Aqua Blue Sport has fallen victim to an arson attack at the Vuelta overnight. Police have arrested a suspect.
Aqua Blue Sport bus hit by arson at Vuelta
The Aqua Blue Sport team bus has been destroyed by arson in Almeria at the Vuelta overnight.
It said local police have arrested a suspect for the attack. The fire appears to have been started just before 1.30am.
The bus was parked on the street outside the team hotel where riders and staff were sleeping.
“Our team bus has been completely damaged in a cowardly arson attack over night,” the team said in a statement.
“No one was injured. Police have arrested a suspect.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the fire service and the police for their help during this difficult time.
“We would also like to thank Unipublic and ASO for their assistance.”
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Aqua Blue Sport released photos of the bus, which has been completely gutted in the fire.
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The blaze looks to have been started by a mattress being set on fire outside the rear of the vehicle.
The motive for the attack, if any, is unclear. But with the police having arrested a suspect, more information may emerge later.
Aqua Blue Sport has been enjoying a good start to its Grand Tour tenure on this Vuelta.
Adam Blythe took 3rd on stage 2. Conor Dunne has been in breakaways, as have some of the other riders.
The burning of the bus is a big blow for the team. But it shared a photo on Twitter of its riders on a replacement bus saying they wouldn’t be stopped by what had happened.
#LV2017 Nothing is going to stop us starting today's La Vuelta stage. Thank you for all the support. pic.twitter.com/A9xzf5mbni
— Aqua Blue Sport (@AquaBlueSport) August 31, 2017
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