Tadej Pogacar speaks out following selfie incident
The World Champion is the latest rider to be involved in an incident with a fan whilst out training, following Jonas Vingegaard at the end of January, adding fresh fuel to the debate around pros training on open roads and how fans should approach them.
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) has spoken out via Strava after an incident with a fan whilst out on a training ride in Spain, calling for respect and patience when asking for a selfie.
The World Champion posted to Strava on Wednesday, showcasing a 132.47km ride along the Valencian coast, but with a caption titled “Honest question to all fans:” detailing the incident with the selfie-seeking fan.
“If you find me in conversation with someone and you ask me for a photo, I ask you to give me two minutes to finish talk. Do you wait 2 minutes or show me middle finger and take off angry? (And have your partner yelling at me?),” said Pogačar.
“Long day ended with losing biggest fan, btw I love you all. Heck I even like the fans that are not my supporters but don’t have the attitude of spoiled teenager,” added Pogačar.
This incident follows Jonas Vingegaard’s recent training crash near Málaga after the Dane lost control on a descent at the same time as an amateur rider was following him.
Visma | Lease a Bike also issued a public plea to the public, asking people to give the professionals the space they require when out training. "In general, as a team we would like to urge fans on bikes to always put safety first. For both your own and others’ well being, please allow riders to train and give them as much space and peace as possible."
Meanwhile, the World Champion is set to kick off his 2026 season at Strade Bianche on March 7, where he will be hunting for a third consecutive victory and fourth overall.
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