July 4: A Sunday in Hell (1976) dir. Jørgen Leth

The Tour de France has started. This film is about a cycle race unlike any other.

A Sunday in Hell is possibly the greatest sporting film ever made, and follows a day in the life of a classic one day cycle race: the Paris-Roubaix. This is one of the great cycle races, and a tremendous challenge for those who take part. Winning the race guarantees a place in cycling history, and glory. 

The race takes place over a series of paved sections and dirt tracks which push the riders to the extreme.

Winners of the race achieve cycling immortality - last year's race took place in wet and muddy conditions which were brutal. 

A lowish quality version of the film can be viewed on YouTube and it is also shown now and again on TV.