Thieves have stolen two competition bikes from the home of international BMX rider Shaun Issitt.
They struck some time last week in Glen Parva and took four cycles worth nearly £4,000 from his garage.
The 25-year-old PE teacher discovered they had been taken when he wanted to use one of his road bikes on Friday.
He said: "I am due to take part in the Northern Championships in Preston at the weekend and I will have to pull out if I can't get a replacement or borrow a competition machine.
"It is the first time since I was three that I have not got a bike of some kind. I am devastated they have gone."
Mr Issitt, ranked fourth in the UK, came fifth in the cruiser section at the 2013 European championships held in Dessel, in Belgium, in the summer.
The thieves took his specially-made black 20in wheel BMX Revell competition bike, worth £1,500, which is only one of seven of its kind in this country.
They also took his 24in wheel Redline cruiser machine worth £800, as well as two Specialize road bikes, worth at least £1,500.
Mr Issitt believes the thieves stole the machines from his Richmond Drive home some time last week.
He said: "I was injured in a lesson at school so I had not been on my bike for some time.
"The last time I checked the bikes was on Saturday evening last week. I went to take the road bike out for a ride on Friday evening and I discovered all the bikes had gone.
"The thieves had broken in through the back door of the garage and had left the padlock in place to give the impression nothing had a been touched.
"The competition machines are specialist bikes and are well-known in BMX circles. So I think they could be broken down for parts. But the road bikes could be sold on.
"I am sure the thieves knew what they were after. I often load the bikes up in my van in the street and could have been seen by someone."
He said the machines were covered up to a value of £3,000 on his house insurance.
However, he said: "If I don't get them back, or can borrow a machine, I will not be able to take part in the Northern championships."
It is not the first time he has had a competition bike stolen. When he was nine, thieves stole his BMX bike from his dad's van.
Detective Constable Tracey Horne said: "The victim is desperate for the return of these bikes and we would urge anyone who knows where they are to get in touch. Do you know someone who has recently acquired similar bikes or have you been approached by someone selling the bikes in suspicious circumstances?
"Any information, no matter how small, could help us with inquiries."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Horne on 101, or Crimestoppers, which is free, on 0800 555 111.
