‘Cycle of Betrayal’ was directed by Martin Dwan and produced by Ciaran O’ Hara on behalf of Zampano Productions for Setanta Sports. The 63 minute documentary reveals a career distinguished by many firsts. Shay Elliott was the first English speaking cyclist to win stages in the three major Tours, the first English speaking cyclist to finish on the podium in a major Tour, and in his greatest achievement, the first Irishman to wear the coveted Yellow Jersey of race leader in the 1963 Tour De France, 24 years before Stephen Roche’s glorious victory.
Shot in Ireland, England and France, Eric Courtney was Director of Photography whilst sound was overseen by Dave Dorgan. The documentary which includes interviews with friends, colleagues and team-mates of Elliott also contains extensive archive footage from the 1950s and 60s.
Edited by Martin Dwan, the programme received funding through the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland’s Sound and Vision Fund.
Commenting on the programme Niall Cogley, CEO of Setanta Sports Ireland said: “The common perception is of Roche and Kelly as pioneers but before them went the swashbuckling Elliott. One of the finest documentaries to come out of the Sound & Vision Scheme ‘Cycle of Betrayal’ will change the way we look at the story of Irish professional cycling.”
‘Shay Elliott: Cycle of Betrayal’ will air on Setanta Ireland on Sunday July 26th next at 7.45pm.
