PRESS RELEASE
DocPlay has today launched the trailer for its first Original commission, the upcoming three-part documentary series, SECOND TO NONE. Created by Australian production company Sweetshop & Green, the series is directed by Sonia Dauger whose previous sports documentaries include Venus & Serena and Les Bleus.
It’s been a long road into the spotlight for women’s cycling after decades of exclusion. Finally, women cyclists have the chance to race the pinnacle of cycling and stand tall beside the men who have historically ridden the Tour. For the top female riders of this generation, it remains the greatest opportunity of their careers – but is not without compromise, sacrifice and danger.
With an all-access-pass, SECOND TO NONE follows the elite Lidl-Trek women’s cycling team, which includes two-time Australian Olympian and three-time national champion Amanda Spratt, as they prepare for and race the thrilling Tour de France Femmes. With women’s sport on the agenda more than ever, this gripping series is incredibly timely and the perfect companion piece to watch ahead of the men’s Tour de France beginning June 29.
SYNOPSIS: After a disappointing debut in the 2022 Tour De France Femmes, the Lidl-Trek team are back for redemption. Made over two years, with a combination of observational footage, archives and master interviews, this dramatic three-part documentary series follows up-close a team of elite female cyclists as they train, race, fall, hope and triumph in a world traditionally dominated by their male counterparts. With a backstage pass to some of the team’s top riders and their formidable leader, we ride the rollercoaster of emotions of elite cycling and witness the reality of the women’s WorldTour.
SECOND TO NONE follows Lidl-Trek as they endeavour to overcome their physical and emotional challenges, lean on one another, and try to make a place for themselves on the podium.
Australian Lidl-Trek Pro Cyclist Amanda Spratt said: “The Tour de France is one of the biggest stages in world sport and it was a huge moment for the women’s peloton to finally have a version of the race that is now being given the respect it deserves. It’s a really interesting idea to give cycling fans, and perhaps people who have never watched cycling before, behind the scenes access to our sport and to allow them to get to know the characters within our Team and women’s cycling more generally. There are so many interesting stories of inspiring riders to be told, I am sure this will be a really enjoyable series for viewers to watch!”
Series Director Sonia Dauger said: “Like many women’s sports, cycling has gone through a revolution over the last decade. Women riders are recognised and robust professionals, they play in structured teams, supported by sponsors, and they participate in races that attract hundreds of thousands of television viewers on the roads around the world. I hope you enjoy getting to know the women in Second to None like I have – they shake gender stereotypes, challenge codes and conventions, live their passion despite all odds and are truly inspirational. The access we got to the team was incredible – I’m so grateful to Lidl-Trek for making it possible.”
DocPlay Executive Rufus Richardson said: “We are immensely proud to present Second to None as our very first DocPlay Original title. The producers, Sweetshop & Green and Yuzu, have created an entertaining and compelling docu-series that will be sure to captivate local audiences on DocPlay. With incredible access to these inspiring female athletes, Second to None perfectly encapsulates DocPlay’s commitment to captivating and thought-provoking storytelling whilst providing an exciting snapshot of one of the world’s most thrilling sporting events.”
SECOND TO NONE is an original series created by Sweetshop & Green, produced by Sweetshop & Green and Yuzu Productions, in collaboration with Eurosport. Principal production funding from United King in association with Screen Australia. Produced in association with VicScreen. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia. Distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment. Broadcast on Eurosport throughout Europe and Asia.
Produced by Madman Entertainment, DocPlay is the streaming home of the world’s best documentaries. Featuring close to 2000 films and series, the platform houses Academy Award® winners and audience favourites; award-winning series; and shorts, with 40% of programming from Australian and New Zealand filmmakers.
SECOND TO NONE will premiere in Australia exclusively on DocPlay June 17.
Episodes 2 and 3 will release weekly on June 24 and July 1, respectively.
