Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
World War 1 was a time of rapid technological advancement, with tanks, airplanes and machine guns all changing the landscape of warfare for the first time. Often overlooked however, is a practical and resourceful machine that played a role in the conflict, the bicycle. We find out how the bicycle was deployed in reconnaissance, defense and even front line combat, in the war to end all wars.
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A fascinating insight into the role of the bicycle in the First World War - from reconnaissance to transporting ammunition, historian and cycling enthusiast Jeremy Banning explores stories from the battlefield. Ollie Bridgewood discovers the role cycle scouts played in the Army Cycling Corp and rides the original bikes used in the conflict. Mark Beaumont meets the grandson of a WW1 soldier who rode for the Highland Cyclist Battalion and survived brutal combat on the front line.
GCN+ is the home of the world’s most thrilling live bike races, highlights, exclusive shows and epic cycling documentaries that you can enjoy live + ad-free + on-demand + interactive + all-year round.
GCN+ is more of everything you’ve come to love from GCN but taken to the next level: more entertainment, more races, more inspiration, more access, more analysis, more science and more to watch with exclusive and original long-form films, documentaries and shows.
GCN+ is cycling like you’ve never seen it before.
World War 1 was a time of rapid technological advancement, with tanks, airplanes and machine guns all changing the landscape of warfare for the first time. Often overlooked however, is a practical and resourceful machine that played a role in the conflict, the bicycle. We find out how the bicycle was deployed in reconnaissance, defense and even front line combat, in the war to end all wars.
Sign up to GCN+ for the best cycling documentaries, shows, and adventure films. Plus live racing, highlights and analysis, all ad-free: https://gcn.eu/plus
A fascinating insight into the role of the bicycle in the First World War - from reconnaissance to transporting ammunition, historian and cycling enthusiast Jeremy Banning explores stories from the battlefield. Ollie Bridgewood discovers the role cycle scouts played in the Army Cycling Corp and rides the original bikes used in the conflict. Mark Beaumont meets the grandson of a WW1 soldier who rode for the Highland Cyclist Battalion and survived brutal combat on the front line.
GCN+ is the home of the world’s most thrilling live bike races, highlights, exclusive shows and epic cycling documentaries that you can enjoy live + ad-free + on-demand + interactive + all-year round.
GCN+ is more of everything you’ve come to love from GCN but taken to the next level: more entertainment, more races, more inspiration, more access, more analysis, more science and more to watch with exclusive and original long-form films, documentaries and shows.
GCN+ is cycling like you’ve never seen it before.
