Unruly Spectators Target Team Car, Sparking Safety Concerns in Pro Cycling
Team Visma-Lease a Bike's Shocking Encounter
Staff members from the Visma-Lease a Bike cycling team experienced a disturbing incident during the fourth stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali race in Italy. Their team car was assaulted by two individuals from the roadside who attempted to snatch a bicycle mounted on the vehicle's roof.
Dramatic Footage Captures the Incident
An online video, circulated by the Italian media outlet Scannellatori Seriali on Instagram, depicted one of the assailants climbing onto the car's roof, trying to dislodge a bike. As the car abruptly braked, the individual was thrown forward onto the windshield. Subsequently, another person on the ground was seen aggressively punching the driver's window and yelling.
Team's Response and Official Statement
Following the incident, Visma-Lease a Bike released a statement later that evening, identifying the attackers as "intoxicated supporters." The team confirmed that they had formally reported the event to both the police and the organizers of the Coppi e Bartali race. Richard Plugge, the team's head, expressed serious concern over the safety risk posed to his colleagues, though he noted that no equipment was stolen and no significant damage occurred. He added that the staff involved, while physically unharmed, were understandably shaken by the ordeal.
Staff Identity and Further Commentary
It was later revealed that Gaëtan Pons, a sports director who recently joined Visma-Lease a Bike, was among the staff present in the car during the attack. The following day, Robert Wagner, another sports director from Visma-Lease a Bike who was in a separate vehicle, told Cycling Pro Net that the incident was entirely unexpected. He mentioned that the car was stationary due to a prior race crash, which allowed the two individuals to approach and act aggressively towards the team, for reasons unknown.
Race Outcome and Ongoing Investigation
As of the publication of this report, neither the Coppi e Bartali organizers nor local police have issued further statements regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the 41st edition of the race concluded with Mauro Schmid of Jayco AlUla claiming victory after a strong performance on the final day in northern Italy. Axel Laurance of Ineos Grenadiers secured two stage wins, and Filippo D’Aiuto from General Store-Essegibi-F.Lli Curia also achieved a pair of victories. Visma-Lease a Bike's top finisher in the overall standings was Anton Schiffer, who placed fifth.