Tadej Pogačar has addressed a fan incident that occurred during a training ride in Spain, adding fresh momentum to the ongoing debate about how supporters should approach professional cyclists on open roads.
The reigning World Champion and UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader shared his thoughts via Strava after a tense moment with a fan seeking a selfie along the Valencian coast.
Pogačar’s Strava Message to Fans
On Wednesday, Pogačar uploaded details of a 132.47km ride along the Spanish coastline. However, it was the caption — titled “Honest question to all fans:” — that quickly drew attention.
The Slovenian explained that the incident occurred while he was in conversation with someone during his ride.
“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?),” Pogačar wrote.
He added: “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.”
The message highlights growing tensions between elite riders and fans during training sessions, particularly in popular cycling regions such as Spain.
Growing Concerns Over Fan Safety on Training Rides
Pogačar’s comments come shortly after a separate incident involving Jonas Vingegaard, who crashed during a training ride near Málaga at the end of January. The Danish rider reportedly lost control on a descent while being followed by an amateur cyclist.
Following that crash, Visma | Lease a Bike issued a public statement urging fans to prioritize safety when riding near professional cyclists.
“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,” the team said.
The back-to-back incidents have reignited discussion about the challenges pros face while training on open roads, where public access makes interactions with fans inevitable.
Pogačar Set for Strade Bianche 2026
Despite the controversy, Pogačar remains focused on his upcoming season. The World Champion is set to begin his 2026 campaign at Strade Bianche on March 7, where he will target a third consecutive victory and a fourth career win at the Italian Classic.
As cycling’s biggest stars continue to train in public spaces, the balance between fan enthusiasm and rider safety remains under scrutiny — and Pogačar’s message makes one thing clear: respect and patience go a long way.
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