Video: Two Cyclists Were Peddling Uphill in the Middle of a Race When Violence Unexpectedly Erupted

It was just another bike race until Italian cyclist Gianluca Brambilla and Russian cyclist Ivan Rovny unexpectedly started throwing punches while peddling uphill during the 16th stage of the race on Monday.

Neither rider went to the ground, preventing a pile up and potential injuries to other cyclists. However, both riders were ejected from the Vuelta a Espana.

Screengrab via NBC Sports

AFP reports on what may have sparked the violent confrontation during the race:

It is believed that the Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider (Brambilla) was upset that Rovny was disrupting the pacemaking in the break.

Rovny even had to ask for a new pair of sunglasses from his Tinkoff-Saxo team car as they were broken in the altercation.

Watch footage of the fight below:

(H/T: For the Win)