Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Racing => Topic started by: Biggsy on 15 August, 2012, 01:51:31 pm

Title: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Biggsy on 15 August, 2012, 01:51:31 pm
And how much?

Wiggo caught puffing (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/cycling/9476594/Bradley-Wiggins-celebrates-Olympic-gold-with-wine-and-cigarette-in-Majorca.html).
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: clarion on 15 August, 2012, 01:54:42 pm
That looks to be an 'interesting' 'cigarette'.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Biggsy on 15 August, 2012, 02:00:06 pm
"Interesting cigarettes" included.  It's all bad for your lungs.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: clarion on 15 August, 2012, 02:00:48 pm
Perhaps worse than the 'genuine' item, in fact.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: bobb on 15 August, 2012, 02:03:19 pm
Is whatever he's holding even smokable? Difficult to tell in the pics...

Armstrong used to "smoke" cigars didn't he?

I would imagine back in the 50s they'd be sparking up during races!
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Biggsy on 15 August, 2012, 02:07:21 pm
I suppose it's not terrible if it's only once in a blue moon, but it got me wondering about smoking and cycle racing in general in the 21st century.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: clarion on 15 August, 2012, 02:08:12 pm
Time for a pearoast of Cipo?

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfig6qxcX91qga534o1_500.jpg
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 15 August, 2012, 02:08:22 pm
Properly managed, a cigarette habit could give an 8% boost to blood red-cell count for specific events, and also help to manage anxiety in athletes under stress. Obviously there are health costs, but nicotine is not a proscribed substance, and cigarettes are a fairly benign way of administering small doses of carbon-monoxide to stimulate natural EPO production.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1596157/

Gerard Rue, the French super-domestique liked a fag.

(http://www.sportquick.com/photos/Docimages1/67/67071.jpg)
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: clarion on 15 August, 2012, 02:12:28 pm
http://cyclingcaps.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/raleigh-smoke.jpg
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Chris S on 15 August, 2012, 02:16:39 pm
There were plenty of brown leathery Frenchmen at last week's Semaine Federale who stepped off their bikes at the accueils and sparked up a Gauloises.

koff koff...
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: clarion on 15 August, 2012, 02:18:01 pm
Surely Gitanes?  ;)
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2012, 02:23:05 pm
That looks to be an 'interesting' 'cigarette'.
Perhaps the Telegraph realises this.
Quote
He appeared relaxed and in high spirits as he toasted in style the most remarkable time of his career on Monday night.
Title: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Wonky on 15 August, 2012, 02:39:11 pm
Spend enough time hanging around the bike sheds......
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: giropaul on 15 August, 2012, 02:48:54 pm
I could (but won't) name a number of "big hitters" from the past who had the odd smoke, including some big race winners. Merckx of course famously smoked, a lot more once he finished racing.

In the old days most 6 Day riders had a puff, otherwise their lungs would have rejected the air in the tracks instantly!
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Peter on 15 August, 2012, 03:02:09 pm
Not a racer in the thread sense, But Michel Jazy, European champion and one-time world-record holder at the 1500m was a chain-smoker and I believe the legendary Herb Elliott was a smoker, too, though I'm not absolutely sure about him.  And, of course, I used to smoke myself, though that was before I became famous.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Honest John on 15 August, 2012, 05:03:49 pm
This lot (http://reviwear.com/cycling-jerseys/semi-custom-jerseys/) used to do a jersey with the famous photo of the front row of the peloton sharing a tab on it. I tried to buy one, but they don't do small orders or orders to the UK.

I do, however, have one of their jerseys showing the Paris-Roubaix peloton riding through a town on the back and the winner on the velodrome riding along carrying a huge bouquet on the other. It's a bit like this one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/REVI-Vintage-Bicycle-Graphic-Jersey-XL-pearl-izumi-castelli-/220887462144?pt=US_Men_s_Athletic_Apparel&hash=item336deb3100).
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Ewan Houzami on 15 August, 2012, 08:59:11 pm
Wasn't there an old cycling wives' tale that smoking 'opened up your lungs'?
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 15 August, 2012, 09:16:11 pm
I read somewhere that back in the 20's or 30's doctors would prescribe cigarettes to increase the heart rate as the cyclists rates were obviously low  :facepalm:
Title: How many racers smoke?
Post by: citoyen on 15 August, 2012, 09:29:39 pm
nicotine is not a proscribed substance,

No, but cannabis is, isn't it? I do hope Wiggo isn't doing something silly.

Btw, talking of cyclists who smoke, what on earth has happened to Mr Larrington? Just realised I haven't seen him round these parts in ages.

d.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: red marley on 15 August, 2012, 09:46:59 pm
The link in the OP looks like a long-lens celeb stalking on holiday pap shot to me. Shame on you Telegraph. Let the man have a few days off in private with his friends and family.

(No reflection on the thread topic though, which is an interesting question.)
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2012, 09:56:40 pm
nicotine is not a proscribed substance,

No, but cannabis is, isn't it? I do hope Wiggo isn't doing something silly.
On the UCI list? Hardly performance enhancing I'd have thought.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: bobb on 15 August, 2012, 10:02:30 pm
Dunno about the UCI but it's certainly on WADA's - some bloke got booted out of the Lympics the other week for it

Linky (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/06/us-oly-dop-cannabis-day-idUSBRE87519120120806)
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2012, 10:18:22 pm
Hmmm.
Quote
Substances on WADA's banned list should meet two of the following criteria: they are proven to be performance enhancing, they are dangerous to the health of athletes, or they are contrary to the spirit of sport.
Presumably that means at least two out of three. I'd always assumed "performance enhancing" was sufficient criteria on its own. Anyway, "contrary to the spirit of sport" seems sufficiently vague it could be used to ban just about anything.
Title: How many racers smoke?
Post by: citoyen on 15 August, 2012, 10:34:17 pm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/10377112
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 August, 2012, 12:45:22 am
When we had a holiday in Kenya in the mid 90s I was surprised that the leading brand of cigarettes was 'Sportsman', but back then I was convinced that the one thing that cyclists would never put in their 'Coca Cola' branded bottles on the Tour de France was Coke.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgOnngnCudg
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: giropaul on 16 August, 2012, 09:25:05 am
When we had a holiday in Kenya in the mid 90s I was surprised that the leading brand of cigarettes was 'Sportsman', but back then I was convinced that the one thing that cyclists would never put in their 'Coca Cola' branded bottles on the Tour de France was Coke.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgOnngnCudg

Coke and water (to "flatten" it) was a commonly used drink, especially at the second feed. Cans of cold Coke are/were also put in the mussettes for feed 2 - a bit of caffeine and a change from the rather sticky race drinks. Kelly used to have a trick of dragging an empty can on the ground to sound like a crash and entertain the bunch.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: citoyen on 16 August, 2012, 09:52:00 am
They were giving out small cans of Coke in the musettes in the Giro this year - I saw several shots on the live TV coverage of riders drinking them. Not seen it before but I don't suppose it's a new thing.

d.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 August, 2012, 10:41:09 am
When we had a holiday in Kenya in the mid 90s I was surprised that the leading brand of cigarettes was 'Sportsman', but back then I was convinced that the one thing that cyclists would never put in their 'Coca Cola' branded bottles on the Tour de France was Coke.


Coke and water (to "flatten" it) was a commonly used drink, especially at the second feed. Cans of cold Coke are/were also put in the mussettes for feed 2 - a bit of caffeine and a change from the rather sticky race drinks. Kelly used to have a trick of dragging an empty can on the ground to sound like a crash and entertain the bunch.

It's usual to see helpers flattening 2 litre bottle of Coca Cola at 24 hour time trials. I tend to like mine a bit fizzy, as the burping can relieve the bloated feeling of eating so much. At the PBP launch there were 2 litre bottles available. Most consumers seem to prefer 'The Real Thing', I'm happy enough with own brand.
On the Mersey Roads I saw one rider stop for a Coke and smoke, I can't remember if he was wearing a helmet for a full pursed-lips triple-whammy.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: rafletcher on 16 August, 2012, 10:42:10 am
nicotine is not a proscribed substance,

No, but cannabis is, isn't it? I do hope Wiggo isn't doing something silly.

Btw, talking of cyclists who smoke, what on earth has happened to Mr Larrington? Just realised I haven't seen him round these parts in ages.

d.

Not seen him since his "Result" post regarding his suspension.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 August, 2012, 08:19:56 pm
When we had a holiday in Kenya in the mid 90s I was surprised that the leading brand of cigarettes was 'Sportsman', but back then I was convinced that the one thing that cyclists would never put in their 'Coca Cola' branded bottles on the Tour de France was Coke.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgOnngnCudg

Coke and water (to "flatten" it) was a commonly used drink, especially at the second feed. Cans of cold Coke are/were also put in the mussettes for feed 2 - a bit of caffeine and a change from the rather sticky race drinks. Kelly used to have a trick of dragging an empty can on the ground to sound like a crash and entertain the bunch.
I always find Coke is rather sticky, so I dread to think what the 'race drinks' are like. But then again, I don't like fizzy drinks generally - even Champagne!  :o
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Canardly on 16 August, 2012, 08:32:36 pm
The Army uses coke to clean carbon off gas plugs in weapons. Says it all really.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: uphillbothways on 16 August, 2012, 10:09:14 pm
They were giving out small cans of Coke in the musettes in the Giro this year - I saw several shots on the live TV coverage of riders drinking them. Not seen it before but I don't suppose it's a new thing.

d.

As Giropaul says, a little can of coke is typical for a second feed as a little pick-me-up. Morale is a key part of a soigneur's role and the riders will often get all sorts of goodies you might not expect - bidons of hot tea on a cold spring classic, bits of quiche, fruit tarts and little sandwiches. The teams are discreet about it because their nutrition sponsors expect them to toe the line, but a lot of riders just don't get on with gels and energy bars and prefer real food.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 August, 2012, 10:28:02 pm
They were giving out small cans of Coke in the musettes in the Giro this year - I saw several shots on the live TV coverage of riders drinking them. Not seen it before but I don't suppose it's a new thing.

d.

As Giropaul says, a little can of coke is typical for a second feed as a little pick-me-up. Morale is a key part of a soigneur's role and the riders will often get all sorts of goodies you might not expect - bidons of hot tea on a cold spring classic, bits of quiche, fruit tarts and little sandwiches. The teams are discreet about it because their nutrition sponsors expect them to toe the line, but a lot of riders just don't get on with gels and energy bars and prefer real food.

Supporting a rider on a 24 is a bit of an art. In 2001 I handed up some olives stuffed with anchovies to Heather. So much food is aimed at providing easily-assimilated calories, that something is needed to clear the palate.

The question that needs to be asked is if Bradley is a regular smoker, what's his brand?
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: giropaul on 17 August, 2012, 09:51:19 am
They were giving out small cans of Coke in the musettes in the Giro this year - I saw several shots on the live TV coverage of riders drinking them. Not seen it before but I don't suppose it's a new thing.

d.

As Giropaul says, a little can of coke is typical for a second feed as a little pick-me-up. Morale is a key part of a soigneur's role and the riders will often get all sorts of goodies you might not expect - bidons of hot tea on a cold spring classic, bits of quiche, fruit tarts and little sandwiches. The teams are discreet about it because their nutrition sponsors expect them to toe the line, but a lot of riders just don't get on with gels and energy bars and prefer real food.

Sometimes with the goodies wrapped in Playboy centrefolds!
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: rafletcher on 17 August, 2012, 10:01:35 am
The Army uses coke to clean carbon off gas plugs in weapons. Says it all really.

Phosphoric acid is the active ingredient ISTR
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 17 August, 2012, 10:19:36 am
The Army uses coke to clean carbon off gas plugs in weapons. Says it all really.

Phosphoric acid is the active ingredient ISTR

It's what makes it absolutely certain that you won't get a stomach bug. Obviously a tin or bottle is the surest way of ensuring that the water isn't contaminated, but the syrup will kill off most things when it's dispensed via the bar-top. Knowing what it should taste like means you won't get fobbed off with a product that won't kill bacteria. The phosphoric acid performs the same function as the chlorine in tap water.


Sometimes with the goodies wrapped in Playboy centrefolds!


That probably raises the testosterone count, that's perhaps one of the functions of the podium girls. I wonder if any team has experimented with attractive, but teasing, girls to keep the lads on their toes.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: padbeat on 17 August, 2012, 10:59:57 am
nicotine is not a proscribed substance,

No, but cannabis is, isn't it? I do hope Wiggo isn't doing something silly.

Btw, talking of cyclists who smoke, what on earth has happened to Mr Larrington? Just realised I haven't seen him round these parts in ages.

d.

When I heard he was puling out of the Post Danmark Rund, this was the first thing I thought of. If Dave Brailsford has seen this (and I can't imagine he hasn't), I'm sure there has been a closed door conversation without coffee and sticky buns. It's not just being clean, it's about being seen to be clean and not allowing the shadow of suspicion.

If it was a normal ciggie, then fine, he's been papped. If it wasn't, then 1. He's put Brailsford in an ethically uncomfortable position and 2. He's probably going to take a few weeks off. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_drug_testing#Urine_testing)
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: bobb on 17 August, 2012, 11:10:43 am
It would seem he's been elevated to sleb status where parasites will watch his every move. And take photos of it.

It will be interesting to see what he's going to say about it when he is inevitably asked though...
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: citoyen on 17 August, 2012, 12:02:46 pm
When I heard he was puling out of the Post Danmark Rund, this was the first thing I thought of.

Yup, me too. According to the link I posted upthread, they turn a blind eye if you test positive for cannabis out of season, but not if you're racing...  :facepalm:

d.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Rhys W on 18 August, 2012, 12:48:19 am
How long does weed stay in your system anyway? Assuming he only took a couple of tokes and didn't ingest a heroic amount I'm sure he'd be fine after a day or two.

It's hardly going to enhance his performance, at worst he's more likely to crack more jokes impenetrable to the French (about pulling raffle tickets and the like).
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 18 August, 2012, 01:52:33 am

It's hardly going to enhance his performance, at worst he's more likely to crack more jokes impenetrable to the French (about pulling raffle tickets and the like).

I wouldn't underestimate the French, they know why he wears black socks.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: TheLurker on 18 August, 2012, 09:37:42 am
Jason Kenny, and I quote, "...Kenny's on fire..."


IGMC . :)
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: padbeat on 18 August, 2012, 12:56:35 pm
From Wiki ...
Quote
Urine testing

Marijuana use can be detected 3-4 days after exposure for infrequent users. For heavy users, its 10 days; Chronic users and/or users with high body fat: 30 days or more.[4][5] Or up to 90 days in hair samples,[4] 2–3 days or up to 2 weeks in blood of heavy users[4]

Detection times of 30+ days are actually quite exceptional, even for chronic users subjected to tests with lower than normal cutoffs.

Under the typical 50 ng/mL cutoff for THC in the United States, an occasional or on-off user would be very unlikely to test positive beyond 3–4 days since the last use, and a chronic user would be unlikely to test positive much beyond 7 days. Using a more sensitive cutoff of 20 ng/mL (less common but still used by some labs), the most likely maximum times are 7 days and 21 days, respectively.[6] However, one must remember that every individual is different, and detection times can vary due to metabolism or other factors. It also depends on whether actual THC or THC metabolites are being tested for, the latter having a much longer detection time than the former. THC (found in marijuana) may only be detectable in saliva/oral fluid for 2–24 hours in most cases.

So, assuming light use (not unreasonably), and low % body fay (did you see him after the TT?), he's in the clear provided he does a full-on Gattica body scrub.
Title: Re: How many racers smoke?
Post by: Toady on 21 August, 2012, 02:45:45 pm
It's usual to see helpers flattening 2 litre bottle of Coca Cola at 24 hour time trials. I tend to like mine a bit fizzy, as the burping can relieve the bloated feeling of eating so much.

Completely OT, but I've noticed that if I burp while working out on a machine with a HRM my heart rate tends to drop substantially, then pick back up again.