Tour de France: The body as its own food source

Cyclists who finish the Tour de France have not only pushed their limits on the course. According to Bicycling Nederland, their bodies are actually consuming themselves along the way. Muscles are used as an energy source.

The extreme physical exertion during the Tour leads the body to break down protein to obtain calories. This process is sometimes compared to a form of cannibalism. It is an extreme reaction to the inhuman demands the race places on the body.

According to the source, this phenomenon is not unique to the Tour, but it reaches its full extent here due to the duration and intensity of the stages. Riders not only lose weight but also muscle mass. What the long-term effects are is not clear.

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.