The team bus belonging to Irish UCI Professional Continental outfit Aqua Blue has been “completely damaged” in an overnight arson attack in Almeria, Spain, where the team is making its Grand Tour debut in the Vuelta.
The team tweeted pictures of the damage this morning, and said that police had taken a suspect into custody. They confirmed that no-one had been injured.
Our team bus has been completely damaged in a cowardly arson attack over night. No one was injured. Police have arrested a suspect. #LV2017 pic.twitter.com/SI1u449qO6
— Aqua Blue Sport (@AquaBlueSport) August 31, 2017
Other teams have been expressing their support, offering to provide whatever help is needed.
Sad to see such things happening in our country All of our support with you, guys.
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) August 31, 2017
If you need anything feel free to ask us!!!!
— Equipe FDJ (@EquipeFDJ) August 31, 2017
Dear @AquaBlueSport let us know how we can help @TrekSegafredo
— Luca Guercilena (@l_guercilena) August 31, 2017
In a statement, the team said: “At approximately 1.20am on 31st August, 2017 the Aqua Blue Sport Team Bus was completely gutted in a cowardly arson attack.
“The incident happened outside the Tryp Indalo Hotel in Almeria where the team were staying over night. The bus was parked on an adjoining street of Trevesia de San Luis.
“A mattress was placed under the rear of the vehicle and set alight. A suspect was arrested by local police near the scene and is currently in custody.
“As this is an active investigation we will not be releasing any further information. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Fire Service and the Police for their help during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Unipublic and ASO for their assistance.”
Race organsisers have provided the team with a 52-seat coach to enable them to get to the start of today’s Stage 12 from Motril to Antequera.
#LV2017 Nothing is going to stop us starting today’s La Vuelta stage. Thank you for all the support. pic.twitter.com/A9xzf5mbni
— Aqua Blue Sport (@AquaBlueSport) August 31, 2017

4 thoughts on “Aqua Blue team bus “completely damaged” in arson attack at Vuelta, other teams offer support”
I’d probably do the same if
I’d probably do the same if someone parked their sodding bus over my bed.
Nice one Don. But surely
Nice one Don. But surely setting fire to your own bed is cutting off your nose to spite your face. 😉
Makes you wonder what it’s all about. Was Adam Boulton spotted in the vicinity?
The assumption being that a
The assumption being that a serial arsonist has an ounce of rational thought in his head. 🙂
I’d be looking for a squadron
I’d be looking for a squadron of x-wings (or was that the Sky team bus…?)