The “Musette”, the must have bag on the Tour de France Road

On average, during the Tour de France, Pro riders burn 3.000 to 5.000 calories every day. To that you need to add the calories that the body need to accomplish its basic functions, about 2.000 calories. So in total Pro riders eat 5.000 to 7.000 calories a day. Food quantity and quality are very important to maximize the performances.

Each team has a Chef who prepares specific meals according to rider’s needs. Some teams such as Team Saxo Bank – Tinkoff Bank have their own truck kitchen which follows all stages.

While breakfasts and dinners are taken at the hotel, riders need to get energy during the entire stage. When they pass through a feeding area they get a “Musette” containing food and drinks.

Team spirit - Peter Sagan gets his Musette from one of his Liquigas-Cannondale teammates (©Breakthrough Media ).

Andriy Grivko, Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank, recharging after a long break (©Breakthrough Media).

Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, gets much need nourishment from his team soigneur after crossing the line(©Breakthrough Media).

An AG2R-La Mondiale Team soigeur gets ready before the riders pass through at the feeding area (©Breakthrough Media)

Omega Pharma-Quick-Step staff member waiting for his riders a the feeding aera to provide the survival Musette (©Breakthrough Media).

Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank race car being loaded with drinks and food for the stage.Liquigas

Liquigas-Cannondale, bottle distribution before the start of the stage.

The Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank riders immediately replenish fluids upon return from their prologue recon ride in hot and humid conditions (©Breakthrough Media)