BADLANDS 2023 RACEMOVIE | SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT

SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT - a story about ultracycling and life

This short film, produced by Sebastian Samek, tells the story of Cynthia, a winner of several ultra-distance races, including the Atlas Mountain Race 2024, Across Andes 2022, and Unbound XL 2022, during her second attempt at the Badlands.

This film not only chronicles Cynthia Carson’s athletic prowess after taking the win at Badlands in 2023 but also dives into the human aspect behind her victories and the life of an ultra endurance cyclist.

Amidst her relentless pursuit of sporting excellence, Cynthia navigated personal turmoil, including a significant breakup and the upheaval of leaving her decade-long home. Through it all, her steadfast companion has remained her bike, a silent witness to her resilience.

Within this captivating 35-minute narrative, viewers are immersed in Cynthia’s world, sharing her reflections, emotions, and the sheer determination that drives her.

"Same same but different–a story about ultracycling and life" is the essence of triumph against all odds, showcasing that even professional athletes like Cynthia confront and conquer setbacks.

Watch the film and delve into the profound narrative of Cynthia. She is an ultracycling luminary whose journey encapsulates the unwavering human spirit, the beauty of camaraderie, and a steadfast passion for both the sport and its absolutely amazing community.

If you have any video suggestions, please share in the comments below!

The following friends support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these friends:

Velocio Apparel, 3T Bikes,, Schwalbe Tires, HUNT Wheels, Apidura Bags, Fizik, and Kogel Bearings.

[garyonnen]

One of the best cycling videos I’ve seen, and happy for you.

[Samyouel]

Thanks for sharing your journey Cynthia! Truly inspirational

[linesided]

Very inspiring. Appreciate your candor and insight that goes beyond the bumper sticker philosophy of sport, competition and life.

[svatikovtravel]

Very good work! I really like it😊 U r a good athlete!

[oscarmedina]

I have spent countless hours on a bike and on my feet, and in those moments, I hear a voice pushing me upwards from the bottom and into the light from some really dark places. This voice speaks as clearly and candidly as you do in this video. I have watched a few of your videos and admire the strength not only in your body but also in your words. As you said at the end: we don’t really know what is inside us until we keep going and going. So, keep it going.

[pabloosoriotorres]

I enjoyed every second of this movie as well as the story behind. Also the footage is amazing. Thanks 🫶

[teeterboy]

Cynthia, this movie was amazing!! Thank you for put your blood, sweat and in the end tears of joy into this!

What an amazing inside view of what this took. Thank you for doing this.

And how amazing did that shower feel???

[axgvr]

Thank You for sharing your highs and lows. You’re Amazing

[corimoves]

Epic, really enjoy watching it and also the fact that it shows the ups and downs just as raw as they are. Keep shredding, and congrats for all the work, effort and enthusiasm you put into cycling every day! (:

[Michael-rzic]

Great production, and seeing your Badlands race unfold just left me wanting more. Ultra racing is so much more visual & tantalizing then gravel/road 1 day events. Will we see you on the Tour Divide in the future? Best wishes for 2024.

[karafolkerts]

such an amazing video - soooo inspired!

[sabrinalovesbikes]

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙏☺️

[SusiePettit]

Wow! I’m staying at your mom’s air bnb and she told me about you and video. I’m so glad she did! You’re such an inspiration to me and all the other people out there- helping us push the imaginary limits we set for ourselves. Thank you for sharing!!!

[nathanmacfarlane]

Really well made, cant believe it took me this long to discover your channel. I love cycling content like this and will be watching more. Keep up the great work and have many more adventures. You are a strong and amazing person.

[javierhernandeznavarro]

Congratulations! Welcome to the Gorafe Desert, an outstanding place in the world.

[ferruccio]

great story, great footage, I don't usually watch videos about ultraracing but I stuck till the end with this one.
subscribed.
Ferruccio from Venice (Italy)

[Balintrebeka]

Super impressive!!! Hats down and thank you for sharing. I think I will stick around and follow your next adventures... :)

[JohnSchley]

Amazing work, that was a truly awesome film you created. Congrats on the win!

[stevebarratt]

Well done Cynthia, what a performance, I have a feeling your next act is just starting !

[marcmetzmacher]

Wow, amazing!! Thank you for sharing🙏🏻