Geraint Thomas has pleaded for the return of his Tour de France trophy after it was stolen from a cycling show.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Coupe Omnisports was taken while on loan to bike manufacturer Pinarello to be displayed at the Cycle Show in Birmingham.

“It goes without saying, the trophy is of pretty limited value to whoever took it, but it means a lot to me and the team,@ said Thomas, adding that it’s loss was ‘incredibly unfortunate’.

He went on: “What matters most are the amazing memories of an incredible summer, and no one can ever take those away from me.

“But a trophy is important, and hopefully whoever took it will have the good grace to return it.”

Thomas became the first Welsh rider and only the third Brit in history to win the Tour de France in July.

The trophy – which was loaned by his Team Sky outfit – has been presented to the winner on the Champs Elysees since the 1970s.

But it was only discovered missing at the end of the three day show last month.

The 32-year-old, who was given a hero’s welcome in Cardiff after his Tour triumph, is due to receive a replica of the original trophy as a permanent keepsake next year.