Photo of Polish cyclist Bartosz Huzarski's legs whips up social media frenzy

Polish rider Bartosz Huzarski caused a social media storm on Sunday when he posted a shocking image of his legs on Facebook after the 18th stage.

The 33-year-old was bombarded with abuse, including accusations of doping, following the revelation of his veiny legs.

Huzarski was baffled by the furore, saying: ‘Of course I will not have legs like Victoria’s Secret models, or Mary from a nearby vegetable shop, or anyone working in an office who does a 10km bike ride or an hour run three times a week.

 
'Unfortunately it does not work like that and this what you see in the picture. It is not unhealthy.’

The condition is also exacerbated by Huzarski standing up as the effect of gravity can cause the veins to fill with blood.

Huzarski (left) on the gruelling 145.5km stretch from Pau to Hautacam