“On seven Sundays out of every year they race the clock searching for the elusive perfect run.” These are the words that introduce you to Between the Tape, the latest film from Clay Porter.

People have been out there making films about downhill racing for years. They have always followed the same general formula: lots of race footage, an interview here and there and a soundtrack to go with it. This has produced exceptional results such as Transcontinental, The Circus, Hypnosis and Super 8. It has also produced some shockers that I won’t name here.

Many times these films have come across as basic documentaries about the World Cup Downhill series. Although it always seemed as though the producers relied on footage of the fastest bike handlers on the planet to keep you watching. This definitely wasn’t a bad thing, but there was never much of a story line supporting why someone would want to ride a bicycle down that rocky, rooty and sometimes wet mountain trail as fast as possible. Now there is a real documentary on what it is like to be one of the fastest riders in the world searching for that elusive perfect run.

Between the Tape is different in one way. It is a real documentary about the World Cup series. The best riders in the world explain every aspect of what it is like to be a professional downhill racer. From the pre-season training, dialing in each track, admiring their competitor’s strengths to the all-important one, why they love riding and racing mountain bikes so much, it’s all covered.

Like all documentaries the film is narrated. Riders such as Nathan Rennie, Steve Peat, Cedric Gracia, Jared Graves and numerous other top downhill racers provide the bulk of the story while the narrator is used to bring everything together. Over the first few sections of the film all the major riders in with a chance of the World Cup overall are introduced. From then on the documentary follows the riders throughout the season providing insights into their lives and what it is like to spend six months of the year traveling while always following the chase for that overall World Cup title.

The way the title chase has been edited together still amazes me. It is arguable the most professional downhill orientated film ever made. The way Clay has used all the interviews taken throughout the season along with a narrator to produce a story that flows from one race to another is incredible. It draws you in like a TV drama series in a way where you always want to find out what happens next.

Even with all the talking the story line never gets in the way of what you want to see. The riding always takes precedence with the majority of the narration happening while watching the riders tear the tracks to pieces. That way Rennie’s ugly mug is never on screen for too long so you don’t have to worry about the kids being scared.

Between mug shots of the pro downhillers it was obvious that Clay’s camera work is getting better with every film he produces. This is easily his best work yet. The use of his very secret cable cam (or death swing if you got a chance to see him use it) has produced some amazing shots. The fish eye lens also comes out when it’s appropriate to produce some pretty cool footage of riders throwing roost in corners so big you wouldn’t be surprised if they were on a moto. As always there are shots that aren’t too special. This time we have the classic view where you are seeing more tree than rider that comes up a number of times during the film. Overall however, you never notice the camera work. It’s just there telling a story and showing viewers clean shots of the riders they want to see.

The music again is better than what was used in Clay’s previous films Hypnosis and Synopsis. He hasn’t gone for the fast paced rock music for every riding scene. Instead the music has been chosen to add to the story and the feel of the film. Generally the songs used have worked in this way however there are other times where I felt the song was too overpowering or just didn’t sound right in context with the riding. And then there was the song for Peaty’s section that just didn’t work at all. These were only a small part of the overall film and most of the time the music was contemporary and upbeat with plenty of loud guitars to keep the viewers excited.

If you’ve ever had the slightest interest in downhill racing and want to know what it is all about then I strongly recommend you check it out. You’ll be inspired and amazed at the riding produced by these impressive bike handlers and the story of the seven races that dominate their lives.

Between the Tape is summarised beautifully with the very last scene. World Champion Sam Hill drifting into view along with the music, the narration plus the shot is cinematic gold. You walk away with that special feeling any good movie provides plus one extra thing. You want to go and ride your bike!

For those after a sneak preview go here for the teaser. And for those heading to the race at Coffs Harbour on the Queens Birthday long weekend there will be an Aussie premier at the Coffs Hotel. Check the front page of Farkin for details.