Cyclists taking a break on the steps of a tavern (Tour de France 1921)

From our 21st-century perspective, it's almost impossible to imagine the atmosphere of the 1921 Tour de France, when taking a break mid-race and grabbing a drink seemed entirely natural.

Although the Tour was always a professional race, some aspects might seem amateurish to our modern eyes. For example, riders—especially independent ones—were responsible for their own nutrition and accommodations. Cyclists had to stop at multiple checkpoints along each stage, often in small towns and villages where the local cafés and taverns, centers of community life and social hubs for local sports associations, doubled as checkpoints and informal "feed zones.

It’s no surprise, then, that riders like Henri Collé and Charles Parel were seen taking a break on the steps of a tavern during the 1921 Tour de France.

Interestingly, many cyclists from the early days of the Tour de France are immortalized through a single, iconic vintage image that captures the raw spirit of the era. These photos, often taken during brief moments of rest, celebration, or sheer exhaustion, serve as snapshots of the grit and resilience that defined these early athletes. Unlike today, when professional cyclists are constantly documented and monitored, riders of the 1920s left behind only a few scattered images. Each photo tells a story—of grueling endurance, personal sacrifice, and a bond with fellow riders that transcended competition.

Swiss cyclist Henri Collé (1893-1976) secured just one career victory—a one-day race up Mont Blanc in 1922—but he performed well in the Tour, finishing 6th in the 1923 general classification. His compatriot, Charles Parel (1893-1981), is remembered mostly for his participation in the 1921 Tour, where he was famously photographed enjoying a beer mid-race.

The 1921 Tour de France was ultimately won by Leon Scieur, with Hector Heusghem and Honoré Barthélemy (the cyclist with the glass eye) completing the podium.

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