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Video Reviews:
The High Life: A Year in the Life of Robert Millar

Hard-nosed, earring wearing Glaswegian Robert Millar looked like he had the potential to become a major tour winner in the mid-eighties. In 1984 he had won the prestigious polka-dot jersey for the King of the Mountains in the Tour de France. He also finished the race 4th overall, the highest placing ever by a British (or indeed Scottish) rider.

Robert Millar

The documentary makers must have really thought that 1985 would be his year as their cameras followed him throughout the Tour de France and World Championships. Sadly though, 1985 was probably one of his most disappointing.

Millar is left to reflect on a poor performance in Le Tour where he failed to make an impression in either the General Classification or claim the King of the Mountains competition which was won by Colombian Luis Herrara.

Things were looking positive earlier in the season when Millar had led the Vuelta Espana (Tour of Spain) and looked set to become the first British rider to win a major tour. What followed was to become known as The Stolen Vuelta. A combination of circumstances led to Pedro Delgado snatching the Vuelta from under the nose of Millar who claimed he was never told that the Spaniard had built up enough of an advantage on the road to take the overall lead.

This film does not document that race but it does however show the bitterness felt within Millar's Peugeot team coming into the Tour de France. Millar openly blames his Directeur Sportif Roland Berland for the Vuelta defeat claiming that Berland failed to keep him informed of the danger and also was too slow to pay-off riders from other teams to help Millar.

One of the most revealing and interesting parts of the film is the very open criticism levelled at Berland by both Millar and team mate, the Australian Alan Peiper. Millar seems to have his own team within a team with Peiper and fellow Brit Sean Yates his right hand men. Arguably Peiper is the star of the film providing an honest view on what he considers to be the problem with Berland, Peugeot and professional cycling in general. He refers to his French team mates as "ignorant" for insisting that he, Yates and Millar converse in French rather than English. He openly criticises Berland ability to motivate his riders as well as his other team mates for lacking the will to win.

The film is also interesting for a view of professional cycling in the mid 1980s. It seems relatively amateurish and disorganised. The extent of 'servicing' on Millar's bike after a stage of the Tour de France seems to involve being washed in soapy water with a bucket and sponge. Millar has a hilarious interview with a British journalist after a stage of the race. While sitting on the back of the team car he quietly stirs a Bovril before tossing the spoon into the boot of the car. The journalist carefully asks:
"Do you think you can still win the King of the Mountains Robert?"
"No"
"Are you disappointed?"
"Yeah"
"What chance do you think you have in tomorrows time-trial"
"…don't know"
"Right, thanks Robert"

The film then moves to the World Championship road race in Italy where riders represent their countries rather than commercial teams. However, the team influence is still in evidence as Peiper is not sure if he will be riding to support Millar or his fellow Australian Phil Anderson - it's a case of who pays him! Millar finishes the gruelling race in 12th, which he is fairly pleased with.

The film ends on more of an optimistic note with Millar and Peiper deciding to move to the Panasonic team for the next season. Millar also marries his girlfriend and moves to Belgium.

Overall
This film is a must for all Robert Millar fans. I also found it was an entertaining and interesting look at the pro scene in the eighties. It was probably intended to show a successful team in action but the fighting in the team provides an interesting if unexpected spectacle. The voice over is cringe worthy but in keeping with the time.

My only real problem with the film is the poor picture quality on the VHS version. It would have been nice if the cameras had followed Millar during the Vuelta more as well. However, I think it's a fine addition to any cycling fans collection.