An international cycling competition comes to the Midsomer village of Burwood Mantle, but when the race leader is murdered, DCI Barnaby and DS Nelson must investigate. During the race's finale, the victim overtook his team-mate to win, leaving the team owner annoyed that he disobeyed his orders, and the rival manager disappointed that his team lost. However, as the pair look into the case, they find themselves drawn into a competitive world of blackmail, bribery and bloodshed, where winning comes at any cost.
This time the intrigue centres around cycle racing, a nicely picture of that sport is drawn. Performance enhancing drugs has a mention. There's conflict between father and son, a lineup of suspects, OTT murders - wrench in the cycle spokes - and the quirky humour. Not any different from other MM episodes, including the ones with John Nettle, who also featured in mediocre, weak and great episodes. Same Way, Neil Dudgeon appeared in mediocre, weak, great and good - Breaking the chain is the latter. Typical, yet fun.