Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
THE family of a missing US cyclist say they are ‘worried beyond belief’ after he vanished from Andalucia two weeks ago.
Matt Opperman is a 50-year-old married father of two who was last believed to be in Segura De la Sierra region, Jaen. This is where his black Volkswagen has been found.
The search has included a helicopter, which is made more difficult by the mountains and dense forest.
Video shared by Olive Press The chopper is shown scouring the trees while Guardia Civil officers watch with binoculars.
Marc’s brother told Olive Press Today: “We’re all concerned beyond belief but helping each other out as we can.”
He also said that his older brother is 6ft4, has blue eyes, weighs 200lbs and does not speak Spanish well, contrary to what was reported in local media.
Marc said: “His professional work with various bike companies – Trek Factory Racing, Rocky Mountain Cycles, and now Yeti Cycles – has always had him traveling the globe in support of professional riders.
“He has been a well respected and liked head mechanic of many teams, including for the Australian MTB at the Rio Olympics 2016.
“It wasn’t uncommon for him spend the entire summer race season in a new place on the planet every week. Most of his work was done in Western Europe.
Matt was born in Ohio and lived for many years in Houston, Texas, and Longmont Colorado where he began his professional and private cycling career.
He added: “He rides long distances several times a day, and competes on a regular basis. As part of SpainDH he has amassed a lot of friends… many of whom are part of the volunteer search parties happening this weekend.
The Yeti electric mountain bike in turquoise and orange that he rode when he disappeared is the bike he was riding at the time.
Marc and his parents said they were ready to go to Spain, if necessary.
This weekend, there will be two large search parties that anyone can join.
The first will start at 8am on Saturday, followed by another at 9am on Sunday, both starting at the ‘Era del Fustal-Peña del Olivar’ intersection.
