The required quantities are unenviably vast. Each rider consumes close to 1.5kg of rice or pasta every day and in the region of 120g of carbohydrates per hour when on the bike - the equivalent carbohydrate content of five hourly bananas. One EF rider once went through four tubs of maple syrup during the three-week race.

Ooooof. Never thought of the nutritious aspect of Tour the France. Quite the challenge.