“Tour de France: Unchained” launches today on the streaming service Netflix. The documentary follows the 2022 Tour de France in the wake of 8 of the 22 teams. We’ve already watched the first two episodes for you.
Formula 1: Ride to survive… by bike
Watching the first few episodes, it quickly becomes clear that the entire series is an adaptation of another popular Netflix series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive.
So get ready for epic music, lots of slow motion, drops, live commentary, built-in cameras, GO pros, and a touch of drama. All of this is interspersed with interviews conducted before, during and after the tour as well.
Just like its big brother Formula 1, the intention of the series’ makers is clear, which is to increase the popularity of the sport around the world. And sometimes it feels a bit like that “Bicycling for Dummies.”
Loyal followers of Sporza, and by extension cycling in general, will quickly feel when watching the series: “We’ve all seen this before” (on Sporza). Or: “Is it really necessary to explain all that?”
Belgian approach
Isn’t it worth a look? In any case. Netflix has been given access to the team bus of 8 of the 22 teams, giving you an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
Stories big and small from inside and outside of racing are highlighted, but also magnified and represented. “This is entertainment.”
The first episode is dedicated to The Wolfpack. The unexpected victory of Yves Lambert’s “I’m Just a Farmer’s Son” in the opening time trial and the fantastical tale of Fabio Jacobsen rising from the dead to win the second stage are fodder for epics. Add to that the classic Patrick Lefebvre sauce and you have good TV.
In the second episode, it was Jumbo-Visma’s turn. Here, Wout van Aert’s role as the ultimate knight, multiple winner, but also master servant is highlighted. The fact that this creates the necessary intrigue and tension in the team is new and refreshing.
The main absentee from the whole story is two-time Tour winner Tadej Pogacar. The UAE did not participate in this series and this decapitated the series a bit.
