A cyclist-hating driver is under investigation after rolling down his car window and firing at a group of riders.
Shocking footage shows some of the athletes ducking suddenly as the car slowed alongside them.
The driver could then be seen speeding off down the winding road on Saturday (20 Dec), leaving the cyclists in shock.
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The attack in northern Italy’s Val d’Adige was captured on camera entirely by chance, as reported by Need To Know.
The SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank amateur team had been filming a routine training session to showcase equipment provided by their sponsors.
The footage helped police identify the shooter – a 25-year-old man from Verona province with no previous criminal record.
It is believed he fired at the athletes, aged 19 to 22, simply because he dislikes sharing the road with cyclists.
Team director Alessandro Petacchi said: “We know these roads very well and had chosen the quietest routes so the riders could train safely.
“The 14 riders were split into two groups.
“A black BMW overtook one of the groups, slowed down, and the driver fired at them.
“Everyone heard the shots, and the first two in line instinctively ducked.
“Fortunately, they weren’t going very fast, and no one was physically hurt, but the shock was immense.
“It’s not unusual to have minor disagreements with drivers, but seeing a window roll down and a gun appear is completely beyond any logic.”
The former professional added: “Luckily, the gun was loaded with blanks, but the riders saw the window roll down, and the weapon appear.
“The shock was enormous.
“It was clearly the act of a madman.”
Police have seized the blank-firing gun, which was found hidden beneath the car’s boot floor and was missing the red safety cap.
The suspect is now under investigation for aggravated threats, possession of a weapon or dangerous object, and reckless discharge of a firearm.
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