Searching for clues in Kristin Armstrong's bike disappearance

By Tina Jensen

CREATED Sep. 12, 2012

  • Print

  • Tina Jensen reports. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com

    video

Investigators are still searching for leads in what happened to Kristin Armstrong’s bikes.

The Boise Olympians bikes disappeared as they were shipped from Germany to Boise.

Her husband picked up boxes from the airport on Tuesday, only to discover they were empty.

The two missing bikes used in the London Olympics are valued at more than $30,000.

“This bike means so much to me,” Armstrong said in a statement through her sponsor Exergy. “My [Time Trial] bike is a symbol of all the hard work that has been put in to this journey.”

The Olympic bikes were customized, painted just for Armstrong, and made with light-weight carbon. The bikes are so easy-to-lift that Armstrong’s husband didn’t think it was that strange when the large boxes seemed a little light when he received them.

“My first reaction was disbelief, then a little bit of rage. I was pretty upset,” said Joe Savola. “I let her know last night and she was actually just more disappointed and sad - not as outraged as I was and still am.”

The bikes were on display at a show in Germany, due to arrive back home this week. Delta Freight shipped the bike from Bremin, Germany to Frankfurt, then on to Atlanta before reaching Boise.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is investigating where they may have disappeared.

“Any type of crime that touches the border or crosses the border we are involved in,” said Andrew Munoz, public affairs officer for ICE.

Armstrong is no stranger to challenges and she’s known for her resiliency. Her husband says the birth of their son, Lucas has gave them new perspective during hardships over the past two years.

“When you take some of those disappointments and things that happen to you, you step back and you go, okay, we still have each other and we still have Lucas,” Savola said. “That’s honestly the critical thing.”