'Breaking Away' director dies at 81

Peter Yates, director of the famed Bloomington based movie “Breaking Away” died Sunday at the age of 81.

A statement from Yates’ agent, Judy Daish, said he died Sunday in London after an illness.

"Breaking Away," which focused on the Cutters, an independent Little 500 bike team, filmed many of its scenes in Bloomington and on the IU campus.

Yates was known for his four Academy award nominations for films “Breaking Away” and “The Dresser” and for his dual role as a director and producer.