things I compete in or on.

"This one is really special to me. This was the race I was most proud of.

"He basically walked it out of the office block and rode away on it."

Ms Wellington won the Ironman world championship in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011, and was made an MBE in 2010.

Shadrack Graham-Blake, 36, was arrested in August and the black and white Cannondale Slice bike was found by police in Islington in September, alongside other stolen bikes and parts.

Graham-Blake, of Freston Road, W10, was jailed for 28 weeks at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, having admitted the theft.


Detective Constable Clayton Woracker, of Kingston police, said: "This bike means a lot to Chrissie and I am glad that we have been able to get it back for her.

"I hope this case demonstrates and serves a warning to others that even when criminals conceal their identity to commit a crime, the police will find you and put you before the courts."

Ms Wellington said: "This bike in particular is very special to me because it was the one I used to win my final triathlon. I would sincerely like to thank the police for everything they have done and finding my bike."