Riders from a UCI Continental team were given a scare out training over Christmas when a road rage driver pulled up alongside, pointed a pistol at them and discharged it twice in their direction.
In the video below, one of the riders on the front of the group can be seen instinctively ducking out of the way as the weapon was produced from inside the vehicle. The riders are from the SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank team, managed by Dmitry Konyshev, and were training in Val d’Adige at the time.
The driver quickly sped away from the group, with the riders left stunned at what had happened, though thankfully there were no injuries arising from the incident last Saturday, December 20th.
The incident was captured on video (below) by someone who was recording the group from the roadside in the distance ahead. The team sent that footage to the Verona Carabinieri, along with an official complaint, and an investigation commenced.
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That criminal inquiry saw the local police visit the scene as part of the evidence gathering, with the vehicle and man accused of driving it also traced.
The police now believe the man pointed a starter's pistol at the riders. However, the red cap usually located in the muzzle of starter pistols had been removed.
Red caps are affixed to starter pistols to indicate they are not a conventional, or lethal, firearm. At times, those in the criminal fraternity remove the caps to create the impression the pistol they are carrying is a genuine firearm.
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The pistol the Italian police believe was used to intimidate and threaten the riders last weekend was found, with red cap removed, hidden in the boot of the car when it was searched. The suspect is now under investigation for allegedly making aggravated threats and possession of weapons or objects capable of causing offence and dangerous explosions.
Former top pro Konyshev is one of the directors at SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank and said the area around Lake Garda, close to where the team was threatened, is one of the "nicest and most suitable for training right now".
The team also carefully planned its rider to take roads that were quieter and safer, yet the road rage attack still happened, he said.
“Our athletes wear visible clothing and have lights on their bikes to be noticed by motorists. We followed the guys from the first to the last kilometre, every now and then with the team car we give the drivers the opportunity to overtake, but we need more respect.”
A video released by the Italian police showing the car driving away after the "shooting", then officers visiting the scene and the starter's pistol that was found as part of the investigation
This video shows the driver pull up alongside the riders, with one of the riders ducking as the "shots" are fired from inside the car
