Teen cyclist Charlie Condell has bike stolen halfway through round-the-world trip
A teenager attempting to become the youngest person to cycle round the world has had his bike stolen.
Charlie Condell, 18, had cycled for 102 days through Europe and Asia, when he stopped in a hostel in Townsville, in Queensland Australia.
He had put his bike, worth about £4,000 and nicknamed Colin, in the garage. But when he got up to continue on his epic journey, it had gone.
"Everything had been taken, right down to my old socks!" the teenager told Sky News, explaining that his passport, camping gear and cycling clothes had all been taken.
He turned to Facebook for help, posting his plight on a group dedicated to bike trading and offering a "free beer or two ready" if anyone saw the bike in town.
Townsville resident Steve Beaney responded to his Facebook post to say he'd checked for the bike in areas where "the local grubs" hang out - and speculating that someone at the hostel may have swiped it.
"If it's out there being ridden someone will spot it and thump them," he said.
Mr Condell also received messages of support from the Tour de France office and round-the-world cycling record holder Mark Beaumont.
He says he is now losing hope that the bike - which has so far travelled round Croatia, Turkey, Georgia, India and Malaysia - could show up - and he hopes to get a new one.
"There's been lots of support, and offers from various parties - amazingly generous," he said.
"But I really don't intend to let this person cause any more damage than has already been done - the trip will continue as planned (or lack there of) asap!"
He says he hopes to have left Townsville by the weekend - and thanked those in the town who had helped him.
A JustGiving page to fund his round-the-world adventure has been set up and hopes to raise £4,000.
