Rapha Gone Racing - Tulsa Tough

Tulsa Tough is an annual three-day cycling festival set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Home to huge crowds and a notoriously generous prize purse, it’s a favoured venue for some of America’s biggest crit racing talents - drawing the nation’s best riders to its tight and tumultuous street circuits.
In 2019, the races played host to the then-new L39ION of Los Angeles team. This year, Justin and Cory Williams, together with their diverse band of talented racers and a newly-formed women’s team, returned to Tulsa on the hunt for repeat success. With a clutch of wins as well as the overall for both the men’s and women’s categories, it’s safe to say the squad made their mark (again) in Oklahoma. Gone Racing goes behind the scenes to cover the three days of action - and inspiration - from L39ION’s perspective.
#GoneRacing
Music: Builder’s Tea - builders-tea.com/
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[@chrisc738]

"We're winning at life" Hell, yeah. (Who is cutting onions in here?)

[@gilbucle]

😂

[@rolandfletcher4044]

I'm not crying, you're crying 😢

[@Kleyver]

Definitely some onions being chopped around here too...

[@jk2302]

Lolz totally! He got me too!

[@terrysolomon2484]

Damn, straight up.

[@williamhamilton6712]

I am a black 29 year old from Minnesota. I have been so truly inspired by the Williams bros and Legion of Los Angeles. I can’t afford a nice road bike but the road bike I have I feel like I am riding with y’all. Keep doing what y’all are doing. Inspiring young Black youth!

[@irvingabbott6]

if you have a bike and would like to ride hit me up, i live in Roseville, minnesota.

[@Nonanon69]

Met them the other day in Chicago for the Intelligentsia Cup. I was too nervous to tell them how much I look up to them with everything they are about. Being a minority who never fit in where they live has always been tough. I would have never found this sport and love it so much if it wasn't for them. I hope I can be like them one day. I hope I get the chance to talk to them again one day. L3gion rocks.

[@pano360]

L39ION came to Boise to race the Twilight Criterium, stayed in town for a few days before Salt Lake City and hosted a fun group ride with the local riders (such a boss move) - they even came out later that evening to race in our local Tuesday night parking lot crits!

[@xgalvan1]

Same here. I met them at intelligentsia. Cory Justin and Sklar are all super down to earth. They made time for every fan.

[@pookienumnums]

73910N

[@LouieBaLLz]

I'm emotional with you, Cory. I picked up cycling because I needed to lose weight (I was 305lbs) and it became life after seeing a few of your YT videos about 2 years ago. I'm currently about 210lbs and in the best shape of my life. Thank you and much love to the entire L39ion squad!

[@Engineerbydey]

Congratulations!! Cycling is a beautiful thing.

[@LouieBaLLz]

@@Engineerbydey Thank you! It literally svaed my life.

[@oc118]

I'm 250 and got a 20 mph average for 40 miles straight. I can't wait till I'm ur weight to race these dudes

[@anthony8890]

Incredible, these guys motivated me during lockdown to get back on a bike, I'm 36 and hadn't ridden since I was around 18. I now ride every chance I get, clocking up around 250k a week. I have fallen in love with their idea of what cycling should be, and I thank you guys for changing my life for the better!!

[@cegb551]

Nice.

[@jamaani]

Wow! I am working towards 200k a week. You are my hero👏🏾👏🏾

[@anthony8890]

@@jamaani Ah dude! I love that! Thanks, it's taken me a few months to get to that point, and it was not easy! But I've gone from finding a 10k hard to doing 100k rides, and I'm aching after bu5 you just gotta push through, the highs of reaching your goals far outweigh the downsides of getting there! Start small and believe in yourself!!

[@jamaani]

@@anthony8890 that’s it right there…the highs are a wonderful feeling. I will keep at it and keep pushing. Seeing teams like legion really inspire though…thanks for the encouragement 🙏🏾

[@guruimc1755]

WOW, well thats the first cycling vid that made me tear up

[@rebelsofthelight9802]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE every single aspect of LEGION and the shake up they have been brave enough to ignite within the sport...AMEN. Nic, Sunshine Coast, AUSTRALIA

[@bryanbess6562]

The courage it takes for Justin and Corey to break the robotic mold of professional cycling is truly inspiring. And that last anecdote from Corey really hit me hard - in the best way. Keep it up, gentlemen.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

Its sooo refreshing

[@eliteharrington7377]

My son and I are gonna be sporting your kit by September (it's will be my birthday gift 🥳) we are from Trinidad and Tobago the most southerly island of the Caribbean, and we absolutely love ya'll. Nuff Respect 🤜🏿🤛🏿

[@desiralhagger4034]

Take notes America, you can't make this up! We can all make things better working side by side TOGETHER! Great Job Legion representing and committing in being Ambassadors for our inner-city youth.

[@stevedinverno1504]

Wow! Fantastic film. Feel the passion, feel the emotion. Full of motivation. Love the team. Watched it twice straight over… Amazing.

[@martinmurillomtb2490]

Cory WIlliams is just the man wow. He's super quiet and humble on social media and just seems like the coolest dude ever. Gotta love a champ that wears his heart on his sleeve. Hope to hear more of what he has to say.

[@alexgomez9033]

I got the GREAT pleasure of meeting the L39ION team. Justin and Cory are really Genuine nice people who care about welcoming EVERYONE to the sport of cycling. My love of cycling grew after meeting them. #WiningAtLife

[@MattMahon84]

Wow! Such a great film. Those Legion cyclist are so inspirational and their message is just so powerful. Heart wrenching moment at the end when he tells me about the two girls approaching him. Beautiful!

[@patrickreylara9844]

To say that this group of guys will change the world is an understatement. What an inspiration!

[@BigMoe1290]

This team, and this documentary .... WORLD CLASS

[@Brian.Gregorio]

Leaving one of the largest foot prints in cycling. L39GION is truly revolutionary, every time I get on my bike, I truly think of L39GION and how much they really push me to be better. You all are doing something right and keep on doing it!

[@joannejohnston3531]

Wow! So moved and inspired by your awesome team. Huge well done on your amazing and incredible achievements and being such an inspiration to us all!

[@alanjohnson9998]

The best Rapha Gone Racing film I've seen to date. Keep on winning at life you guys! Greetings from Europe.

[@michaelfowler1]

Really enjoyed the video, fun to see guys and girls who love each other and love racing their bikes.

[@yellowcactus7]

24:00

[@francobuhay9604]

Seeing someone who's discovered his purpose in life and is living it to the fullest is so moving. Tearing up man.

[@brianbarnes7527]

What an amazing video capturing Legion at Tulsa. You can tell this team is truly a family. The ending with Cory was absolutely incredible capturing what this team is and what they are about.

[@Stealthgate007]

I wish ESPN would pick up a season of Crit Racing to test the waters. I've been watching Nationsnumber1beast and NorCal Cycling and they are now in my rotation. I'm starting to know all the teams. Thanks Rapha!

[@jackdonahue7531]

@ the very least some kind of netflix series covering usacrits/legion/etc, i mean "drive to survive" has done so much for f1 viewership in the united states!

[@Stealthgate007]

@@jackdonahue7531 Drive to survive is great. L39GION needs a Gunther Steiner.. Lol. F1 is my passion dude! 😂😂👍

[@codynewlon93]

I LOVE THIS! I just got into cycling and this just made my transition into the sport more welcoming

[@sburkeylyndhurst]

Tried to like this video a couple more times but it wouldn't let me. Well done!

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Keep it up. You are the future of cycling. The future is bright because of forward thinking people like you.

[@somefiend5460]

Olympics need to add crit racing!!! We’d just send Legion

[@Trojansusmc]

So bad ass!!! So much more respect for all of you (doubt there was more to give). There will always be controversy when going against the grain but you know the mission and the plan, glad you have a supporting team that has the same desires and determination to get there!

[@chainslide]

Was absolutely moved by this short film. long time fan of Legion and the William’s brothers

[@Highnoonshred]

Love this team! As someone who is out of the norm with Cerebral Palsy and does 100 plus mile rides I like the spirit of you all!! Much love!!

[@rtscycling]

Much respect to Legion and what they are doing in the cycling community. The way they conduct themselves and the representation in the sport is monumental. I enjoyed watching and meeting the guys at intelligentsia cup in Chicago on Sunday.

[@thetalkingfly]

This so great on so many different levels! Great Great Great and lovely filmmaking too. Cheers, TTF

[@marcalechi9070]

Brazilian fan. You are amazing. Thank you mates. 👏👏💪🇧🇷

[@danieljournell2903]

The fan interaction at 14ish minutes was so awesome. A top of the heap rider taking time to talk to a young rider but in an honest way with care and interest even asking the young rider to come find her later to talk about her race. We need more of that. I know a lot of the riders at the top right now are like this Travis McCabe, Justin and Corey, and Peter Stetina are also like this. We need every cyclist to be like this from Justin Williams down to that roadie at their local crit. Open and approachable.

[@Chiro75]

I must live under a rock, never really heard of this team or the Williamses, but my eyes are open now! Rad

[@Insert_Screename_Here]

They weren't getting any notice is why. I've been following Justin and Cory since a cycling friend told me about them, 2 years ago. Non traditional media has made everyone take notice, can't whitewash this sport anymore.

[@Stratulax]

Totally impressed! Thanks Legion for making a lasting difference that will count for the long term. Totally excellent!

[@vurbmoto]

Yeww! What an epic team AND race.

[@havock1013]

Cheers. I am watching this over and over. Rooting for you all!!

[@Matte957]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! Seriously though, for all the unfortunate things the internet can bring, it also gives access to absolute gems out there and I'm glad I came across one of Corey's race videos years ago. So cool to see the change they're making. Keep it up!

[@adambradshaw7149]

This might be one of my favorite videos I've ever watched. What a team, what a mission, and oh how incredible they are at pursuing it!

[@_W1L_]

Big respect from São Paulo - Brazil

[@kevin._.farren]

Ephing amazing! Keep doing your thing!!!

[@adunnthing]

Absolutely loved this film, and everything the team are doing for the sport.

[@rocketpastsix]

Between them and EF, they are changing the conversation about pro cycling and its awesome.

[@Bandilerosoundboy]

Cory you got me all choked up Brah. Keep up the good work and Team Legion we Love you. We can see the good you are doing for cycling. There will always be haters thumbing down even if God came down from heaven. Thanks for the motivation and keep sharing your awesome races. Please come to Holland sometime, you have a lot of fans here!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulobrutus]

U are all legends 👊🏽❤️💫👏🏽🙌🏽 So happy to be witnessing the fruits of your labour.

[@DJcoachbombay]

As always, fabulous storytelling Rapha. The soundtracks are always so good.

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Emotions flow out of me every time I watch this video.

[@bperez2788]

Legion is such an inspiration to watch the Williams brothers and the Legion team are really the 🐐 🐐 of cycling. Str8 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@xaviertirado7516]

That's by far the best thing happening in 2021 Legion making cycling better and fun so real the team is going far ! Lets go !

[@mikesima9396]

Keep being true to yourselves and inspiring us all .... Thank you

[@khalidbel2950]

Good to see diversity in cycling, real competition!

[@LordHenrikso]

Awesome team and film. Hope Legion do a few races in Europe in the future

[@jlt391]

Wow, awesome video but that last minute really touched my heart. So proud of you guys...Legion is the truth

[@MOSloan]

Great Doc! Thank you for making this for us and sharing it with us - inspiring! I definitely want to put some hard sessions in my legs to lift my game! Legion - Winning For Life!

[@patrickprouty4415]

Cory “nationsnumber1beast” Williams. Hope you always keeps your channel going. I’ve been following Justin and Cory for a year now and I love the mission and watching the story and history being made.

[@jk2302]

Wow that is so good! Such a cool video to see the behind the scenes and the emotions, even the shock of winning?! Like they're soooo good and still shocked when they win, that's crazy. This team is changing the game, doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks, they are changing the game, for the better.

[@caymanianchesttv9754]

I really do appreciate what these guys are doing for the sport of cycling, We need more teams and people like them. Well done guys!

[@toddtyrrell]

What an amazing program, pure racing. Keep on trucking, I love this.

[@rapidsk8]

thanks Rapha for this. Legion of Los Angeles salute!

[@PatrickLino]

I'm not crying...YOU'RE crying! 😭

[@W4TSKY]

Legion is what's going to get American millennials and Gen-Z into cycling. They perform in races and look dope as hell.

[@CaravanCreative]

These guys are GREAT for the sport. I love following them.

[@jonromenesko9693]

Hell yeah. This dropped just in time for the Littleton Twilight Crit this weekend. Lets go!

[@merseypicsvids]

"It's just about hard work". Best quote in the entire film. That's all anything should ever be about in life. Hard work. Nothing else matters. It shouldn't and this team is proving that. Chapeau.

[@Voodoochile65]

Got to be in Tulsa for this ...Great Time!

[@gasolinewine801]

What an awesome video…and team. I hated you guys, now I love you ❤️😊

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Fantastic vid you guys. Super inspiring on so many levels. Please keep up the awesome work! The soul of the sport and so many young people need you!

[@DynamicEricLife]

It's epic seeing Legion really show a massive show of diversity and cohesiveness in American cycling. Sure there is #critbeef in the microcosm of Socal criti cycling, but what the Williams brothers and the rest of the team is doing is transcending that.

[@joep9565]

Wow. This was really well made. Not to mention inspiring

[@carterleynes6380]

Here in Toronto, over 20 years ago, I started racing mountain bikes and I seemed to be the only filipino around. I thought it was a white sport and Filipinos just didn't have what it takes to excel. Fast forward to now and you'll see in every mountain bike event a swarm of enthusiastic Filipinos racing...and winning! This is a great sport that should be accessible to everyone so they can see how great it is.

[@MKDC5]

God damn these people are amazing. Did not expect to be crying during a bike race video.

[@KS-qi6jh]

Keep making KZbin video's! so much motivation. much love.

[@sdhaskell]

this is important. a spark to ignite the fire of change. 100% behind this team.

[@yerlnyslinarez]

the best video about the Legions team, great job @corywilliams and the team great job

[@JulianAllen13]

Great ending to a great video. Keep doing what you are doing, keep inspiring us, guys.

[@sleepcycle8032]

This was amazing. Hard not to like what they've done for the sport.

[@ashleyc434]

I was always into bikes. But never thought about getting into it on this level until I found the Williams brothers on YT. So yes I appreciate them form being one of many black cyclist making it ok for us to be comfortable and confident with cycling.

[@janetjones6416]

This. Changes. Everything.

[@colinmatthews5999]

Amazing, soul-tingling stuff here.... Beyond inspiring.

[@esoterrestrial9627]

ya'll. i had no idea. As a black tulsan, I would've loved to get to meet ya'll. I ride fixed, but ya'll are motivating me to get out there and step my game up. hope to cross path's with ya'll next year

[@prex345]

This what a team looks like. Who doesn't love the sound of a crisp freewheel? JS

[@BrokenandCoastal]

Beautiful film. Incredible team. Fully inspired. Let's go!

[@TheDavidjakeson]

Legion is indeed winning at life (and at bike races). Keep up the great work everyone!

[@HarryPotter-wm3kf]

Beautiful ! Looking fwd on meeting you guys in person some time soon in Cali :-) Keep up the great work ! Inspiring... I watch you guys from Germany / Hamburg !

[@upliftphotography]

Keep up the fantastic work and thanks for making a difference in this sport.

[@mrmotomoto]

It’s amazing just how much positivity they bring out of most people. I mean, just read these comments. It’s so unusual to find a comment section on the internet so positive.

[@flowlineproductions]

I'm not crying. You're crying. Legion is making fucking history y'all.

[@honzikck82]

Best of luck guys. You doing great job.

[@adventure_shadows]

You Rock Guuys! Thx for what you do... ❤

[@captG00N]

'bout time more characters like Justin came to the fore in cycling. Good job LEGION and RAPHA too!

[@janluke4076]

Don’t change a thing! (unless you decide to)Cory has really come into his own, it is so nice to see. Love what you two are doing, keep on keeping on. Go Legion!

[@jamaani]

Very good stuff. I love what you have created with this team. Love the positive attitude and just the vibe. 🤜🏾💪🏾

[@vanessaroth1526]

All the LOVE & RESPECT, L39ION LA!

[@jstrangm]

Cool film and culture, love it!

[@Thepaytonb]

Love this!!! The Best “Gone Racing” video!!!

[@austinsympson2635]

Rapha do your duty and keep putting these videos up!

[@brendah4058]

I love this entire team. You guys killed it at intelligentsia.

[@michaeladamou]

Absolutely fantastic. Keep doing what your doing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼