The Price of Fame: Protecting Cyclists from Unwanted Fan Attention
In a world where social media exposure reigns supreme, even the most dedicated athletes can find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of unwanted attention. This is the story of UAE Team Emirates-XRG's innovative approach to safeguarding their star rider, Tadej Pogačar, from the potential pitfalls of fame.
Pogačar, the champion of the Tour de France, has recently taken to using motorcycle outriders to shield himself during training sessions. This decision comes in the wake of a series of fan-related incidents that have left the team concerned about the well-being of their riders.
Matxin Joxean Fernández, the boss of the UAE team, explained to Spanish media outlet AS that fans are often seeking social media fame, but the consequences of their actions can be detrimental to the professional cyclists involved. "This is about moments and getting more views, which has become a trend these days," Fernández stated. He went on to describe complicated situations where cyclists, caught up in the excitement, start recording on busy roads, potentially causing dangerous situations.
"An example from our training camp in Alicante: we had a motorcycle to protect Tadej because we ride in small groups. If the group becomes too large, it can cause traffic issues. So, we use the motorcycle to ensure the group stays small and cars can pass without causing congestion," Fernández explained.
This innovative approach to rider protection has become necessary due to recent incidents. Pogačar himself posted a ride on Strava last week, urging fans to be more respectful after he was sworn at by an impatient fan who wanted a photo. And Pogačar is not alone; Jonas Vingegaard, another rider, crashed during a training ride last month while trying to shake off an unwelcome fan on a descent. Vingegaard's crash resulted in him missing the UAE Tour.
In an attempt to foster understanding, Fernández struck a conciliatory tone, saying, "We have to put ourselves in each other's shoes. If we make a mistake, we apologize. Who's right, the one who asks for patience or the one who gets angry? We all need to be respectful and willing to apologize."
So, while the use of outriders might seem controversial, it's a necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of these athletes. What do you think? Is this an overreaction or a necessary measure in today's social media-driven world? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
