The movie is loosely based on the experiences of Dave Blase, who won the little 5 solo in the 60's. The cutters vs college boys wasn't part of Dave's story, but the cycling bits were pure Mr. Blase. Dave grew up to be a H.S. biology teacher, hence "Mr Blase" to me. He got a bit part in the movie as the race announcer, plus he was one of the Cinzano racers on the road race.