La Vuelta limits influencer Erola Jons after sexist comments

La Vuelta a España has restricted the access of influencer Erola Jons after her comments to cyclists, including Tadej Pogacar, sparked widespread criticism. The organization will keep her on but she will no longer have free access to riders, and she has been asked to adapt her tone. Source: Infobae

The controversy

During the opening stage in Monaco, Jons, a 28-year-old Catalan content creator with millions of followers, approached Pogacar and asked, "Pogachitar, ¿por qué hiperventilas cuando me ves?" and made comments about his physique. She also made remarks about cyclists' tight outfits and joked about "pescar" a cyclist. Source: El Mundo The videos went viral, and many journalists and cycling figures, including Laura Meseguer and Carlos de Andrés, condemned the content as sexist and disrespectful. Source: ABC

The reaction

Critics argue that Jons' presence undermines the professionalism of the sport. Laura Meseguer said it is "una falta de respeto hacia nosotras, hacia las profesionales femeninas que trabajan aquí y, sobre todo, hacia los ciclistas." Source: El Español Carlos de Andrés called the video "ridículo" and noted that she had access to areas where even journalists cannot go. Source: ABC Some, like Alberto Contador, defended the idea of using influencers but said the execution was wrong. Source: La Vanguardia

What's next

La Vuelta's organization, while defending the decision, has limited Jons' interactions with riders, requiring permission from teams. Source: El País The controversy has overshadowed the sporting action, with Pogacar winning the opening time trial. Source: Infobae