IT was supposed to be a way of celebrating cycling and encouraging people to get on their bike.

But for enthusiast Martin Bennett the Southampton Sky Ride has left him with sour memories after thieves stole his prized bike during the event.

The £3,200 bike was taken as he stopped for a coffee at around 1.40pm on Sunday.

Having completed the route Mr Bennett, a mechanical services manager, decided to stop off and left his bike in one of the designated racks in Hoglands Park while he walked ten yards to a refreshment stand. When he came back two minutes later the bike, a Willier Gran Tourismo, was missing.

The machine also had an on board computer and various personal items stored inside a mounted pouch which contained an iPhone worth £300 and a credit card.

Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and said they were studying CCTV. Anyone with information can contact 101.