Scratches | Bikepacking The Silk Road Mountain Race

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Scratches is not a film about the end of a race, but rather about its beginning – the origin of cycling adventures for Manu. In many ways, this journey is in line with the experiences of many other people. Why do we need this kind of cycling? Why do we aspire to this adventure?

Rather than providing a generic answer, the film explores Manu’s relationship with his bike as a tool for freedom, exploration, meditation and perhaps even therapy. The film is set in the Kyrgyz mountains during the Silk Road Mountain Race in 2023, where Manu fell and had to abandon. He then travels back in time to other lands.

Initially conceived as a video summary of a race, the film has evolved into a declaration of love for freedom and movement. It eventually underwent another transformation, and Scratches is the fruit of a constantly evolving process.

A film by Ryan Le Garrec and Manu Cattrysse.
Produced by Chiru, Tailfin and Hunt.