July 1998 – July 1999, the ‘year of living dangerously’ as far as cycling is concerned. The year of doubts and suspicion. During those twelve months, the Tour de France – the biggest admission-free show in the world – fought for its survival. Twelve months of an incredible legal and scientific imbroglio that sucked the sporting establishment into its maelstrom.

In order to get the full picture and to understand what is at stake, our team followed the Festina team during the « Dauphiné Libébéré » race, the last major cycling race before the start of the Tour de France. We spoke at length to Willy Voet, the man at the heart of the scandal, and to Doctor Gérard Dine, who lobbies for ‘clean cycling’, as well as to many other key players in this mega show – an event that employs 5000 people daily and generates an astronomical amount of revenue.

In the end, it became obvious that transparency is not exactly the prevailing attitude. Also, the cyclists are more concerned by restoring their own image than winning the race. Science is better armed than is generally believed, whereas justice is less repressive than one would have thought…

A documentary that gives food for thought at a time when the Tour de France prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2003!