Published by Lyn on 1 July 2014
Can Kenyan athletes dominate cycling the way they do middle and long distance running? Watch this trailer to find out.
If you have a spare 2 mins and 49 seconds, then spend it watching this trailer – it's for a wonderful documentary that follows the talent in the emerging Kenyan cycling scene.
I contacted the filmmaker, James Walsh, for this article on African cycling in the wake of Chris Froome's Tour de France win.
James is hugely knowledgeable about African cycling and has spent the last few years following the Kenyan national team, which is heading to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games this month.
"The reason I wanted to do the film was that I knew nothing of the bike culture north of the Limpopo and so I was curious," says James.
"We filmed in Kenya and then the Tour of Rwanda in November 2012. The culture and imagery blew me away. The Tour of Rwanda could be called Africa's Tour de France. Nearly 6 million people turned out to watch the race come by during the eight-day event. Pretty special for country that had genocide 20 years ago.
"My experience in East Africa is that bicycles are primarily a form of transport for farm produce and people. It's used in huge numbers. If Kenya and Africa can properly tap into Chris [Froome]'s success, then I think a huge racing culture could develop.
"Africa has so much physiological potential when it comes to cycling. If the continent can get access to quality instruction, equipment and world class racing, I think it has the potential to be a player on the international scene. Which would obviously translate into success for the local bike industry.
"In short, I think it is a really exciting time for cycling in Africa."
James is now making a follow-up film, which will feature the Kenyan cycling team at the Commonwealth Games.
For more on James' work and the Kenyan cycling team, see http://baisikeli.sinamatella.com.