Worth: $14.00
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Cast:
Greg LeMond, Kathy LeMond, Laurent Fignon, Perico Delgado
Intro:
... will appeal to those familiar with the LeMond saga and sporting fans alike.
Greg LeMond is considered one of the most celebrated American cyclists of all time. The first non-European to win the pinnacle of cycling, the Tour De France, in 1986, LeMond was respected around the world. Yet, a near-fatal shooting incident left him unable to compete, and he was not even considered an outside chance to win another Tour de France, or even take part in one.
Yet, despite this, LeMond bounced back, and in 1989, won the coveted race again. It was considered one of the biggest comebacks in sporting history.
The Last Rider from documentary filmmaker Alex Holmes (Maiden) explores LeMond’s life and career. Comprised largely of archival footage, it follows LeMond’s journey to becoming a three-time Tour de France champion. Adding to the archival footage are talking head interviews of LeMond, his wife Kathy, and several former coaches.
Relying heavily on excerpts from the era, the documentary provides a comprehensive look at LeMond’s uphill struggles and the odds that he faced, and the important role that his wife played in supporting him.
It also gives a clear impression of a turning point in the sport, where an American was able to outcompete European riders for the first time; an era before the sport was dominated by controversies and drug scandals.
If there is a gripe with The Last Rider, it’s that it is overloaded with archive. Nonetheless, this is one which will appeal to those familiar with the LeMond saga and sporting fans alike.
