For most of us, those cyclists riding at the back of the race are simply the also-rans. They are called water carriers, domestiques, gregarios, who sacrifice their careers and forego personal victories so their team leaders can win. What drives them on to keep putting their bodies on the line through excruciating pain and demoralising anonymity? Arunas Matelis followed these Sancho Panza’s of professional cycling for 7 years during the prestigious Giro d’Italia and reveals the unseen world of these wonderful losers of professional cycling from the point of view of the doctors’ team. Our bike heroes crash, rise — and race again.
Awards
Warsaw Film Festival (PL) – The Best Documentary
Minsk Listapad Film Festival Grand (BY) – Best Documentary and Audience
The Best Lithuanian Film 2017 (LT) – Lithuanian Filmmakers Union Award
Trieste Film Festival (IT) – Audience Award for the Best Documentary Film in competition
National Lithuanian Film Awards (LT) – Best Documentary
National Lithuanian Film Awards (LT) – Best Composer
National Lithuanian Film Awards (LT)– People’s Choice
Baltijos Banga International Film Festival (LT)– Audience Award
Ulju Mountain Film Festival (KOR) – Best “Exploration & Adventure” Film
Kendal Mountain Film Festival (GBR) – Special Jury Prize
Bilbao Mendi Film Festival (ES)– Best Director
Chicago EU Film Festival (USA) – Special Mention
Vilnius St. Christopher Award (LT)
Sport Movies & TV Milano International FICTS Fest (IT) – Honourable Mention
International Sports Film Festival Krasnogorski (RUS) – Best Director
Nordic Adventure Film Festival (DEN)– GRAND FONDO Film of the Year
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (GBR) – GOLD AWARD Best Bike film
Festivals
Tallinn Black Nights (EST) – Official Selection Doc@POFF, not competition section
Dublin International Film Festival (IRL) – Competition
ZagrebDox International Film Festival (CRO) – Competition
DocsBarcelona (ES) – Competition