When nature calls during Tour de France

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Quite a few people have mentioned seeing a bike rider letting it all hang out to take a “nature break” during the 10th Stage live coverage.

The New York Times reports that's against the rules. Well, peeing isn't against the rules, but peeing in front of spectators (or cameramen) is.

At least 10 cyclists, including US riders Dave Zabriskie and Freddie Rodriguez, have been fined the equivalent of $83 for satisfying nature's need in front of the public. Both their violations came during the 3rd Stage.

Zabriskie says it's difficult to find a private spot. “The problem is that in the Tour de France, it’s hard to find a stretch of road with nobody on it,” he told the Times.

Rodriguez, who has been critical of Tour organizers after two of his crashes this year, told the Times:

“They are trying to show they’re being a little more diligent and following the rules, working to make the sport look good. But they’re being a little petty when they should be dealing with bigger problems.”

Generally, if there's a stretch of road without spectators, one of the peloton “leaders” will call for a rest stop and everyone pulls to the side of the road for relief. Otherwise, the riders do it while coasting.

In addition to the Tour's written rules, there are unwritten rules about stopping to pee. The main one is not to attack while everyone else has stopped to relieve themselves.


Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2007/07/22/when-nature-calls-during-tour-de-france/

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