La Vuelta restricts influencer Erola Jons after backstage comments to Tadej Pogačar

Backstage conduct in Monaco

Race organizer Unipublic hired 28-year-old Catalan content creator Erola Jons to expand digital coverage for the 2026 edition of La Vuelta a España. With over six million followers across TikTok and Instagram, Jons was tasked with producing live content on YouTube and Twitch to reach audiences outside traditional cycling viewership. The race opened with an individual time trial through the streets of Monaco, won by Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar. Following the stage, Jons was granted access to restricted paddock and podium areas reserved for teams and official media.

During the live broadcast, Jons attempted to interview Pogačar by referring to him as "Pogachitar" and asking if he wanted to go for a bike ride with her. She asked in English if he was hyperventilating upon seeing her, prompting a confused reaction from the rider before team press staff asked her to step aside. Later in the stream, Jons stood outside a podium changing truck, commenting on riders changing through translucent jerseys and remarking on their tight lycra attire. In other segments, she admitted to not knowing that Pogačar had won the stage and asked a local police officer to arrest her.

Team complaints and media reaction

The backstage footage circulated widely on social media, prompting an official response from Pogačar's squad, UAE Team Emirates. The team contacted race organizers to express dissatisfaction with the conduct, asking whether Jons would continue working on the race and requesting that interviewers coordinate with team communications staff beforehand. The team noted that the behaviour created an unprofessional image for the race.

Specialized cycling journalists also expressed strong opposition to the broadcast format. Laura Meseguer, a cycling reporter for Eurosport, published a public statement addressing the hiring and the nature of the questions.

It is a lack of respect towards us, towards the female professionals who work here, and above all towards the cyclists. Nobody should have to endure being treated as an object, neither women nor men.

RTVE cycling commentator Carlos de Andrés echoed Meseguer's statements during the Spanish public broadcaster's live transmission of the race, stating that he agreed with her assessment regarding professional standards in the paddock.

Operational restrictions for remaining stages

In response to the complaints, Unipublic confirmed that Jons will remain on the race production team for the remainder of the Vuelta, but with tighter access rules. Organizers stated that the content was intended as lighthearted entertainment rather than technical journalism, while acknowledging the need to manage team boundaries.

Under the new rules, Jons is strictly prohibited from approaching or interviewing cyclists without prior written permission from their respective team communications departments. Unipublic stated that her future broadcasts will focus on alternative aspects of the event rather than unvetted access to private rider areas.