Breaking Away

As Dave, Mike, Cyril, and Moocher approach their 19th birthdays in Bloomington, Indiana, they face the uncertainties that come with adulthood. High school graduation looms over them, bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety as they ponder their futures.

The friends discover an abandoned limestone quarry that serves as their refuge from the pressures of life. Here, they swim and sometimes confront the more affluent students from Indiana University, who label them as 'cutters' in a derogatory manner.

Dave reveals his fervent interest in competitive cycling, greatly motivated by his new Masi bicycle and admiration for Italian cyclists. His father, Ray, struggles to understand this passion, viewing it as a phase rather than a legitimate pursuit.

Unlike Ray, Dave's mother, Evelyn, embraces her son's interests in Italian culture. She supports him by preparing Italian meals, showcasing her understanding and appreciation of his passion amidst her husband's skepticism.

Dave becomes infatuated with Katherine, a university student, leading him to adopt the identity of 'Caterina,' an imaginary Italian exchange student. This playful deception is aimed at winning her heart and attention.

During a romantic evening, Dave serenades Katherine outside her sorority while pretending to be Caterina. With Cyril strumming a guitar in the background, his heartfelt performance draws attention, but it quickly spirals into chaos.

Katherine's boyfriend, Rod, and his fraternity brothers, misinterpret the scene and retaliate against Cyril, resulting in a tumultuous brawl. The incident escalates, attracting the ire of university president Dr. John W. Ryan, who addresses the situation sternly.

Following the brawl, Dr. Ryan extends an invitation to the local townspeople to attend the upcoming Little 500 race, a storied event that symbolizes unity and competition between the townsfolk and university students.

With an Italian cycling team visiting for an exhibition, Dave seizes the opportunity to prove himself. However, he faces disdain from the seasoned riders, leading to a catastrophic crash that shatters his inflated expectations.

Amid the chaos of the race preparations, Dave reflects on his motivations and the bond with his friends. Meanwhile, Ray shares a poignant story from his youth, encouraging Dave to pursue his passion for cycling amidst their complicated family dynamics.

In a stroke of fate, Dave encounters Katherine once again. As she prepares to leave for Chicago, the spark between them reignites, suggesting that their story may not be over despite their recent hardships.

As the Little 500 race commences, Dave taps into his impressive cycling skills and takes the lead. While his friends rotate riders to save energy, Dave is determined to handle the race by himself against all odds.

Crashing during the race forces Dave to confront his limitations. However, he demonstrates remarkable resilience, gradually working to make up for lost time and continuing to push his physical and mental boundaries.

In an effort to improve their position, Dave resorts to an extreme tactic by taping his feet to the pedals. This bold move reflects his relentless determination to succeed against the odds, even as his friends struggle to keep pace.

In a thrilling finish, Dave surpasses Rod from the favored fraternity team and crosses the finish line victorious. His win not only brings immense pride to his father, Ray, but also ignites a newfound appreciation for cycling as both men begin to bond over their shared passions.

Following the race, as Dave settles into university life, he encounters a captivating French student. They bond over their shared interest in the Tour de France, hinting at new adventures and romantic possibilities on the horizon.