Tour de Pharmacy

The main events occur on the first day of the 1982 Tour de France, with present-day interviews framing the aftermath. The film jumps between the 1982 race and contemporary reflections, weaving nostalgic reminiscence with current perspectives on doping, bribery, and the sport's legacy. This dual timeline highlights how past actions cast a long shadow over the modern era of cycling.

The story unfolds across the French landscape during the Tour de France, following the race as it threads through towns, countrysides, and iconic routes across the country. It centers on the 1982 edition, using real-world cycling scenery to anchor the mockumentary style. The setting emphasizes the spectacle of a national sporting event that doubles as a satire of controversy and power in professional cycling.

🧪 Doping & Corruption

Doping and bribery drive much of the conflict, with the UCI president accepting bribes to bypass testing and riders resorting to illegal enhancements. The film satirizes how money and influence can corrupt a supposedly noble sport, overshadowing athletic achievement. The tension between performance and ethics is a constant undercurrent throughout the race.

✊ Racial Barriers

Slim Robinson embodies the struggle to break racial barriers in cycling, echoing Jackie Robinson’s legacy in baseball. The story explores tension, resentment, and progress as an African-American rider challenges stereotypes and aims to prove himself on an international stage. The relationships and reactions of fans and rivals illuminate the ongoing fight for equality in sports.

🎭 Gender & Identity

Adriana Baton disguises herself as a man to compete, highlighting themes of gender, identity, and the lengths athletes go to pursue their dreams. The revelation of Baton’s true identity carries significant consequences for her career and for those around her. The storyline uses satire to probe how gendered expectations can shape who gets to race and win.

🏁 Sportsmanship & Perseverance

Despite manipulation and deception, the riders’ perseverance and competitive spirit shine, culminating in Slim Robinson’s triumphant finish and a complex finale for Hass and Baton. The final stages emphasize resilience, strategy, and the human element behind a sport often reduced to statistics. The narrative ultimately celebrates determination and the unpredictable nature of sport.