American Crit

[@brianbolton5566]

I’ve been looking for inspo recently and this has delivered. Y’all get it. You understand the obsession. Thank you for creating a space for this type of conversation. Passion.

[@AttackPictures]

Thank you for saying that, Brian. That means a lot to us.

[@rebelsofthelight9802]

Incredible...this is exceptional story-telling, raw emotion and intelligence...LOVED every second of it. Nic, AUSTRALIA

[@christopherpeltzer2155]

I love this. Excellent cinematography. The way you guys highlighted our sport at this level was rad. I think it may be hard for most people to understand the passion in statements like "You have to take all of normal and throw it away" which I really agree with. The people who always come up short are the ones who don't have that perspective, if you want to win in cycling you need to make it your lifestyle.

[@AttackPictures]

Thanks, Christopher.

[@ou8michael2]

As a St. Louis native… I’ve done the Gateway Cut for 7 straight years and it’s always an absolute blast.

[@adaptivearmycyclist2773]

Awesome video, 100% spot on with the emotions and DRIVE to not just be good, but the best you can be, and to be with those that feel the same way with a common goal in sight. So the "F-Bomb" is thrown around, ever hang out with a team or a coach that is driven beyond most people's imagination? Yea, that word might slip out a time or two... Watch the guys lower lip at around 15:50 and how it starts shaking he is so overwhelmed on the passion, drive and commitment he and the rest of the team are showing and putting on the line. These guys are not just talking the talk, they are walking it. To go from what was supposed to be a last place noob team to 3rd place shows that these guys made up in heart what other teams might have made up for in sponsors or money. Hats off guys. Hope to see you at a race one day.

[@patdunn]

St. Louis is lucky to have the Gateway Cup. Such an incredible event.

[@1RA787]

This cat is INTENSE! If he's putting in 110%...everyone better put in 110%. Great video.

[@w.g.1843]

Love the atmosphere, love seeing how fresh and modern crit racing is in the states compared to here in Belgium ("kermiskoersen" are considered dull here) but after 19 minutes I just couldn't keep listening to the guy anymore... Too each their own, all the other guys are down to earth but this guy's ego put me off of watching it entirely.

[@raysofsun188]

Yeah that’s not ego. That’s passion and commitment. How you could call it who when they went in with a goal of not placing last... Maybe this is why your races are dull.

[@iyfphoto]

Awesome film. Thanks!

[@wyrickb]

I miss Gateway cup and all the madness! Ton of good memories from back in the day... Keep nailing it guys!

[@brianbolton5566]

Still love it! Every bit. Kids birthdays and all. Love it!

[@AttackPictures]

Word.

[@steveChef70]

If the team had a merch store , I would definitely buy some of it. Great video, look forward to further butcherbox adventures.

[@PatrickDalyPhoto]

Great work Szymon and Neal. It was fun to witness your process. Hope to see you some more this year. Go ButcherBox Go!!!

[@AttackPictures]

Thanks, Pat. The hope is mutual. Let's do some good.

[@javiernarro92]

crit racing is the future of competitive cycling, short fast exciting, easy to tv stream, has potential for sports betting, small enough that tickets can be sold in an arena sort of event.

[@tomterblanche2315]

Everyone is chill except for hat dude, great film, just think the audience would be so much larger if he could just censor himself.

[@danl9662]

You mean the only interesting guy?

[@llanfair]

This was pretty entertaining to watch, particularly the footage of the racing. What I feel is missing is the dialogue of the team strategizing and discussion of race tactics. Lots of scenes in slo-mo of the “pre-race” at 4:45pm is kiiiinda cool, but instead of a montage, if the audience actually heard the chatter, the feedback, the ideas, etc., then the audience would get a much better sense of the world of crit racing. Less faded bar backdrop banter, and more race craft, next time.

[@gregkogut6749]

I agree. I wanted to learn something about the art and strategy of crit racing. Maybe how they were planning to position the young guy. What they attempted, achieved, failed at, and learned. What guy's roles are. But instead it was all just about turning the passion dial to '11' over and over and over. Which is great. But it's not good enough because Clif Bar, Rally et al also have passionate guys.

[@AttackPictures]

Thanks for the feedback, Owen. We really appreciate it.

[@AttackPictures]

Greg Kogut We’re not done with crit racing yet! And we hope to deliver more of what you’re looking for with future projects. Thanks for watching and letting us know how we can improve. Cheers, Szymon

[@TDF86]

Attack Pictures Ditto the two comments above. It’s clear that this is an aesthetically powerful piece, but the underlying narrative which would bring it all together is weak. If you follow up with this team - which you should - we need a better sense of just how significant the achievement of this season was, more and more visible examples of the bond between riders that Cullen refers to, and more of a sense of progress from invitation to culmination.

[@danl9662]

I love this feedback... you don't lug any heavy camera equipment around all day, you aren't on any of the scouts, you didn't call to get your media pass, you don't invest in any of the equipment, you didn't spend years mastering how to use the equipment, you don't show up before sunrise and leave after sunset, you don't spend hours and backing up footage and syncing audio, you don't spend hours making selects and finding the right music, you don't spend more hours and hours editing but then you have the audacity to tell them what they should have done... There aren't very many cycling videos like this, shot and edited well. Just because you don't know anything about tactics doesn't mean you get to criticize these folks art.

[@PedalProse]

A little over the top--well, probably more than a little--on the hyperbole from their captain, but this was really a nicely produced short Doc on cycling.

[@raysofsun188]

Sad how many people love to shit on other peoples passion.

[@paulog7411]

Some Americans do have a lot of words just to say something is cool and they get a kick from it... like the chap on the usa crits cap :P Anyway, nice doc, love all the footage !! Ride on

[@DWrek5]

Love this dude's passion! Great stuff.

[@teamscoobydoo]

Nicely done. Hopefully, there are more videos like this in the near future.

[@AttackPictures]

Thank you! We don’t plan on letting up.

[@Drumshoptulsa]

@@AttackPictures Sorry for being late to the game. Great video - and I am curious what "radios" you guys are using during the crits. I race MTB Endurance and within our "team" we could use this tech to help stay in contact with aid stations and other riders if necessary. ANY insight would be greatly appreciated. Humbly Signed, Roger N.

[@AttackPictures]

@@Drumshoptulsa Thanks! Really appreciate it. I can reach out to the team and ask about which radios they use. I'll get back to you once I hear back.

[@adam_n_gimli7140]

Love this! I am stoked about finally racing a real season after 10years of saying maybe next year and this lights a fire more than I already had. I sometimes question why I am putting so much into this. This makes me stop questioning!

[@AttackPictures]

It is time, my friend. It is time. No looking back now.

[@atherliksho8379]

why is he being so agro ? when everyone is so chilled ..

[@MaxWippermann]

Cocaine

[@veloriderkm]

For part 2, see if Phil Liggett is available to commentate during the race scenes.

[@Glen11Olsson]

Man this guy loves the word fuck almost as much as he loves America

[@AttackPictures]

😂 Can’t blame him. One of the greatest words in modern language.

[@derekgoyer2852]

This guys energy..Holy

[@alcantey]

Really really good! I’m now afraid of crits, but I shouldn’t be!

[@doggdemuro]

Very well made doc. The main guy must be a blast to have around during family gatherings 😄. "Mom!! Where's my fucking dinner?? I'm fucking hungry!!! Mom!!!"

[@joris818]

Do a ramp test every time the captain says fuck :-D

[@NateDary]

Dope documentary. Even doper kits! Shocked about how many people are upset about the language. 🤷🏾‍♂️ Keep sheltering your kids (old enough to watch movies & listen to the radio & friends) from the real world and see how that turns out.

[@iammikeDOTorg]

Nate Dary it’s not that we find the language scary, it’s that we find it childish, unnecessary, and detrimental to the film’s experience.

[@travelingmossball416]

Wow, wow, wow. Just so freaking impressed and inspired. I want to ride right now and it’s 10 degrees outside. Why!?!??!

[@earlmcivor8922]

Wow…what a set of athletes!

[@scottjoyce85]

This guy is intense. I wish I would have met him at the Gateway Cup! I love that intensity!

[@jk2302]

UUUGGGHHH This is so fucking good, tears, literally tears that it's over. I love the passion! I want to take this energy and blast the fuck out of our local scene with this passion and energy... I will watch this countless times from now until our first count down. Thanks for this guys, it is amazing!

[@AttackPictures]

That comment got us so pumped we need a race to shoot right now.

[@BabalolaAjisafe]

inspiring af. im gonna go and ride my bike

[@AttackPictures]

Babalola Ajisafe 🙏 Send it!

[@jameseby8207]

Glued to my screen!

[@footfallcreative5304]

Bravo!

[@karksmac]

So how do you say Syzmon? Nice colour, great focus and beautifully paced. Curious about ballpark budget. Keep it up. Thx Thanks.

[@AttackPictures]

Sorry, Mark. I thought I had replied. Szymon is pronounced like Shimon (Peres.) Thank you for the kind words. This was a micro budget production. We shot the whole thing for under $1000 and that included travel, shelter, food, and equipment rental.

[@karksmac]

@@AttackPictures you did reply! Way way back thanks. It has somehow disappeared. Keep up the good work. I love the passion

[@AttackPictures]

@@karksmac Thanks, Mark!

[@Danimal813]

I don't know why but when someone cusses when they talk passionately about a subject I just trust them more. Very well done, boys.

[@bigwil91]

Best video of the year!

[@NealZeleznak]

Incredibly inspirational

[@matthewkitchen10]

FIRED UP FOR THE 2019 SEASON!!!!

[@jonatanayala807]

Love guys like the founder of this team. Super intense and passionate. All these fake riders who complain and blame others for their low performances need to watch this. This is what crit racing is all about, going fast and going hard.

[@TheScottishPlumber]

So good!

[@CritWhit]

I so want to CONNECT my VISION with this!!!

[@Enigma71559]

Steve Cullen may be THE most annoying human I've ever heard speak, but overall, really well-done and interesting video. Maybe at some point - if you haven't already - you could get inside the other end of the spectrum and do a film featuring Cory and Justin Williams. They're doing so much to promote crit racing currently, and winning nearly every race they enter. They're much, much easier on the ears as well.

[@AttackPictures]

We like Steve! But we know his style is not for everyone and we appreciate different views. We were in talks to embed with Justin and Cory in Boise this year. But we have no idea what’s going to happen with the season. We’ll see. We’re also currently working on a film we shot with Project Echelon at Intelligentsia last summer. So keep your eyes peeled for that!

[@FreeMTrider]

San Rafael! ahhhh now I remember lining up next to you guys in those kits.

[@Burnleyist]

Loved this and American Crit two. Any chance for a music/track list?

[@AttackPictures]

Thanks, Simon! ACII has a track list in the end credits. Some of the races, I scored myself. As far as ACI, if you let me know which song you're looking for, I can get you that info.

[@Burnleyist]

@@AttackPictures Awesome. It's the song that kicks in at 31:06, love to know what that one in particular is?

[@Burnleyist]

For AC1

[@AttackPictures]

@@Burnleyist Good track! That one is called Blueprint and it's by a group called Ballpoint. Here's a link to them on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZovIZadtgbp6b7s

[@Burnleyist]

@@AttackPictures perfect! Cheers

[@owenvermeulen1231]

the guy with the USA Crits hat is way too..... "Fuckin intense mannn"

[@jacksimonson5473]

Really enjoyed It. Well done.

[@SuperBZN]

I found this to have very little substance. Feels like a super cut of glamorized inspirational quotes. Fantastic cinematography, but I do not thing 30 minutes of only cinematography is for me.

[@AttackPictures]

SuperBZN Thanks for the feedback. Check out the sequel. I think you’ll find more of what you’re looking for there.

[@slapfan1]

Great film!

[@SkatesonEcstasy]

well produced nicely shot toxic masculinity in a nutshell! But loved the race footage, this is the style of bike racing documentary i dig, just maybe with different people.

[@stellarcreations7378]

Really well done! Would be an honor to be the workhorse for this team

[@matthewradcliff5222]

Awesome!

[@johnsprague1678]

21:49 22:52 - .... keep coming back for this. Thank you.

[@AttackPictures]

One of our favorite parts. Thanks, John.

[@gregorysnyder3131]

great job. super thrilling.

[@AttackPictures]

Gregory Snyder Thanks, Gregory! 💪

[@thomasvmanning]

I watched number 2 first... I'm glad the swearing is actually included in this one. 🤷‍♂️ Shit's real.

[@AttackPictures]

It was a tough decision to censor the second one. In the end we listened to those riders who wanted to be able to show it to their kids and the profanity was just too much. I guess if it helps grow the sport, we can bite the bullet once in a while. Maybe we’ll put out the “dirty” version some day 😉

[@thomasvmanning]

@@AttackPictures I totally get that. In a sport struggling to increase new, young ridership, you made the right call. But yeah, you should definitely release the uncensored version. And you should definitely make more! These were excellent!

[@tracehendricks3258]

Wait till this guy discovers alleycats

[@mervdove5901]

Love the carnivore t shirt and crit cap. Any info on how to get them?

[@AttackPictures]

Try the Butcherbox Cycling team’s website. Not sure if those are still available. They may have new ones.

[@conradlong326]

those dudes are passionate

[@chriscreed]

Nice work!!

[@AttackPictures]

Thanks, Chris!

[@SWells679]

Decent. Could've used some more actual racing...perhaps, a Go-Pro on one of the guys with some in-race footage.

[@AttackPictures]

SWells679 Agreed. And will try to incorporate more into future videos. Thanks for the feedback!

[@SWells679]

Thanks for the Reply. I raced Crits (as an amateur) and they're everything described in this feature. If y'all were able to capture the sounds & chaotic visual overload of being IN the pack...woof! That'd kick it up a few notches.

[@AttackPictures]

No doubt. We're definitely going to incorporate an on-board camera, a few more drone shots, and a few other ideas we're experimenting with to make the race footage even more epic.

[@BananaChipzzz]

Forget cycling, buddy would win the F-bomb criterium

[@hedleykerr3564]

The Samuel L. Jackson of bike racing with the F bombs!

[@schmo9425]

I think this guy might be a sociopath it's scary to watch. Justin Williams is the best crit racer ever and he is chill. You don't have to be a sociopath to win.

[@AttackPictures]

He's actually a really nice guy who cares deeply about his riders and others. Definitely not a sociopath. Just a very intense and interesting person, a hard worker, and a leader who is loved by those who follow him. Now that's the impression we got from the time we spent with him and his team. You're right. Justin Williams is arguably the greatest crit racer ever. And he's chill. He and Steve are friends. It's possible to have very different styles, and get results from both. It's what makes us human. We have a tremendous amount of respect for both of these men and we wish we could be half the leaders they are. That said, everyone is entitled to their opinion and we appreciate you checking out the film. Check out the sequel and let us know if you feel any differently. Best, Szymon Raczkowiak Director

[@Scottishplumber]

Holy bagpipes!

[@Mike-cz8oy]

Hilarious and corny start by the guy stating the blindly obvious ‘someone will win’ with such conviction that he was telling the audience something they couldn’t possibly have known😂😂. Despite that the rest of the film is good👍

[@AttackPictures]

Our fault for not giving that a bit more context. But thanks for sticking it out and watching the whole thing. I’m really glad you liked it despite the bumpy start.

[@FreeMTrider]

@@@AttackPictures I understood the context! You sometimes have to tell yourself that someone WILL win...meaning why not me? That entering the race with the intent to win...be it who you're working for or yourself...it's possible. Excellent documentary. Thanks.

[@AttackPictures]

FreeMTrider That’s exactly right. And the kind words are appreciated.

[@Mike-cz8oy]

Fair enough, I did get the context. Being a Brit and naturally emotionality retarded 😀 I wasn’t use to the full on motivational start. Keep up the great work

[@AttackPictures]

Thanks, MC!

[@MK-lf4kv]

BRAAAAAAP

[@JensFredeRasmussen]

I am from Europe and do not know about the rules here... But why the heck isn't all bikes in video as aerodynamic as they can be?

[@AttackPictures]

Jens Frede Rasmussen Too difficult to steer through the technical corners.

[@thhorwitz1]

To livestream the 2019 USACRITS Series please register at usacrits.tv/register/ref/butcherbox/ | butcherboxcycling.com

[@iiLouixie]

Who’s the guy in US Champ jersey? Does he just win everything?

[@AttackPictures]

His name is Ty Magner. He is the current National Criterium Champion. And yes.

[@stianpollestad754]

@@AttackPictures I looked him up. He races for for Rally UHC Cycling in 2019, and he's been a pro since 2011. Two stage wins in his career; one in Larry Miller Tour of Utah (2017), and one in Tour of China (2012).

[@AttackPictures]

Stian Pollestad Not to mention complete domination at the Gateway Cup where most of this film takes place. He won the first three races and missed the clean sweep by an inch in the final.

[@lucaspoupard2451]

Awesome vid

[@theoptionator]

Badass!!!

[@molfar9049]

JayZ is not good enough to even clean Beethoven’s shoes!

[@markyaroshevsky1229]

Super sick. Not often do you get the chance to get into the Adam Schepps mind. Life altering experiencing.😘

[@BoyHero22]

Come on in buddy.

[@AttackPictures]

It’s a one-way door.

[@owenvermeulen1231]

Good Documentary tho

[@bernardmarx9020]

Need that USA Crits hat. Where can I buy one?

[@thhorwitz1]

Usacrits.tv. but come to the races.

[@torgsgotboards]

The only part I didn't like was when he compared pro bike racing to curing cancer and saving refugees.... I guess I just struggled to make that connection myself 😂

[@AttackPictures]

torgsgotboards That’s on us. We should have given more context there. He was talking about different choices requiring different sacrifices, and that one should be aware of those sacrifices when making the choice..

[@ItsAsparageese]

@@AttackPictures It made perfect sense and the delivery and editing were great. Sometimes people just suck at interpreting analogy lol. If the context and application of every metaphor ever were always explained there'd be no art or experiential value in communication

[@AttackPictures]

Thank you. Of course, you’re absolutely right. Let’s just say we were feeling magnanimous that day.

[@tsettle44]

Dope

[@AttackPictures]

Tom Settle ❤️

[@eagle24ss]

Love crit racing! Can’t wait to show this to my kids who love bike racing. Oh wait, the F bomb was dropped at least a zillion times! Please clean it up so I can show some juniors without them thinking fowl language is part of the culture. This narrowed the audience substantially!

[@AttackPictures]

Sorry, Taylor. I understand, but I'm just not in the censorship business. There are plenty of options out there that will appeal to a wider audience. But that's not what I'm trying to do.

[@chrisfowler5765]

@@AttackPictures its not censorship, its decency or restraint or vocabulary.

[@AttackPictures]

There’s a gulf between our definitions of indecency. And that’s ok.

[@ajpowers7842]

Not everything is meant for kids. Crits are rough and tumble and I’d say cursing is definitely in the culture. American kit racing, like he says, is very much a punk rock culture. It’s not about Protestant “refined” culture. That’s what the tour is for.

[@eagle24ss]

Your right, it is definitely rough and tumble I’ve got several heavily patched kits and scars from road rash to prove it. And anyone who has made a bad line choice or move in a crit(myself included) has received the justified verbal correction for the “moment”. My two cents is that we as humans should be able to have a level of self control and respect for ourselves and one another that outside of those “moments” we can articulate how truly awesome this sport is to anyone regardless of age, gender, religion, etc... And feel proud that whoever we shared our experience and enthusiasm for this sport with was encouraged. And hopefully draw more and more to take part in what we truly love doing. RACING BIKES! Might not be worth much, but that’s my two cents. Thanks for reading.

[@rager222]

Fucking Stellar!

[@MalcsVoltage]

🤟

[@coreylies]

"As long as you're willing to work so hard you want to fucking die, then you can participate, and isn't it worth it?" Man! It rings so true to me. That's the insanity of bike racing. It's like getting burned by a hot stove by going back for seconds.

[@eliaslawson5287]

That was hard to watch

[@Eldonlemete]

My god. So dramatic.

[@whatscreenname]

Oh my goodness that guy talks way too much

[@MatthewPep]

9:24

[@jays2150]

Meh, rather watch the world tour

[@AttackPictures]

I know. Us, too. When does it start?

[@CryWolfFilms]

Its almost like you can watch both

[@fractionmag]

I thought this would be a terrific, inspirational video for my kids who love cycling but the language killed it for us and it's a real shame. Your "passion" for the f-bomb makes this unwatchable for any family.

[@AttackPictures]

David Bram You’re right, David. It is not a family film. It’s a documentary with a language warning in the opening frame.

[@suburbancyclist1535]

Just words, they don't hurt people if you do the let them.

[@fractionmag]

@@AttackPictures Fair enough but I can tell you that the "hard-edge" language turned a lot of people off to this.

[@AttackPictures]

That’s true. But it was a conscious decision we can live with.

[@jk2302]

I am fairly certain that this turned more people ON than it did OFF.

[@iammikeDOTorg]

Really nicely put together video. Could have done without the f’ing guy dropping the f-bomb every other word. Annoying as f.