Flying Scotsman to open end of June

‘The Flying Scotsman’, the remarkable true story about the turbulent life of cyclist Graeme Obree, who built his own bike and rode it to gold at the world championships, will be released in cinemas nationwide on 29th June 2007. Trainspotting’s Jonny Lee Miller stars as the cyclist determined to succeed against the odds, alongside Laura Fraser, Billy Boyd and Brian Cox. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ is directed by Douglas Mackinnon and written by John Brown, Declan Hughes and Simon Rose.

The film details his rise from a humble background to cycling superstar, an achievement all the more remarkable considering the relentless problems of his early life, the years spent facing injury and underfunding and the many obstacles put in his way by the officialdom of cycling’s worldwide governing body. Famously, Obree made his own bicycle using parts gleaned from a washing machine, and when banned by the UCI from using the bent arm riding position he initially adopted, simply though up a new and even more effective posture on his bike ; one that was subsequently adopted by rival Chris Boardman with great effect. Graeme’s pioneering ‘Superman Position’ remains one of the most defining images in the history of world cycling.

The film will be released across the UK on 29 June.