The Mountains That Weren’t There

Talent, diligence and willpower can take you to the world stage, even if you grow up in Vändra, on the periphery of Europe, and dream of becoming a professional cyclist. A pro who conquers famous mountaintops in the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Dolomites, and whose name is heard from week to week on the Eurosport channel when the Tour de France, the Giro d´Italia or the Vuelta are underway. One exceptional success story is understandable, but when there are two of them, and both at the same time…Tanel Kangert and Rein Taaramäe grew up to become world-class champions under the guidance of cycling coach Erich Perner. One of them flung the door to the world of professional cycling open with a bang, the other did the same furtively while struggling with injuries.