Meeting the great role models of cycling - that is a dream of many racing cyclists. And there's nothing wrong with that. There's a reason why professional cycling is more popular than almost any other sport - you can get really close to the pros. Whether on the legendary climbs of the Tour de France or on the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix, fans can experience their idols up close without paying admission. Even during training, stars like Tadej Pogačar climb the same climbs as all recreational athletes, albeit often in the warmer regions of Europe. That's what makes our sport what it is, and always has been.
Unpleasant encounters
Just a few days ago, Team Visma | Lease a Bike commented on this issue. Jonas Vingegaard crashed in training, did not suffer any serious injuries, but subsequently had to cancel his season opener at the UAE Tour. Without establishing a direct link between the Dane's crash and the interaction with a fan, the team issued a statement asking for more space for the training pros. It later became clear that the two-time Tour winner was followed until he felt compelled to take more risks and then crashed. A riding error by the professional, that is clear, but provoked by the harassment of an amateur.
Even the currently most successful rider in the world is not spared unpleasant encounters. The world champion posted his bike ride in Valencia on his Strava account and wrote: "If you see me while I'm talking to someone and ask me for a photo, I'll ask you to give me two minutes to finish the conversation. Will you wait two minutes or will you give me the middle finger and drive off in a huff? (And your partner shouts at me too?)". A rather rhetorical question and underlaid with light humour. But the message still gets across - manners and decency are also important on a bike.
Between light and shadow
Why does something like this happen at all? These fans of all people would probably never display this kind of behaviour in their private lives. But social media quickly fuelling the impression that drivers like Tadej Pogačar are not people, but machines - available at all times, untouchable, without limits. However, it is not the platforms that are the real problem, but the way in which individuals use them. When in doubt, a photo with a world-famous personality seems to be worth more than one's own safety - and sometimes even more than the safety of professionals.
And cycling is by no means alone in this: this phenomenon can be found in almost all areas. The greatest musicians of our time can hardly move about on the streets unchallenged, and the situation is no different in other sports. For stars, it is often a life between light and shadow.
It can't go on like this
One thing is certain. It can't go on like this. Clear boundaries and more mutual respect are needed in dealings between professionals and amateurs. Asking for a photo or video is perfectly fine - but a "no" must be accepted without discussion. It must also be a matter of course to be allowed to end a conversation before a picture is taken.
The more athletes who speak publicly on this topic, the better: this creates awareness among fans and hopefully ensures that next time one or the other will consider whether and how to approach a professional on the bike. The motto is: ask nicely and respect the answer. and never stick to the rear wheel without being asked.
Leon Weidner
Working student
