Sam Smith, known to cyclocross aficionados as the producer and director of Behind the Barriers is bringing his uniquely human view of bike racing to the new AcroVelo documentary series.
According to Smith, “AcroVelo is a documentary series that profiles people who have dedicated their lives to cycling in one way or another.” Check out the first AcroVelo film, featuring the newly crowned national champion SmartStop squad after the jump.
The first film is a gritty, personal examination of Mike Creed, the director sportif of Team SmartStop. Fresh off the squad’s stunning domination of the U.S. road championship, we follow Mr. Creed as he gets his guys ready for the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, and shepherds them through the race. The recently retired racer describes the travails of his career, the tedium of managing the team, and the challenge of building respect within the industry for his upstart squad.
The first person narrative and the focus on life around the race will be familiar to “Behind the Barriers” fans, and the race footage shot from the team car provides a unique perspective on road racing. However, it is Mr. Smith’s talent for the introspective examination of his subjects that will make the film, and hopefully the AcroVelo series, compelling even for viewers with little interest in road racing.
