Scary stuff for any cyclist to read. There are times it is sketchy enough on the road from close-passes or angry drivers. But this takes the panettonne.
Italian police have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of firing gunshots toward a group of cyclists from the S.C. Padovani Polo Cherry Bank during a regular ole’ training ride.
In fact, the lads were out training on some relatively quiet roads, according to former pro and current DS Dmitry Konyshev.
The incident occurred Saturday as the Italian Conti squad was out for a regular spin. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly fired two shots from his vehicle before fleeing the scene. Thankfully no one was hurt. The guys on the rider smartly (!) ducked to avoid the shots.
Shooter found fast
The team immediately filed a formal complaint. This prompted a police search that led to the suspect’s arrest three days later. During searches of his home and car, authorities recovered a blank-firing pistol. The man is now under investigation for several offences, including aggravated threats and illegal possession of a weapon.
Padovani president Galdino Peruzzo said the team was relieved no one was hurt. “We are relieved that all the young riders are safe after what happened,” Peruzzo said to RMC Sport. He added that the team takes extensive precautions to ensure rider safety, but acknowledged that such situations remain unpredictable. (You can never predict when some bozo with a gun will show up, basically.)
Peruzzo also warned that the shooting was not an isolated episode. “Unfortunately, when faced with the madness of certain people, there is very little we can do,” he said.
It seems like this wasn’t an isolated incident…which is super-sketch. Apparently, other local riders have faced other aggressive encounters with motorists in recent weeks.
He said that Marco Palomba was struck by a motorist in September.
Investigators believe the suspect acted out of frustration at being delayed behind the riders and cited what police described as a “generalized hatred toward cyclists.”
The Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) said it will provide legal support to the team and riders and intends to join the case as a civil party. The incident comes amid a difficult period for the team. In October 25-year-old Kevin Bonaldo died a month after suffering cardiac arrest during a race.
Stay safe out there, fam.