Tour de France: Im Hauptfeld

Cycling fan or not, this is a story about raw human emotions and the drive to conquer one's own fears. So much drama, passion, joy, heartbreak, and enthusiasm... and a great scenery of the beautiful French country-side, and Champs-Élysées in Paris, not to mention the super-human speed and skills of mere mortals. The story is very well scripted and filmed, makes you feel close with all the characters and the roller coster of emotions that they go through every day. The only other thing coming close to this is the Formula 1 series. Whereas there, a victory is 'cool' and highly dependent on the engine in your car, in the Tour de France, a victory is purely based on the raw physical and mental strength of the rider; equipment doesn't play a role. Here, victory is truly victory in every sense of the word.

A must watch!

As Episode 1 of "Tour de France Unchained" (2023 release; 8 episodes ranging from 34 to 49 min each) opens, we are in "Copenhagen, June 29, 2022", a couple of days before the 2022 Tour de France opens, and all teams are officially introduces to the adoring (and massive) Danish crowd. We then go to "28 days before" as we follow the Quick Step team, training for the Tour. World Champion Julien Alaphilippe is not in top form and legendary team manager Patrick Lefevere has some tough decisions to make... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this mini-series is from the same production team that has brought the "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" documentary. In other words: the production team was given unfettered access, uses any and all camera work and in your face footage, and amps up the underlying tensions to the max, and then some more. I cannot speak for the "casual" pro cycling fan (if there is such a thing). I've been a pro-cycling fan my entire life (I grew up in Belgium, where it is almost a religion, frankly), and I watch the Tour de France every single year. This mini-series covers last year's Tour, and even though I know the overall outcome, this mini-series is nevertheless riveting and mesmerizing from start to finish. We have never witnessed the Tour as we see it in this mini-series. If it sounds like I am gushing, well, it's because I am!

"Tour de France Unchained" premiered on Netflix just last night, and I binge-watched 5 of the 8 episodes already (with the remaining 3 to follow tonight). This was one of the most anticipated releases for me so far in 2023. Even with that, my expectations were met, and then some! If you are a fan of pro-cycling in general, or of the Tour specifically, I'd suggest you drop everything right now, and head over to Netflix to see for yourself and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE* Tonight I saw the remaining 3 episodes. This is the best sports documentary that I have ever seen, period. I was so into it that I was sad to see it conclude. MUST SEE.

This is a MUST if you love cycling. Improve sound with a 5.1 because you feel you're really inside the peloton. Great interviews and day-to-day misery and success from best top cyclists during last Tour. Also landscapes and POV are amazing.

Every chapter they follow a team and different riders highlighting one of them.

"Tour de France: Unchained" on Netflix offers a thrilling ride through the world's most prestigious cycling race. With stunning visuals and gripping narratives, it captures the essence of the competition and the athletes' relentless determination. A must-watch for sports enthusiasts and fans of the Tour de France.

Hope they produce another season!

Whoever directed this documentary, is genius!!!!

I will say a couple of things, even though I'm not a pro cyclist, but this will want to make you get involved with cycling!!!! BELIEVE!!!!

Point 2, like any other sport, you have to put in the hard work and push HARD! Even though I have my favourite cyclist, I have the utmost admiration for these Le Tour professionals going head to head in the cycling equivalent of Mike Tyson.

I'm just a recent bike rider inspired by this surge of energy documentary!

Once you watch this, you'd be hooked and thoroughly inspired to ride your bike!!

Great documentary by #netflix.

"Pedal Power" catapults you into the heart-thumping, tire-pounding world of the iconic Tour de France. Eight teams, one goal - this riveting documentary is an exhilarating ride. Strap in for a multi-dimensional exploration of passion, endurance, and the human spirit. It's a visceral symphony of sweat and gears that will leave you gasping for breath. With exquisite cinematography, an authentic voice, and an engaging narrative that will hook you from the start line, "Pedal Power" leaves other sports documentaries in its dust. A must-see that reminds us - the steepest climbs often lead to the most breathtaking views. "Pedal Power" - it's not just about the bike. It's a testament to the power of human will. Don't miss it!