Tadej Pogačar, the world's top cyclist, has been spotted in a surprising new role: superfan. In a recent video, Pogačar was seen cheering on the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on Mont Ventoux, donning a white T-shirt, bucket hat, and sunglasses, and even waving banners for his partner, Urška Žigart. This display of enthusiasm has raised eyebrows among cycling enthusiasts, as it goes against the unspoken rules of fan behavior.
The incident occurred just a few weeks after the Tour de France issued a public plea to fans, reminding them not to run alongside riders, film them with smartphones, or push them. Pogačar's actions seem to have ignored these guidelines, but it's all in good fun, and the UCI race jury didn't seem to notice. The video has sparked discussions about the boundaries of fan engagement in cycling.
Pogačar's enthusiasm is not limited to Mont Ventoux. He has been actively supporting Žigart, who is racing on AG Insurance-Soudal. Žigart had a remarkable season, finishing sixth at the Vuelta and eighth at the Giro, despite fracturing her jaw in a crash at the Tour de Suisse in June. She made a swift recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later. However, a stomach illness affected her performance in the Femmes, and she started the final stage in Nice in 51st place.
The couple's celebration will take place in Nice after the 2026 Femmes concludes. Pogačar, meanwhile, is gearing up for the Vuelta a España, which begins in Monaco on August 22. His proximity to the start line might make the commute a bit easier.
Pogačar's superfan behavior adds an intriguing layer to his already impressive cycling career. It's a reminder that even the most successful athletes can still enjoy the sport as fans, even if it means breaking a few unspoken rules. This unique perspective on the sport adds to the rich tapestry of cycling culture and fan engagement.
