This Is What Happens To A Cyclist's Legs After A Tour De France

April 6, 2017

Bartosz Huzarski has received widespread attention after posting this photo of his legs after the 18th stage of the Tour de France (2014).

cyclist legs after tour de France veins
Credit: Bartosz Huzarski / Facebook

Why does this happen?

When the body is trying to get rid of heat, the surface veins dilate and carry most of the return flow back to the heart.

Also, Huzarski is standing while supporting a lot of blood flow after riding. If he were riding, the movement of the muscles would be helping with the high venous blood flow back to heart. But while standing, gravity tends to cause it to fill the veins.