Pantani: The Accidental Death Of A Cyclist

Pantani: The Accidental Death Of A Cyclist

Pantani: The Accidental Death Of A Cyclist is a unique and compelling story of one man taking on the mountains, an athlete’s battle against addiction, set against the dramatic
background of the Alps during the Tour de France.

In 1998 Marco Pantani, the most flamboyant and popular cyclist of his era, won both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. This titanic feat of physical and mental endurance has never since been matched.

Pantani was a hero to millions and was seen as the saviour of cycling during a time when doping scandals threatened to destroy the sport. But six years after this extraordinary feat and aged only 34, tragically, Pantani was dead.

Discovered in a cheap Italian hotel, he died alone from acute cocaine poisoning. The Accidental Death of a Cyclist explores the true story behind this remarkable man’s achievements and his tragic fall.

Shot over two years in the French Alps, Italian Alps and Dolomites, in Cesenatico, Majorca, London, Sheffield and Rome, all places of Pantani’s greatest victories, the film carefully pieces together Pantani’s history with interviews and archive footage. Contributors include Sir Bradley Wiggins (UK), Evgeni Berzin (Russia), Greg LeMond (USA) and Piotr Ugrumov (Latvia) as well as those closest to
the man himself.

The film is inspired by the book by Matt Rendell, The Death of Marco Pantani: A Biography and was constructed with two years of additional research working with many who knew Pantani best, including his family.

James Erskine is an Emmy-nominated film-maker whose work as a writer, director and producer includes From The Ashes, One Night In Turin, Vanishing of the Bees, Oil Storm, an award-winning TV movie for FX; and the forthcoming Shooting for Socrates starring John Hannah and Conleth Hill.

James has also directed several episodes of popular BBC dramas Robin Hood, and Torchwood. Erskine also serves as producer alongside Victoria Gregory (Senna, Man on Wire). Executive Production duties are being handled by Dominic Schreiber at Channel 4 and Robert Jolliffe at Goldcrest Capital.

Pantani: The Accidental Death Of A Cyclist is released 16th May.