Documentary pitch

1. Middle Class Women in Lycra
The Cycling Boom

2. Synopsis
In my documentary I am aiming to find out why every year so many amateur cyclists
put themselves through grueling multiday cycle events. There are many different rides
and races to choose from including London to Paris 24, Lands end to John O’Groats
and selection of other events all around the world. Most of them will include months of
dedicated training prior to the start date, a large amount of planning with a
considerable financial investment and of course a huge amount of motivation not just
on the bike but also off. So, why do so many people sign up?
I'm going to explore why using a set of six opinionated, dedicated, middle aged
woman called The Valley Girls who are embarking on a 500km cycle challenge in
rural Rajasthan, India in February 2015. Each cyclist has a different reason for going
and there are some powerful stories behind them, however one thing is for sure, they
all are extremely apprehensive about the challenging task ahead.
I will aim to film their training which has taken over their weekends and social lives
and interview each of them before and after the event. I will also include footage from
GoPros that I will send out with them to put on their bikes in India.

4. Target Audience
It will be an inspirational documentary that will focus on the
highs and lows of the personalities who are taken part and
therefore will appeal to an audience far beyond the sports
enthusiast. The age range would be broad due to the
accessibility of cycling.

5. Style of Documentary
The style of the documentary will include actuality taking the
viewer into the team giving insight to the various
personalities. In addiction there will be more stylized sit down
interviews with each of the participants. For their training
sessions I will use point of view cameras on the bikes so the
viewer feels as they are on the inside rather than an
observer.

6. Relevant Research
- I would like to know some more about the women doing
the cycling and all their motives.
- The Charities they are raising money for and any personal
experiences.
- Facts about how many people apply to ride for charity
each year.
- The inside story between the participants, friendships,
tensions etc.

7. Why Now?
Since the 2012 Olympics the UK has seen a huge increase
in the amount of people cycling. The average cyclist is male,
43 years old and 10.5 stone, not so much the lean tour de
France podium finishers. Ten years ago the idea of spending
£2000 on a six days cycling would seem ludicrous but now
its number one on every cyclists wish lists. In 2012 the British
cycling body had 23,000 members, now two years later that
has increased to over 100,000. Why has cycling changed
from an innocent family ride through the park to parting with
thousands of pounds and flying half way across the world to
conquer an epic cycling goal, 2015 is the year to find out.