The club suffered a theft of more than £14,000-worth of equipment following the break-in.

A city cycling club has made an appeal for witnesses and information following the theft of thousands of pounds-worth of equipment from its storage unit.

Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club suffered the theft following a break-in at Aldersley Stadium in Wolverhampton at the weekend, with the club saying that at it happened between Saturday night and Sunday morning and saw at least eight bicycles stolen.

The stolen bikes include a number of specialist track bikes, as well as road and mountain bikes that are used to support club activities and provide access to cycling for riders of all ages and abilities.

The club said the theft will have a substantial impact on the club's ability to deliver sessions for its thriving youth, women's and men's groups.

A spokesman for Wolverhampton Wheelers said: “As a self-funded organisation run entirely by dedicated volunteers, Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club has been proud to be able to ensure all riders have equal access to opportunities within the sport through the loan of a bike for sessions.

Benjamin Stephens, Hugh Porter, Jodie Parker and Matilda Cosnett pose near the unit which was broken into. Photo: Steph Geary Photography | Steph Geary Photography

placeholder image — Benjamin Stephens, Hugh Porter, Jodie Parker and Matilda Cosnett pose near the unit which was broken into. Photo: Steph Geary Photography | Steph Geary Photography

“This is the second break-in suffered by the club in recent weeks, following the theft of the club's derny bike on August 3.

“The loss of these bicycles is not only disheartening for members and volunteers but also threatens the club's ability to continue delivering inclusive cycling activities to the local community.”

Club Chair Jodie Parker said: “Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club prides itself on being an inclusive grassroots club that supports riders at every stage of their cycling journey.

“We see young people and adults discover cycling for the first time and go on to enjoy it as a lifelong hobby, while others progress to compete for national and international titles.

“These thefts are incredibly disappointing and have a real impact on our ability to provide high quality coaching for everyone.

“We would urge anyone who has any information relating to these thefts, or who may have been offered bicycles matching the description of those stolen, to contact the police."

The lock on the unit was broken during the break-in. Photo: Steph Geary Photography | Steph Geary Photography

Under 10 rider Benjamin Stephens said: “I remember when I started at the club as an Under-6 rider and borrowed my first bike with gears for my sessions with the club.

“It’s not fair that other riders may not be able to have the start I had.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We're investigating after sports equipment was taken during a burglary at Aldersley Stadium overnight on Saturday.

“Officers have attended and are carrying out enquiries following the break-in at a unit on the site, between 9.45pm on Saturday and 5am on Sunday morning.

“Anyone with information can contact us on 101 or via Live Chat on our website, quoting crime reference 20/355325/26.

“Prefer to stay anonymous? Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, you won't need to give your details.”