The Highest Cyclist in the World
In 2007 the legendary Scottish track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy set out to break the 1km time trial world record. The record and then only sub one minute 1km time was set by Hoy's longtime rival- Arnaud Tournant. Hoy was determined to go sub one minute himself and even more determined to snatch the record away from the french cyclist.
Hoy embarked on a journey to the most remote cycling venue on the planet- The Alto Irpavi Velodrome, high in the Bolivian Andes. The fastest track on earth. Hoy's attempt pushed the boundaries of what his body could take. Throw in the very real risks of altitude sickness, a shoestring budget, an extremely tight deadline, unpredictable weather conditions, malfunctioning airplanes, some very curious locals and join us as we revisit the circus atmosphere that surrounded Chris Hoy when he became the highest cyclist in the world.
Escape from Madrid
Pablo De Miguel tells the little known story of how Turkish diplomats saved the lives of 1,000 refugees during the Spanish Civil War’s longest siege. It involves espionage, international negotiations and murder but above all else it's a story about the fight for survival and the determination to get home.
Judy’s Callers
Lucy's grandmother Judy was a volunteer with the Samaritans for 30 years, on their phone line. She's always wanted to ask her about what it was like, being on the end of those calls but Samaritan volunteers swear to never talk to anyone about the details of their callers but there was one call that Judy was able to tell Lucy about, and you’ll hear why.
Hotel on the edge of Europe
I've been going to Inishbofin, with a group of friends every Easter for years.
It's our annual secular pilgrimage to the island, where we stay at Ireland's most westerly hotel—The Doonmore, or Murray's, as the locals call it, named after the family who have run it for over half a century.
During the winter months, changes have been afoot at the hotel. There have been rumours the hotel has made some major renovations, and today will be the first time the general public will experience the new and improved Murray's Doonmore hotel.
Come with us as we explore the hotel and the island. We'll delve into the linked history of both. We'll ask the question; what keeps people coming back year after year, generation after generation? And we'll meet some of the characters that make up the customers and staff of The Doonmore Hotel.