BORN TO RIDE. AT AGE FOUR AND A HALF, I LOST MY LEG

Director: Gildas Nivet, Tristan Guerlotté

Producer: Gildas Nivet, Tristan Guerlotté

Country: France

Synopsis

The 48-year-old pro para-cyclist has won numerous medals at national, European and international level. Over an intense 10 year period, Sébastien Bichon competed in many events, accumulating cycling titles. In 2004, he retired from his professional career, but he didn't hang up his saddle. As he loves a challenge and pushing himself to his limits, he decided to take part in Born to Ride 2020. This intense cycle ride crosses the French countryside of undergrowth, forests, fields, lakes, and more. The 1,200-km route must be completed in just 120 hours with one major obstacle: 15,000 metres of elevation gain. Compared to the other 249 riders, Sébastien faced an additional difficulty: he had his leg amputated at age four and a half. He set himself the goal of completing this ride and rose to the challenge, which is the subject of "Born to ride. At age four and a half, I lost my leg".
From Rambouillet (Yvelines) to Lac de Payolle in the municipality of Arreau (Hautes-Pyrénées), via Cantal and Deux-Sèvres, Sébastien Bichon descends, climbs and completes each stage. The incredible landscapes along the route flash by at an average of 26 km/h. This is also the speed at which Sébastien Bichon shares his secrets, state of mind, life and objectives. Whether he is camping for the night away from the route or on his bike on the roads of France, he tells the story of his extraordinary life. Dealing every day with his disability, he feels that life events, whatever they may be, show us the way. Perspective is decisive here. It's the way we see things that makes them what they are, our reactions and motivations. " All this has enabled me to become an example, a source of inspiration for others, whether they have a disability or not."
By sharing the ride he is in the process of completing, "Born to ride. At age four and a half I lost my leg" immerses you in the life of this unique and determined road bicycle racer. The core themes ? pushing yourself to your limits, the values of sport and the acceptance of yourself and others ? reflect the documentary's desire to give visibility to and promote differences.

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