Pogačar boos became part of the Tour de France storyline after Tadej Pogačar said he heard jeers during his latest stage win on Tuesday.
The Slovenian strengthened his grip on the race with another commanding performance across the Massif Central. He claimed his 24th career Tour de France stage victory and pushed his advantage over Jonas Vingegaard to 3:36.
The win came on Bastille Day, adding a sharper atmosphere to an already charged day on French roads. Pogačar said most spectators created a strong mood, but not every reaction sounded supportive.
He acknowledged “some booing” after the stage, then suggested the jeers would not unsettle him or UAE Emirates-XRG. He said booing gives the team “more power.”
Pogačar boos follow another show of control
Pogačar did not specify where he heard the jeers or which section of the route they came from. The timing still stood out, with France celebrating its national holiday.
Many home fans had hoped teenage rider Paul Seixas could take the stage victory. Instead, Pogačar again imposed himself on the race and left his rivals chasing.
The reaction also followed earlier tension involving UAE Emirates-XRG during this Tour. Tim Wellens said last week that some fans disliked what they saw on the Col du Tourmalet.
Pogačar framed the moment as something successful riders and teams must sometimes accept. He said cycling still avoids the level of hostility seen in many other sports.
He noted that fans in other arenas often turn strongly against one player or one team. In cycling, he argued, riders still receive support from nearly everyone roadside.
Pogačar also said that jeers aimed at him rarely feel isolated. Because riders pass together, he said booing one rider effectively targets the whole group on the road.
Tour leader praises cycling crowds despite jeers
Despite the incident, Pogačar stressed that he still sees cycling fans as overwhelmingly positive. He said 99 percent of spectators cheer for every rider.
He pointed to young fans wearing the jerseys of their favorite riders. Even then, he said, they usually encourage the whole peloton.
Pogačar added that cycling fans are the greatest in sport. For the smaller group that jeers, he said the noise adds “more wood on the fire.”
The comments placed Pogačar in a familiar position for dominant Tour champions. Success often brings admiration, but it can also create resentment among roadside crowds.
Chris Froome faced some of the harshest treatment during his years at the top. At one point, a spectator threw a cup of urine at him.
Lance Armstrong also drew frequent jeers and spitting during his controversial era. Eddy Merckx was once punched by an angry spectator.
Pogačar has largely avoided that level of backlash during his career. His attacking racing style and relaxed manner have helped him remain popular, even while winning relentlessly.
On the road, his dominance continues to reshape the race. With his lead now at 3:36 over Vingegaard, the fight for yellow looks increasingly difficult for his rivals.
Pogačar said he does not plan to ease off, even as he moves closer to a record-tying fifth Tour de France title. He said riders never know how long such moments will last.
He also said he feels grateful while racing near home and seeing many Slovenian flags along the course.
For now, the jeers appear unlikely to change his approach. If anything, Pogačar suggested they may give UAE Emirates-XRG another source of motivation.