Blog home / Watch: Amateur NZ cyclists ride the Tour de France
Watch: Amateur NZ cyclists ride the Tour de France
Here's a healthy dose of inspiration for you: in 2018, 8 'ordinary' New Zealanders (think accountants, project managers, GPs, a university dean) decide to journey to France to cycle the Tour de France in the days before the professional event takes place.
Their bond is that they've all faced mental health challenges at some point in their life and this ride is a way for them all to address and overcome this issue. The group of unlikely Tour de France cyclists have raised over $90,000NZD for mental health.
It was all documented by
Silver Eye Films in a 52-minute movie, and is now available to watch for free.
Below you can watch the 2-minute trailer of One Day Ahead, read a synopsis, and watch the full 52-minute film for free.
Incredibly, not an e-bike to be seen!
One Day Ahead: Trailer
One Day Ahead: Synopsis
"The Tour de France is arguably the hardest & most famous cycle race in the world, even for a pro rider completing the tour is a huge feat. But what if an amateur cyclist attempted riding the exact same course only one day ahead of the pros?
This award-winning documentary 'One Day Ahead' follows 8 ordinary New Zealander's who endure emotional and physical breakdowns as they attempt to finish the world's toughest cycle race - Tour de France. Gear ratios, cadence and determination are all critical in getting these eight guys through the tour.
Check out more of Silver Eye Films short films:
https://www.SilverEyeFilms.co.nz
The Tour de France is the world's biggest annual sporting event. Normally held in July, the event sees nearly 200 cyclists race over 3400km (or 2,000 miles) climbing 50,000 metres in just 23 days. While most of the race takes part in the towns, cities, countryside and mountains of France it also often starts in a foreign country.
While One Day Ahead is about cycling, the documentary is a story of personal journeys to achieve an ambitious goal. With the highs and lows of human emotions, as eight individuals & strangers bond to become a team of one to finish one of the world’s toughest and arguably most famous cycle races.
To date, the team members have raised over $90,000 NZD for the Mental Health Foundation New Zealand. Heightening public awareness about the importance of mental health, and to gain understanding and improve attitudes about mental disorders is so crucial. If you or anyone you know is needing help or advice with mental health contact your country's mental health service or head to
World Federation for Mental Health.
One Day Ahead: Watch the Full Film for Free
What did you think of the film, One Day Ahead? Were you inspired to do something extraordinary (maybe in France?). Let us know in the comment section.