Video: Documentary tells the story of Team KGF, the amateur riders who conquered the world

“It was part-science, it was part Graeme Obree maverick, and it’s just a delight when somebody finds something that is head-slappingly simple once it’s been shown to you,” says Chris Boardman about Team KGF’s innovative approach to track racing at one point in The Pursuit.

Film-maker James Poole followed Team KGF (now re-launched as Team HUUB Wattbike) for a year to create this hour-long film documenting their debut season.

The film tells the story of four amateur riders outside the British Cycling setup who decided to launch their own track racing team and went on to become national champions and Track Cycling World Cup gold medallists.

The film highlights the characters and methodology that allowed them to achieve what they did – and what achievements they were.

Competing on an annual budget of £15,000, they won a national title and World Cup gold (while also suffering a break-in at the house they share).

One of their number, Charlie Tanfield, has since gone on to win gold for Great Britain in the team pursuit at the 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, while his brother, Harry, won the opening stage of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

It’s an extraordinary tale and the film’s well worth a watch.

THE PURSUIT from James Poole on Vimeo.