"A spoiled teenager": Pogacar has a clash with a fan in Spain

The world champion has once again spoken publicly about the attitude of some fans during his training sessions. This time he did so through Strava, following an incident experienced on the Valencian coast while riding in Spain.

Tadej Pogačar erupts after a clash with a fan in Spain and reopens the debate about boundaries with pros

Pogačar recounted that while he was having a conversation, a fan asked him for a photograph. According to his version, he requested "two minutes" to finish talking, but the follower's reaction was angry when he did not comply immediately. The Slovenian lamented the tone of the exchange and closed his message with a phrase that summarizes his stance: he appreciates the support of the majority but does not accept "spoiled teenager" attitudes.

The leader of UAE Emirates-XRG rarely posts training sessions on Strava, and when he does, he usually limits himself to race files or promotional messages. Therefore, the comment did not go unnoticed in the peloton and among fans.

The episode comes just a few weeks after what happened with Jonas Vingegaard in Málaga. The Dane, a two-time Tour winner, suffered a fall during a training session while descending from the Fuente de la Reina after being followed by a cycling tourist.

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According to testimonies published on Strava and later confirmed by Team Visma Lease a Bike, Vingegaard had increased his pace on the descent intending to distance himself from the fan riding behind him. Shortly after, he lost control and fell. The Dutch team confirmed that there were no serious injuries but took the opportunity to ask for respect and space for professionals when training on open roads.

Both cases, although of different natures, one ending in a fall and the other in a verbal clash, point to the growing difficulty for riders to train normally in areas heavily frequented by cycling tourists.

This is not the first time Pogačar has set boundaries

The Slovenian's discomfort is not new. Less than a year ago, after a particularly demanding Tour de France in terms of media exposure, Pogačar decided to ride with a jersey that clearly read "Please do not disturb". A direct message asking for peace.

That image was interpreted as a symptom of saturation after weeks of constant exposure. He even gave up on usual commitments in the post-Tour calendar, prioritizing mental rest and disconnection before returning to competition.

Professional cycling has the particularity compared to other sports that its stars train on the same roads as any fan. There are no closed facilities or security perimeters. This creates closeness but also limit situations.

With the season about to start for him in events like the Strade Bianche, Pogačar's message seems more preventive than reactive: patience, respect, and space.