Parents' Guide to The Last Rider

Movie PG-13 2023 102 minutes
The Last Rider: Greg LeMond cycles on his bike in color against a black and white background

Common Sense Media Review

Danny Brogan By Danny Brogan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Cycling docu promotes resilience; reference to sexual abuse.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Last Rider Trailer
  • The Last Rider: A young Greg LeMond on his bike with a yellow helmet and jacket and sunglasses
  • The Last Rider: Greg LeMond in his 60s being interviewed
  • The Last Rider: A young Greg LeMond celebrates a cycling victory with his team

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all

What's the Story?

THE LAST RIDER tells the story of one of the most thrilling races in the history of cycling, the 1989 Tour de France. Faced with unimaginable adversity, American rider Greg LeMond recalls how he had to show incredible resilience if he was to achieve one of cycling's great comebacks.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This sporting documentary focuses on what is arguably the greatest ever Tour de France. THE LAST RIDER puts American cyclist Greg LeMond front and center, as he recalls the dramatic events from 1989. At the time of writing, LeMond remains the only American to ever win cycling's most prestigious race, but it's what he had to overcome outside of the sport that really grabs the attention. From childhood trauma to a near fatal hunting accident, LeMond's story is remarkable and he -- alongside his wife, Kathy -- remains likable throughout. The documentary is in a strange position in that those who are unfamiliar with the story will most likely be more amazed by what unfolded than those who already know. Yet at the same time, it's fans of the sport who will be tuning in, while those who have little appetite for cycling are likely to pass it by. But wherever you sit with competitive cycling, LeMond's exploits are yet another example that sport can often produce comebacks that need to be seen to be believed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what character strengths Greg LeMond showed in The Last Rider. How did he overcome adversity? What do you think it takes to be an elite sportsperson?

  • What role did LeMond's wife Kathy play in his success? What is the importance of a good support network? Who do you rely on?

  • How did this film compare to other sports documentaries you've seen? Do you have a favorite?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

The Last Rider: Greg LeMond cycles on his bike in color against a black and white background

What to Watch Next

See all

Best Sports Documentaries

See all

Great Sports Movies

See all recommended movie lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate