Community & Alumni Blog
Film by alumnus explores cyclocross culture in Manitoba
Cyclocross is the subject of a new documentary by alumnus Zach Peters (CMU ‘10).
Narrated by four members of the cyclocross community, Sprocket and Chain explores the sport’s popularity in Manitoba. You can watch the documentary below.
Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing that takes place on a cross-country course, featuring steep hills, turns, and sometimes muddy terrain, that occasionally requires riders to carry their bicycles over fences and up stairs.
Peters began competing in cyclocross races five years ago.
He is currently finishing the two-year Creative Communications program at Red River College. As part of the program, students must complete an Independent Professional Project (IPP) over the course of their second year of school.
He chose to create the documentary for his IPP because of his love for the sport.
“Cyclocross has a unique culture and community in Manitoba, so why not show it off?” Peters says.
Peters shot more than 20 hours of footage and spent 30 hours editing the film.
Although he has been a part of the cyclocross community for a while, Peters says he was still blown away at the dedication of its members as he filmed the doc.
Races manage to combine competitive cycling with a fun, laid back atmosphere. To pull it all off, a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes.
“It has a bike race at its core but generally, cyclocross is more of just a fun party... that surrounds a bike race,” Peters says. “I think that’s what makes it so attractive.”
Riders can compete at elite levels, but events typically include races that are open to people of all skill levels so that anyone can compete, regardless of their ability.
Ultimately, fun is the name of the game.
“It doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Peters says.
Peters captured that vibe in his documentary, which he premiered at a screening event at CMU at the end of January.
His interests in sports and communications earned Peters the 2014 Jack Matheson Award, a $750 prize presented annually to post-secondary students who demonstrate an interest in a career in sports media or sports public relations.
Whether it’s at the amateur or professional level, working in sports is what Peters wants to do after graduation.
“There’s a lot of value, I think, in promoting some of the smaller or amateur sports in our province,” he says. “This (documentary) has confirmed that.”
Peters credits his time at CMU with helping him get to where he is today. More than just how to think critically, studying at CMU helped Peters learn about himself.
“My four years at CMU allowed me to discover who I am—who I am as a follower of God and as a citizen of the world,” he says.
“It allowed me to mature and gain confidence in my skills, and set me on the right footing to go into another academic program that I wouldn’t have been prepared for if I hadn’t taken the time to do my undergrad at CMU.”
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