Rapha x GORE-TEX: The ultimate rainwear

Renowned cycling brand, Rapha, released a cycling film with a difference. Shot through dirty camera lenses and featuring the grit and grimace of many-a bewildered cyclist, the dynamic film celebrates the raw struggle of high-end athleticism. Incessant mist and horizontal rain are just some of the relentless elements our cyclists must embrace as they continue to endure near-vertical climbs and precarious hairpin turns, forever protected by Rapha’s GORE-TEX rain coat.

The film’s audience experience harsh weather conditions through multiple viewpoints and interspersed macro shots, in this unconventional live action film, Directed by Knucklehead’s Thibaut Grevet with post-production by the team at Tag Collective Arts. Though slightly standardised, contemplative cuts open the film, these quickly transition into faster, harsher cuts, as nastier elements encroach upon the uphill rider.

The Rapha team didn't want the film to have any music, so sound design was fundamental to the narrative, setting the mood and character of the film and switching between subjective and surreal perspectives to add variety and suspense. Heavy breathing, fastening zips, rustling material and the strain of gears are all enhanced amidst various ambiences, emphasising the struggle and effort of the cyclists, whilst flaunting GORE-TEX’ strength and durability

Sound designer, Michalis, comments: “From the beginning, Thibaut was adamant that he didn't want to make a standard cycling film. The challenge lay in steering clear of the usual shots you would expect to see and trying to convey the relentless nature of cycling up a mountain through biblical weather, with abstract shots of rain demonstrating the Rapha jacket’s ability to deal with everything and keep the rider warm."