This cyclist is actually from 100 years ago 🤔 The shocking scenes of the Giro d’Italia.

Here is the English translation of the explanation regarding why historical Giro d’Italia riders smoked.

Why Did Vintage Giro d’Italia Cyclists Smoke?
If you look at legendary photos from the early days of the Giro d’Italia or the Tour de France, you’ll see the shocking sight of cyclists casually smoking while racing. While it seems absurd by today’s standards, riders back then used tobacco based on what they believed to be “scientific” reasons.

Here are the primary reasons why early professional cyclists smoked:

1. The Myth of “Opening the Lungs”
The biggest reason was a medical misconception of the era. In the 1920s and 30s, riders believed that cigarette smoke would expand the lungs and make breathing more efficient. It was common for teammates to share a cigarette before a steep mountain climb as a ritual to “open up” their respiratory systems.

2. A Natural Painkiller to Forget the Agony
The races of that era were far more grueling than today’s. Riders had to cover hundreds of kilometers on unpaved roads with much longer stages.

Pain Relief: Nicotine acts as both a mild stimulant and a painkiller, helping riders momentarily forget the muscle aches and exhaustion of long-distance cycling.

Stimulant Effect: The stimulating properties of nicotine were thought to sharpen focus and act as a recovery aid during intense fatigue.

3. Appetite Suppression and Weight Control
Cycling has always been a battle against weight. Smoking was used as a tool to suppress appetite, helping riders stave off hunger during long stages or maintain their racing weight during the off-season.

4. Cultural Context of the Era
In early 20th-century Europe, tobacco wasn’t viewed primarily as a health hazard. Instead, it was seen as a symbol of masculinity or an everyday pick-me-up. In an age where riders drank wine and beer instead of modern sports drinks, tobacco was naturally accepted as a “performance enhancer.”

💡 Fascinating Historical Facts
The Booze & Smoke Combo: In the early 1900s, riders didn’t just smoke; they drank wine, beer, and even hard liquor while racing. These weren’t for hydration but served as a “form of anesthesia” to endure the pain.

Eddy Merckx’s Confession: Even the legendary “Cannibal,” Eddy Merckx, once recalled that in the 1960s and 70s, he “liked to have a cigarette to relax” after a race.

The Turning Point: As doping tests were introduced in the 1960s and sports science evolved, it became clear that smoking actually severely impairs lung capacity. Consequently, the practice completely vanished from the peloton.

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