Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) has described a series of intrusive incidents involving fans targeting himself and teammate Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), including close-range filming during training and the leak of Pogačar's private mobile number.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, Wellens recounted a recent training session where three men rushed toward him and Pogačar as the pair stopped to part ways with other riders. The men began filming from less than a metre away, Wellens said, describing the encounter as "simply unpleasant."
Wellens also revealed that an individual obtained Pogačar's private phone number and used it to contact the world champion at "the most impossible times." He said privacy is diminishing even in relatively secluded locations like Monaco, where many WorldTour riders are based.
While Wellens said 99% of fan interactions remain positive, he warned that a small minority are crossing basic boundaries of safety and personal space. He added that Pogačar continues to handle the intrusions with composure.
Recent incidents
The disclosures follow a plea posted by Pogačar on Strava on February 12. Pogačar described a fan who became aggressive, including making obscene gestures, after the Slovenian did not immediately stop for a photograph. He asked fans to allow him "two minutes" to finish a conversation before approaching.
In late January, two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) crashed on a descent near Malaga after an amateur cyclist tailed him at close range. Vingegaard was left with a bloodied face, and his team called publicly for fans to keep their distance during training rides.
Wellens, who has noticed increased recognition since winning the Belgian national title, acknowledged the contrast between respectful attention and the behaviour directed at global stars like Pogačar.
Cycling's openness, with professionals training on public roads, means riders frequently meet fans away from races. Teams including UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma-Lease a Bike have recently asked supporters to give riders space during training.
Cover image credit: Billy Ceusters
