LOCAL motorbike ace Graeme Naismith is urging locals to help him find his trusty Kawasaki after it was stolen from his home in Gartcosh last week. The former British champion, who was second in last year’s competition, woke up last Wednesday to discover thieves had raided his garage and nicked his bike. Graeme‘s prized possession is a 2008 model Kawasaki KX125. Speaking to the Advertiser this week, the 44-year-old said: “To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. “The bike is valued at about £4000 and has served me well. I’ll struggle to find a replacement in time for the next leg of the British Championship in August. “It happened overnight last Tuesday (May 20). I realised at about 7.30am on Wednesday that it had gone missing. “It’s a pretty distinctive colour and model and if it’s still in the local area, I’d urge anyone to step forward and provide any information they can. “There’s a bit of time until the next race so hopefully I’ll be lucky.” The enduro racer, who has been the veteran British champion twice, is desperate to get his bike back so he can launch his bid to climb to the top of the leader board in the over-40 category. He currently trails former world champion Derek Edmondson by the narrowest of margins and hopes to claw back the difference with six rounds still to go. He added: “There have only been three rounds up to now and I’ve been fairly pleased with how it’s been going. “I’m only four points behind and that’s not a bad position to be in. “It all kicked off in Norfolk and the last two events were held up north in Elgin. “I’ve felt pretty good. I’ve been well-prepared and the bike is running well. “But ex-world champion Derek Edmondson has come back onto the scene. “He might be about 48 but he’s still got that little bit of quality. You don’t get to be world champion for nothing. “But with a bit of luck and if I get my bike I’ll be doing everything possible to try to win the event for the third time. “I’ve certainly not given up hope.” The next round is held on August 9 and 10 in Wales. | 
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