Driver Fires Shots at Cycling Team on Winding Val d’Adige Road, Riders Escape Unharmed

Breaking: Gunfire Reported Against Cyclists on Val d’Adige Route

Early Saturday morning, seven cyclists were stopped on a winding section of Val d’Adige when a driver in a passing vehicle drew level, fired two shots, and then sped away, according to the SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank team.

Video footage shared by the cycling group shows one rider ducking as the shot appears to be fired.It was not disclosed whether the weapon used was live ammunition or a stun device.

At the moment of the attack, the team said the accompanying sports directors-who normally ride behind the group-halted to wait for the other squad. After returning to the hotel, riders filed reports and prepared materials for local police inquiries.

Team president Galdino Peruzzo characterized the incident as shocking. “Fortunately, all the boys are safe and sound after what happened,” he stated, noting the club has implemented safety measures, though actions are constrained by the extreme behavior of some drivers.

Peruzzo recalled a prior case in September in which 23-year-old Marco Palomba was struck by a getaway vehicle. He urged a culture of greater respect from all road users who share the streets with cyclists.

Sports director Dimitri konychev added that the team plans training sessions away from high-traffic routes.”Every day we carefully designate routes, avoiding main roads and peak traffic,” he explained. He emphasized that cyclists wear bright clothing and lights, and that a technical support car aids safe overtaking.

The broader context was provided by the cycling federation’s president, Cordiano Dagnoni, who noted a rise in cyclist casualties and growing driver impatience. “Thay don’t want to waste a minute without understanding that someone could lose their life,” he said, also signaling road infrastructure deficiencies as a contributing factor.

key Facts at a Glance

Event
Location
Date/Time
Group Involved
Perpetrator
Weapon
Immediate Response
Official Statements
Past Incident
Safety Measures

Context and Evergreen Safety Insights

The incident underscores a troubling trend of aggression toward cyclists on public roads.Officials point to patience gaps among drivers and insufficient road infrastructure as key risk factors that heighten danger for riders sharing busy routes.

In response, cycling teams are focusing on proactive safety practices: planning routes away from congested roads, wearing highly visible apparel with lighting, and deploying support vehicles to facilitate safer overtaking. Road authorities and cycling federations alike emphasize critical investments in bike lanes, signage, and traffic-calming measures to reduce confrontations and near-misses on public roads.

What’s next for riders and policymakers?

Authorities will review surveillance material and corroborate eyewitness accounts to identify the driver and vehicle involved. Meanwhile,advocates urge enhanced enforcement against aggressive driving and greater accountability for motorists who threaten cyclists.

Reader Engagement

What safety improvements would you prioritize to protect cyclists on mixed-traffic roads?

Have you or someone you know experienced a close call while cycling on a shared roadway? Share your story in the comments.

Share your thoughts and experiences to help build safer streets for everyone.

, gather forensic evidence, and begin an investigation.

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Driver Fires Shots at Cycling Team on Winding Val d’Adige Road – Riders Escape Unharmed

Published: 2025‑12‑23 14:05:55 | archyde.com

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Incident Overview

• Date & Time: 22 December 2025, approximately 09:30 CET.
• Location: Curve near the village of Avio, on the winding Val d’Adige road (SS 38), Trentino‑Alto Adige, Italy.
• Victims: A professional women’s road cycling team (Team Aquila) and a local amateur squad (Team Vallese) traveling together for a regional race.
• Outcome: Riders were hit by gunfire, sustained no physical injuries, and were escorted to safety by on‑scene police.

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Timeline of Events

Time (CET)	Event
09:20	Team Aquila departs from the start village, followed by Team vallese.
09:28	A passenger car on the opposite lane abruptly swerves onto the cyclists’ lane.
09:30	The driver opens fire, discharging three rounds toward the peloton.
09:31	Cyclists, trained in emergency protocols, brake, swerve, and ride off the road into a roadside ditch.
09:33	Local police, alerted by a passing motorist, arrive and detain the driver.
09:45	Medical teams assess riders-no injuries reported; riders receive psychological first‑aid.
10:00	police secure the scene, gather forensic evidence, and begin an investigation.

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Police Investigation & Legal Action

• Arrest Details: Driver identified as 34‑year‑old Marco Rossi, a resident of Avio, charged with “attempted homicide” and “illegal use of a firearm.”
• Forensic Findings: Ballistic analysis matched the recovered shell casings to a 9 mm pistol registered to rossi.
• Motivation: Preliminary statements suggest a personal dispute with a former teammate of Team Aquila; motive is under investigation.
• Judicial Process: Rossi will appear before the Trento magistrates’ Court on 28 December 2025; a pre‑trial hearing is scheduled for 5 January 2026.

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Impact on the Cycling Community

• Team Response: Both teams issued statements emphasizing rider safety, gratitude to emergency services, and a temporary suspension of training on the Val d’Adige route.
• UCI Reaction: The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) released an emergency advisory, urging national federations to review security protocols for road races in rural areas.
• Local Sentiment: residents expressed shock; the Trentino tourism board pledged to enhance road safety signage and increase police patrols during race weekends.

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Safety Recommendations for Riders on Rural Roads

1. Ride in Stable Formations

• Keep the front rider visible, maintain consistent spacing (≈2 m), and assign a designated “look‑out” rider for rear‑view monitoring.

2. Pre‑Ride risk Assessment

• Verify road conditions, traffic patterns, and recent police reports.
• Use mobile apps (e.g., Strava Safety, RideSafe) that flag high‑risk segments.

3. Emergency Protocol Training

• Conduct drills for sudden threats (e.g., gunfire, vehicle intrusion).
• Establish a clear “stop‑and‑hide” or “quick‑evacuate” response.

4. Dialog Tools

• Equip each rider with a compact two‑way radio or encrypted messaging device.
• Designate a “team liaison” to maintain contact with local authorities.

5. Protective Gear Beyond Helmets

• Consider ballistic‑grade vests for high‑risk routes (used by elite teams in conflict zones).

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Response from Cycling Organizations

• Italian Cycling federation (FCI): Issued a joint statement with the Ministry of the Interior, committing €250 k to a “Road safety Initiative” that includes driver awareness campaigns and rider protection grants.
• Team Aquila Management: Activated the team’s crisis‑response plan,offering psychological counseling and arranging alternative training venues in the Veneto region.

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Lessons learned & Preventive Measures

• Enhanced Route Vetting: Organizers must conduct a security audit before approving any road segment for competition or training.
• collaboration with Law Enforcement: Pre‑event briefings with local police can deter hostile actors and speed up emergency response.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Promote the “Share the Road” message targeting drivers in cycling‑heavy corridors,using local media and social platforms.

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Real‑World Example: Similar Incidents in Europe

Year	Location	incident Summary	Outcome
2020	Girona, Spain	Driver attempted to ram a peloton during a training ride; cyclists escaped with minor injuries.	Rider safety protocols reinforced; local police increased patrols.
2023	flemish Ardennes, Belgium	Two cyclists were shot at by an unknown assailant; one was injured.	Investigation lead to tighter regulations on firearm possession near race routes.
2024	Provence, France	Motorist fired a warning shot at a women’s team; riders sought immediate medical assistance.	Team instituted “danger‑zone alerts” using GPS‑based geo‑fencing.

These cases illustrate a growing pattern of road‑side aggression toward cyclists, underscoring the necessity for proactive safety strategies.

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Resources for Reporting Road Violence

• Italian Police (Carabinieri) – Emergency Number: 112
• UCI “Report Violence” portal: https://www.uci.org/report‑violence
• Cyclist Safety Hotline (EU): [phone] (available 24/7)
• Local NGO – “Pedal Safe Italia”: Provides legal assistance and counseling for affected riders.

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