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Death on the Mountain: The Story of Tom Simpson

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Sport: Cycling

02/07/2005

BBC Four - Death on the Mountain: The Story of Tom Simpson

A look at the 1967 Tour de France when Tom Simpson died trying to climb Mont Ventoux.

Death on the Mountain recounts the dramatic events of 13th July during the 13th stage of the 1967 Tour de France, when Tom Simpson died trying to climb the notorious Mont Ventoux.

Death on the Mountain is the story of Britain's greatest cyclist, Tom Simpson.

With eyewitness accounts from former British team mates and top stars of continental cycling, Death on the Mountain recounts the dramatic events of 13th July during the 13th stage of the 1967 Tour de France, when Tom Simpson died trying to climb the notorious Mont Ventoux in Southern France.
Interwoven into this story of Simpson's controversial death is the remarkable story of how the miner's son from Nottinghamshire conquered continental cycling during the 1960s.

With comment from leading cycling writers, Death on the Mountain tells how Tom Simpson became the first British rider to wear the coveted Yellow Jersey of the Tour de France, became road race World Champion and won Europe's top one-day races.

Death on the Mountain is the story of the charismatic showman who became one of the all-time greats of cycling. Revealing Simpson's genius and courage, the programme also shows his reliance on illegal drugs in the pursuit of sporting success. It highlights the peaks of his cycling career but also chronicles the frustrated ambition to win the ultimate challenge in cycling, the Tour de France. 

Death on the Mountain shows how the desire for sporting immortality cost Tom Simpson his life.

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