The winner of Giro Next Gen in his U23 days with Jumbo Visma Development, Johannes Staune-Mittet is currently preparing for his second season with World Tour team, Decathlon CMA CGM Team, though got a nasty surprise while training in Spain.
The 23-year-old from Norway was out on the bike in Alicante when he was stopped by the police and issued with a fine of €100 for wearing headphones, Apple AirPods to be precise.
"Guess it is better to buy a pair of those ugly out of ear headphones than to get fined for AirPods every day," he said he said while posting his ride, and news of his fine, on Strava.
It appears Staune-Mittet, a former team mate of Ireland's Archie Ryan, was suggesting bone conduction headphones - which are worn out of the ear and allow cyclists hear the sounds around them - when he bemoaned the fact he was fine.
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However, all types of headphones seem to be banned for cyclists in Spain, on the basis they pose a hazard in undermining cyclists' road awareness. The law is a little loser in Spain when it comes to headphones that are attached to helmets.
The law banning headphones also applies to drivers and though a fine is €100 if paid immediately, it can be up to €200 if not paid promptly.
Staune-Mittet won Giro Next Gen in 2023, topping the podium from Irish rider Darren Rafferty, who was riding for Hagens Berman Axeon at the time and is now competing for EF Education-EasyPost.
