Tour de France star Pawel Poljanksi shows off gruesome legs as gruelling race takes its toll on riders
Bora-Hansgrohe rider sparks social media frenzy as he rests for next stage
TOUR DE FRANCE star Pawel Poljanski has sparked a frenzy on social media after posting an image of his legs.
The Bora-Hansgrohe rider, who is nearly two hours down on leader Chris Froome, shared a snap with just five stages of the gruelling 2,200-mile race left.
On Instagram, he wrote: "After sixteen stages I think my legs look a little tired."
The picture, that showed a pair of sunburnt legs that are THROBBING with veins, has so far attracted more than 11,500 "likes" and 1,000 comments.
Most of those commenting had a morbid fascination with what they saw.
"This is not okay," wrote one.
Another said: "Dude that's naaaaasty."
Others appeared worried at the state of the Polish rider's "purple" or "black" feet.
"His feet are black that's not normal."
And some thought the prominent veins could pose a health hazard, with one writing: "One paper cut and he dead."
After 16 stages the riders have already travelled 1,800miles in 18 days, with just two rest days.
The race has only 428miles before the finish line - but those include two of the five mountain stages today and tomorrow.
Today's stage 17 includes a 2,642mile climb up the Col du Galibier.
British rider and defending champion Chris Froome remains in the lead ahead of Fabio Aru.
The Kenyan-born star is 18 seconds ahead of his Italian rival.