Tadej Pogacar drawn into Vuelta interview controversy

Tadej Pogacar has become the focus of controversy at the Vuelta a España after presenter Erola Jones made a series of personal and sexualised remarks during the race’s digital coverage. The episode has drawn criticism from observers who say the comments undermine efforts to secure respectful treatment for women working in cycling.

Pogacar, riding for UAE Emirates, won the Vuelta prologue and remains the race leader after finishing third on stage two. Matthew Brennan won that stage ahead of Pau Miquel Delgado, with Pogacar unable to convert another attack into victory. The Slovenian had claimed the Tour de France only a month earlier and is a five-time winner of cycling’s biggest race.

Jones questioned why Pogacar appeared to breathe heavily when she saw him, prompting a brief exchange in which he replied that he breathed continuously. She had also made earlier remarks about his private speed, his position in her personal ranking and taking a ride with him. Jones has more than three million Instagram followers and was recruited to analyse each stage on YouTube and Twitch.

Eurosport journalist Laura Meseguer criticised the decision to employ Jones, arguing that the presenter lacked cycling knowledge and that her content relied on sexist comments. Pogacar had already indicated that the team would decide day by day whether to defend the red jersey, with the next major test coming at Font-Romeu after the first-category Col de Mont-Louis.