American Flyers, dir John Badham (1985)

FILM: An affecting tale of two brothers’ complicated relationship with each other and cycle racing, much of the action for which comes from an early 1980s edition of the Coors Classic

It is perhaps surprising that Holywood has not played cycling more attention. Greg Lamond and Lance Armstrong have firmly placed the Star Spangled banner on the sport’s most iconic event, but it has not been enough to inspire their nation’s film makers. As a result, Breaking Away (1979) and American Flyers, both written by Steve Tesich, remain at the head of a very short list of movies in English in which cycle racing plays a central role.

Kevin Costner (almost unknown at the time of this role) and David Marshall Grant play brothers whose family relationship has been severely strained by the death of their father. Costner persuades his younger sibling to join him for scientific athletic testing, and then to ride with him in ‘The Hell of the West’ – a three day stage race in Colorado.

The second half of the film revolves around the race. Much of the footage comes from an actual edition of the race, with members of the 7-11 Team taking the roles of extras. The setting, in the Colorado Rockies is spectacular, the race action is cleverly, and thrillingly filmed and there is even a cameo from Eddy Merckx.

There are some odd moments. Much of the time Marshall Grant’s character rides in a cowboy hat. Kevin Costner’s wardrobe and moustache are a reminder of some of the 1980s most woeful fashion moments, and there is the occasional wooden line. But overall, the racing is convincing, both as a spectacle and as the structure around which the plot hangs, and the narrative twist keeps the tale bowling along. It was a box office flop, but remains worth seeking out, and has enough to entertain even those who don’t know the difference between honking and bonking.

PS Dec 09