I’ve also noticed some recommendations just because the guy is a “local legend near me”.   For well over a decade many of us have been pleading for just such a way to hide this feature, or an opt-out switch… to no avail, as we consider this to be a big invasion of privacy.  Here's the primary thread on this topic from two years ago: https://communityhub.strava.com/ideas/get-rid-of-suggested-athletes-who-to-follow-banner-5868  Feel free to add your vote to that idea... if you think it will help!