“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”} }”>
Pro-Palestinian protesters hit the Vuelta a España again on Tuesday, and this time they caused a rider to crash.
Video clips from Tuesday’s stage 10 show dozens of flag-waving protesters pushing in on the approaching peloton during the 175km stage to Belagua.
Police tried to push back the protesters, with some even swinging batons to hold them back, but several activists charged into the speeding peloton.
The disruption caused Intermarché-Wanty rider Simone Petilli to be knocked off his bike in the mayhem as riders swerved and braked to avoid the mob.
The Italian did not appear seriously injured, and he was not mentioned in the post-stage medical report. He finished the stage and sits 100th overall.
There was no immediate reaction from Petilli or his team.
Nouvelle manifestation propalestinienne sur la 10e étape de la Vuelta. Des manifestants ont notamment tenté de traverser la route pendant le passage des coureurs. L’Italien Simone Petilli (Intermarché-Wanty) serait tombé lors de cette séquence. #LesRP pic.twitter.com/lAPXSGM6dX
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) September 2, 2025
Tensions could be high in Spain’s Basque Country
Intermarché’s Petilli was knocked to the ground. (Photo: Eurosport)
Tuesday’s incident is the latest in growing tension as activists and protesters target the Vuelta a España and the participation of Israel-Premier Tech.
The team — owned by Israeli investor Sylvan Adams but without direct support from the Israeli government — has become a target of activists who are protesting the ongoing war in Gaza.
Protesters disrupted last week’s team time trial in Figueres when they forced IPT riders to slow down and, in some cases, come to a complete stop when they tried to block the road.
The team has since been avoiding the pre-stage sign-in protocol, and riders have not been speaking to the media.
Also read: ‘Our riders are shaken up’
Tensions could be high in Wednesday’s 11th stage across the Basque Country, one of Spain’s most politically charged regions.
Left-wing political parties EH Bildu and Podemos are making public calls for more protests during the stage that loops around Bilbao.
Citing safety reasons, race officials have supported the right to protest but urged activists not to disrupt the peloton during the race.