Kieron J. Walsh saw his first Tour de France when it raced by his apartment in Ireland back in 1998. Since that event, it inspired him to write and direct a narrative film called The Racer.

With an international cast, The Racer stars Louis Talpe (Of Kings and Prophets), Matteo Simoni (Callboys), Tara Lee (A Date for Mad Mary), Iain Glen (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Resident Evil: Extinction), and Karel Roden (RocknRolla, Orphan). Kieron J. Walsh directed the film from the script written by Walsh, Ciaran Cassidy and Sean Cook.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Summer 1998 – the opening stages of Le Tour de France are relocated to Ireland. Belgian rider Dom Chabol (late 30s) has been one of the best “Domestiques” (support riders) on the Tour for the last 20 years. It’s a sacrificial role – setting pace, blocking wind, and providing support to enable the team’s sprinter to victory – winning is not an option. But Dom secretly harbors to wear the yellow jersey – just once before his career is over.

At the start of what will likely be his last Tour, Dom is unceremoniously dropped from the Team he has dedicated his life to. His best mate Sonny, the team masseur, falls to reassure him about his future. But a chance liaison with Lynn, a young Irish doctor, softens the blow, and Dom starts to accept – and even enjoy – the idea of civilian life. But as he gears up to go home and to face his estranged sister, a massive doping error knocks another teammate off the Tour and Dom is thrown back in the saddle.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke exclusively with director Kieron J. Walsh about this project. We talked about the difficulties of recreating a cycling tour, how doping works and working with an international cast.

Walsh has a career in directing movies and television. He directed television episodes for Raw, The Savage Eye, Rapt, and most recently Finding Joy.

The Racer is currently playing in select theaters in the United States and available on VOD.

Watch the exclusive interview with Kieron J. Walsh below.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, The Racer