By ELIANA SILVER, SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:55 BST, 15 May 2026 | Updated: 17:01 BST, 15 May 2026
This is the moment two men trying to go viral for a social media challenge attempted to push cyclists during the Giro d'Italia.The men, aged 20 and 21, were spotted in a live TV broadcast lunging towards and attempting to trip cyclists passing through the municipality of San Vitaliano.While a friend films the brazen, disrespectful act, the men laugh, and one cyclist tries to swat the man away with his hand.In an incident that risked a crash, one of the men was seen pushing a cyclist. Although the rider was uninjured, he was visibly irritated, turning around to make an angry hand gesture at the culprits. The incident occurred on stage 6 of the race, a 141km stage from Paestum to Naples. Local media reported on Friday that the two men were quickly identified and have now been charged with causing a public hazard during the sporting event. They reportedly told police they were trying to 'pull a prank.' Respect the riders. Respect the race. Respect the #GirodItalia🫶 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.❌ But there's a line not to cross. Don't be like this guy. pic.twitter.com/iO7wJNkUOa— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 14, 2026 In an incident that risked a crash, one of the men was seen pushing a cyclist The men, aged 20 and 21, were spotted in a live TV broadcast lunging towards and attempting to trip cyclistsAuthorities are expected to seek a DASPO -an Italian administrative measure used to ban individuals- for the men.This would see them banned from attending sporting events while also leaving them subject to a fine.One of the two men has a previous criminal record for robbery, Italian outlet RAI reported. Giro d'Italia organisers also told local media that the CPA riders’ union are expected to file a formal complaint against the two pranksters.Alongside a video of the incident, Giro d'Italia took to X to write: 'Respect the riders. Respect the race. Respect the #GirodItalia.'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.'But there's a line not to cross. Don't be like this guy.' British sports commentator Rob Hatch who was covering the event also expressed his anger, saying: 'There's a lack of brain cells there. Have you nothing better to do? What are you playing at?' Co-commentator Dani Rowe added: 'As if this sport wasn't dangerous enough. Obviously not a fan of the sport, is it?' Fans took to social media in frustration, with one person writing on X: 'Only to get some content for their [social media]. Losers. This is the world today, braindead people trying to create empty content on other peoples hard work'Another added: 'This idiot should have been arrested. This is not a true fan of cycling but a local yob out to cause trouble!'A third said: 'We are tired of stupid spectators putting professional cyclists in danger.' The Giro d'Italia is a prestigious, annual three-week road cycling race staged mainly across Italy, often referred to as the 'Giro' or 'Tour of Italy'.Chaos erupted during Thursday's sixth stage when a crash on a cobbled corner caused a domino effect, taking down several race favorites.
