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Best Cycling Film or Documentary

by Colin Peyresourde
Mon, Nov 18, 2013 19:12
44

I have watched a number of cycling films: 'The Road Uphill', 'The Ultimo Kilometre', 'American Flyer' and 'Ride the Divide'. There is also the film charting the Postal teams cycling exploits which is due out soon(ish).

There are not a lot of them. But I was wondering if people have a favourite? If so, why?

Does cycling make a good format for the silver screen, or goggle box?

What would you like to see more of?

Personally I would love a biopic of Gino Bartali made into a proper film and maybe a documentary based on 'The Death of Marco Pantani'.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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44 comments

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Puncheur-David | 11 years ago
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another +1 for A Sunday in Hell.

The documentary on the HTC team at the Tour is good as well.

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blairscott | 11 years ago
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To answer one of your questions though Colin,

[Does cycling make a good format for the silver screen, or goggle box?]

Absofreakinlutely.

Considering it's got the lot; thrills, spills, pills, drama, under dogs, punch ups, car chases, beautiful scenery, plot twists, strong characters, human frailty, skin suits, beautiful women (OK maybe not beautiful women, but if you squint early photos of Laurent Fignon look a bit like Cybill Shepherd in Moonlighting) a cast of thousands, electronic shifting, dropped chains and helicopters.

NB* I deliberately forgot to think about beautiful female cyclists when compiling this list so as (A) not to get distracted and (B) not to look like a dirty old perv.

Thinking of which I wonder if a Laura Trott biopic is in the pipeline.

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blairscott | 11 years ago
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I liked the Tom Simpson Documentary which was shown on bbc4 quite a few times, a couple of years ago. It was called 'Death On The Mountain'

Not currently available on bbc iplayer 2

Cycling films must be hot right now though 'cause Shane Meadows of This is England fame is currently working on a Bio Pic of the late great Tom Simpson, which could be ace

And a cycling documentary that I am definitely looking forward to also is a new project about David Millar due out in 2015, having seen some of the other work these guys have done I know this is gonna be well worth a watch.

Details here:
http://www.davidmillarfilm.com/

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MT63 | 11 years ago
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Not quite in the category as the others, but what about Triplets of Bellville. Fantastic animation film.

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William Black replied to MT63 | 11 years ago
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Dunluce wrote:

Not quite in the category as the others, but what about Triplets of Bellville. Fantastic animation film.

Must remind myself to watch that again I'm sure I've got in on video.

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glynr36 | 11 years ago
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Sunday in hell for sure.
Chasing legends is a decent watch as well

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Swami Dave | 11 years ago
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Another vote for 'A Sunday In Hell', even in spite of the "Paaaaaariiiiiis Roooooooubaaaaaix" operatic soundtrack. Great film.

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Colin Peyresourde | 11 years ago
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I sort of wish there was a film that did justice to cycling like the Rapha marketing slots.

Something that captures the beauty, effort and elegance.

The Road Uphill caught some of that. Though they were restricted with the footage they could show.

I think there is a new one following a Dane and his efforts to break a track record.

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pacef8 | 11 years ago
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Their is a sport book tour doing the rounds at the moment. Matt Rendal talks about writing his book plus a clip of next years film release.

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pjay | 11 years ago
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+1 for A Sunday in Hell.

As for Marco Pantani:

http://rouleurmagazine.wordpress.com/tag/pantani-film/

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Manchestercyclist | 11 years ago
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A Sunday in hell, I had to watch it alone because the wife insisted it wasn't her kind of film (Bridget Jones crap BTW).

Really inspired me to get out riding more in all weathers.

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sorebones | 11 years ago
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Breaking Away - the original and best!

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Colin Peyresourde replied to sorebones | 11 years ago
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Is that the one where he sings operatically and tries to learn Italian?

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felixcat replied to Colin Peyresourde | 11 years ago
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Colin Peyresourde wrote:

Is that the one where he sings operatically and tries to learn Italian?

If you mean Breaking Away, yes.

I enjoyed the scene where his dad comes downstairs from asking the boy to turn down the opera, looking stunned.

Wife says, "What's the matter?."
"He's shaving."
"What's wrong with that?"
"His legs?".

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