Yahoo Lifestyle Trek-Segafredo Parts Ways with Antonio Tiberi After Shooting Scandal
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Antonio Tiberi has been released from his road contract with Trek-Segafredo, effective immediately. The team released a short statement this morning explaining that during his recent suspension, Tiberi did not meet the criteria for returning to his spot on the team.
The 21-year-old Italian rider made headlines earlier this year when he shot and killed a cat in San Marino, Italy. Yes, you read that right. He was testing a new air rifle when he shot and killed a cat belonging to the local tourism minister. He was fined €4,000 by the local court, and when the news broke to the cycling world—including his team—Trek-Segafredo was quick to take action.
Team manager Luca Guercilena gave a scathing interview to Italian publication OA Sport back in March, saying: “It was a serious and irresponsible act, as he himself admitted. And then he didn’t warn us as a team, which was just as serious. At the moment we have started with a minimum suspension and we are analyzing the facts to understand how useful a suspension of this type is or if we need to take more decisive action."
As soon as the team learned of the incident, Tiberi was suspended from the team, and made several public statements apologizing for his actions.
He wrote in one Instagram post: “I understand the criticism from fans, the media and people in general. I can do nothing but apologize to them, just as I did to my team, who are a blameless victim of the affair. My conduct was not at all befitting a professional athlete and, more generally, a responsible and sensible person. I apologize again and publicly to the minister of San Marino, Pedini Amati, for the emotional damage I caused him, as well as to all the citizens of San Marino. Finally, to everyone, I reiterate that it was not my intention to kill the cat; it was an accident.”
Trek also released a statement, adding that they were donating his salary during his suspension to “an appropriate animal care, protection and rescue organization.” The team added: “Trek-Segafredo would like to reiterate its great disappointment in Antonio’s conduct. The team strives to help riders improve not just as athletes, but as men and women. The team will work closely with Antonio to ensure he educates himself and expects him to take necessary steps to express his remorse and become a better person."
Today, Trek-Segafredo dropped a short, concise press release that spoke volumes. Read the full statement from the team [emphasis added by the editor]:
Trek-Segafredo and Antonio Tiberi have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately, after the rider’s actions during his suspension did not meet our criteria for a return to competition. With the rider’s contract now terminated, he is free to sign with another team. No further comments will be given at this time.
The young rider has been on Trek-Segafredo for his entire professional career, since signing with the team in 2020 after winning the 2019 junior time trial at the World Championships.
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