PARIS (AP) — German cyclist Nils Politt was feeling optimistic early in the Olympic road race on Saturday. The veteran of seven Tours de France managed to get into an early breakaway, conjuring a sense that something extraordinary might unfold on the iconic streets of Paris. Then, just as quickly, optimism turned into an unexpected distraction—his stomach began to rumble.
Caught in an unexpected predicament that would resonate with any traveler, Politt veered off course and into the nearest cafe to use the bathroom. By the time he emerged, a rapidly gathering crowd was waiting, breaking into applause as the 30-year-old cyclist from Cologne returned to his bike. “I did not count how much time it took me,” Politt remarked after eventually crossing the finish line. “It was really warm, we were drinking a lot of water, ate a lot of (energy) gels and normally I don’t have problems. But today I had an upset stomach.”
Cycling makes everything more challenging, from eating and drinking to handling necessary bathroom breaks. This was particularly true on Saturday, as participants faced the longest race in Olympic history—an arduous 273 kilometers (170 miles) stretching from the Trocadero, through the French countryside, and looping back to Paris, culminating at the Eiffel Tower.
Bathroom breaks are a logistic art form for cyclists who must navigate bodily needs while maintaining race pace. Riders often handle the call of nature based on their position on the road, the peloton’s speed, and proximity to the finish line. For minor needs, cyclists may swing to the road’s edge without fully stopping. However, more urgent issues, like Politt’s, require a more conspicuous pause. Riders usually seek discreet spots among trees or road-side ditches to relieve themselves, then work together to re-enter the race.
Politt’s need struck at an inopportune moment in the Olympic road race, during the decisive finishing climbs of Montmartre, with the streets clogged with thousands of enthusiastic, flag-waving fans. Overcoming barricades and wading through the crowd to reach a cafe’s facilities, he lost multiple minutes—a costly but necessary delay. Ultimately, Politt finished in 70th place, nearly 20 minutes behind gold medalist Remco Evenepoel.
Cyclists also meticulously manage their nutrition. Collaborating with dietitians and sports physiologists, they design carb-heavy menus, ensuring the fuel is not only energy-packed but also easily digestible. On race day, the routine includes a carbohydrate-loaded breakfast—think oatmeal and rice—followed by other high-energy foods and stimulants like coffee. Consuming an adequate amount of calories mid-race is critical; endurance races like the Olympics can burn between 6,000 and 8,000 calories.
Support teams along the route provide musettes filled with sandwiches, paninis, energy bars, gels, and sometimes small cans of soda for that extra burst of sugar and caffeine. Keeping hydrated is equally vital. Contemporary riders primarily consume water and electrolyte-laden mixes to replenish what they lose in sweat.
Cyclists drink at least a liter of fluid each hour. Team members stationed along the course supply fresh bottles, with riders able to fall back to team cars for more if needed. Teammates often serve as mobile water bearers, stuffing multiple bottles down their jerseys to distribute to the rest of the team. Neutral support vehicles are also on hand to provide bottles to any rider in need.
Ultimately, Politt’s memorable pit stop highlighted the myriad of challenges that elite cyclists navigate, adding a human touch to the grueling physical demands of Olympic competition.
