In a candid and impassioned pre-race press conference ahead of the 2025 Tour of Flanders, two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar didn’t mince words as he launched a strong critique of social media and the intense public scrutiny professional cyclists face. While gearing up for one of cycling’s most iconic and grueling one-day races, Pogačar took time to address the backlash aimed at Belgian rider Wout van Aert in the wake of recent Spring Classics, calling for more empathy and less online toxicity.
“It can ruin your day,” Pogačar said with a serious expression when asked about the reaction Van Aert received after his performances in the E3 Saxo Classic and Dwars door Vlaanderen. “The pressure we feel from inside is already huge. When people on social media start throwing criticism without understanding what we go through, it’s just not fair. We’re still human beings.”
Van Aert, a fan favorite in Belgium and a cornerstone of the Visma-Lease a Bike squad, has been the subject of increasingly harsh critique after what some considered underwhelming performances in the lead-up to the Ronde van Vlaanderen. Despite several strong showings — including top-10 finishes and selfless teamwork—a vocal segment of fans and pundits has taken to social media platforms to question his form, his tactics, and even his leadership within the team.
Pogačar, who famously won the 2023 edition of the Tour of Flanders and is once again among the top contenders this year, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, made it clear that he finds such commentary not only unjustified but also harmful to the athletes’ mental well-being.
“Wout is one of the strongest, smartest, and most consistent riders in the world,” Pogačar emphasized. “If people cannot see that because he didn’t win every single race, then maybe they should take a step back. Not every day is a winning day. This sport is brutal.”
The Dark Side of Online Discourse
This is not the first time Pogačar has touched on the darker side of fame and digital engagement, but his comments on Friday marked one of his most direct criticisms of the growing influence of social media on professional cycling.
“It’s amazing how a rider can go from being a hero to a disappointment in the span of a few tweets,” he said. “You scroll your feed, and suddenly you’re reading ten different versions of your performance, none of which match what happened on the road. It plays with your head. I’ve felt it myself.”
In a sport where marginal gains, split-second decisions, and grueling physical tolls determine outcomes, the public’s often oversimplified and binary judgment — win or lose, hero or failure — can be particularly jarring. Pogačar described moments after races where, rather than celebrating or analyzing his own performance, he found himself worrying about what the online world was saying.
“I’ve been in races where I gave everything, did my job perfectly, and still read comments saying I failed. It’s hard not to take that personally,” he said. “People think we just switch off and don’t see it. But we do. And it affects us.”
Rallying Around a Rival
Perhaps most noteworthy about Pogačar’s defense of Van Aert is that the two are frequent rivals. While Pogačar’s versatility makes him a force in both stage races and Classics, Van Aert has been one of his most formidable opponents in recent years, especially on tough one-day terrain.
Despite that rivalry, Pogačar was unequivocal in his support.
“Wout is in great shape. He’s a fighter, and if anyone can silence the doubters, it’s him,” Pogačar said. “He doesn’t need to prove anything, but I hope he does something special on Sunday — just to remind everyone who he is.”
The solidarity between the two riders reflects a growing sense of camaraderie in the peloton when it comes to mental health and mutual respect. More and more, riders are acknowledging the emotional toll of being under a microscope, and public figures like Pogačar speaking out adds weight to the conversation.
A Culture Shift in the Peloton?
Pogačar’s remarks come at a time when cycling is undergoing a broader cultural shift. While the physical demands of the sport remain as punishing as ever, riders today also face a 24/7 media cycle, constant performance analysis, and — perhaps most dauntingly — the immediate and often brutal feedback loop of social media.
Race organizers, teams, and even cycling federations have begun to acknowledge the need for mental health resources and more robust media training for athletes. Yet, as Pogačar’s comments highlight, there is still a long way to go.
“Maybe teams need to be more proactive. Maybe platforms should take more responsibility. But at the end of the day, fans also have a choice — they can be supportive or destructive,” he said.
If he ever considered stepping away from social media entirely, Pogačar admitted it had crossed his mind.
“Sometimes I want to delete everything and just ride. But I also know that social media lets us share the beauty of the sport, our passion, and our stories. So it’s a balance. But yeah, it’s hard,” he said.
Eyes on the Ronde
As the Tour of Flanders looms, attention naturally turns back to the road. Both Pogačar and Van Aert are among the leading favorites to conquer the legendary cobbled climbs and chaotic sprints that define the Ronde. Pogačar’s dominant solo victory in 2023 remains fresh in the memory of fans, while Van Aert continues to chase his first Flanders title — a glaring gap in an otherwise glittering Classics resume.
“It’s one of the hardest races in the world, mentally and physically,” Pogačar said. “It doesn’t forgive mistakes. It doesn’t give second chances. But it’s also one of the most beautiful. And that’s why we all come back, year after year.”
Whether Van Aert can turn the tide of public opinion with a podium — or even a victory — remains to be seen. But with Pogačar’s vocal support, he’s not entering Flanders alone.
“I’m rooting for him,” Pogačar said with a smile. “Of course, I also want to win. But if I don’t and Wout does, I’ll be happy. He deserves it.”
As the cycling world braces for another unforgettable edition of the Tour of Flanders, one thing is clear: while the peloton races through the cobbled heart of Belgium, the battle for respect, empathy, and understanding continues off the bike. And champions like Tadej Pogačar are leading that charge — not just with their legs, but with their voices.
