Extend the Tour de France Femmes with these Documentaries

Watching documentaries is one of the best ways to deepen your appreciation of cycling. In recognition of the Tour de France Femmes (which ends today), here are six women’s cycling films worth putting on your favorites/watch list.

I Just Want to Ride: Lael Wilcox and the 2019 Tour Divide [YouTube]
In 2015, a relative unknown named Lael Wilcox won the 4,200-mile Trans-Am race. Wilcox beat all other riders (men included) and repeated the achievement the following year. This film follows her exploits looking to break the record on the Tour Divide - a nearly 2800 mile ride from the Canadian border to Mexico.

Eat. Race. Win. — [Amazon Prime]
Follow acclaimed performance-cooking chef Hannah Grant as she leads a team to source, prep, and cook food for Australian cycling outfit Orica-Scott. Filmed during the Tour de France, you get a unique view of the cycling world. And perhaps gain a few nutrition tips too!

Half the Road — [Movie Website] ($)
Released in 2014, this film captures the crippling gender inequities which plague world tour cycling. Many of the featured riders, including Lizzie Armitstead (now Deignen) and Kristin Armstrong used their platform as stars to bring about some of the changes we see today. The overview of women and cycling at the beginning of the film is worth its weight in gold.

Bikes vs Cars — [Vimeo] [$]
This film follows several women across the globe in their efforts to create safer conditions for cyclists. The socioeconomic and environmental benefits of cycling are demonstrated from multiple global perspectives. Beware, there are sub-titles.

Motherload [Amazon Prime]
This film follows the cargo bike movement which is gaining popularity throughout the world. Living in DC, it’s common to see families commuting via cargo bike. Move over Europe, America is starting to appreciate varied forms of cycling too.

Personal Gold: An Underdog Story | YouTube]
Follow the USA Women’s cycling team in their pursuit of gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Different from road cycling, gain insight into the immense efforts track cyclists are willing to put their bodies through to chase gold.