The profession of journalism is not handed to everyone. Ask Erola Jons and you’ll surely get a hint about the topic. Since the start of the Vuelta, the influencer with 3.2 million followers on Instagram and 2.9 million on TikTok has been stealing the spotlight.
In light of this popularity on social media, the organization of the Vuelta wanted to give the event a boost. By equipping the Spanish influencer with a microphone, the organizers sought to obtain another view of the behind-the-scenes of the Tour of Spain.
They thus gave Erola Jons carte blanche. But the Vuelta also took a risk. By the end of the first stage, the rookie journalist made headlines, creating discomfort on television sets.
Only polemics …
Apparently, Erola Jons did not base her segment on the riders’ performances at the start of the Vuelta. While Tadej Pogacar won the opening time trial of the Tour of Spain, the influencer made remarks that were, to say the least, bold.
“I’m going to ask him if he’s as fast in private, haha,” she explained before interviewing the Slovenian. Nicknames, awkward comments… Jons drew attention in her own way. “Pogachitar, congratulations, why are you so enthusiastic every time you see me?” could be heard before the podium. Then, the influencer continued. First, by getting the day’s stage wrong “Look at him, who would have guessed he rode 200 km?”, when she had ridden… only nine. Then, by daring proximity and seduction. “I don’t know where he stands in the general classification, but in mine, he is first. He’s too cute… Well done Pogacar… Take me for a ride too… !”
The media criticize Jons
As one might expect, Erola Jons came with no filter to collect impressions or rather to give her quite personal take on the riders. While strolling near the trucks where the cyclists are present, the Spanish influencer let slip a “if they change properly, the audience will rise.”
These remarks obviously did not please. The Eurosport Spain journalist Laura Meseguer spoke out. “That makes me angry, because this is not journalism. It is already incredibly difficult for women to be taken seriously in this field and now they are reduced to this.”
Carlos de Andrés, commentator for the Spanish television TVE, joined his colleague, expressing his confusion about the free access given to Jons in zones where accredited journalists do not have access.
For its part, the Vuelta defended itself in a statement. “Erola Jons participates in La Vuelta as part of an entertainment format designed to introduce the competition to new audiences, highlighting her personality, sense of humor and the language she usually uses on social networks. This format complements, while remaining independent of, the media coverage of the race and is conducted with the utmost respect for the work of accredited media, the teams, the riders and all the professionals who are part of La Vuelta. The organization has revised its approach and strengthened content coordination. From now on, interactions with riders and teams will take place according to a pre-agreed plan, in respect of their schedules, locations and participation criteria.”
