Tour de France Unchained Review: Also known as Tour de France: Au cœur du peloton, the Netflix sports documentary series is produced by James Gay-rees, Yann Le Bourbouach, Paul Martin, Amelia Hann and others. There are 8 episodes in total with a runtime of about 40+ minutes.
The show follows the journey of competing teams, riders and everyone else involved in the process, from preparing for the 3 weeks of racing to reaching the finish line. Some prominent teams are featured and focused on along with the captivating story of Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard winning first place.
In the 2022 Tour de France, the competitors had to cover a distance of about 1328 km, with 176 riders from 26 different nationalities, divided into 22 teams of 8 members each. The series focused on 8 teams in each episode and they were: AG2R Citroën Team, Alpecin-Fenix, EF Education-EasyPost, Groupama-FDJ cycling Team, Ineos Grenadiers, BORA-hansgrohe, Team Jumbo-Visma and Team Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl.
Starting from Copenhagen, Denmark to the end in Paris, we see the complete journey and almost all the 21 stages that were held. Each episode follows a somewhat similar format, where they introduce one team and their leader. Then they delve into personal challenges that they might have dealt with or are still dealing with. And just like a film, towards the end of the episode, there is a conclusion where they either win a specific stage or come across challenges that set them back.
If you have already watched or kept up to date with what went down last year, then the show will provide inner insight into everything that happened. And if you are casually watching it & getting acquainted for the first time, then it will definitely give you the adrenaline rush, as if you are watching it in real-time. Tour de France Unchained presents an exciting and intriguing side of the sport that hasn’t been explored much before.
Also Read: The Ultimatum Queer Love Finale Review: The Happy and Then the Sad Ending
If Netflix does anything right, then it’s the sports documentaries for sure. Some might say that it’s not as hyper in real life or they have sensationalized it a bit, which is absolutely possible and true. However, these are the points that hook a passing-by viewer who might not be tuning in because they like the sport, but just casually check out what it’s about. And from that perspective, it’s a completely entertaining package.
There’s this burning fire among the rider to prove their worth, and then unexpected events, accidents and drama happen. However, whosoever rises above all the setbacks and crosses their own physical & mental limits, becomes an ultimate inspiration for everyone. There’s this particular episode about team Alpecin Deceuninck rider Jasper Philipsen, who is also known as ‘Jasper Disaster’ and keeping the serious stuff aside, it was absolutely hilarious.
The way he thought he had won the race & was celebrating his moment of victory, only to realise that Wout van Aert of team Jumbo Visma had already claimed the first place, before his arrival. It has to go down as the best moment in history, although a bit embarrassing for him. However, he shakes off the nickname by proving his mettle in the 21st stage.
Tour de France Unchained Review
Tour de France Unchained documentary shows how much strength, power and determination it takes to finish the complete tour. It’s not simply about being the fastest, but as one featured cast member said – it’s like a chess game on wheels. It takes a whole team to make one winner and along with your own progress, you gotta keep an eye on your opponent’s moves. They especially emphasised teamwork while going through weeks of races, as each member literally pushed the chosen leader to maintain a top position.
Overall, the documentary is a must-watch & whether you are a fan of the sport or just a casual watcher, it will completely entertain and might even intrigue you enough to try out pedalling yourself. What I would take back from it is the unhindered determination of every racer, pushing themselves beyond the limits – something that I would like to inculcate in my own life, towards my goals.
Rating: 4/5
Tour de France: Unchained is currently streaming on Netflix.
(If you like you can buy us a coffee Here)
Also Read: My Fault (Culpa Mía) Review: Nicole Wallace and Gabriel Guevara’s Complicatedly Knotted Relationship
Leave a Reply