'If the organisers want to make Pogačar win, that’s their choice' – Motorbikes under fire again at Tour de Romandie as Paret-Peintre and Rodríguez complain for different reasons

Motorbikes once again found themselves at the centre of controversy at the Tour de Romandie, drawing complaints from two key riders. Valentin Paret-Peintre of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale voiced frustration over a moto allegedly providing a slipstream advantage to a rival on a climb, while Ineos Grenadiers' Carlos Rodríguez highlighted the dangers posed by motos passing riders on a technical descent. These incidents occurred during stage 4, prompting Paret-Peintre to sarcastically remark, "If the organisers want to make Pogačar win, that’s their choice."

This recurring issue underscores the persistent tension between race logistics and fair play, particularly concerning the impact of media and support vehicles. Paret-Peintre's pointed comment, despite Tadej Pogačar not even competing in Romandie, reflects a broader frustration within the peloton regarding perceived inconsistencies in moto positioning and enforcement. For Rodríguez, a GC contender, the safety aspect of motos on descents is a critical concern, echoing past incidents where rider safety has been compromised by poorly managed vehicle traffic.

Ultimately, these complaints serve as a stark reminder that while technology and media coverage are integral to modern cycling, their implementation must not compromise the integrity of the race or, more importantly, the safety of its competitors.