(intense music) - Life's a lot like a bicycle race. You gotta learn to navigate
quick to stay on course. When it comes to bike racing, there's no one that does it
better than a Chris Carmack. That's his gift, what he was born to do. (dramatic music) (crowd cheering) (dramatic music) (crowd cheering) (dramatic music) (crowd cheering) (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) Rider back, coming through. All right, Dec, Dec, Chris just passed three
guys, he's sitting fourth, 16 seconds down, hurry up, hurry up. - I'm on my way. - [Xavier] Chris, you're looking good. Jake and Jeremiah are in the lead and Matt is just ahead of you. You can catch him, man,
keep the hammer down. Dec is wait for you at the Vito. He'll give you your next time split. (dramatic music continues) - Nine seconds down, nine seconds. Let's go, mate, come on, let's go now. Let's go, come on. - Okay, Chris, the gauntlet's coming up. You can make up some time today. (dramatic music continues) (crowd cheering) (dramatic music continues) (crowd cheering) All right, Chris, there's
a narrow single track section coming up. It's gonna be hard to pass. Just keep the pressure on,
man, until he makes a mistake, then take the plunge. Keep the pressure on. You can do, man, let's go. (dramatic music continues) All right, your heart
rate's strong at 178. (dramatic music continues) All right, you got 180 degrees
switchback section coming up. If Matt makes a mistake,
this is the place to you. Let's go, Chris. (crowd yelling) - [Chris] I got it. Putting the hammer down. - Go Chris, go. (crowd cheering) Go now, mate, give it
everything you've got. (dramatic music) All right, Chris, you got a steep double track climb coming up. It's about quarter mile
long, so pace yourself. (dramatic music continues) Keep the hammer down. See if you can get a gap on him, man. (dramatic music continues) Go, Chris, your heart
rate's good man, go for it. (intense music) - I got a problem. - Hey, Chris, Chris, what's wrong? Chris, was wrong? (traffic humming) (tires squealing) - [Sara] Please tell
me you're on your way. - No, they canceled the
flat out of Wolfs Bear, so we're flying out of Allentown now. - You're gonna miss Hana's
last dance recital, Chris, she's been practicing for three months. - I thought her recital was next week. - No, Chris, I told you it was this week. You have got to do something about all this constant traveling. - Honey, I'm sorry. - You missed her school play last month. - Baby, I'm doing the
best I can here, okay. - Our little baby's growing
up and you're missing it. - Just tell her I love her, okay? Please. - You know what? Why don't you just come home
and tell her that yourself. - Sara. Sara. Come on. - Look, just do what you gotta do. (door slams) (camera shutters clicking) (Lili speaking in foreign language) - That's right, Steve. We're waiting for his
farewell press conference. We're not sure exactly what
he's going to be saying. - Here's what we do know. Team H201 and Chris Carmack
have had a great relationship over the last five years. They've won roughly 100
races during that span. For his career, Chris
has won over 250 races. - It's tough to say what
I'm gonna miss the most. This sport has been very, very good to me. It certainly won't be the six hour rides in the middle of winter. I can certainly tell you that. (press audience laughs) (camera shutters clicking) Knowing myself, I know
how competitive I am. I know that I'm going to miss competing, that's first and foremost. Having said that, I do have
one last big race left. It will be the final race of my career. - [Press] Chris, got a
question back here, please. - I thought daddy wasn't
gonna race anymore. - Let's go wait outside. - But Mommy. - Xavier, how do you
plan on filling the gap that Chris will be leaving on the team? - I don't know if gap's the right word. How do you replace 15 years of experience? I don't think you can. That's why Chris's drive,
knowledge and experience will be an integral part of
the future of this sport. - Are you saying that
Chris will be coaching? - Well, someone needs to
mentor these new riders and give them the vision to
reach the maximum potential and I can't see myself being
associated with anyone else other than Chris Carmack. - Chris, what are your
thoughts on the speculation that some top riders are still using performance enhancing drugs, even with strict anti-doping
policies still in effect? - You know, that's actually
a very valid question in this sport at this time
and what I can tell you is the fact that there are
those of us who are committed to racing clean and unfortunately
there are other riders who have made choices
that tarnished the sport. - Do you have any
suggestions on how to improve the checks and balances? - I can say that it will
take a collaborative effort and cooperation from all
departments to make that happen. Excuse me, Xavier will address
the rest of your question. (press yelling) Yes, well, there are ways to handle this checks and balances.
- Just one more. - [Matt] So you're quitting? - Call it what you want. - What's the matter? Your little lady calling the shots now. - You stay out of my way. - You're going down, Carmack. - Is it really your last race? - Hana. - Yeah. - Will you win it for me? - Anything for you, sweetie. - Sweetheart, go to your room, please. You've been lying to us, haven't you? - Look, Sara. - I thought you were retiring. - I am retiring. - That's not what you said
at the press conference. Do you want me to tell you what you said at the press conference? - Sara, I know what I said
in the press conference. You don't have to repeat it to me like I'm some kind of child. I meant what I said, one more race. That's it, I'm done. - You sound just like your father every time he promised to stop drinking. - That's not fair. - Not fair? You wanna talk about fair? I thought you were doing this for Hana so you could spend more time with her. Oh, but no, you just have to
go back and have one more drink because you can't live without that rush that winning gives you. And what about our dreams
to give Hana a brother, huh? - Sara, I'm not racing anymore. So what more do you want from me? - What's this about coaching? What were you gonna tell me about that? - I've been doing this for
the last 15 years of my life. It's the only thing I know. What do you want me to do? You want me to just walk
away from it altogether? Sara, this is who I am, okay. This is who you married. You know there was a time
when you loved the fact that I raced, that I was driven. Have you forgotten about that? - Chris, you've got a choice to make. It is either your family or bike racing, one or the other. You have got to choose 'cause I can't do it anymore. - Well, that's great. Sara, what's that supposed to mean? What's that supposed to mean! - [Xavier] To be the best
takes a level of commitment that few people can understand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days out of the year. Rain, snow, sleet, subzero
temperatures, doesn't matter. That's what it takes to win. It was hard on Chris. It was even harder on Sara. You see, doesn't matter
how good a man you are, when you're not around, you're not around. And after a while, even
the most supportive wife in the world feels left behind. (dramatic music) - Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this year's Tour of
America, sponsored by H201. This is the final stage of
this grueling seven-day event with Chris Carmack in the
overall leader's yellow Jersey by just seven seconds. This final stage is an
individual time trial, a race against the clock with riders starting
in 15 second intervals. The rider to complete
this 10.2 mile course in the quickest amount of time will be the winner of this stage. All eyes are on Chris Carmack
during this race of truth as he has announced his retirement following this prestigious event. Welcome to the beautiful Snowflakes Resort on top of Liberty Mountain, the only artificial all-year
ski resort in North America and the host of this
year's Tour of America, sponsored by H201. - Yes, and Chris Carmack has
got a lot on the line today. It's his team sponsor, H201
is also the title sponsor of this multi-stage event. Chris Carmack has been
battling Team Red reactions Matt Thrasher for the overall
lead since the opening stage. We all know the bitter rivalry
between these two riders as they were once former teammates. (dramatic music) - [Commentator] Looks like Chris
Carmack is bridging the gap to Matt Thrasher out on the race course. It would be the ultimate
humiliation is Matt were caught since he started 15 seconds
ahead of Chris Carmack at the beginning of this stage. And the two leaders are
turning down the shoot with Chris Carmack
looking to make the pass. Carmack is now neck and
neck with Matt Thrasher. (crowd cheering) - [Crowd] Go, go, go! - [Commentator] Oh, what's happening here? It looks like a fan has stepped
in front of Chris Carmack to try and take a picture
and has collided with him. Carmack is losing critical seconds here. It looks like he's having
difficulty with his chain after the crash. (dramatic music) It looks like he's still having
some problems with his bike. And here is Matt Thrasher riding toward the Snowflakes Resort. He's taking a left at up the final climb towards the finish line. (dramatic music) (crowd cheering) - Do you see him? - [Commentator] And here is Chris Carmack chasing from behind. He's reaching deep and
giving in everything he's got as he chases Matt Thrasher
up the final climb. Matt Thrasher approaches the finish line and he crosses the line. The magic number is 22. If Chris Carmack does
not cross the finish line within 22 seconds, Matt Thrasher
will be the overall winner of this year's Tour of America. (intense music) Carmack digging deep,
grimaces up the climb. This is gonna be close. Nine seconds. (dramatic music) 15 Seconds. And Chris Carmack approaches the line. Let's see if he can cross one. Chris Carmack does not make it. Chris Carmack does not make it. Matt Thrasher wins this
year's Tour of America. Matt Thrasher is the overall
winner of this event. Who could have thought that
this would be the outcome of this prestigious event? A fan stepping out in
front of Chris Carmack, trying to take a picture has
cost him the overall victory. This is absolutely unbelievable. - My favorite part of
the race was when Daddy looked over at Mommy and me and smiled. My other favorite part was
when Daddy started pedaling really, really fast. Mommy, what was your favorite part? - Hey, sweetie, Daddy's pretty tired, so why don't we talk about
something else, okay? Why don't you show Daddy your drawing. - It's beautiful, baby. Whose hand is this? - Yours. - This is Daddy's hand? I see the resemblance now, so
why'd you draw Daddy's hand? - Because it makes me think of God. - Well, what is it about Daddy's hand that makes you think of God? (tires squeal)
(car crashes) (somber music) (somber music continues) (Sara crying) - [Hana] Daddy, help me! (screams) - Hana! Hana! Hana! Hana! Hana! Hana! Daddy's coming, baby, Daddy's coming. - Chris, stop. She's not here. - No. - Chris. Chris, I'm going to church. (pensive music) - Please don't say anything. I wanna tell you something. I know you're hurting and I am too. I'm gonna need some time to
heal before I can help you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. (Sara crying) (pensive music continues) (bicycle wheels buzzing) (pensive music continues) (bicycle seat clicks) (pensive music continues) (metal crashes) (pensive music continues) (Xavier knocks) - Oh, Xavier, thanks
so much for coming by. - You're welcome. How you doing? - I'm holding up. - Good. How's Chris? You know, Chris, you and me,
we've had a lot of good times. Really good times. - I know what you're doing, Xavier. - Yeah? What's that? - Trying to help me through the grieving. Look, I appreciate that, but I don't wanna do this right now. - Chris, I know it's hard,
but you gotta trust God. God doesn't make mistakes. - God, Xavier? What god are you talking about? Are you talking about the
God that let my daughter die? Is that the God you're talking about? What kind of loving God lets that happen? Let me tell you something. I'm done with church and I'm done with prayer and I'm done with God. (reflective music) - [Xavier] Being a professional cyclist is about masking the pain, never showing the world
that you're hurting, that you're on the edge
and barely hanging on. Chris was an expert at that, but some pains just cut too deep. - Thanks so much for coming by. - Not a problem. Maybe stop by tomorrow. - Thank you. Good night, Xavier. - Night. (reflective music continues) (glass shatters) - Chris. Chris.
(glass shatters) Chris? - I'm sorry, Sara. I'm sorry. - Leave it, I'll get it. - No, you don't get it. - Chris, it can wait 'till morning. - Can't just push everything
off 'till tomorrow. Somebody thinks we're doing okay. The truth is, I'm sick
and I'm tired of this. Sara, I'm sorry. - It's okay, I don't
care about the pictures. You don't have to apologize. - It's not the picture. - It's been a rough night. - Don't you see? I should have been driving. Sara, I should have been driving. - What? (gentle piano music) (piano music continues) Chris, I know you're hurting. We're learning that people
grieve in different ways. I'm sorry, but if we keep
hiding from each other and looking for solace in
things that are so unlike us, I'm afraid we may not be
able to make it together. Maybe it'll be better if I
stay with my mom for a while. Please don't call or try to
see me until you're ready to love me without
blaming yourself, or me. Believe me when I say I love you and I pray you'll let the love of God fill the emptiness in your life. Always, Sara. (paper crinkling) (car engine humming) - Chris. Chris, what are you doing? Chris. Come on man, listen to me, look. - Not today, Xavier. - Chris! Look at me. Listen to me, I'm your friend. Your arm's not ready. What's your doctor gonna say about this? (motorcycle revving) - Hey, Chris. Chris, come on! You're gonna kill yourself! (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (motorcycle engine revving) (dramatic music continues) (tires squealing) (dramatic music continues) (tires squealing) (dramatic music ends) Chris. - What's your problem, man? - What's my problem? You gonna hit me? If it'll make you feel better, go ahead. I'm not your enemy. - She left me. Sara left me. - I'm sorry, man. I'm sorry, man. Come on, bro. Let go, man, come on. Let go. (pensive music) (kids chattering) - Okay, everybody, it's time
for Hana to open presents. - [Kids] Yay! (reflective music) (kids clapping) - [Kids] Yay! (reflective music continues) (glasses clinking) (phone ringing) - [Sara] Hi, this is Sara. Sorry I missed your call. - How's it going? - All right. - You know that movie that's
playing inside your head? Well, whatever that is
won't make it go away. - Is that the morning sermon? - Look, I didn't come here to preach. I came to talk to you
about coaching this season. - I'm not ready. - Maybe, but being cooped up in here isn't gonna do you any good. Give it a try. Move past all this stuff. - There's plenty of
good coaches out there. - Yeah? Name one. - Kotch, Borscherwick. - You coached both of those guys. Look, this new guy, he's
tearing up the numbers. Rough around the edges,
but got some potential. You can make something out of him. - If he's that good, why
hadn't I heard of him already? - This guy, he's new to racing,
was a competitive skier, tore up his knee. Started cycling his rehab and realized he's got a knack for him. - I'll think about it. - All right. Fair enough. (pensive music) (pensive music continues) The truth is, is that he still loved her and he missed her. He didn't blame Sara for
all that had happened. He blamed himself for
not being in control, for not being in the
driver's seat that night. You see, a cyclist's life is in the moment and each moment defines success
or failure, life or death. But it goes deeper than that tragic night. It was all the other moments, missed opportunities that
he could never get back. That's what hurt the most. (eerie music) - You think we're ready for this? You think we're ready to
bring a child into this world? (eerie music continues) - Isn't this what we've always wanted? - Yes, but I'm still scared. - It's okay, we'll take
it a day at a time. (Sara laughs) - That's all it takes, huh? - That's all that I wanna do. (phone rings) Hello. - [Xavier] Hey, Chris, did I wake you? - Yeah, it's all right, what's up? - [Xavier] I'm calling about the new guy. I'm telling you, Chris, you gotta- - Xavier, I know you think I'm
ready for this, but I'm not. - [Xavier] Look, just go
down to the lab with me and test him. If he can't cut it, forget it. - Guess you're not taking
no for an answer, huh? - [Xavier] Do I ever? - Meet at our lab in an hour. (soft piano music) (intense music) So where is this kid? - He should be here any minute now. (car engine humming) - What's up, Xavier, how ya doing? It's good to see you. - [Xavier] All right. - This must be Chris. I'm Jake. Heard a lot about ya. - Look, I don't mean to be rude, but how old are you? - Get right to the point. - Well, I don't have any time to waste. - I'm 32. - You're 32 and you've never raced before. - No, but I'm a quick learner. I ski competitively. - Excuse me. Xavier. - Look, just test him
for me, give him a shot. - I don't have time for this. Besides, look at him,
he's not a bike racer. He's 32 years old. Most guys are looking to retire at 32, not start their racing careers. - Wait, wait, Chris, I know
you don't know me very well. - No, actually I don't know you at all. - No, I know that, but look,
I'm just asking for a chance. I won't let you down, I promise. - Please. - It's your call. - Be ready in 10 minutes. - Yes. - I'll get my stuff. (gentle upbeat music) - All right, we're focusing
on three things today. Wattage output, time, and
most importantly, max VO2. Now the current US National
Champion holds a record at 530 average watts at a time
of 25 minutes and 56 seconds. Just so you know, this test terminates when your RPMs drop below 60. Any other questions? - So, what is this max VO2 sample? - Max VO2, or maximum volume
of oxygen consumption, is an indicator of athletic
endurance and potential, so the higher your max VO2,
the greater your potential. - So the higher, the better. - The higher, the better. - [Jake] Okay, I got it. - [Dec] You ready? - Yeah. - You sure? - Yeah. - Good luck. You're gonna need it. - [Jake] Start? (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) - In five, four, three, two, one. In five, four, three, two, one. In five, four, three, two, one. - Come on, Jake.
- Let's go, jake. - Five, four, three, two, one. That's good, Jake, keep that cadence up. Five, four, three, two, one. - Come on.
- Don't stop. - In five, four, three, two, one. - Come on, Jake, let's go. (group clapping) - Let's go, Jake, keep
that cadence above 60. Let's go, keep it above 60. Five, four, three, two, one. Let's go, Jake, keep that cadence up. Come on, Jake, let's go. Five, four, three, two, one. Keep it above 60, Jake. Test terminates at 60, keep it above 60. Wrap it up in five, four, three, two, one. Counting five, four, three, two, one. (dramatic music) Relax, relax, breathe, breathe, breathe. Keep your legs moving,
keep your legs moving. Breathe. Get this mask off of him. (Jake gasping) Keep pedaling, keep pedal,
Jake, keep pedaling. Keep pedaling, let's go. - [Dec] Keep pedaling, keep pedaling. (Jake panting) - All right, he's on. How'd he do? - Take a look. - Is this right? - Yep. - Did you check it? - Yeah, I checked it twice. - You calibrated it?
- Yep, sure did. - All right, Jake, it's one
thing to be fast in the lab, it's something totally
different to be fast out on the race course. The last race they did here at the pros are turning 42 minute laps. That's three consecutive
lap, 42 minutes a piece. If you can't turn one lap in 42 minutes, you don't belong out here. I'm gonna give you three tries. No ifs, ands or buts. If you don't cut it, you're done. Deal? - Deal. (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) - 42.35, Jake. It's good enough for 15th. That was a one-lap race. - [Jake] I got a stick
caught in my wheel earlier. - You got a stick caught in your wheel. What do you think is
gonna happen in the race? Think they're gonna trim
a long time off for ya? - [Jake] No, but... - But what? Look, I don't know if you get this. This isn't amateur hour. Look, this is professional
racing at the elite level and if you can't do any
better than this in training, you might as well forget about racing 'cause you're gonna
get hammered out there. Back on the line. - [Jake] Okay. - Let's go, move it. (dramatic music) Jake, you are wasting my time. - You said I had three tries, right? - Yes, I did, three tries, but the fact of the matter is, you're going backwards out there. You just lost 17 seconds. You telling me you're gonna
make up 53 seconds on this lap? - [Jake] Why not? - Hope you didn't have a heavy breakfast. (upbeat music) Five, four, three, two. (Jake coughs) There goes breakfast. - You're coaching me now, right? - Not quite, I got one more
thing I gotta talk to you about. - You're kidding me. - No, I'm not. And I need you to understand this, Jake. If you do this, there's no quitting. I don't care how hard
it gets, you don't quit. Quitting is not an option. Is that a yes? - Yes. - Okay, let's do this. - Sorry I'm late. - Put this on. You good? All right, let's roll. - Where to?
- You'll see. - Okay. (gentle upbeat music) Hey, where we going? - [Chris] We're just going
off for a little spin. Like I said, you'll see. (gentle upbeat music continues) That's good, your legs burning yet? - [Jake] Yeah, better believe it. - [Chris] Good, that's good for ya. - [Jake] Yeah, this isn't
exactly what I had in mind when you said we were
going for a little spin. How long have I been climbing? - [Chris] 27 minutes. - [Jake] How many miles have we gone? - [Chris] 4.9 miles. - 4.9, that's it, man. What's this thing called? - [Chris] It's called Thunder Ridge. It's one of the longest
climbs on the East Coast. 13 miles up the side of
the Blue Ridge Parkway. Matt Thrasher's got the record
at 50 minutes and 30 seconds. That's five zero minutes and 30 seconds. - Five, zero. There's no way. You have to do this thing
a lot to get that good. - [Chris] I am liking
the way you're thinking. - [Jake] Why's that? - [Chris] Because you're
gonna do it once a week. - [Jake] You kidding me, right? - [Chris] Does it look
like I'm kidding ya? (dogs barks) - Dog on left. - [Chris] I see him. - [Jake] Okay. - [Chris] Come on, pick it up. Gotta at least beat that one dog. (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (metal clanking) Jake. - Thanks. - How you feeling? - I'm okay.
- Good. (pump swooshing) I'm confused though. - About? - Well, we're gonna race
on mountain bikes, right? - That's right. - Why am I training on the road? - Well, you're training on the road because the secret to winning
is riding on the road. You see, what most people don't understand is that racing's about power and it's hard to regulate
power on the mountain bike because the trails are so irregular. By that I mean they go up and down. On a road bike, you're able
to ride more consistently and regulate that power. - How do I know what kind
of power I'm putting out? - From now on, you're gonna
train with an SRM power meter. Each time you step down on those pedals, we're gonna know exactly how
many watts you're putting out. After each ride, we'll download your data and I'll review it with you. - It's pretty high tech. - Yes, it is. Racing's changed a lot
in the last 18 years. Who trained you back then? - Well, back then I used to train myself and then I hooked up with Xavier and we've been working
together ever since. - You miss racing? - Let's go. - Okay, 118/72. Doc will be with you
in just a few minutes. - Hey Chris, how's the arm feeling? - Hey doc, you telling
me, what do you think? - Well, let's take a look. You know your elbow and
forearm are healing up nicely, but this fracture in your wrist here is gonna take a little more time. - Yeah, but it's been
like four months already. - Well, I understand you're frustrated, but given the amount
of injuries you've had, I think you're actually healing very well. - But it still means I can't ride, right? - I'll tell you what, let's
give it another month, give you more time to heal,
and we'll go from there, okay? Hang in there, Chris. - Yeah, thanks a lot, doc. (pensive music) (metal clinks) (heart beat music) (steel clinking) Whoa. (saw whirring) (saw buzzing) (gentle upbeat music) (gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle upbeat music continues) (car revs) - Hey, have Jake work the pace line. Have Jake work the pace line. - [Rider] Let's go, pace
line, pace line, let's go. - [Chris] Get up there, get up there, get on that rear wheel. Keep it smooth, keep it smooth. Hey, you can't just jump like that! Slow down. Let's keep it nice and smooth, Jake. (gentle upbeat music) (gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle upbeat music continues) - What's the record again? - 50 minutes and 30 seconds. - That means we gotta
be at the halfway mark around 25 minutes? - You've got it. You ready? - I was born ready. - All right, let's do it. (gentle upbeat music) (crickets chirping) That's a solid five hours and you did Thunder Ridge in 51.25. - Nice. - That's more than
nice, that's incredible. You knocked two minutes off your time. - Sounds good to me. What's wrong? You don't sound excited. - Thunder Ridge twice
in one week wore me out. I'm excited, though, really. - You should be. It's been a good day. (reflective music) - [Jake] You okay? - Yeah. I just realized it's been a
long time since I've been able to say that it's been a good day. (reflective music continue) (Chris knocks) (Chris knocks) - Hey, saw your car out front, thought you might be trying the back door. Chris, this is my wife, Amy. - Hi.
- Sorry. - Good to meet you, finally.
- Nice to meet you. - Listen, I'm-
- Sorry we're late. - Just gonna go run in and change. - [Chris] Okay. - Honey, would you grab
my stuff in the shed? - Yeah, of course. - All right, I'll be right back - I'll get it.
- Are you sure? - Yeah, she's all dressed. - [Jake] Thanks, Chris. What's that? - Nice bike, is this yours? - No, it was my brother's. - I didn't know you had a brother. You should invite him out
to ride with us sometime. - I'd love to. He died about 10 years ago. - I'm sorry, I didn't know. - That's okay. It's okay, it's fine,
it's a long time ago. Ready? - Yeah. (dramatic music) All right, Jake, stay on my wheel. (dramatic music continues) This is a nice section right here. We're gonna get into a steady
pace, get into a groove. - Yeah.
- Good. (dramatic music continues) (brakes squeal) Jake, you all right? - I think so. - What do you mean you think so? - I mean, I'm not positive,
I think I'm all right. Why'd you hit the brakes like that? - So I wanted to see if
you're paying attention. - I thought I was. - You gotta focus only on
what the trail gives you. You never know when somebody
might hit the brakes on you. Let's go. (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music ends) Beautiful, isn't it? - Sure is. - All right, Jake, I
gotta ask you a question. How'd you move on? - Well, I had two choices. I could accept what is, or
I could accept what isn't. - What'd you choose? - I chose what isn't. I resisted everything that
reminded me of my brother. I stopped seeing friends and family. That wasn't enough, I made
sure I was too drunk to care. - It seems like you're doing okay now. - Yeah, I'm doing all right. Listen, Chris, I wanna tell you something. I haven't told too many people this because I'm always afraid no
one would ever believe me. But one night after
drinking myself asleep, I woke up with a sudden jolt to my chest. I turned and my brother was
kneeling right next to me and he leaned over and he
said that "God is all around, you just have to be open to receive him." I woke up the next day
and I stopped drinking and I accepted what really is. - Just like that. - No, no. No, it took time. Old habits die hard. You gotta take it one day at a time. What's the matter? - Nothing. - Can I ask you something? - Yeah, what's up? - Yesterday on that sprint up the trail, you were tired, right? - You bet I was tired. - Me too. - So, what's your point? - Well, we were both tired. So how are you able to accelerate
away so quickly like that? - Well, could be a number of things. - Like what? - Fast twitch fibers. Years the training on the bike. I mean, literally, it could
be a number of things. - So how does this max
VO2 fit into everything? - Well, what you gotta understand is that every human being has a max VO2. It's God-given talent, a
genetic potential, if you will. - How do you change it? - You can't. What you got is what you got. You can improve upon it,
but you can't change it. - What's your max VO2? - Why do you wanna know? - I'm just curious. Dec said that only a few others
have tested higher than me. - And you wanna find
out who beat you, right? - You gonna tell me? - I'll tell you what. You win the tomorrow's
race, and I'll tell you. - Race? What race? - Riders ready?
(gun pops) Go! (crowd cheering) - Go, go, go, go, go! (crowd cheering) (intense music) (dramatic music) - All right, Jake, the single
track is gonna be super tight and hard to pass on, so listen carefully. This is what I want you to do. Every lap, when you come
out of the single track, you're gonna have a double track section that's about 100 yards long. At that section, I want you to jump hard and around a rider in front of you. Every lap, I want you
to do the same thing. Go Jake, go Jake, make your
move now, make your move now. Go, that's it, that's it. All right, Jake, that's it. You're doing it, you're doing it. Come on, Jake, push it,
let's go, you can do it. Go, Jake, go, go, go, come on! - [Commentator] And Jake
Speeds picking off riders with each lap. - [Chris] Come on, push it, man, push it. Let's go, you can do this. (Jake grunting) (dramatic music) (crowd cheering) (crowd cheering) (dramatic music continues) - It's rubbing too much. - Just go, come on, Jake. Let's, let's go, run, run, pick it up! Go, go! Go, go, go! - [Commentator] The leaders are inside. It looks like two track riders. It's Jeremiah Bishop and Paul Buschi coming to the finish line. It's Jeremiah Bishop taking the win. Oh, and look out, it's
newcomer Jake Speeds. Newcomer Jake Speeds running his bike and there's a rider coming up from behind. It's gonna be a close one. And it's Jake Speeds. Newcomer Jake Speeds taking third place by a narrow margin. Welcome to bicycle racing. - [Chris] So what'd you learn today? - [Jake] Racing is hard. - That's something I didn't know. What else did you learn? - My body hurts. - Wrong answer. (Jake chuckles) - I know what you wanna hear. You wanna hear it's
important to get on the trail in the top five. - That's what I'm
looking for. Why is that? - Because that's what you told
me before we start the race. (Jake laughing) - So why is that?
- All right, all right. It's because when you get on the trail, it's just about impossible
to pass anybody. - Well, if I had a gold star, I'd paste it right on your forehead. (Jake laughs) - So you gonna tell me
what your max VO2 is? - Well, since you didn't win, I am under no obligation to
reveal any of my trade secrets. - Ah, man. You know, something happened
out there on the course today. It was like I entered
a different dimension. Ever happen to you? - Well, first of all, it's probably the lack of
oxygen getting to your brain. - No, I'm serious. It was spiritual almost. - I know what you're talking
about, I've been there. I've experienced it. (pensive music) You know, there was a time when
I felt really close to God, then little by little,
bicycling became everything and church really just felt
like an obligation to me. And then life happened and things started just falling apart all around me. And it feels as if God's
receded to the great unknown and you're left there standing by yourself and you're wondering, "Where are You, God? Where are You of my time and need?" And I keep asking myself this question I just can't answer and that question is, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" - You know, Chris, I didn't always believe that good could come out of the bad things that happen around us, like my brother. I mean, he was a perfect role model. And I was just his opposite. I mean, he had a deep
faith in Jesus Christ that permeated everything he did. He was diagnosed with cancer and he was gone in just a few months. I couldn't understand. Why didn't God take me? But when I think about it, I realize that my brother's death made me take a long, hard look at my life, and if I hadn't been for that dark time, I would've never found God. (gentle piano music) - Jake, wake up. Jake, wake up. You all right? - Yeah, yeah. - Well, we got four
weeks to Mountain Lake. What do you think? - I don't know, Chris. I have another day like today. - Not thinking about
quitting on me, are you? You know that's not an option. - I know. - You'll be all right. Do a couple of specific drills
or work on a couple of things and we'll make an
evaluation, go from there. How's that sound? - Sounds good. - All right, man, get some rest. - Okay. - You did real good
today, I'm proud of you. (door slams) Jake. - [Jake] Yeah. - It's been a good day. - That's two. (phone rings) - Sara, it's Chris, are you there? If you're there, could you pick up please? Look, I know I, I know I said some things that
I shouldn't have said to you and I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry I pushed you away. Sorry, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I still need you in my life. I just need a little more time to sort things out in my head. I miss you. (bus engine revs) (kids chattering) - Daddy. - Hey you. How are ya? You okay? Do you have a good day at school? Did you say hi to Mr. Chris? Hi, Mr. Chris. All right, you run inside,
you go see Mommy, okay? I'll be right in. Hey, I'll just go get
changed, I'll be right out. Okay. (pensive music) - How do you think you're riding? - Okay. - Okay?
- Yeah. - All right, let's see what you got. (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) - Chris! Is your arm all right? - Sorry, I guess my ego
got the better of me. - Do you actually think I
could descend this trail without killing myself? - I said, I'm sorry, all right. - Like I accept the fact
that you're my coach and I'll take anything
you throw my way, but, come on, kill myself for a medal? - Yeah, well, I guess
that's what separates the men from the boys. - Wait a minute. Did I do something to put
you on edge all of a sudden? Huh? It wasn't that long ago that you were, that you were singing my praises for finally helping
you to have a good day. - Yeah, and I appreciate that. But.
- But what? You know, sometimes I think
this is more about you than it is about me learning how to race. - Why don't you take
another step up that hill. - [Jake] Or what? - I told you, quitting is not an option. - You know what, I think it's
you who's running out options. I've heard the stories. You're the one who became so obsessed with riding his bicycle that
you ignore what really matters. - I get it. What, because you have
a daughter and I don't, and it makes you a better man than I am? - No. No and I pray to God that
I don't sacrifice her need for a father for the cheap thrill of being first across the finish line. - You have no idea what it takes to win. And you have no idea how your
daughter will look at you if you ever cross that finish line first. - You know what, maybe I don't. Maybe I'll never see that look. I know one thing. You need to let go. You gotta choose what is. Look, I've seen you ride
these trails, right? You're always focusing on
just what's in front of you. You know, you're not focused
on the last steep section or how a technical section slowed you down and how far it's to the finish line. You're only focused on what's
in front of you, right? But in your real life,
you're dwelling on the past. - I pushed Sara away
because I couldn't handle my own pain and guilt, so you tell me what kind
of man does that, Jake? What kind of man? - One who's hurting. One who isn't even certain
there's a way back to God. That's who does that. After my brother died,
I was that kind of guy. But after I accepted what is,
I started reading the Bible and I found a verse scripture that put everything in perspective for me. It's been my foundation ever since. "Anyone belongs to Christ,
he is a new person. The past is forgotten
and everything is new." Chris, do you understand what I'm saying? Hey. Do you trust me? - I'm letting you drive, aren't I? (Jake laughs) - I'm glad to see your
good nature's coming back. No, really, do you trust me? - Yeah, what do you have in mind? - Where's the wreck? - What wreck are you referring to? - The one that started all this. - We're not going down that path. - You trust me, remember? - It's at a junkyard off of Route 29. - Come on, Chris. (gentle music) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) You're not alone. I'm right here, Chris. (gentle music continues) (Chris crying) (Chris crying) (paper crinkling) - She made me this drawing and told me that, that my hand reminded her of God's love and then she put her hand in my hand and so I asked her what
it was that reminded her of God's love. Why was my hand? Before she could answer, the truck hit us. - Maybe it was because
when you held her hand, she felt safe. You gave her a sense
of love and acceptance. I think God does that for us if we let Him. - She's Yours, she's Yours, God. I trust her to You. Daddy loves you, baby. Daddy loves you. (gentle piano music) God, I know I haven't been there, the kind of husband or the,
the father that I needed to be. And I know that I can't go
back and change the past. But from this day forward, I wanna do it right. And God, I need Your help to do that. So I'm asking You, please help me. Please help me. (gentle piano music) (gentle piano music continues) (gentle piano music continues) (gentle piano music continues) (doorbell dings) (gentle piano music continues) - [Jake] Maddie, Maddie, come here. Look at this, huh? Wanna try it? All right. See this?
- No. (Amy speaking indistinctly) - [Nurse] He'll be ready in just a minute. (heart beat music) - Well, well, looks like
somebody's been a little impatient. (drill whirring) (upbeat music) - What do you think, should we do this? - Yeah, it's time. - You sure? - Positive. Remember your first time. - [Jake] Hey guys, what's up? - Nothing. - Nothing at all. - I don't believe you guys. You're up to something. - Oh, someone's acting
a little paranoid here. - You guys don't think
I'm ready for the race? - Yeah, I'd say he's a little paranoid. - Just being realistic. Okay, so I'm paranoid. What's up? - Chris wants me to coach you. - Why? Because I can't coach you
from the seat of my bike. - I don't get it. - I can't coach you and
race at the same time. - You're gonna race? - You got it. - Teammates, right? - That's right. (all laughing) - Welcome aboard, bro. - Thanks. (indistinct) - All right. - You know, it's been a while
since he's been at this level, so, yeah, it's a very technical course. (dramatic music) - You can't rule out Carmack. He's a real crafty rider and
he's got a full set of skills. - He's gonna do fine. He's a man with a lot of
heart, compassion, and he's gonna put the hammer down. (dramatic music) - I think Matt's gonna take
him and as me as a backup, I think we got it good. (dramatic music) - Washed up, a has been that
should have stayed retired. He's gonna be looking at
the back of my jersey. (dramatic music) (bicycle wheels buzzing) - I got a problem. - Hey, Chris, Chris was wrong? Chris, was wrong? - [Chris] I got a flat, I'm
gonna have to change it. - Okay, just stay focus
and do a quick change. You can still catch up to the leaders. (intense music) (air whirring) (dramatic music) - [Chris] Back on and chasing. - [Xavier] You can do it, Chris. Look, they're not too far
away, you can catch 'em. (dramatic music) - [Chris] I got him. I'm on his wheel. - [Xavier] Just keep it
steady and stay on the wheel. Conserve as much energy
as you can for now. (dramatic music continues) Okay, you got some tight
single track sections coming up and then a steep climb. That's where you need to make your move. It's about a 27 degree pitch on the climb. Attack hard and you should
be able to get a gap. You're on your own from here. Go get 'em. Good luck, I'll see
you at the finish line. (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) - The riders should be
coming around the turn at any moment now. (dramatic music continues) Chris Carmack is leading
it out with Jeremiah Bishop and Matt Thrasher
following closely behind. It's gonna be a close one and it's Jake Speeds making
the move on the outside. Jake Speeds making the move. (dramatic music continues) Jakes Speeds takes the win
by just inches at the line. (dramatic music continues) (rider banging) - Told you, you never know when somebody might hit the brakes on. - Focus only on where the track goes. - Always. Congratulations. Proud of ya. What's on your mind? - You never did tell me
what your max VO2 was. - I know. Does it matter? - [Dec] Yeah, great work, Jakey Boy. - Hey, baby. How are you doing? - Daddy won. - [Dec] See Daddy win? - [Amy] Wasn't that great? - Thanks for cheering for me. You did a good job cheering for me. - You're thinking about her, aren't you? - Sometimes I think you know
me better than I know myself. - Well, you know that by now. - [Jake] Thanks for the time. - You and me, we-
- Appreciate that. - We've had some good times. - Yes, we have. - Do yourself a favor and give her a call. - I think I just might do that. Thanks, buddy. (gentle piano music) - [Xavier] Sometimes it
takes a journey of faith to find out who you are, to realize what's truly important in life. It's not about the trophies or the medals. It's not about the money or the fame. Because you see, in the
end it all fades away. It's about the lives of people, your circle of friends, your family, and God. (gentle piano continues) (gentle piano continues) (gentle piano continues) (gentle piano continues) (gentle piano continues) (gentle piano continues)
