Cycling is much more than a sport. It’s suffering, perseverance, victory, and tragedy. In the film world, cycling has led to epic sports dramas, inspiring biographies, and even comedic stories. Here are 10 films that capture the magic and drama of cycling.
1. The Program (2015) – The Rise and Fall of Lance Armstrong
This film tells the shocking story of Lance Armstrong, who went from cycling hero to scandalous figure due to one of the biggest doping programs in sports history. Ben Foster delivers a chilling portrayal of Armstrong, while the film delves deep into the consequences of doping in professional cycling.
2. The Flying Scotsman (2006) – An Underdog Who Made Cycling History
This biographical film follows Graeme Obree, a Scottish cyclist who built his own bike and broke records. Despite setbacks and mental health struggles, Obree perseveres. An inspiring film about pure determination and innovation.
3. Breaking Away (1979) – A Coming-of-Age Classic About Passion and Perseverance
This film follows a group of friends in a small American town who feel like outsiders among the wealthy university students. One of them, a passionate cyclist, dreams of a professional career. Breaking Away is one of the best sports films ever made and an inspiring coming-of-age story.
4. American Flyers (1985) – An Emotional Cycling Drama
Kevin Costner stars in this film as a cyclist who competes in a grueling race with his brother while dealing with family drama and a hereditary disease. A classic sports drama full of tension, emotion, and stunning cycling scenes.
5. Le Vélo de Ghislain Lambert (2001) – A Humorous Take on Cycling
This French tragicomedy follows a Belgian cyclist who lives in the shadow of Eddy Merckx. His obsession with success and his struggle with mediocrity create a humorous yet painfully relatable portrait of a rider who just misses the top.
6. Slaying the Badger (2014) – The Ultimate Tour de France Rivalry
This documentary tells the story of the intense rivalry between Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond during the 1986 Tour de France. What started as a friendship between teammates turned into one of the most ruthless internal battles within a cycling team ever.
7. A Sunday in Hell (1976) – The Toughest Race Ever Filmed
This gripping documentary takes you into the “Hell of the North,” Paris-Roubaix. Featuring legends like Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Francesco Moser, the film captures the grueling struggle on the cobblestones like never before. A must-watch for cycling enthusiasts.
8. Icarus (2017) – Doping, Lies, and a Global Sports Scandal
This documentary starts as an experiment in which the filmmaker takes performance-enhancing drugs to improve his cycling performance but ends in a massive revelation about the Russian doping scandal. Icarus is not just a cycling film but a real-life thriller about corruption in sports.
9. The Least Expected Day (2020 – Present) – Inside the World of Cycling
This documentary series follows the Movistar team during some of their most hectic seasons. With behind-the-scenes footage from major races like the Tour de France and the Vuelta, you get to see how tension and rivalry build up within a team.
10. La Grande Boucle (2013) – The Dream of an Amateur Cyclist
In this lighthearted French film, a cycling fan decides to quit his job and ride the entire Tour de France himself, one day ahead of the professionals. Slowly, he grows into a phenomenon while rediscovering his passion for cycling. A feel-good film that shows the love for cycling knows no boundaries.
Cycling is Epic, Tragic, and Inspiring
Whether it’s the battle against the elements, the ruthless competition in the Tour de France, or personal demons, cycling has always produced brilliant stories. These films perfectly capture the tension, the glory, and the pain of the sport.
Professional Cycling is Epic, Tragic, and Inspiring
Whether it’s battling the elements, the ruthless competition in the Tour de France, or personal demons, cycling has always produced brilliant stories. These films perfectly capture the tension, glory, and pain of the sport.
Which cycling film will you watch first? 🚴♂️🎥
source: racefietsinformatie.nl
