Erola Jons y Pogachitar

Twenty years ago, I began working on the Vuelta Ciclista a España, but many still believe I started as an assistant rather than in communication, highlighting the limited and specific role women had in cycling then. The sport has opened doors for women, though progress is still incomplete. Teams now include women in their structures, as do organizations and media.

The treatment of the peloton has become more respectful with the arrival of new generations, and the sport advances confidently in developing women's cycling. Despite women continuing to fight for their worth day by day, the evolving mentality and culture of cycling are hopeful. A significant disappointment occurred when we learned of an influencer with six million social media followers contracting with the race, who used hidden cameras to flirt and make uncomfortable comments to men crossing the street.

Erola Jons, the influencer, took over the race's live broadcast on YouTube, displaying her ignorance of cycling and her intention to transfer her online style to the Vuelta. Her content's connotations, image, and consequences differ from male cycling's elite sport. Not everything fits everywhere. After the stage, Jons approached the podium area, where leader Tadej Pogačar was recovering from effort and preparing for the post-race protocol, calling him "Pogachitar" and insisting on speaking with him.

When he finally managed to talk to Pogačar, he asked why he was panting every time he saw her, to which Pogačar responded, "What?" Comments were made about the transparency of jerseys, the mesh design, and Pogačar's good looks. Cosifying comments that women have long escaped. Why should men tolerate being treated as objects, especially when similar situations would have caused outrage in the women's Tour de France?

The lack of respect is equal for both sexes, and if not voiced, it would be discriminatory to Pogačar himself. It feels exhausting after so many years as if we are returning to the starting line. Many of us work to open the door for more women in sports, and a few brave ones did it for us in the eighties when women weren't even allowed inside the race.

The image that emerged after the first stage was of a woman with no knowledge of cycling and no respect for cyclists. In the midst of the debate on influencers, greater responsibility must be adopted, and a deep reflection must be made on whom to reach and at what price. The cost should not erode women's advances in the industry or devalue sports and athletes for the sake of entertainment and likes. A Vuelta with Erola Jons reminds us of the best backstage moments 🙌✨.