Potholes, Pogačar and Vingegaard's bib tights – this week in cycling's social media

Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning Tour de France champion, inadvertently sparked a social media firestorm during Paris-Nice by opting for bib shorts over bib tights in chilly conditions. This sartorial choice, particularly noticeable alongside competitors like Tadej Pogačar who wore full-length legwear, quickly became the subject of widespread online discussion, memes, and lighthearted criticism from fans and pundits alike, overshadowing some of the actual racing.

This seemingly trivial fashion debate highlights the intense scrutiny top riders face, even off the bike. Vingegaard, known for his understated demeanour, rarely courts controversy, making this minor incident a rare glimpse into the often-humorous side of cycling's online community. It also underscores the perennial debate among amateur cyclists regarding optimal cold-weather gear, a discussion now elevated to the professional peloton's highest echelons, albeit for comedic effect.

Ultimately, Vingegaard's choice of legwear made little difference to his performance, but it certainly gave the internet something to talk about besides watts and stage wins. Perhaps a new standard for 'hardman' status has been inadvertently set.