Police identify two Giro spectators after rider pushed in bizarre roadside incident

At first, they tried to provoke the riders with strange gestures. One of the Movistar riders then made a warning gesture towards the spectators, seemingly urging them to keep their distance. Moments later, one of them went a step further, pushing a rider as the bunch passed.

The incident did not lead to a crash, although several riders were forced to swerve as the peloton came through.

Police later intervened. According to Rai, two young men aged 19 and 20 were identified by officers after allegedly stepping into the road and putting riders at risk. Police have filed a complaint over endangering public safety during a sporting event, while authorities are also expected to seek a Daspo banning order, which can bar individuals from attending sports events.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the two spectators have since told police they were “trying to make a joke.” The explanation did little to soften the reaction from inside the peloton, with Alberto Bettiol warning how dangerous the incident could have been.

“I saw it all because Guillermo Thomas Silva was riding just in front of me, and he shouted at them to go to hell,” Astana rider Alberto Bettiol said, according to the Italian newspaper. “They do not realise how fast we are going. If we hit them, we all get hurt.”

The Giro d’Italia organisers immediately responded with a clear message on social media: respect the riders, respect the race, respect the Giro d’Italia.

They stressed that fans and tifosi remain a vital part of the spectacle, from the noise on the roadside to the costumes and colour that follow the race around Italy. But there is a line, and this incident crossed it.

“Fans, Tifosi. We love you on the roadside. We love your enthusiasm, we love that you cheer on the riders, we love that you dress like flamingos,” the organisers wrote.

“But there’s a line not to cross. Don’t be like this guy.”