Tadej Pogacar prompts Vuelta restrictions on influencer

Tadej Pogacar’s team has secured tighter limits on an influencer’s access to riders at the Vuelta a España. Erola Jons is no longer allowed in the mixed zone, near team buses or in other areas where she could speak directly to competitors during the race.

The decision comes as Pogacar leads the Spanish grand tour after winning two stages in three days. The Slovenian took the red jersey with victory in the time trial through Monaco, giving him a strong start to the event. UAE Team Emirates complained to the organisers about Jons, whose interventions had drawn criticism from within the race environment.

Jons had been accredited to produce alternative content aimed at audiences beyond regular cycling followers. Her approach was criticised publicly, including by veteran Spanish Eurosport journalist Laura Meseguer, while her standing among riders also deteriorated quickly. The organisers have now asked Jons to change the tone and style of her material so that it better fits the standards of a major professional sporting event. She remains involved in content production, but her direct access to the peloton has been reduced.