With a beer chaser...

Early days before a long stage...

Riders equipped with 'drinks.'

From: 'Télérama Hors série Tdf.'

Beer is the oldest alcoholic drink around. Experts estimate the famous brew dates back 6000 BC to the Sumerians. And what’s comforting for the riders is that it and other alcoholic beverages was well 'used' in the early days of the Tour.

Julien Moineau, originator of the beer chaser.

Beer was one of the accepted drink's amongst the riders. Shockingly, water was used sparingly during a race. The adage was, if you want to win a race give it to your rival. Those aluminum bottles on the handlebars were for sipping only. You can believe that dehydration was rampant in the peloton.

Alphonse Schepers with his 'bottle' 1933 Tour.

Champagne was often handed to the racers, from roadside fans. This early form of sport doping was widely accepted and encouraged and believed to be an effective stimulant. Medicinal wines like le vin Mariani was another accepted tonic. Wine combined with coca leaves was used for riders suffering fatigue. Unbeknownst to the rider is the dangerous addictive nature of the substance. Domestiques were also called, 'watercarriers' particularly on hot days raiding cafés to take virtually anything in liquid form: wine, beer, soda pop & mineral water back to their thirsty leaders.

During the 1935 Tour, from Pau to Bordeaux riders were welcomed by roadside table's of cold beer. The story goes, all but Frenchman Julien Moineau sped past the parched riders to win the stage by several minutes. Moineau and his pals was later found to have planned ...the beer chaser!

Beer break, 1921 Tour.