Three weeks ago we opened entries for the first annual Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards, a celebration of the life and craft of the much-loved late Aussie photographer. Since then, we’ve received many fantastic entries, from amateur and professional photographers alike, that really showcase the beauty of our great sport. Our judges Graham Watson, Kristof Ramon and Ashley & Jered Gruber are going to have a tough time picking the best entries!
We’ve already published galleries showcasing some of the best photos from week 1 and week 2 of the competition. See below for some of the best entries from week 3.
If you’re just learning about the competition for the first time, you can find out everything you need to know, including the rules and prize details here. And if you’ve got a photo you’d like to submit, you’ve still got time — entries close on Monday January 9. Just click on the link below:
Thanks to our generous sponsors for their support and prize donations:
Nathan Schneeberger, United States. “2016 Glencoe Grand Prix (GGP), Glencoe, IL, USA – Neal McNamara from Chicago-based amateur team Burnham Racing struggled to see through a heavy downpour that enveloped the Master’s 30+ Category 123 race at the 10th edition of the GGP. While he struggled with visibility, spectators could clearly see the energy gel tucked under his now transparent skin suit.” DSLR. @snowymountainphotographyMichael Steele, United Kingdom. “Didi ‘The Devil’ Senft jumps in the air as the peloton heads out at the start of stage sixteen of the 2016 Le Tour de France, from Moirans-en-Montagne to Berne on July 18, 2016.” Professional. @michael.steele_Emma Nicholson, United Kingdom. “Greatest year – IAM Cycling have been riding their final season in the professional peloton and it was their best year yet. The effort etched on Matthias Brändle’s face has been reflected by the whole team throughout the year, as he rides to 2nd place in the Stage 9 Time Trial at the Giro d’Italia.” DSLR. @ecnic015Jody Grigg, United States. “Waterton Canyon just outside of Denver, Colorado a day after an Artic Blast came through, single digit riding.” DSLR. @jodygriggPhilly Williams, United States. “On one of many exploration rides leaving from NYC, we got hopelessly lost and ended up riding through a school to find our way back to the main route. I honestly expected an irate security guard to appear at any moment.” Smartphone / Action Cam. @pbearskiIan Walton, Spain. “The last time we saw the vision that personifies Fabian for me. Not the time trial, not crossing the line, hands in the air, but attacking in the final throws of a classic (we can call Strade Bianche a classic now, I think). I had staked my day on this view, forsaken the head on…Thanks Fabian. That it was his last ever road race win (not TT) makes it all the more special.” Professional. @themusette_ccLeon Van Bon, Netherlands. “”Run Froomey Run Christopher Froome runs up the Mont Ventoux. At this point still with his bike. It is an epic moment with choas and discussions. At the end Froome kept the yellow and was the big winner of the day.” Professional. @leon_van_bonColm Connoly, Australia. “2015 Tour Of The South West, Elite Women. Warrnambool, Victoria.” DSLR. @col_connollyJean-Pierre Ronco, Australia. “This image has been shoot during the Victorian Cyclocross Championships in Oxley – Sam Miranda – Victoria – Australia August 2016. In this image, I like the rider catching his breath after a great effort in the mud and water.” Professional. @ImageWriterBalint Hamvas, United Kingdom. “For me, the most beautiful race of the 2016 Women’s World Tour series was the Amgen Women’s Tour of California’s first stage, around Lake Tahoe. The surrounding area was so beautiful, that I wanted to make use of it and take a few shots with a rider. Luckily, Cyclingtips Ella editor and cycling extraordinaire was there as well and she was kind of to humour me and get up at 4:30am in the morning to take a few shots around the lake.” Professional. @cyclephotosKen Sherman, United States. “Taylor Phinney and his comeback. 2015 US Pro Challenge, Breckenridge Time Trial. Here Phinney nears the top of Moonstone Road.” DSLR. @ken.b.shermanMax Burgess, United States. “Reaching the clouds by the Mangart Saddle.” DSLR. @podia_maxHao Chen, China. “Nicolas MARINI (NIPPO – Vini Vantini) won Stage 5 of Tour of China I, September 14, 2016. After a strong leadout by his teammate Danielle COLLI, MARINI was able to beat strong rival Marco BENFATTO (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec) for the first time in this year’s edition.” Professional. @chenhaod174Paul Higley, United States. “CHICO, CALIFORNIA, USA – FEBRUARY 28, 2016: The Pro/1/2 peloton rides the gravel portion of the Paskenta Road Race, the 2nd stage at the Chico Stage Race in Northern California.” DSLR. @paulhigleyphotoWang Fei, China. “Cyclists racing in burning sun.” Professional. @wangfeiucenterSebastien Bouchard, Canada. “You have no idea how excited I am to see the pro peloton here near my home in Quebec and Montreal for the Grand Prix Cyclistes. And the coolest thing is that the peloton seems to enjoy it as much. I think this image represent well the ambiance and the beauty of this race with the fans and the beautiful Chateau Frontenac in the background.” DSLR. @framesbysebMartin Baker, Australia. “Salvatore Puccio and Sebastian Henao celebrate teamate Peter Kennaugh winning the 2016 Cadel Evans road race ending on the beachfront at Geelong, Australia.” DSLR.Alex Chiu, United States. “With the demise of the MERCO Stage Race, the Chico Stage Race has become the premier season opener in Northern California. Known for its several miles of gravel, the Paskenta Road Race stage offers this amazing view. Here, the men’s field kicks up a large cloud of dust as they plow through the gravel. The fence posts in the foreground are part of the uphill (and still gravel) section of the course ahead.” DSLR. @acauroraCathi Johnston, Australia. “Aussie Ritchie Porte on Tour De France 2016 Stage 18, the 17km Individual Time Trial. This was taken approx. half way up the climb to Cote de Domancy, enroute from Sallanches to Megeve. Despite the large and very noisy crowd that lined the route, Ritchie was intense in his concentration. The road was very narrow and steep and we had walked up from the valley floor to get to this viewing point.” DSLR. @cjo84830Brandon Heng, Australia. “Riding through the Majestic Redwood National Park ,Humboldt County, California.” Smartphone / Action Cam. @brandonhengtmTammy Brimner, Canada. “It was Neil’s first Accenture BC Provincial Road Race Championships. The peloton had stayed together for much of the race when Neil and one other rider went on a two-man break. I took this photo on the final lap as Neil crested the last hill on his own, head down as he buried himself in the effort. He had dropped his break-away companion a few hundred metres earlier and held on for a solo victory. It was May 29, 2016.” DSLR. @tlbveloAndy Bokanev, United States. “The Golden Hour in the Golden State.” Professional. @bokanevJames Wilkinson, Australia. “I was dreading riding home from the city in the rain, but when the setting sun came out to reveal a wet and windless urban landscape it was one of those moments you truly feel rewarded for the effort of enduring the elements. This photo was taken on the Jim Stynes cycle path heading towards Melbourne’s Docklands.” Smartphone / Action Cam.Nick Crowie, Australia. “Guy Kalma photobombs the sprint for 7th and overall lead between Matt Peterson and Stephen Hall in the Ring crit series. The Ring #4 Rockingham WA 11 December 2016.” DSLR. @nickobecVan Morales, United States. “”Into the light” Location: Mt. Morris, PA Rider: Chris Snider.” DSLR. @dubvthuglifeBrooke Lark, United States. “A one month work trip found us saving dimes by staying in the tiny Basque town of Amorebieta. We’d ride out of town on the cobbled main and after a brief pedal on a commuter byway, we’d hang a left and hit the emerald climb up San Marco in Monte Calvo. It was a real bummer.” DSLR. @brookelarkJulien Payette-Tessier, Canada. “This photograph was taken on the Mount-Royal in Montreal city Canada. The weather was around -15°C. Those big rocks are showing us the way to take to go to the top of the mountain. We couldn’t tell that we are in the middle of a big North America city.” DSLR. @payetteBento Guida, Brazil. “Dolomites.” Smartphone / Action Cam. @bguidaAngus Bell, Australia. “We ride. Training ride for Phoenix Cycling Collective in Canberra, 2015.” DSLR. @angusbell73Sarah Hazell, Australia. “”Feel the Rush!” Tour Down Under 2016, Stage 3 start at Glenelg.” Smartphone / Action Cam. @sarehazJim Merithew, United States. “Volpaia, Italy. It’s been 20 years since the first edition of l’Eroica rolled out of the piazza in Gaiole, and a lot has changed. The first edition involved less than 100 riders, mainly locals who wanted to celebrate the cycling of yesteryear while also bringing some attention to the Tuscan countryside in order to protect it. Two decades on, and some 7,000 people descend on this sleepy corner of Chianti for what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic and unmissable cycling festivals.” Professional. @tinyblackboxScott Wilson, Canada. “The sun finally breaks the grey during a wet, late season ride with old friends. Mt. Seymour – Vancouver B.C. Canada.” Smartphone / Action Cam. @skotdubRich Spencer, United States. “Riding through Storm King on day one of a weekend mini-adventure from NYC to Poughkeepsie, up the west side of the Hudson and back down the east.” Smartphone / Action Cam. @richspencerDan Bright, Australia. “‘Fully Fashioned Friday’, it’s an easy ride along Sydney’s northern beaches. There are no rules, no attitudes, wear whatever kit you want, ride slow, be late for work and spend time drinking coffee with mates. Its the best ride of the week!” Smartphone / Action Cam. @dubonab1ke_Jens Herrnforff, Germany. “Passo di Gavia October 2016.” Professional. @the_velographer