🎥 Shock in Italy as cycling team is fired upon by passing driver during training

A bizarre and deeply worrying story has emerged from Italy. The cycling team SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank was out on a routine training ride in the Adige Valley, a day like any other - until events took a shocking turn. The riders were fired upon by a passing motorist. Thankfully, no one was injured in the senseless incident.

The team shared footage of the incident on social media. The images show a dark-coloured BMW pulling alongside the group of riders. The driver then rolled down his window and fired two shots at the athletes. Fortunately, he failed to aim properly: the riders were able to avoid the bullets, after which the coward sped away at full throttle.

Team manager Galdino Peruzzo reacted in shock. “We are relieved that all the boys are safe after what happened yesterday. This is a terrible incident, and we hope it will never happen again. The road is the training ground for our riders, and as a club we have taken every necessary measure to guarantee their safety. Unfortunately, when faced with the madness of certain individuals, there is truly nothing we can do.”

According to the Italian team, this was not an isolated case. “What happened yesterday in the Val d'Adige is not the only incident of aggression by motorists against Padovani riders during training in recent weeks. We must not forget that last September Marco Palomba was also hit by a hit-and-run driver. It is essential to raise awareness among everyone who gets behind the wheel and promote a culture of greater respect.”

Road safety has long been a concern in Italy. In 2023, Davide Rebellin was struck by a truck and died at the scene. Earlier this summer, there was further controversy after Letizia Paternoster claimed she had been hit by a jury car. That accusation was denied, but it underlined the ongoing sense of insecurity on Italian roads.

The Continental team insists it already takes extensive safety precautions. “It is no coincidence that we moved our training base to the Adige Valley, choosing a smooth and relatively wide road that is free of heavy traffic on Saturdays. Our athletes wear highly visible clothing and have lights on their bikes to ensure they are seen by motorists. We followed the riders from the very first to the very last kilometre.”