World Famous Comics: 2000 Tour de France 8-Hour Remastered
2000 Tour de France 8-Hour Remastered
Starring: Lance Armstrong, Tim Grady Average Rating: Binding: DVD Format: NTSC Number of Items: 4 Region Code: 1 Release Date: December 01, 2003 Running Time: 288 minutes
You have to buy this DVD set! This DVD set of the 2000 Tour de France is a must have for fans of the race and fans of Lance Armstrong and David Millar (his first tour - his comments after an 8 hour stage are priceless!). There is wonderful coverge of the time trials and mountain stages. The broadcase feeds of the race are usually great (occasionally there is static in bad weather) and there is the usual commentary by Phil and Paul. The tour plus essays by Irwin (not sure spelling) are a lot of wry humor fun, as well as informative and a nice break from P&P. I had always wished that I had seen the "live" coverage of this race - now I feel that I have!
Lance is human after all This video was a great look at the 2000 Tour de France. It was the stage for the return of the previous winners of the tour to set a real challenge for Lance Armstrong. And Lance was found wanting at times, but when the pressure went on he was good enough to stay cool and step up when it was really needed most.
A great deal for a cycling fan Another great set from WCP, and well worth the money. These extended sets are amazing, with lots of coverage for the big stages.
This was a much more exciting tour than '99, and Armstrong faced stiff competition from two former winners. Many at the time thought he would not be able to compete with them. Pantani was considered too talented in the mountains and Ullrich too great a time-trialist. However, Armstrong beats them both in their own specialties.
The lead up to the Mont Ventoux stage is interesting, as you see how much riders actually fear this climb. The stage itself provides excellent viewing, and a finish that Armstrong regrets to this day.
Even though Armstrong is dominant, he's not infallible. He and Pantani get into a war of words (also captured well on this set), and that leads him to chasing the Italian down when he shouldn't. This backfires, and he bonks hard. Armstrong has been so dominant in the tour; it's surprising to see him struggle. He probably learned a valuable lesson.
This production does have a few problems. There's some picture break up at times, but that's due to the source material. WCP continues to do a straight transfer from VHS, which I just don't understand. Therefore, you get stages spread across DVDs. All in all, though, it's well worth having. The battles for the points and climber jerseys are covered, and this tour sees the reintroduction of the team time trial and white jersey for best young rider. Well worth the money, and highly recommended.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
