Cycling Movies: Ikarus is the most successful sports documentary of recent years. It shows us how a systematic doping network was set up in Russia.
Ikarus is available to stream via Netflix.
Icarus: Fun suddenly becomes bitter seriousness
The documentary was released on Netflix in 2017 Icarus. Seldom before has a documentary caused such a stir. Bryan Fogel's work begins harmlessly. All the filmmaker wants to do is try to win an amateur bike race using illicit substances. He is supported by Grigory Rodchenkov, head of the Russian anti-doping program. They not only formulate the goal of winning the race, but also passing all anti-doping tests. But then the documentary takes an unexpected turn. Fogel befriends Rodchenkov and finds out that he himself has set up a system in Russia to systematically dope Russian athletes and successfully get them through anti-doping tests. Now Grigori Rodchenkow has to fear for his life.
The documentary shakes the credibility of the sport
Even if at the beginning of the documentation of the Cycling in the foreground stands, individual sports gradually recede into the background. It becomes clear that across the board all sports have been cheated on. Ikarus can therefore cause a lasting shock to the credibility of all sports. The documentary is also accused of stirring up anti-Russian sentiment. Little can be argued against that, as this 2018 Oscar-winning work clearly points the finger at Russia.