Four high school friends from Bloomington, Indiana, navigate their uncertain futures amidst social tensions between the working-class "cutters" and wealthy Indiana University students. Despite their differences, they share a lack of direction and motivation, except for Dave, a talented bicycle racer who idolizes the Italian cycling team. When he meets a co-ed, Dave pretends to be an Italian exchange student to impress her, but his plans are complicated by his friends' meddling and a life-changing incident at a race.

Breaking Away
As an Indiana teenager pursues his passion for cycling, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of love and friendship along the way.