Cycling fans would presume all the drama from the was taking place on the roads, yet thanks to pundit Adam Blythe, an encounter with Wout van Aert turned heads during a break from the action. The British former professional cyclist, 35, stole some of the headlines after delivering a cheeky request to Van Aert, before admitting he was going to get in "trouble" for the stunt.

However, he had no idea he was on live television while filming the moment and posting it on his Instagram. Blythe was seen approaching Van Aert on a busy road, packed with fellow competitors and press, asking the Belgian star if he could "get a quick picture". Blythe then instructed his camera crew to hang tight while he fiddled with his phone as he shaped up for an iconic selfie with the star.

TNT host Orla Chennaoui then noticed Bylthe's oblivious actions, and asked: "Why is he looking at his phone?," before adding in disbelief: "Is he really doing this? Adam, you're live on TV, could you leave the selfie until later?"

Blythe then quickly checked himself and told Van Aert that he is in fact "live on television" before launching into a far more conventional interview with the Belgian sprinter.

Van Aert came into his Giro appearance with high hopes but suffered in the first week. A stage win in Siena at the end of the strade bianche stage made up for his struggles and he addressed the difficulties with Blythe.

"Yeah, good feeling relieved that we're almost over the mountains," the 30-year-old said. "Tomorrow is one of the few real opportunities for the sprinters so I think we're really focused for tomorrow."

Despite that, Van Aert superbly supported his Team Visma-Lease-a-Bike team-mate Simon Yates as he claimed the maglia rosa and all but confirm his victory in the general classification.

Blythe then quickly wrapped up the interview saying: "Well, I have to go as I'm going to get in trouble." He later followed up the comical incident by posting the selfie moment once again to his , with a small caption reading: "Forgot I was on Tele".

The famous race was taking place in Verres in Italy with the notorious terrain proving a hearty challenge. Sunday, the final day, will see the esteemed race take to the eternal city of Rome where riders will confirm who gets what of the £1.3million (€1.6m) prize pool.

Speaking after his first week, Van Aert conceded his tricky start but held a reflective view of his race overall, as per . "I am very satisfied with how it has turned out," he said. "I had hoped for a nicer start, but I have recovered well. The stage win remains a highlight and has ensured that my Giro has been successful."

Blythe, 35, is now best known as a pundit for Eurosport's coverage of cycling. He was also an on-site reporter for NBC Sports' coverage of the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France.