Professional road cycling presents unique challenges, especially during the Tour de France, known as one of the toughest tests in sports. In 2026, nearly 180 elite male cyclists will tackle 21 stages over three weeks, covering thousands of kilometers from Barcelona to Paris while spending hours in the saddle.

As temperatures soar, re-hydrating and re-fuelling become crucial, raising the question: what happens when nature calls?

The approach varies based on race conditions:

• Close to the finish or crucial moments: Most riders hold it, driven by adrenaline.
• Quieter stages: A rider might pull aside for a quick break, confident they can catch up.
• Group breaks: Sometimes, the peloton collectively pauses for comfort, orchestrated by the race leader, with strict rules against attacks during this time.

However, choosing the right spot is essential. In 2021, Wout van Aert and Luke Rowe faced fines of 200 Swiss Francs (£166) for public urination.

An increasingly common method involves riders urinating while still in motion, either by adjusting their shorts or accepting the mess. Mark Cavendish, the all-time record holder for Tour de France stage wins, humorously noted, "In races that are soaking wet and freezing cold, I like to piss myself. It warms me up for a split second."

For female riders, logistics prove more challenging, though shorter stages help minimize breaks. In 2023, Demi Vollering accused rival Annemiek van Vleuten of attacking while her SD Worx teammates took a bathroom break during the Vuelta Femenina.

Male riders are not immune to mishaps; notably, Tom Dumoulin lost his race lead during stage 16 of the 2017 Giro d’Italia after suffering stomach issues post-Stelvio climb.