Aqua Blue Sport Team Bus -1 — Photo: @AquaBlueSport

Aqua Blue Sport team bus extensively damaged after arson attack

Aug 31, 2017

The team bus of UCI Pro Continental team Aqua Blue Sport has been destroyed in an arson attack overnight but thankfully nobody was injured.

The team who are currently competing in the Vuelta a Espana posted photos of the damage caused to the bus on Twitter this morning with the message: “Our team bus has been completely damaged in a cowardly arson attack over night. No one was injured. Police have arrested a suspect.”

The photos posted by the team show extensive damage both inside and outside the bus. The team provided more details about the incident in the following statement:

“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.”

The team are competing in their first Grand Tour in their first season and have impressed with their attacking performances to-date. They have also taken a number of wins including the Tour of Austria overall, a stage of the Tour de Suisse and the U.S. Road Race Championships.

Over the past number of years, professional cycling teams have increased their levels of security due to an increase in the number of thefts of bicycles and other equipment from team trucks. However, this latest incident is unprecedented.