Cross-Europe cyclists' bikes get lost in British Airways transit

The cyclists were due to join the Italian Job ride from Rome to London

A charity cycle ride across Europe was put in jeopardy after 11 of the team's bikes were lost in transit.

The 14 cyclists from the south of England had flown to Milan with British Airways (BA) to start the Italian Job challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The charity said the bikes had since been located at Heathrow Airport and were brought out to Italy where - with some last-minute planning - they were reunited with the riders at Lake Como.

BA has blamed "operating constraints".

In a statement it said: "We're very sorry our customers' bikes were delayed last night.

"Our teams have worked hard behind the scenes and the customers have now been reunited with their bikes in Milan. We wish everyone taking part in the cycling challenge the best of luck."

The riders will join other fundraisers for the Italian Job challenge, cycling from Rome to London.

Cancer Research UK's Elisa Mitchell said earlier the charity had been told the high-spec racing bikes were left on the tarmac at Heathrow and not loaded on to the plane bound for Milan.

She said the debacle was "really disappointing" but insisted the cyclists had remained "stoic".

"Their attitude was 'it's not going to stop us - whatever is thrown at us, we will continue'," she said.

The riders arrived at Milan Airport without 11 of the 14 bikes

The riders involved - all of whom have had their lives touched by cancer - initially feared the challenge that has been a year in the planning would have to be cancelled.

Speaking on their arrival in Milan, Lauren Wadley from Southampton said they had been left "frustrated and worried".

"All of the training and everything could now be put to waste which is devastating for everyone," she said.

The delay in the bikes' arrival meant the first day's riding was lost, with a support vehicle having to be diverted to pick up the bikes from the airport.

The riders are among 27 self-funded individuals and six support crew taking part in gruelling challenge of more than 1,000 miles.

They will visit six countries and climb 27,490m during the ride, dubbed The Italian Job. They are due back in Portsmouth on 16 September.

Another group taking part in the same challenge met the Pope before leaving from Rome last week.