Death on the Mountain screens tomorrow

A BBC4 documentary screening tomorrow – Tuesday 27 July – looks at the life story of the legendary Tom Simpson.

Drawing on eyewitness accounts from other cyclists, Death on the Mountain recounts the dramatic events of 13 July during the 13th stage of the 1967 Tour de France when Tom Simpson died trying to climb Mont Ventoux in Southern France.

With comment from leading cycling writers, Death on the Mountain tells how Tom Simpson became the first British rider to wear the Yellow Jersey of the Tour de France, how he become 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.

The programme will be screened tomorrow – Tuesday 27 July – at 10.00pm. More details on the BBC website.