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An opportunistic thief did not stand a chance of outpacing a group of elite cyclists from who he had just 

The cyclists were in for a national event when they stopped to eat after one of their races on Saturday.

While they were having their meal, the group witnessed the thief mount one of their road bikes and ride away.

“Two of the cyclists mounted their trusty bikes and went into pursuit of the man,” Sergeant Geoff Sutherland said.

The alleged offender offered little challenge to the elite cyclists, making it only as far as three blocks before he was sandwiched in and apprehended.

“For him, the race was over.”

A police patrol unit was on scene within a minute and the out-of-breath offender was arrested without incident.

The $15,000 road racing bike suffered only minor damage and the owner was able to race the next day in the finals event with some success.

A 31-year-old local man is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court today, charged with theft.