When the Tour de France debuted in 1903, it wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was a chaotic, booze-fueled spectacle. Riders guzzled wine, brandy, and even strychnine (a toxic stimulant) to survive grueling stages that stretched over 400 kilometers. Forget energy gels and electrolyte drinks; the original Tour was a rolling bar crawl with handlebars.
The race’s founder, Henri Desgrange, envisioned it as the ultimate test of human stamina. Stages lasted 18 hours or more, with riders pedaling through the night on primitive bikes. To cope, they turned to alcohol, believing it numbed pain and boosted energy. Wine was a staple, often mixed with water to stay hydrated. Some riders carried flasks of brandy, while others relied on “magic potions” laced with cocaine or strychnine. Doping wasn’t just accepted—it was practically mandatory.
One infamous example is Maurice Garin, the Tour’s first winner. Known as “The Little Chimney Sweep” for his soot-covered face, Garin reportedly drank champagne during races and smoked cigarettes to “open his lungs.” His victory set the tone for decades of questionable practices. By the 1920s, riders were downing amphetamines and other stimulants, turning the Tour into a rolling pharmacy.
Alcohol’s role wasn’t just about performance. It was also a coping mechanism. Riders faced brutal conditions: unpaved roads, no support teams, and frequent breakdowns. A swig of wine or brandy offered a brief escape from the misery. As one rider quipped, “If you’re not drinking, you’re not trying.”
The Tour’s organizers eventually cracked down on doping, banning alcohol and drugs in the 1960s. But the early years remain a testament to the race’s wild origins. Modern cyclists might scoff at the idea of racing with a flask of Bordeaux, but those pioneers paved the way—often while tipsy.
So, next time you watch the Tour de France, remember its boozy beginnings. It’s a reminder that even the most prestigious events have humble—and slightly scandalous—roots. And if you ever feel tempted to mix wine and cycling, maybe stick to a stationary bike. Your liver will thank you.
