Filmium
Back to search
Movie Backdrop

Time Trial streaming

2017 Movie Sport, Documentary 81 min
By: Finlay Pretsell With: Thomas Dekker, David Millar

A cycling enthusiast, Finlay Pretsell has followed the entire career of his compatriot David Millar, a British winner of various stages in the three “big Tours” (Spain, Italy, France). The Scot rode with the Cofidis team, until he was suspended, in 2004, following a resounding doping affair involving the entire team. Competing again two years later, he continued cycling until 2014. Time Trial is a title with two meanings: it is the portrait of one of the fastest riders of the past ten years, filmed during his final season. Pretsell used pioneering film techniques—developed by Wim Wenders’ key grip—to capture the universe of high-level cycling in an entirely immersive manner. But the filmmaker was not merely content with the filmic adrenaline released through the race. Going beyond a vibrant tribute to a difficult sport, Millar focuses on psychological complexity to reveal to us, behind an exceptional athlete going downhill, a man riding after himself and against the end of his dream.Emmanuel Chicon

Filmium rating
64%

Festival Achievements

Visions du Réel 2018
Selections:
Grand Angle
International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam 2017
Nominations:
IDFA Competition for Feature-Length Documentary
Selections:
IDFA Archive

Mood

Exhilarating
Immersive
Inspirational
Inspiring
Intense
Introspective
Nostalgic
Reflective
Terrifying
Thrilling

Cast & Crew

Finlay Pretsell
Thomas Dekker
David Millar
Cycling Team
Professional Cyclists
Team Members

Adaptation

Sports Documentary

Budget

Independent
Low-Budget

Cinematic Technique

Close-Up
Dynamic Cinematography
First-Person Perspective
Handheld
High-Speed Camera
Immersive
Immersive Filming
Immersive Visuals
On-Bike Cameras
Pioneering Filming
Visual Innovation

Film Movements

Sports Documentary

Narrative Structure

Biographical
Chronological
Documentary
Personal Journey
Portrait
Race-Focused

Pace

Adrenaline-Fueled
Dynamic
Fast-Paced
Immersive
Intense
Reflective
Rhythmic
Slow-Paced
Thrilling
Varied

Runtime

Feature-Length
Short

Soundtrack

Ambient
Intense
Motivational
Sports Documentary Score

Style

Cinematic
Cinematic Techniques
Documentary
Immersive
Real-Time

Time-Period

2010S
2014
Contemporary
Modern

Central Conflict

Athletic Achievement
Career Ending
Career Farewell
Career Finale
Doping Scandal
Final Season
Personal Challenge
Personal Redemption
Race Challenges

Characters

Athlete
Cyclist
David Millar
Professional Rider

Ending

Ambiguous
Bittersweet
Career Conclusion
Reflective

Historical Context

2014 Cycling Season
Doping Scandals In Cycling
Early 2000S
Modern Era
Professional Cycling

Key Plot Points

Career Culmination
Career Reflection
Final Races
Last Tour De France
Tour De France Appearance
Tour De France Attempt

Plot

Athlete Biography
Career-Ending
Competitive Spirit
Final Races
Final Season
Overcoming Adversity
Personal Journey
Professional Cycling
Psychological Depth
Sports
Tour De France

Setting

Competitive Venues
Cycling Routes
European Cycling Races
European Landscapes
France
Professional Cycling
Race Courses
Road Racing
Tour De France

Shooting Location

Cycling Race Courses
Cycling Race Routes
Europe
France
Italy
Spain

Theme

Athletic Achievement
Athletic Perseverance
Career Reflection
Career Transition
Competition
Human Spirit
Perseverance
Personal Achievement
Personal Struggle
Psychological Complexity
Pursuit Of Excellence
Redemption
Reflection

Genre

Biographical
Biography
Documentary
Sports

Audiences

Adventure Lovers
Cycling Enthusiasts
Cycling Fans
Documentary Viewers
Sports Documentary
Sports Enthusiasts
Sports Fans

Titles

Time Trial
Time Trial - A Race to the End

Reception

Audience Response
Critical Acclaim
Positive Reviews

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Release Year

2017
mowizz ID: dbc715c5-b7b5-4f79-a725-f8113fa9b1f7
Imprint
Privacy policy
Terms and Conditions
About us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Supported by:
KtBE
BAK
EGS
Suissimage
Swissperform
© 2026 Filmium GmbH - all external content remains the property of the rightful owner
Version: main (frontend) | (backend)