Watch Le Ride

Le Ride is a documentary film from 2016, directed and starring Phil Keoghan, a New Zealand-born television host, and producer most commonly known for hosting The Amazing Race. The film follows the journey of Phil and his friend, Ben Cornell, as they attempt to recreate the 1928 Tour de France route. The documentary sets out to tell the story of a forgotten team, the first English-speaking team to compete in the Tour de France, all the way back in 1928. The filmmaker himself undertakes the challenge of retracing their steps in what is considered one of the most grueling races in cycling history.

Phil Keoghan and his friend Ben Cornell recreate the Tour de France of 1928 in grueling detail, attempting to match the same diet, clothing and equipment used by competitors nearly 90 years ago. The film examines the pain, the danger, the psychological tests they endured and the unbelievable physical demands the riders faced in 1928.

Over the course of 26 days, Phil and Ben ride vintage steel-frame bikes without any gears, or the lightweight helmets, carbon-fiber frames, and other high-tech equipment modern riders currently use. Instead, they use the same type of bike that the original 1928 team used, with limited gears and overweight steel frames.

As the race unfolds, its history is brought into focus, with glimpses of life in the 1920s, including Prohibition and suffrage movements. The documentary tells of the challenging conditions the bikers endured on the 5,600 km long journey, crossing the French Alps in mid-summer, sleeping rough and fixing their own bikes along the way.

Keoghan and his friend start the journey in the French seaside town of Aiguillon, after retracing route maps, and finish in Paris, site of the original race conclusion. The film uses archival footage and a combination of modern and vintage cameras to convey the grueling nature of the race—a journey that tested all riders’ endurance and physicality to the very limit.

The film showcases both the physical and emotional challenges that the original riders faced, as well as the challenges that the filmmaker and his friend faced in replicating the race nearly 90 years on. The documentary immerses the audience in the challenges of endurance cycling during that era, with Phil and Ben facing the same weather conditions, terrain, and hunger faced by those original riders.

Le Ride is not only a documentary about a story of perseverance and achievement but also a social and cultural commentary on the times in which it was set. It explores the extreme limits that athletes go to to achieve their dreams and the vibrant cultures that exist in sporting events.

The documentary is an inspiring tale of endurance and determination, showcasing how grit and determination can overcome the small details of cycling to win against all odds. Phil Keoghan retells the story of the 1928 Tour de France and its often-overlooked cyclists with reverence and passion. It is an educational and emotional journey that depicts the enchanting quality of the old world and pays homage to a time filled with legends and legendary athletes.

In conclusion, Le Ride is a beautifully crafted documentary that moves back and forth in time, contrasting the present with the past, all while using the timeless medium of cycling to convey its message. Phil Keoghan's passion coupled with his friend Ben Cornell's aid in retracing the race's historic route is both ambitious and inspiring. Overall, it is a must-watch for all cycling enthusiasts, anyone who appreciates sports history, and those who cherish human endurance and perseverance.

Le Ride is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.