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'I'm famous thanks to c**ks': Meet the Tour de France penis eraser

Emma Pearson
Emma Pearson - emma.pearson@thelocal.com
'I'm famous thanks to c**ks': Meet the Tour de France penis eraser
Tour de France cyclists pass graffiti on the road but any penis' have been painted over. Illustration Photo: JOEL SAGET / AFP

Thousands of people work on the annual sporting spectacle that is the Tour de France cycle race - but 65-year-old Patrick Dancoisne has something of a unique role.

His job is that of "effaceur de zizis" - the eraser of penises. For any male readers crossing their legs nervously - we should clarify that we mean drawings of penises.

At each stage of the Tour, before the arrival of the peloton and the world's TV cameras that accompany it, Patrick's job is to scour the roads and pavements for obscene drawings or graffiti.

Because yes, fans of the Tour de France are immature too and the "cock and balls" drawing is a graffiti classic.

But here's where the skilful part of Patrick's job comes in - because there usually isn't time to scrub off the offending drawings before the cyclists arrive, he instead uses a quick-drying white paint to transform the schlongs into something else - for example an owl, a butterfly or a rabbit.

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The retired undertaker from north-eastern France has been doing the job for 15 years. He told France Bleu: "I erase anything that's sexual.

"Because during the race, especially in the mountains as the riders go slower, we see big willies."

His work has made him a household name of the Tour, and he's often interviewed by foreign press: "I've become a bit famous - thanks to cocks" he said.

So if you're watching the Tour and see an unusual drawing in the road - take a close look and see if you can spot the lurking dong within the design.

 

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