A CYCLIST who appealed to the public after his custom-made £12,000 bike was stolen has had it returned to him.

Jon Chambers, 42, had been competing in the British Cycling National Circuit Race Championship in York on Sunday.

He visited friends at a house in The Mount at about 4pm when the former superbike racer’s red-and-black Pinarello was taken from the roof rack of his car.

Mr Chambers told The Press on Monday he was prepared to offer a £1,000 reward for the return of the bike. He spent more than 12 hours speaking to people on the streets of York and the surrounding areas on Monday asking for information.

Mr Chambers, who lives in a village near Selby, said: “I suppose it was easy pickings for them but I just wanted it back and to be fair, it’s surprised me.

“It’s amazing really, but I had a lot of help in the local area.

“I promised the person who brought it back that I wouldn’t say anything about them, but I can say they didn’t want the £1,000 reward.”

Late on Monday, a member of the public contacted Mr Chambers, and arranged a meeting to give Mr Chambers the bike.

He said: “It’s come back to me and I have it back and there’s not a mark on it, that’s a surprise, and I’m blown away by that.

“My wife said she couldn’t believe it. I’m absolutely over the moon and delighted with the people who got it back for me. I’m really pleased.

“Thanks to everyone who got involved, because I was devastated and it’s a lot of money, but it’s amazing to say I got it back. There are worse things happening in the world, but they don’t all end so well as this.”

Two men aged 18 and 19 were arrested in connection with the theft on Sunday, and released on bail.