UNSUNG follows three of the unheralded heroes who make events like Unbound so special. Linda Guerrette, Michelle Duffy, and Wayne Smith all contribute in their own way to the gravel community. Whether in their role as a photographer, an event organizer, or rider support/mechanic, they all infuse their passion and incredible energy into the greater gravel collective. In doing so, they ensure the bright future of the sport
It’s clear that the best riders fully dedicate themselves to their sport. That dedication is on full display at events like Unbound Gravel, the world’s premier gravel cycling race. What may be less obvious is the army of people who dedicate their lives to supporting those athletes, the event itself and the community at large.
Guerrette didn’t exactly grow up in the social media age, but her childhood was filled with her mother’s home movies and family photographs, which eventually inspired a later career in photography. Paired with an insatiable passion for adventure, she brings a desire to connect into her photography, which inherently reflects back into her images of athletes.
“Sorry Shimano, whenever I get a new piece of equipment, the first thing I do is take it apart.” Wayne Smith wants to know how things work, so that when he needs to, he can fix them. With relentless attention to detail and a commitment to preparation, he is a great partner for privateer pro gravel rider Peter Stetina.
Although Michelle Duffy is a seasoned marketer, her biggest passion is events and the communities that they build. Duffy’s role as Unbound’s event organizer, Life Time, is part marketing director, part general manager, and full-time biggest fan of the event. She is consummately positive, and brings that energy to every person involved in the event, from the staff to the volunteers, media, athletes and fans alike.
Just like the riders who take part, these supporting characters dedicate themselves to the sport with passion and hard work. Without them and the host of volunteers, support staff and creators who show up year in and year out, these transformative events wouldn’t exist in the first place, be nearly as fun, or be documented with such flair.
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