Simone Petilli's outburst comes directly from Spain, just before the start of stage 11 of the Vuelta Espana. The Lecco rider from Intermarchè – Wanty has the marks of a fall that occurred yesterday when a group of pro Pal protesters invaded the road as they passed, and in his voice, a bit of concern. "While we were passing through the center of a town, protesters tried to jump into the middle of the group, and in the confusion, a fall occurred. Fortunately, only I ended up on the ground," Petilli tells tuttobiciweb.

Speaking to our microphones, the 32-year-old athlete also launches an appeal: "Even in previous stages, we have seen numerous protesters. It's becoming dangerous for the group. I want to ask that we be allowed to work peacefully. We are just doing our job. We know it's not an easy situation, but we can't do anything about it. I really hope the situation improves and that the protest can happen peacefully."

Simone then returns to his state of health: "I'm not feeling great, I hit my ribs and the bruises are making themselves felt. We'll see how I am today."