Based on the true story of Albert Richter: A German cyclist rises to the top of the sport and dares to defy the Nazi party. 

SYNOPSIS:

THE CYCLIST is based on the life of the champion German bicycle racer Albert Richter—the 1932 world cycling champion. After the Nazi party comes to power, Richter is ostracized for his refusal to race in a swastika emblazoned jersey. With both his German teammates and high ranking Nazi officials against him, Richter moves to Paris and races as a professional—often sending money back to Germany to support not only his family, but also his Jewish coach. In 1940, Richter returns to Germany to race one last time in his homeland. Working on a tip from a German teammate, the SS stops Richter at the border as he attempts to return to France. Richter’s bicycle is removed from the train, and its tires cut open—revealing a large sum of money. Richter is summarily executed by the SS, although officially he was said to have died in a skiing accident.