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31 January 2006

DVD Review - The Stephen Roche Story

The Stephen Roche Story - A Cycling Triple Champion

I have to say that when the boss at BiciRace.com gave me the assignment of reviewing The Stephen Roche Story I wasn't too excited. I mean Stephen Roche was no doubt a great champion, but he didn't inspire a lot of passion in me. For me he lacks the panache of a climber like Marco Pantani or a crono man like Miguel Indurain. What I learned though after watching Bromley Video's DVD is that his artistry on the pedals more than made up for any shortcomings in riding panache. In this DVD former British pro Tony Doyle succinctly sums it up when he says, "it was poetry in motion watching him ... He was a real pedaler."

Smooth As Silk

The Stephen Roche Story consists on two DVD's (totaling 270 minutes). The first is a very intimate interview of the man where he recounts his greatest, and some of his worst, moments. It begins with rare footage of the 1979 Ras Tailteann in Ireland when he is a tender 19 years-old. Even at this young age his pedaling cadence is smooth as silk, reminiscent of Maitre Jacques Anquetil. It is immediately evident that this man was born to turn the pedals. Disc 1, with over 10 chapters, cover the entire spectrum: From his neo-pro exploits in the European peloton to Roche's finest hour, the 1987 season in which he won the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championships. Sprinkled in between is coverage of the 1985 Nissan Classic, 1985 Tour de France on up through his final Tour de France of 1993.

In Depth and Rare Race Coverage

The second DVD departs from the interview format and begins with a very in depth coverage of the 1987 Tour de France called by Phil Liggett. Following Liggett's excellent commentary are some critiques by a few of Roche's contemporaries, Pedro Delgado and Laurent Fignon to name but a few. In addition to a very thorough analysis of the 1987 Tour de France, there is some bonus footage which covers the 1983 Worlds, 1991 and 1992 Nissan Classic and the Tour de Romandie. These are races not often offered in cycling video catalogues and it was a real treat to see the amazing performances by the likes of some old school hard men Sean Kelly and Phil Anderson.

As much as it covers Roche's finest moments, the DVD set also aptly portrays Roche's human side as he battles back from a knee injury which ultimately signaled the beginning of the end of his career.

In watching all the race footage on this DVD and watching Roche being interviewed it became apparent that the folks at Bromley Video have really nailed the essence of Stephen Roche. That essence is to walk softly and carry a big stick. Make some time watch this 2 disc DVD set, It will fuel your passion for cycling.
- Paco

Price: £32.99 or $58.00

Visit Bromley Video for this and other great DVD's.