As in previous stages, the 10th stage of The return was again marked by pro-Palestine demonstrations. But this time, the situation took a more dramatic turn, since a runner was the victim of a fall directly caused by the action of the demonstrators. Indeed, in the first kilometers of the stage, several runners narrowly avoided a collision, but the Italian Simon Petilli (Intermarché-Wanty) was not so lucky. The 32 -year -old climber was screened on the ground in the peloton, after demonstrators positioned themselves on the road, forcing the runners to brake brutally.
VIDEO – Jonas Vingegaard, red jersey of this Vuelta
It was obvious that it will happen: today the protesters caused a crash in the peloton and it could have been much worse. ? I know that Intermarché won’t say anything but I hope those crazy people will be sent to jail.#LaVuelta25 pic.twitter.com/40zAHeuJ2i
– Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) September 2, 2025
The runners react
This is the first incident of this type during this edition of The return. So far, the various protests had disrupted the race without causing an accident. The Belgian Louis Vervaeke (Sudal Quick-Step), engaged in the race, reacted on social networks. “We fully recognize the right of everyone to demonstrate. But we insistently ask that this is safe. Our priority here is sport, not politics. I beg everyone not to endanger our lives or yours“He wrote on X. The principal concerned, Simone Petilli, also expressed himself: “I understand that this is not a good situation, but yesterday, I had an accident because of a demonstration on the road. Please, we are only cyclists and we do our job, but if it continues like that, our security is no longer guaranteed and we feel in danger! We just want to run! Please.”
This is not the first time that demonstrations have created a perilous situation. During the 5th stage team time trial, the training Israel-Premier Tech had already been slowed down by activists who blocked the road with banners. The Vuelta is thus faced with a complex problem, where freedom of expression and safety of runners collide directly.
