Suspect arrested after firing gunshots from passing car at Italian continental team during training ride

The incident occurred during a morning training ride as part of the team’s pre-Christmas training camp. The squad was split into two groups following a planned double-session schedule. Both groups were accompanied by team vehicles, with the riders heading along the SS12 road near Dolcè in a session led by Sports Directors Dimitri Konychev, Matteo Paiola, Franco Lampugnani, and Biagio Conte.

According to the team, during a transfer phase, one of the support cars moved ahead to wait at a designated turning point. At that moment, a dark-coloured car approached the group of riders, pulled alongside them, and fired two gunshots. The riders reacted by ducking, and the vehicle then drove away, with no riders sustaining injuries.

Both the riders and team staff were left shaken by the incident, which the club described as having the potential for far more serious consequences. After returning to their base at the Veronello Resort, the team collected statements from riders and staff, along with images and video of the incident, and filed a report with the authorities.

President of the team, Galdino Peruzzo, expressed relief that no one was harmed and called for greater road safety awareness. 

"We are relieved that all the kids are safe and sound after what happened yesterday. This is a terrible incident that we hope will never happen again: the road is our kids' training ground, and as a club, we have taken all necessary measures to ensure they ride safely,” said Peruzzo in an official statement. “Unfortunately, faced with the madness of certain individuals, we can't really do anything.”

What happened yesterday in the Adige Valley, moreover, is not the only incident of aggression by drivers against Padovani athletes who have been training in recent weeks. It should be remembered that last September, Marco Palomba was also hit by a hit-and-run driver; it is necessary to raise awareness among all those who get behind the wheel of a more respectful culture,” added Peruzzo.

Former professional and nine-time Grand Tour stage winner Dmitry Konyshev, who serves as a Sports Director for the Padovani, also emphasised the need for increased attention on rider safety, and highlighted how the team had taken precautions when planning the training to keep their riders safe.

"The Lake Garda area is one of the most hospitable and suitable for training during this period. Every day we carefully and meticulously plan our training routes to avoid major roads and peak traffic times,” said Konyshev. It's no coincidence that we moved to the Adige Valley, on a smooth and fairly wide road that's free of heavy traffic on Saturdays,” added Konyshev.

“Our athletes wear visible clothing and have lights on their bikes to make themselves visible to motorists. We followed the riders from the first to the last kilometre. Every now and then, with the team car, we give drivers the opportunity to overtake, but more respect is needed," he concluded.

Since the initial report from the team, a suspect has been arrested in relation to the incident. According to information obtained by RMC Sport, after a three-day search, a suspect was arrested by the police.

The person in question is a 25-year-old male, who was said to be motivated by a “generalised hatred of cyclists.” A pistol loaded with blanks was found during a search of the suspect’s home, and he is reported to be suspected of several offences, including aggravated threats and illegal possession of a weapon.

The Italian Cycling Federation has confirmed that it will offer the club and the riders essential legal support for any forthcoming legal actions.