From Peter Sagan to Victor Campenaerts to... the 2026 Giro d'Italia - Riders are peeing in bidons, and the organizers are not happy

The Giro d'Italia is one of the biggest and most prestigious races in professional cycling, where many months-long storylines finally come to be. The race is headlined by Jonas Vingegaard; is seeing the breakthrough of Afonso Eulálio; and an old controversy has been reignited as the race organizers warned riders against urinating in bidons.

On stage 9's jury report, Pinarello - Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team rider David de la Cruz was fined 500CHF for 'inappropriate behaviour and damaging the image of the sport'. There was then a very clear warning against peeing in bidons and throwing them away.

This sparked a debate in the peloton as the Corsa Rosa's second week began. During the time trial from Viareggio to Massa, many riders could take it easier and have a more relaxed day on the bike. Many questions throughout the day were asked; and at some point, this specific incident was mentioned.

However the organizers didn't cast the warning against Pinarello's de la Cruz specifically, but for all riders. And as it was then revealed, Visma's Victor Campenaerts is widely regarded as the 'face' behind this habit.

“It doesn’t happen often. I’ve never done it myself, and I actually only know one rider who definitely does: Victor Campenaerts," Arjen Livyns of XDS Astana Team told Het Nieuwsblad. "I think he invented the concept, because he was already doing it when we rode together at Lotto.”

“Those bidons obviously have to go somewhere afterwards. And people are always eager to pick them up. I wouldn’t be pleased either if one of my children picked up a bidon like that and then wanted to taste it,” he said.

Campenaerts was asked by Sporza regarding the topic, and his response raised eyebrows: “Pee bidons in the race? I have no idea what you’re talking about".

The Belgian's former teammate Arjen Livyns was not the only rider to point towards the veteran. Fellow compatriot Oliver Naesen has also added his own insight: “I won’t name names, but V.C (Victor Campenaerts, ed.) is the expert in that field".

Hence the story develops, with different accounts coming from different riders. However Naesen, a classics specialist and former contender for victory in the cobbled monuments, would extend the topic further by adding another name into the conversation.

“Although I think Peter Sagan used to do it as well," he revealed. "Me? I’ve genuinely never tried. My bib shorts are too small to fit a bidon in there.” However, Naesen understands that this can be a serious problem for riders, specially during Grand Tours and stages taking place in very urban areas, where riders don't often have empty spaces in which the riders can have privacy.

“In the stage to Naples, we raced almost exclusively through urban areas for the final hour and a half, he explained. "You have to take that into account and use the opportunities that come before that.”

In a humorous remark, Naesen adds that this is not something he ultimately suffers with. “I really only need 100 metres without spectators. Then I can get my ‘merchandise’ out and open the tap immediately. Yes, you can definitely call that a gift.”