ARGH.... Rapha

I, like Gkam, dont particularly like Rapha, over priced etc etc but thats not what i'm on about.

Pantani was a hero of mine and i hope the people who have made this have done a good job on what was a very complicated and intricate life and not just to make a quick buck out of the name and anniversary.

I don't think outrage is appropriate, not because this company isn't exploiting Pantani's name; they are. The fact is Panatoni didn't live long enough to see his name as thoroughly trashed as some of his contemporaries. He sits right between Riis, Ullrich and Armstrong, there is little doubt he was doping. Natural Justice says that because he cannot defend himself he gets a pass, but the name Panini is not the Holy of Holies and doesn't need protecting from a little bit of capitalism.

Do these provoke the same ire?

http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=3536

Judging by the first comment on the the link you posted you were quite looking forward to this film before you thought Rapha were involved

Park your outrage bus Gkam, it's Rapha celebrating one of their heroes. I see no problem with it. Many, many other manufacturers have done the same with a variety of iconic riders. If you don't like Rapha, ignore it. I really can't understand how a brand can make anyone angry just because of it's demographic and pricing.

It's a celebration of the sport, cool your jets.

I dunno really, a sports clothing brand releasing a commemorative item to celebrate the life of one of its heroes on the anniversary of his untimely death isn't all that unusual. Don't think I'd buy it, but it happening doesn't upset me either and knowing Rapha I'm sure they'll make some token donation to whatever foundation was set up by the Pantani estate.

Plenty of people walk around wearing Che Guevara t shirts even though they'd struggle to point out Cuba on a map, this is more or less in the same league of me not giving a crap in all honesty.

It isn't made by Rapha - as far as I can tell they have nothing to do with it, other than sharing the trailer. It's produced by a company which specialises in sports documentaries, and based on the Matt Rendell book. I'm not a great fan of Pantani but I am looking forward to seeing it.

Why single out Rapha ? What are they doing that all the others aren't - the magazines, websites, book-publishers etc. All those articles about him this week are to boost traffic and sell advertising - is that not cashing in ? Have you had a go at them as well ?

As for Rapha they have a tradition (I suppose you would argue that term but whatever you like to call it...) of doing jerseys related to certain people. I have one dedicated to Jan Ullrich - externally it's just a white jersey with German national colours on one sleeve, but inside the rear pocket has a little homage to Der Kaiser. I would guess the Pantani one will be similar.