Yell for Cadel

Directors Maarten Van Cauwenberghe and Steven Decraene's behind-the-scenes documentary details what takes place before and after each stage of the 2008 Tour de France, the world's toughest bicycle race, which has cyclists pedaling across the country's mountains, valleys, and cities during a grueling three weeks. Even Australian Cadel Evans, the purported star of the film, comes across as almost a supporting player: runner-up in the 2007 event, Evans has high hopes of winning in '08 and briefly wears the coveted yellow jersey denoting the overall leader. But Evans eventually falls behind the winner, Carlos Sastre of Spain, and can't make up enough ground in the penultimate time trial, having to settle for second again with just 58 seconds separating him from the victor. Yell for Cadel is likely to appeal more to hardcore cycling fans than casual observers, as it provides little context for the scenes apart from brief titles at the start of each section. DVD extras include interviews (with Evans, his wife Chiara, and team leader Roberto Damiani), segments on time trials and bike engineering, and scenes of a grueling physical therapy session. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: P. (J. Whiting)