Cannibal on wheels: Tour de France riders lose muscle mass

The extreme exertion during the Tour de France causes the bodies of the riders to start breaking down their own muscle mass in extreme situations. This is reported by Bicycling Nederland.

Due to the daily exertions lasting more than five hours and the high intensity, the body becomes exhausted. The body then has to draw on its own muscle mass to obtain extra energy.

The phenomenon has been known for some time, but Bicycling Nederland emphasizes how extreme the effect can be for the riders at the end of the Tour. The body reportedly loses up to several kilos of muscle mass.

This report is a summary based on the mentioned source and is not medical advice. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist in case of complaints.