The Most Controversial Tour Ever!

The controversy and aftershocks stemming from one of the most dramatic and exciting Tours in decades continue at a fever pitch. In spite of two positive tests, Landis continues to aggressively deny any wrongdoing. This controversy will continue for weeks, if not months or even years. What is not debatable if the fact that the 2006 Tour de France was suffused with dramatic twists and turns, stuffed with excitement and surprises, and proved to be a spellbinding action thriller from start to finish! Shock and controversy burst full-blown even before the start of the race when Spanish authorities announced results of their investigations of doping operations that forced the withdrawal of the Tour from four of last year’s top five finishers including both Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich. This led immediately to a virtual wide open field in the chase for the yellow jersey and sparked exceptional performances from scores of riders not prominent in pre-race prognostications. The race also produced expected showings from the specialists, all of it captured in our historic DVD. For example, Robbie McEwen uses his incredible timing and acceleration to sprint to another green jersey. Michael Rasmussen wins his second consecutive KOM title with a courageous points-packed day in the Alps and Damien Cunego comes closer to fulfilling his vast potential and is named best young rider. Thor Hushovd pulls off the rare feat of victory on the first and last days of the race. It seems that each day produced another great winner, and it’s all captured on this spectacular DVD, including Landis's breakaway in stage 17. The drama of the 2006 Tour never flags from beginning to end in this remarkable DVD. The post-race story is far from complete, but the race itself will undoubtedly go down as a notable chapter in the history of cycling’s most legendary event, and it’s all captured in vivid images and moving commentary in this year’s World Cycling Productions DVD.

*Please note that the entirety of stage 17, approximately 4 hours, is included only in the 12-hour collector’s edition.