Review of Hell on Wheels (2004) by Matt C — 06 Feb 2012

It's an amazingly candid look at the workings of the tour and shows what a grueling and dangerous challenge it is for the athletes. The inside view you get is of the spectators out on the various mountain slopes and in the cities partying, watching the advertising cars go by, and patiently waiting for the tour to quickly zip by. You also get a glimpse of the set-up and take-down that occurs each day at the start and finish lines, including the amazing array of telecommunications equipment.

The main focus of the DVD is the T-Mobile team. This is the year Ulrich rode for Bianchi but the team does include Vinokourov, Kloden, Zabel, and Aldag. There is some beautiful cinematography matched with a great soundtrack showing many of the stages. Stock footage is also incorporated to show some of the tremendous crashes that occurred that year. Even within the T-Mobile team, most of the time is spent with Zabel and Aldag. I was surprised at how open they were in the interviews. Many of the interviews are in their hotel room during their after-ride massages or in the bus at the finish line. Zabel had a tough time that year and doesn't attempt to hide his doubt and disappointment.

I've passed this among my cycling buddies, some of which have been to the tour and they've all had rave reviews. It's been a very motivational DVD for me.