We know that pro-athletes often develop muscles in places we never knew existed, and put their bodied through more than most of us could handle in a lifetime. But truthfully, that is what makes them pro’s. Wouldn’t your legs look like this after cycling the Tour de France?

The notion that 3663.5km of riding a bike within a three week period might affect the human the body should hardly come as a surprise, but a photo posted by Polish cyclist Bartosz Huzarski’s legs taken after the 18th stage of the Tour de France highlighted just how great a toll the event places on its athletes.

The striking image led to some questioning whether Hubarski had dabbled in blood doping, claims which he dimissed on his Facebook page.

The athlete has insisted that this is a pretty normal view for him and is in no way a result of anything abnormal – except cycling over three and half thousand kilometres. If this is what the guy who came in 68th looks like, we want to see the winner’s legs!

More info and Hubarski’s response at The Sydney Morning Herald.