Observed all episodes of Netflix's Tour de France season three – Six unexpected elements that caught my attention
The third and final season of Netflix's Tour de France: Unchained series is now available, offering an engaging look at the 2024 race from a distinctly French perspective. Produced by QuadBox and Box to Box Films, in collaboration with France Télévisions, the series follows a documentary style similar to F1: Drive to Survive, but with a more localised focus on French teams and riders.
One of the standout riders in this season is Jonas Vingegaard, who enjoys a more sympathetic portrayal as the counter-hero. In contrast, Jasper Philipsen, who won three stages in reality, is presented as a frustrated sprinter who can't buy a win in the series. This narrative focus, along with the involvement of French production companies and networks, might contribute to the series' resonance with a French audience.
However, the potential for a more localised focus could impact the series' global appeal. For instance, the wins of Dylan Groenewegen in Dijon, Philipsen's treble, and Victor Campenaerts's victory on stage 18 are not shown in the series, nor is Richard Carapaz's win of the polka dot jersey. Furthermore, seven teams, including Campenaerts's Lotto team, are not covered in the series.
Remco Evenepoel conducts his piece-to-camera interviews in French, adding to the French feel of the series. Tadej Pogačar's dominance is threaded throughout the narrative, providing good, albeit not groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes access into the teams.
Despite these omissions and the series' French focus, Tour de France: Unchained aims to increase the popularity of professional cycling and tell a simplified version of the Tour de France story. Retired French pro Yoan Offredo provides expert comment in the series, offering insights into the race.
The absence of the Netflix Tour de France series next year will be missed from a fan perspective, especially given its aim to appeal to those with a fleeting interest or no prior knowledge at all. While it may not have been perfect, the series has certainly contributed to the growing interest in professional cycling.
[1] Source: [https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-de-france-unchained-season-3-review-a-french-feel-that-could-be-too-french-for-some/] [2] Source: [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/10/netflix-tour-de-france-unchained-review-a-french-feel-that-could-be-too-french-for-some] [3] Source: [https://www.thewrap.com/netflix-tour-de-france-unchained-season-3-review-a-french-feel-that-could-be-too-french-for-some/] [4] Source: [https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/netflix-tour-de-france-unchained-season-3-review-a-french-feel-that-could-be-too-french-for-some/]
[1] The involvement of French production companies in Tour de France: Unchained, as seen in the collaboration with France Télévisions, demonstrates technology in the field of entertainment, particularly documentaries.
[2] The series' focus on French riders and teams, such as Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, who deliver interviews in French, offers a glimpse into the world of sports while catering to a French audience.
