5 must see cycling films on Youtube
1. Four Seconds Changed Everything...
The short film Four Seconds Changed Everything, produced by Canyon Bicycles, recounts a dramatic and emotional moment in professional cycling history: Kasia Niewiadoma's 2024 Tour de France Femmes victory. It captures the tension and determination during the final moments of the race, where a mere four seconds made a life-altering difference for the athlete. The film highlights her grit, preparation, and the spirit of competition, aiming to inspire cycling enthusiasts and celebrate her historic win
2. A Sunday in Hell
A Sunday in Hell is a celebrated 1976 cycling documentary by Jørgen Leth that chronicles the 1976 Paris-Roubaix race, one of cycling's toughest one-day events. Known as the "Hell of the North," the film vividly portrays the grueling nature of the cobbled classic, blending race footage with behind-the-scenes glimpses into team strategies, rider preparations, and the chaos of the event. It captures the raw drama, the tension among competitors, and the relentless physical demands, offering a poetic and gritty homage to professional cycling.
3. Racing Is Life - The Beryl Burton Story
The film Racing is Life: The Beryl Burton Story is a compelling documentary about the legendary British cyclist Beryl Burton, who dominated the sport during her career. Directed by Ray Pascoe, the 88-minute film (full film not on Youtube but available on DVD) features archival footage from the late 1950s through the 1970s and includes interviews with Burton's family, teammates, and contemporaries. It explores her incredible achievements, including winning multiple world championships and setting an unmatched 12-hour time trial record in 1967, where she outpaced even the men’s record.
4. Two days and two nights
The cycling film Two Days and Two Nights recounts John Woodburn's record-breaking ride in 1982, where he completed the 848-mile journey from Land's End to John O'Groats in an astounding 1 day, 21 hours, 3 minutes, and 16 seconds. Directed by Ray Pascoe and Peter Dansie, the documentary includes footage of Woodburn’s historic achievement and his abandoned attempt the previous year. It explores the physical and mental endurance required for such an extraordinary feat and offers a detailed look into the challenges of ultra-distance cycling
5. Outskirts: The Road Once Travelled (Route 66)
Outskirts: The Road Once Travelled (Route 66) is a 2018 cycling documentary directed by Angus Morton, following a group of cyclists as they traverse the legendary Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The film captures the 4,000-kilometer journey, exploring the cultural and historical significance of the "Mother Road" while reflecting on how it has changed over time. Once a bustling artery of American life, Route 66 now stands as a symbol of nostalgia and resilience amid its decline.
The documentary combines stunning visuals with raw, candid moments from the riders as they navigate varied terrains, meet local communities, and reflect on the shifting landscapes of modern America. It also delves into the camaraderie and challenges that come with such an ambitious expedition. The film is both a celebration of cycling and an exploration of a historic route that represents the passage of time in American history