🎥 Watch as a spectator kicks a water bottle back into the peloton, causing a crash; Italian Fancellu wins stage 1

A bizarre moment in the Giro d'Abruzzo. The first stage of the Italian autumn race took place on Tuesday, and Alessandro Fancellu (MBH Bank CSB Telefort Com) came out on top. But earlier in the race, a crash occurred, and the cause was rather peculiar. A spectator caused the riders to crash.

It all happened in the pre-finale, about 25 kilometers from the finish. On an uphill stretch, one of the riders in the peloton threw a water bottle toward a spectator standing on the side of the road. That man, however, kicked the bottle back into the peloton. Whether it was intentional or not, we don’t know, but the result was brutal.

Riders had to swerve to avoid the water bottle, and amazingly, no one ran over it. But amid the ensuing chaos, Peyton Bruckel (EF Education-Aevolo) ran into the rear wheel of the rider in front of him and fell off his bike. Fortunately for the 19-year-old American, who is only riding his third professional race, the consequences weren’t serious, and he was able to continue without any issues.

Alessandro Fancellu won the first stage of the Giro d'Abruzzo. The Italian rider from MBH Bank CSB Telefort Com was the best on a steep finish. The talented climber proved too strong for top favorites Mathys Rondel (Tudor), Diego Ulissi (XDS Astana), and Kévin Vauquelin (Netcompany INEOS).

After an attacking start to the Italian autumn classic, there was a brief lull, allowing some of the other favorites to catch up. A second surge by Rondel was countered, after which Alessandro Fancella (MBH Bank CSB Telefort Com) launched his sprint with 300 meters to go.

It was a long way to go—still a very long way—but no one had an answer. And so he won, ahead of Rondel, Diego Ulissi (XDS Astana), and Vauquelin.

Fancellu has already won a stage in the Tour of the Czech Republic and is one of the most sought-after talents on the transfer market. His contract with his current team expires this year, and WorldTour teams will be lining up to sign him—especially after this victory.

1. Alessandro Fancellu
2. Mathys Rondel
3. Diego Ulissi
4. Kévin Vauquelin
5. Nicolò Garribo