2003 Tour de France 12-hour DVD
Armstrong Takes Five! It is certain that the 2003 Tour de France will go down in history as one of the most exciting and dramatic Tours ever. This centenary edition of the world’s most popular sporting event warrants exceptional video coverage, and WCP will be pulling out all the stops to bring you the spine-tingling moments of this remarkable contest – from Tyler Hamilton’s heroic struggles and astounding stage victory to the tense confrontations featuring Lance Armstrong and his relentless and resurgent nemesis, Jan Ullrich. This is WCP’s fifteenth year of producing the official video release of the Tour de France and we have dipped into the archive and you’ll see some exclusive historical footage, interviews and special stories
Rating: 
(out of 9 reviews)
Price: $ 39.95
Anonymous
September 5th, 2010
Review by for 2003 Tour de France 12-hour DVD
Rating:
Well produced and edited from the broadcast tapes and live commentary. Tastefully limited use of historical film and background info. I had seen most of this footage from OLN broadcasts; however, the producers have maintained a sense of challenge and suspense. I was especially pleased with the treatment of the stage 19 time trial – good set-up, coverage and summation of a series of events anyone who purchases this set most certainly already knows well. I was also pleased with the extended coverage of the final stage in Paris. Prior year productions have severely limited coverage of this stage. All the other key moments are here, as well, as they should be.I continue to be disappointed by the fact several stages are split across two discs, but the editing of this year’s package is nicely done so the transitions between discs are not at all jarring as they have been in prior years. That’s a quibble at this point – the difference between the ball landing in the bleachers or out on Waveland – still a homerun for World Cycling Productions!
R. E. Marsh
September 5th, 2010
Review by R. E. Marsh for 2003 Tour de France 12-hour DVD
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You should watch stage 15, when Lance Armstrong crashed after getting his handlebars caught on a spectator’s bag strap. Jan Ullrich, who was barely a minute behind in the overall standings, slowed down and waited for Armstrong to get back on his bike. Want to teach young people about honor, class, and sportsmanship? Show this DVD to your children.
This video is perfect for a stationary bike workout. Quite frequently during the video, it appears that you, the viewer, are part of the tour. The producers have arranged truly obsessive camera coverage, with each group of riders covered by handheld cameras on the backs of motorcycles, as well as dozens of shots from fixed locations at important checkpoints, and helicopter shots putting the overall competition into perspective. The effect really puts the viewer into the center of the Tour de France. You’ll find yourself speeding up for the sprints, coming out of your seat for mountain climbs, and savoring the beautiful French countryside on the long flat stages. It is an exceptionally pleasant way to endure a long cardio workout.
The commentary is wonderful, too. Paul Sherwen and Phil Liggett are among the best announcers in sport. They obviously live for cycling, and they explain the pivotal events, strategy, and historical significance in real time, never missing a beat in the call of the racing.
Juan Manuel Ferrero
September 5th, 2010
Review by Juan Manuel Ferrero for 2003 Tour de France 12-hour DVD
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Dear fellows:
This is one more to my Tour the France DVD collection that I use for spinning indoor training and is just excellent for not get bored and keep biking for 1,2 or 3 hours.
Enjoy it
Michael B Williams
September 5th, 2010
Review by Michael B Williams for 2003 Tour de France 12-hour DVD
Rating:
The TDF in 2003 was a particularly interesting race, and this DVD does a very good job of covering it as much as it can. The DVDs really only cover the last few kilometers of the beginning stages, mostly because the end is the only exciting part in the flat stages. The mountain stages are covered extensively, and all of the memorable moments are there (e.g. a brave solo win in the mountains).
Craig Connell
September 5th, 2010
Review by Craig Connell for 2003 Tour de France 12-hour DVD
Rating:
Even knowng who won the race (but not wanting to know any other details, so I skipped the Editorial Reviews), I found this to be a fun Tour de France to view.
Only becoming a big fan of this sport the past few years I wanted to have something on disc in which Lance Armstrong won the big race….and this 2003 event (and 12-hour DVD set) was as good as advertised. It did not disappoint and was worth the price. You don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy this DVD set.
Although admiring all cyclists, I wound up with particular respect for two guys who didn’t win but showed amazingly-gusty performances: Tyler Hamilton and Jan Ullrich. The exploits of those two and the incomparable Armstrong all make this a memorable Tour to have on DVD.
Also, the French scenery and amusing commentary by the announcers made it 12 hours of fun. I do suggest, however, than Paul Sherwin and Phil Liggett try to describe something without saying “incredible” or “unbelievable.” Almost every third sentence they uttered had those adjectives.