During the fifteenth stage of the Back to Spain, a pro-Palestine activist disrupted the race, leading to a crash involving Javi Romo. The incident sparked outrage from Spanish cyclist Carlos Verona, from Lidl-Trek, who criticized the protests for disrupting the competition and endangering participants.

Carlos Verona, who was part of the breakaway group during the stage, stated, “In the end it is a shame that there are people who do not understand that Violence cannot be condemned with violence and is a shame.”

The Lidl-Trek cyclist expressed his strong desire for authorities to intervene, saying, “Take measures and that the manifestations that are not peaceful are repressed strongly as he considers that “there are many things at stake and according to how the life of the protester or a cyclist can be. People are not aware and I hope that measures are taken.”

The incident occured with just over 50 kilometers remaining in the stage. Javi Romo, a movistar rider, “He was surprised by that spontaneous and fell to the ground even though he was able to get up without problems.”

Visibly angered, the Spanish cyclist “He quickly went for the protester to ask for explanations.” the activist was later arrested, and Romo was able to rejoin the race.

“In the end it is indeed a shame that there are people who do not understand that Violence cannot be condemned with violence and is a shame“