Bicycle race: What shots would you want to see?

[C Walker]

Hey all, I'm making a promo video for my team. I can't race at the moment, but I do have another talent, filmmaking!

I'm fairly experimental when it comes to shooting, since I literally have all weekend to shoot. Those familiar with road bike racing, this is an omnium weekend: Road race, Time Trial, and Criterium.

So, what shots would you want to see? I want this to be compelling to the non-racer also. The action is VERY fast and lots of turns. I'll be careful with the pans to limit strobing. Any suggestions?

 

[grinner]

I like helmet cams. If you have one of those out there, you can set up along the track for flybys and have everything ya need to cut a great piece.
Try to get to starts and some finishes. I like to see the whole rider and the bike on external shots. I call a wide shot the entire field in view.
If you have proper access, the dooly shot/car ride along side em is always a great shot.

 

[jsvideoworx]

I do a lot of offroad races, and some of the shots that I like to get can also apply to what you are filming. Show the prep of the race, racers putting on their shoes, gloves, try to bring the racers thoughts into video (being focused from start to finish). When the race starts, I like to film the tires turning, the peoples reactions when the racer leave the line. During the race itself, I like to film in turns, more action, if you are filming a straight line, try to zoom on their face, the serious race face is good (to me it shows character). Finish line, just get their reactions when they cross the line. (just my 2 cents, hopefully this helps.

Here is a link to a video I did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfb66BD5rHo

I could have done somethings better. Building up the location of the event, what event it was and have a steady hand for the camera, I still have a long way to go.