"We feel in danger!" - Rider who crashed due to anti-Israel protest pleads for end to endangering La Vuelta peloton

Israel - Premier Tech's presence at the Vuelta a Espana has caused great controversy amongst the Spanish audience, who is taking to the road on the daily to protest it. However the consequences are falling on riders of other teams, and after stage 10 several riders have taken to social media asking not to be endangered by these actions.

This was already the case at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, but at the Vuelta a Espana there is a stronger action against the Israeli team, having been blocked during the team time-trial with an organized move. Ultimately they were reinstated 15 seconds after the matter.

But on stage 10 there were once again protestors on the road with direct effect on the race. Doing a road block was not possible due to the presence of police and the speed of the incoming peloton, but several people swerved onto the road with flags and signs and moved towards the riders. Whilst there was no collision, this led to a fall for Intermarché - Wanty's Simone Petilli.

The Italian took to social media this morning to plead for responsibility amongst those who are protesting. "I understand that is not a good situation, but yesterday I crashed because of a protest on the road. Please, we are just cyclists and we are doing our job, but if it will continue like this our safety is not guaranteed anymore, and we feel in danger! We just want to Race! Please".

Today's stage into the Basque Country is causing worry amongst many who fear the organized protests may have a larger effect, whilst there are already planned protests in several towns and climbs already organized for this weekend's stages.

Soudal - Quick-Step's Louis Vervaeke has also plead on X that the protests are carried without endangering the riders, something which has not been followed thus far by a few individuals:

"We fully acknowledge that everyone has the right to protest. However, we kindly ask that this be done in a safe manner. Our focus here is on our sport, not on politics or any particular position in this matter. I respectfully urge you not to endanger either us or yourselves".