With the Tour de France upon us this months film looks back at a classic rivalry from the 1986 tour.  Cycling, like most sports, loves a classic rivalry but nothing spikes that rivalry more than when the riders are on the same team as was the case with Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault.  The story goes that Greg agreed to help Hinault win the 1985 tour to become a record equalling 5 times tour winner but the deal was that it would be reciprocated the following year with Hinault helping Lemond.  However was Hinault really going to pass up the chance to try and be the record tour winner?

Hinault aka the Badger was known for his ruthless streak and he brilliantly describes how he did not renege on the deal saying that he would help Lemond win but he didn’t have to make it easy.  The documentary is not just the story of a sporting rivalry but rather two conflicting stories of the same event.  Lemond’s people have one version Hinaults’s another which, even though we may know the outcome of the race, adds intrigue and colour to the stories of the two great riders and rivals.

One lesson is clear.  Don’t mess with the Badger

Date: 18 July at 7pm

Venue: The Reliance, 76-78 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN

Cost: £4 in advance (tickets can be bought via the eventbrite link opposite) – all profits from this screening will be going to charity.