If you’re looking for the best cycling documentaries, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a fantastic list of the most inspiring films that will motivate and engage any cycling enthusiast. Whether you’re curled up for a cozy night at home or just looking to be inspired when you’re not riding your bike, these documentaries will let you experience the thrill of bicycles and learn more about the sport that we love. So, if you haven’t come across some of these gems yet, it’s time to dive in and start viewing the world of cycling from a whole new perspective!
1. Mark Cavendish Never Enough (2023)
If you’re looking for the ultimate comeback story, Mark Cavendish: Never Enough offers a compelling insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest sprinters. The documentary charts his rise, fall, and rise again, showing how he became one of the most celebrated figures in cycling. You may already be familiar with Cavendish’s impressive achievements to date, but this film digs deeper into how he got to where he is.
The film reveals the mental toll of constantly striving for such glory, giving an honest and brutal look into Mark’s life. From his childhood to his journey as a professional cyclist, it highlights his determination to defy the odds. The film is an uplifting and captivating watch, providing an inside look at the sacrifices and hard work behind his success.
2. Tour de France Unchained (2023)
If you’ve ever been curious about the world’s most famous bike race, Tour de France Unchained on Netflix is a must-watch. This exclusive documentary series gives viewers an up-close look at the trials and tribulations of competing in the Tour de France, often regarded as the most challenging race in the world. The series follows teams and riders in the peloton, showcasing their highs and lows throughout the competition. The documentary feels like a fly on the wall, offering an immersive experience of the struggles and triumphs that unfold during this iconic event.
Covering the 109th edition of Le Tour in 2022, the series takes you behind the scenes of one of the toughest sporting events. Over the course of eight episodes, it captures the sacrifice and suffering of the riders, as they vie for cycling’s most prestigious trophy. Eight teams are featured, giving you an in-depth look at their journey throughout the race, and you’ll experience every moment of determination and grit as they push their limits.
This documentary offers a rare opportunity to see what it feels like to compete for the white, yellow, green, and red spotted jerseys — the ultimate prizes in the French Grand Tour. Whether you’re a cyclist yourself or just a fan of the sport, this is as close as you’ll get to the intense world of competitive cycling. If you’re not racing in the next edition of the Tour de France, this is the next best thing!
3. Movistar cycling documentary (2022, 2021 and 2019)
The Movistar cycling documentary series, which first dropped on Netflix in March 2020, is a captivating six-part series that provides behind-the-scenes footage of Spain’s Movistar Team as they compete in the 2019 cycling season. If you’re into cycling, this series is one of the best cycling documentaries available, as it’s not only beautifully produced but also gives a raw and honest look at the dynamics and tensions between the big name leaders within the team. The documentary offers unique insights into races that are still fresh in our minds, making it feel very current and personal.
The second season of this hugely popular show was released in May 2021 and continues to document the time between August 2020 and January 2021. Each episode is about an hour long, capturing the challenges the team faces in a turbulent time. For non-Spanish speaking viewers, the only downside might be the need for sub-titles, but it’s still worth watching for the depth of coverage.
In March 2022, the third season was released, bringing more drama to the forefront, especially focusing on Lopez’s decision to abandon La Vuelta during the team’s 2021 season. With four episodes covering this intense period, this season shows just how difficult it can be to perform at the highest level, adding even more layers to the already intriguing cycling show.
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4. Sean Conway’s ‘Europe or Bust’ (2020)
In 2019, extreme adventurer Sean Conway set a world record by cycling unsupported across Europe, from Portugal to Russia, in just 24 days. This film is an interesting look at Conway’s trip; it shows how he dealt with dangerous roads, strong headwinds, not getting enough sleep, and a strange diet. It’s a fly-on-the-wall style British cycling documentary that provides an up-close view of his struggle and determination.
This movie is one of the best bikepacking videos because it shows what it’s really like to push your limits of endurance. Conway’s journey, with all its ups and downs, makes this documentary a contender for one of the best cycling documentaries overall. It’s truly worth a watch, especially for anyone interested in extreme cycling or the thrill of adventure.
5. De Ronde 100 – Behind the scenes (2020)
De Ronde 100: Behind the Scenes provides a unique look at the activity behind the Tour of Flanders, often known as De Ronde, one of the most significant races on the calendar. This documentary walks you through the Spring Classics’ backstage operations and covers the race’s 100th edition in 2016. It’s a great look at the work that goes into organizing such a prestigious event, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the effort by the press and organizing staff to bring you the pictures you see on your television.
If you’re looking for one of the best cycling documentaries on YouTube, this is definitely worth watching. The documentary not only covers the 2016 edition but also dives into the various years of De Ronde, so once you’ve watched this one, there are plenty more for you to discover. It’s a fascinating look at how bike racing truly works, from the inside out.
6. Lance (2020)
Lance (2020) is a two-part documentary aired by ESPN as part of their popular 30 for 30 series. It offers an honest look at Lance Armstrong, with him being interviewed and quite open about his past actions during his cycling career and where he stands now. This documentary stands out as one of the best Lance Armstrong documentaries, offering valuable insight into his rise and fall in the world of cycling.
Through interviews with people close to him and his enemies in both the media and the sport itself, this documentary provides a comprehensive view of Armstrong’s impact on the sport. It feels like it closes the chapter of Lance Armstrong in cycling, though, as with anything involving Mr. Armstrong, it’s bound to stir up strong opinions. This interesting watch also touches on other major sports figures like Michael Jordan and OJ Simpson, showcasing the significance of Armstrong in the broader context of sporting stories.
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7. Iron Cowboy (2018)
The 2018 epic documentary Iron Cowboy chronicles the real-life experiences of triathlete James Lawrence, popularly known as the Iron Cowboy. His incredible journey to complete 50 Ironman races in 50 days across 50 US states, is both inspiring and grueling. This is one of the rawest cycling movies available on Netflix, and it’s also one of the better options for Amazon Prime viewers looking for an intense cycling documentary.
If you’ve ever participated in a triathlon or an Ironman event, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the immense feats involved. This must-watch documentary showcases how the human body can be pushed to its limits, and it will leave you in awe of the dedication and endurance needed to accomplish such a monumental task.
8. Mamil (2017)
Mamil (2017) is an amusing feature-length road cycling documentary that explores the world of MAMILs—Middle-Aged Men in Lycra. The movie covers a variety of bike-riding groups of men, such as Australian overweight riders, homosexual couples in New York, and British dads. It offers a look at the life of amateur road cyclists who, though different, share a common love for cycling.
9. All for One (2017)
All for One (2017) is a biking documentary that shares the story of GreenEDGE, Australia’s first ProTour cycling team. If you’ve seen the Backstage Pass series on YouTube, you’ll find the content in this movie quite familiar. The film carries the same humorous tone, making it an enjoyable watch for cycling fans.
This pro cycling documentary offers a positive depiction of the team’s journey, focusing on the lighter side of the sport. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a documentary that portrays pro cycling with humor and heart, showing the human side of elite competition.
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10. Icarus (2017)
Icarus (2017) is a compelling American documentary that begins with Bryan Fogel’s investigation into doping in amateur cycling. Fogel sets out to see if he could dope while preparing for the Haute Route and get away with it, but what he uncovers is much more shocking. This Netflix cycling documentary culminates in the discovery of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program and details the events that led to Russian athletes being stripped of 47 Olympic medals.
The film also highlights how, in 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia from all major sporting events for the next four years. If you’re after a documentary on cycling doping, Icarus is undoubtedly the one to watch.
11. Tour de Pharmacy (2017)
Tour de Pharmacy (2017) is a mockumentary that humorously chronicles the prevalence of doping in professional cycling. Lance Armstrong and Mike Tyson, who play themselves, make cameo appearances in this movie, which also stars Orlando Bloom, Andy Samberg, and Kevin Bacon. Set during the 1982 Tour de France, this entertaining film isn’t a true cycling documentary, but it cleverly pokes fun at the level playing field that was created when virtually every professional cyclist was involved in doping.
Though not a traditional documentary, Tour de Pharmacy offers an amusing take on the history of cycling’s doping issues, making it a fun and lighthearted addition to the list of cycling films.
12. Personal Gold: an underdog story (2015)
Personal Gold tells the inspirational tale of four American women and their quest to win gold medals in cycling at the London 2012 Olympics. With the men’s squad banned for doping following the Lance Armstrong drug scandal, these tenacious female riders are the USA’s only chance to win track cycling medals.The documentary highlights their incredible journey and the struggles they face as they aim to make history.
13. Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story (2014)
Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story is a BBC cycling documentary that challenges what you thought you knew about the famous cyclist. Unlike many cycling documentaries that are found on YouTube or Amazon Prime, this one stands out on Netflix. The film dives deep into the dark side of Lance Armstrong’s career, focusing on the cheating, bullying, and lies that fueled his pursuit of money, fame, and success.
This gritty documentary takes you through the dramatic fall of the once-celebrated cycling star, revealing the details behind his grace-filled public persona and his eventual disgrace.
14. Thereabouts (2014)
Thereabouts (2014) is a refreshing cycling documentary that focuses on the beauty and magic of cycling, steering away from the typical focus on medals, points, and scandal. Instead, it showcases Australia from a unique perspective—through the lens of road biking. The film follows pro cyclist brothers Lachlan and Gus Morton as they ride from their hometown in Port Macquarie to the iconic Uluru, a journey that spans 2,500km over 12 days.
This documentary offers a rare insight into the pressures faced by professional road cyclists, all while capturing the stunning Australian landscapes. It’s not just a physical journey; it’s a deeper exploration of the endurance and camaraderie that shapes the experience of cycling through the deepest parts of Australia. Thereabouts is an inspiring tale of adventure, grit, and the power of the open road.
15. Pantani: The accidental death of a cyclist (2014)
Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist is a gripping documentary that tells the tragic story of Marco Pantani, the 1998 winner of both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Just six years after his incredible triumph, Pantani was found dead in a hotel room from a cocaine overdose. His story is deeply moving and explores how someone with such talent could fall victim to the pressures of doping and the emotional toll of victimisation and depression.
Pantani’s life is relatable, and the film offers a deep dive into the darker side of cycling. It’s a story of wasted talent and a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes, particularly when the pressures of fame and performance become overwhelming. If you’re looking for an interesting film to watch, whether you’re a cyclist or with your non-cyclist other half, this documentary is a must-see.
16. My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes (2014)
My Italian Secret: The Tour de France champion Gino Bartali and other courageous Italians who collaborated with Jewish leaders to oppose the Nazis and save the lives of thousands of Jews in Italy are the subject of the amazing 2014 film The Forgotten Heroes, which is set during World War II. This incredible tale was kept secret during Bartali’s lifetime and was never published until much later, highlighting the unspoken acts of courage during wartime.
This fascinating insight into wartime cycling shows how Bartali’s efforts went far beyond the racetrack, using his fame to help rescue innocent lives.
17. Bradley Wiggins: A Year in Yellow (2012)
In 2012, Bradley Wiggins made history by becoming the first British man to win the Tour de France, a feat that had never been achieved before. His journey, as shown in A Year in Yellow, is not just about the race but also about the hard work and determination it took to become the leader of Team Sky and eventually the winner of the hardest cycling race on earth. This Tour de France documentary follows his incredible journey and provides insights into the background of one of the most decorated British cyclists.
The documentary also features interviews with his nearest and dearest, offering a deeper look into the personal life of this iconic athlete. While there aren’t many full cycling documentaries available on YouTube, A Year in Yellow stands out as a great film that brings you closer to Wiggins’ amazing achievement and the immense challenge of winning the Tour de France.
18. The Flying Scotsman (2006)
The Flying Scotsman is a cycling film that tells the true story of Graeme Obree, a Scottish amateur cyclist who defied the odds to break the World Hour Record in 1993. What makes this documentary truly incredible is that Obree did it on a bicycle he built himself using bits from old washing machines. His journey was even more remarkable because, despite suffering from bi-polar disorder, Obree managed to smash records without relying on anti-depressants or performance enhancing drugs.
The film also delves into Obree’s love-hate relationship with the hour record, showing how the pressure and struggles with intense bouts of depression affected his pursuit of greatness. His determination to succeed, even in the face of personal challenges, makes this one of the most compelling cycling documentaries ever made.
19. Hell on Wheels (2004)
Hell on Wheels is a powerful cycling film that delves into the pain and suffering experienced by those who devote their lives to competing in the Tour de France. This documentary, made for the 100th anniversary of the race in 2003, gives us an inside look at the grueling reality of professional cycling. Shot from the perspective of Team Telekom, it features compelling behind-the-scenes footage and intense finish-line interviews, capturing the less-than-glamorous side of the sport. The film is a raw portrayal of the professional cycling world, showing the true toll the race takes on the athletes, physically and mentally.
Watching this, you get a sense of the grit and determination it takes to survive the Tour de France, far from the glamor often associated with the sport. It’s an eye-opening look at what’s really behind the glory, where cyclists face pain and suffering at every turn.
20. A Sunday in Hell (1976)
Many people consider A Sunday in Hell to be among the greatest cycling movies ever produced. This classic cycling documentary takes you through the dramatic 1976 Paris-Roubaix bike race, offering a unique chronology from the perspectives of cyclists, event organisers, and spectators. What sets this film apart is how it also captures a group of protestors who temporarily stopped the race, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already high-stakes event. Legendary figures like Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlademinck, Francesco Moser, and Freddy Maertens make appearances, making it a must-watch for any cycling fan.
The film is especially impressive when you consider that it was shot in one day using more than 20 cameras along the route, as well as footage from a helicopter. These groundbreaking techniques were ahead of their time, capturing every aspect of the race, from the ups to the downs, all in stunning detail. If you’re looking to witness the raw energy and drama of the spring classics, A Sunday in Hell is a documentary you can’t miss.
21. La Course en Tete (1974)
La Course en Tete is a classic bicycle documentary that gives you an up-close look at the legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx, a winner of eleven Grand Tours. One of the best cycling videos on YouTube, the movie follows Merckx during the 1973 and 1974 racing seasons. It’s an incredible chance to truly appreciate just how great of a cyclist Merckx was, showing the dedication and skill behind his success.
22. The Stars and the Water Carriers (1974)
Jorgen Leth, who also filmed A Sunday in Hell, is the director of another iconic cycling documentary, The Stars and the Water Carriers. This film focuses on the 1973 Giro d’Italia, showcasing the intense competition between Eddy Merckx, the winner, and his challengers. It gives you a look not just at the road but also at the action behind the scenes, making it a must-watch for anyone passionate about the sport.
If you’re disappointed that the 2020 Giro d’Italia may not go ahead, this documentary is the perfect alternative. It brings the same thrilling energy and drama to your screen, letting you relive the excitement of the race and the incredible determination of the athletes.
