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The cat-killing pro cyclist has a new team

Antonio Tiberi was let go by Trek-Segafredo after shooting a pet

June 1, 2023
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Antonio Tiberi, the pro cyclist who shot and killed a cat with an air rifle, has a new team. In June 2022, Tiberi, 21 was “testing” his air rifle and aimed at a neigbhour’s cat in San Marino, Italy. He fired on the poor feline and instantly killed it. The pet belonged to his neighbor, San Marino’s tourism and posts minister Federico Pedini. After the incident, Amati said that Tiberi, a former junior world time trial champion, should be allowed to continue to live in the area.

“The cat didn’t bother anyone,” Amati said to Corriere della Sera. “It had been with us for a long time. My three-year-old daughter Lucia loved it.”

Antonio Tiberi was eventually fined €4,000 for the killing, but would be spared any jail time.

In court, Tiberi somehow claimed he never thought that shooting the cat would result in its death.(Aside: What?)

“My intent was simply to measure the shooting capacity of the weapon, so much so that I aimed at a sign. I also admit that I just as stupidly and unconsciously tried to shoot a cat and to my surprise I actually shot it. I never had an intention of killing the cat,” he said. “In fact, I was convinced the weapon wasn’t lethal.”

His team at the time Trek-Segafredo, would eventually sever ties with the rider.

“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,” a statement on Twitter read. “No further comments will be given at this time.”

On Thursday, Team Bahrain Victorious announced they had signed the rider. Although the UCI forbids WorldTour riders from switching squads in the middle of the season, since he had been let go, it was allowed.