In 1998 Marco Pantani, the most flamboyant and popular cyclist of his era, won both the Tour de France and Giro dItalia. 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 apparently from acute cocaine poisoning. PANTANI: THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF A CYCLIST explores the true story behind this remarkable mans achievements and his tragic fall. Shot over two years in the French Alps, Italian Alps and Dolomites, in Cesenatico, Majorca, London, Sheffield and Rome, and the places of Pantanis greatest victories, the film carefully pieces together Pantanis history through archival footage and interviews. This is the story of the greatest climber of his generation; man versus mountain, athlete versus the system, Marco Pantani versus himself.