Antonio Tiberi takes responsibility for shocking case - "I deeply regret my shameful actions"

Antonio Tiberi was in the face of a major scandal as it was revealed that he was found guilty of shooting a cat near his home in San Marino with a pressure gun. The Italian rider has now talked publicly about the case.

Trek-Segafredo fully agrees with the fine and strongly condemns the reprehensible act, which is a clear violation of the team’s code of conduct," the team issued this afternoon. "The team was previously unaware of the transgression and has immediately suspended Antonio for a minimum of 20 days without pay. He will not race at Trofeo Laigueglia, Tirreno- Adriatico and Milano-Torino. If necessary, the team will take further action in the future."

The incident happened in San Marino and involved the cat of a local minister, as was reported by Corriere della Sera. He was testing a compressed air rifle when the situation unfolded, and was subsequently fined with €4000 euros. Tiberi has been suspended from racing by Trek for the time being, and he's responded to the case. 

“I deeply regret my shameful actions. Shooting the cat was something tremendously stupid and irresponsible, the seriousness and danger of which I realized only after" Tiberi said himself in a statement issued by his agency. "I don't want to make any kind of excuse to comment, to add any "If" or "but". I accept with sense of responsibility and repentance the consequences and the blame for my action. If I have not spoken publicly about it before it was only because of a strong sense of shame and regret."

More than sporting results, the case has left a very bard mark in his public appearance, with a lot of criticism emerging from social media on all sides, with several people who were shocked with the revelation.

"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," Tiberi said. "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, reiterate that it was not my intention to kill the cat; it was an accident," he assures. 

Nevertheless, the Italian - who had just came off a seventh place at the UAE Tour will miss some racing for the time being.

Tiberi explained how he will act together with animal care associations and how the prize money he collects from races will partly be shared with it. "I have made a big mistake and I believe that now, the only thing I can do is to act to redeem," he concluded.