Hell on Wheels: A Tour for Heroes / A Sunday In Hell / Overcoming

Arguably, and we love an argument, arguably three of the finest films on the subject of cycling are gathered here in the one package. "Hell On Wheels" covers the 2003 edition of the Tour de France from the perspective of Team Telekom, and two of its finest sons, Erik Zabel and Rolf Aldag. "Overcoming" focuses on the now legendary Team CSC through its leaders Ivan Basso, and the much-loved winner of 2008 edition, Carlos Sastre. The year in the film however is 2004, and Lance Armstrong's crown seems to be up for grabs. To round out the package, the first full length documentary of note is 1974's masterwork by Jorgen Leth, "A Sunday In Hell". This film looks closely at the Paris - Roubaix, the one day cycling classic that is a magnet to mad cyclists. These films are made by three talented directors from two key cycling nations - Germany,Denmark, and Denmark again. They offer insights into the technology, to the training, to the psychology - and to something more. There are glimpses into the souls of the cyclists, and into the essence of what makes people take on the brutal toughness of the sport. C'est magnifique!