Carlos de Andrés, RTVE's veteran cycling commentator, said on air during coverage of the Vuelta a España that putting influencer Erola Jons in charge of interviewing Tadej Pogačar was disrespectful to women, adding his voice to a growing backlash over her role at the race.
Jons was brought in by Vuelta organizers as a content creator, with the stated aim of drawing new audiences to cycling through social media. A video of her interviewing Pogačar went viral after she referred to him as "Pogachitar" and suggested he take her "for a ride." In the same clip, she jokingly asked him whether he was hyperventilating at the sight of her, and remarked that he was much more handsome in person.
Backlash over sexist comments
The footage triggered accusations of sexist commentary and reopened a debate over whether the Vuelta should give race access to figures without a background in cycling journalism. Eurosport cycling reporter Laura Meseguer was among the most vocal critics, calling the decision a serious mistake and arguing that no one, neither women nor men, should have to be treated as an object.
The row echoes last year's edition of the Vuelta, which was overshadowed by incidents and protests over the participation of an Israeli team. This year's controversy centers instead on the organization's choice to hand an influencer close access to riders.
De Andrés backs Meseguer on air
De Andrés voiced his support for Meseguer during the broadcast, describing the video as ridiculous and noting that Jons had gained access to spaces that some accredited journalists cannot reach. He said women have fought hard to eliminate this kind of sexist comment, and he called for a response from the race organizers.
He was careful to clarify that he is not opposed to the Vuelta involving influencers in general, but said the organization needs to be more careful about which profiles it selects for that kind of access.
Concern over Pogačar's treatment and reach
De Andrés also questioned why Pogačar, one of the leading figures in world sport, was subjected to that kind of treatment. He admitted he had not even heard of Jons before the controversy broke, and said he was concerned the content could spread further given that she has more than three million followers on Instagram.
Tadej Pogačar, a Slovenian rider, is regarded as one of the dominant figures in modern cycling, having won multiple Grand Tour titles including the Tour de France. RTVE, Spain's public broadcaster, has long held the rights to broadcast the Vuelta a España, one of cycling's three Grand Tours alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.
