The Rapha Super Eight

Usually the festive season marks a slowing down of cycling activities and the extension of time spent in semi-horizontal positions on the couch. If you’re going to adopt this lethargic state it’s best accompanied by a good movie or two. 2011 has been an annus mirabilis for Rapha's film output and, in competition with TV networks or the impending swell in your Blu-ray collection, we thought we’d share eight of the finest films from this year.

1. RAPHA RIDES THE VICTORIAN ALPS – The second film from Rapha Australia really shows us what a wonderful sport road racing is. And how heritage is a huge part of what we enjoy. _{View in widescreen}

2. HORS COURSE – The inaugural Paris Roubaix Challenge allowed amateur riders to attempt the great race a day before the pros. Ben Ingham’s film delivers a clear message of why Le Enfer du Nord is regarded as the toughest one day race in the world. _{View in widescreen}

3. MASSIF – Discovering one of the lesser known regions of France, Ben Ingham creates yet another inspirational and beautiful film. _{View in widescreen}

4. CONTINENTAL THE MOVIE – In 2007 the Rapha Continental set out to discover the lost art of road cycling in North America. It’s not that easy riding roads in the great expanse of the USA, but these people keep doing it, and doing it well.
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5. RAPHA RIDES LITTLE SWITZERLAND – Ertzui Film’s most recent offering from Deutschland. A nice representation of how shit the weather can be, but also how dialogue isn’t always needed when representing the suffering of riding.
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6. THE HIDDEN ALPS – This film shows how road racing transcends everything else, in that anyone can tackle the sport’s greatest battlefields. More great photography from Ingham and co. with some familiar faces suffering on a climb that was the setting for the climax of the 2011 Giro d’Italia. _{View in widescreen}

7. GALIBIER - WHO ARE YOU? – Ben Ingham strikes once more. Celebrating the centenary of the Col du Galibier’s inclusion in the world’s best loved stage race. 1998 was the year Marco Pantani soloed over the col’s summit to take the stage and overall victory at the Tour. Warning: contains 90’s cycling fashions.

8. 2011 TOUR OF CALIFORNIA: Stage 7 – Once again the Continental tackled some of the hardest stages of the Tour of California. This film is the last bittersweet stage they rode. It starts a bit like Sunday in Hell and has a wonderful piano score. A big beautiful ride, just how the Continental like it. Also stars Tim Johnson.
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