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January 8, 20211 CommentBlog
GRAHAM Watson's Choice

Feature image: h.a.velopix | other photography as credited

The 2020 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards closed and …. Graham Watson has made his choice in the Amateur category.

We received hundreds of incredible submissions from around the world – from 35 countries over 6 continents! This truely is an international competition following an international sport. The language of cycling and hope — especially this year — is the same everywhere.

The Awards are a way for talented photographers to showcase their artistry, but they have another other important purpose – raising money for cancer research via Tour de Cure.

Once again Graham Watson has returned to support the awards with his wisdom and his insight – by selecting his top ten in the Amateur category — and importantly recognising each photographer.

You’ll have to wait until a few more days until the judges deliberate on the top three of each category in the coming days – with final winners to be announced on January 12, 2021.

Congratulations everyone selected here — being chosen by Graham Watson is an epic achievement.

GRAHAM REFLECTS ON BEING PART OF THE AWARDS

“It’s always an honour to be involved with the Mark Gunter Photo Awards.

The level of quality in the entries continues to grow, in fact the entries act as an annual gauge of how amateur photographers have increased their skills and love of photography.

A lack of racing around the world in 2020 and restricted access to fans at the major European races has seen a slightly more landscape-orientated entry in this year’s awards, and I’ve pondered long and hard over a dearth of great scenic shots.

So many locked-down cyclists have shown themselves out alone on inspirational rides, or if not actually alone then restricted to a close friend or relative.

My top ten selection emerged primarily from amongst the worlds’ forests, gravel roads, iconic passes, and deserted country lanes. As well as a few stunning race shots for those lucky enough to be there.

I’m pleased to say it was a near perfect sunset shot that attracted me the most for it represented a very challenging year.”

ABOUT GRAHAM WATSON

Graham has been with the Awards since it’s inaugural year in 2016. He is arguably the most well known cycling photographer and his iconic images captured many of cycling’s most moments over his 44 years of photography.

As one of the pioneers of the cycling media, Graham brings an immense volume of knowledge and expertise in cycling photography. He and Mark knew each other well and we are thrilled that Graham is yet again part of the Awards.

AMATEUR CATEGORY
5. RM 631

“A smoky night in the Idaho Mountains.” Remi McManus @r_adventurist

2. Amateur Andres Felipe Cano G 310

“In february the Bora team arrived to my Hometown Medellín and i join them a couple of days in bike and taking pictures, in this one i say to Peter to do an sprint in the back of the motorcycle, my cousin Lucho put the pace on the motorbike and i lean a little bit to take it with a good angle.” Andres Felipe Cano G @pipecano_photo

3. Amateur Christopher Dacey 104

“A favourite local gravel segment north of Boulder that I love for rare traffic and wonderful sun setting light.” Christopher Dacey

In January 2020 we've had the great opportunity to attend the 6 Days Series in Berlin as photographers and were able to capture this speedy moment with Christian Dagnoni and Marc Hester during the derny race. We're looking forward to the return of these amazing track events with their special atmosphere.

“In January 2020 we’ve had the great opportunity to attend the 6 Days Series in Berlin as photographers and were able to capture this speedy moment with Christian Dagnoni and Marc Hester during the derny race. We’re looking forward to the return of these amazing track events with their special atmosphere.” h.a.velopix @h.a.velopix

5. Amateur Casey Cesari 105

“Taken at sunrise in Scarborough Marsh, Maine, USA during a weekly small CX group ride. One of a couple things that helped get me through 2020.” Casey Cesari @caseycesari

6. Amateur Markel Bazanbide 33

“What a season for Remco. In the Vuelta a Burgos he flew past me, more than even the helicopter.” Markel Bazanbide @markel.bazan

7. Amateur Ruby Roubaix 60

“This was Kim Magnusson (Rival Readynez Cycling Team) battling on the dusty ribinou of Tro Bro Leon 2019.” Ruby Roubaix @ruby_roubaix

8. Amateur Antonien Biez 261

“@cycliste_tricolore reached the summit I was 2,642 m above sea level. The view was the supreme reward for my efforts, with a 180° panorama over the Col du Lautaret below. The famous milestone which marks the col itself was still under the snow; a final reminder of the shortened winter.” Antonien Biez @focal_77

9. Amateur Jimi Thomson 556

“Tremola Strasse cobbles. 9.4k of climbing on these? The top is the Gotthard Pass summit in Switzerland. This road (Strasse in German) is featured in many Tour de Suisse races. 24 named(!) switchbacks first constructed in 1828.” Jimi Thomson @twotyredtours

10. Amateur Sara Bukies 587

“After we abandoned our Project Pedal Further venture early 2020 due to the pandemic, I was discouraged. The past 7 months had been full of adventures and now we were stuck in Switzerland, which sometimes seemed too familiar and therefore not too worth discovering. How wrong I was: When we went on a bikepacking trip in mid-November, I found my adventurous spirit again and drew hope: Not only that I live in a beautiful country, but also that somewhere – whether near or far – surprises await me.” Sara Bukies @projectpedalfurther

Thank you Graham Watson for your insightful choices.

To catchup on all the Showcases visit Mark Gunter Photography. and here to see Kristof Ramon’s shortlist, Tim Bardsley-Smith’s shortlist and Jered & Ashley Gruber’s shortlist.

For more information on the #markgunterphotoawards2020 check out CyclingTips. 

#markgunterphotoawards2020Amateurawardsgraham watsonProfessionalshortlist 2020winner
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Graham Watson’s Choice – 2020 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards

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MARK GUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Gunter was a well known sports photographer specialising in cycling, here in Australia & around the globe. Mark's images are available for personal and commercial purchase.
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2020 MARK GUNTER PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

LATEST ON INSTAGRAM #MARKGUNTERPHOTOAWARDS2020
  • 49 minutes to enter….A sprint to the finish… "The Belgian Champion @lottekopecky skilfully riding the gutter during the Brabantse Pilj in Belgium. In 2020 there has often been a fine line between good and bad times, but hopefully 2021 should be smoother (unlike the cobbles)." : This image by Neil Causley @neilcausey_cc in the Amateur category from Belgium. : "When there are not many opportunities to race, every contest counts. It was inspiring to see how these young talents kept up the motivation this year, still trained hard and payed attention to every little detail.” (@Marten_Schomburg, U23 National Time Trial
  • "It was one of those rare, crisp, winter days in pre-covid New York where I caught this rider pulling a wheelie crossing 7th avenue. Who would have thought we would miss the traffic in Times Square? : Entries are closed…. Thank YOU to all our photographers who shared your stories — through your images and your words. : This image by Dagahn Perker @dperker in the Professional category from USA. : Our judges @kramon_velophoto @tbsphotography @jeredgruber & @ashleygruber and Graham Watson are busy scouring through all the images creating their shortlists. : Shortlists coming soon…. : #markgunterphotoawards2020 : @cyclingtips
  • "The world goes on. During; la flèche wallone, the local shops are open, as nothing happend, butt the public is not allowed to the races. It was a strange sight, no public, open shops and a bike race." : An interesting perspective from this strange year of racing…. Look through the windows to see the race. : Entries are closed…. Thank YOU to all our photographers who shared your stories — through your images and your words. : This image by Joris Knappen @jorisknapen_studioknapen in the Professional category from The Netherlands. : Our judges @kramon_velophoto @tbsphotography @jeredgruber & @ashleygruber and
  • "LOCKDOWN. That moment of 2020 when everyone had to stop. With this photo, I’m sure many cyclists will be reflected by their days of being confined at home and where they spent hours and hours on their trainers. I portrait some cyclists, without moving from home, via video call, to tell them how to configure their cameras, to take the picture that I had in mind. All the photos had a common thread between them by the light that came from their screens and that illuminated their “pain cave”.” Albert Gallego @brazodehierro : Thank YOU to all our photographers who
  • “A smoky night in the Idaho Mountains” Remi McManus @r_adventurist : 5 years ago at @tourdownunder I spoke to Graham Watson about doing something to recognise @markggunter. 5 years later…. Graham is still part of the Awards. We’re so lucky to have him on the team :) : Here’s the photographers selected in Graham’s Choice — in the Amateur category… : @r_adventurist @pipecano_photo Christopher Dacey @h.a.velopix @caseycesari @markel.bazan @ruby_roubaix @focal_77 @twotyredtours @projectpedalfurther : Check out the shortlist in the bio. : Thank YOU to all our photographers who shared your stories — through your images and your words. It truely
  • "It was a cold snowy day in February; Back when the calendar was full of possibilities. I was in my favorite place in the world: Hood River-Mosier, Oregon. There was a light dusting of snow. I decided to head up to Rowena Crest. As luck would have it, three Eagles were circling that day and a lone cyclist pedaled up the icy climb. If "hope" is the theme, this is an image I think about often: in spite of the conditions - keep pedaling.” Drew Coleman @dcmediahaus : Thank YOU to all our photographers who shared your stories — through
  • “Italian cycling fans are some of the most passionate, an image that would make any Tifosis heart swell with pride, seeing World ITT Champion, Filippo Ganna riding past a giant Tricolori flag in the Giro d’Italia.” Chris Auld @cauldphoto : Thank YOU to all our photographers who shared your stories — through your images and your words. It truely has been amazing for me to experience what your 2020 was like. : @jeredgruber & @ashleygruber have chosen their top 10 in Pro & Amateur — the Gruber
  • Winners UPDATE — announcement of the winners has been extended till 13th Jan 2021, Sydney time. : Apologies — life in lockdown, a full time job starting a company, and being a full time parent have amounted to more than even I could manage so far…. so we’ll be announcing the winners a couple of days late. : “The photo was taken in the TDF2020 and shows the difficulties of the year — the mask represents the pandemic and the slogan represents the racial issues of 2020. The fact that the biggest race event could take place gave every athlete
  • The wait is ALMOST OVER….. winners will be announced in the next hour or so! : As the sun sets here in Sydney, this image reminds me of now. Live in the moment, love the ones close to you, and continue to share joy through your images. : "Beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Country under lockdown, with restricted exercise hours, hoping for some light at the end of a ‘dark tunnel’.” : We’ll announce very soon. Not long to go. : This image by Robin Moore @Pedal_journal in the Amateur category. : #markgunterphotoawards2020 : @cyclingtips
  • And the wait is over…. We have our winners….. : Congratulations to Chris Auld (UK) @cauldphoto for winning the 2020 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Award! : His image of “Italian cycling fans are some of the most passionate, an image that would make any Tifosis heart swell with pride, seeing World ITT Champion, Filippo Ganna riding past a giant Tricolori flag in the Giro d’Italia.” won the hearts and minds of the judges @kramon_velophoto @tbsphotography @jeredgruber & @ashleygruber. : 2nd Prize awarded to Albert Gallego (Spain) @brazodehierro for his “Lockdown” image. 3rd Prize awarded to Luis Alcantarilla (UK)
  • And the winner in the Amateur category is….. : Anthony Leutenegger (Switzerland) @anthonyleutenegger for winning the for winning the 2020 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Award - Amateur category! Congratulations! : “Everyone loves a happy ending, especially during these difficult times. My submission last year was of Marion Norbert-Riberolle in tears at the finish line of the Cyclocross World Championships as she had an untimely mechanical and lost in the final lap. In 2020 she stormed away to victory to win the U23 World Championships by a mile. Embracing her family, draped in a French flag, it was a
  • And the last list is here - Lucas’s List.... : Many of you know Lucas lost his Dad @markggunter to a very aggressive cancer back in Nov 2015. He was 15 months old. Today he is 6 years old and is a big part of these awards. : Last year he saw me posting the Judges Shortlists and wanted to make his list too. And that was the beginning of Lucas being involved. In 2020, he selected his list again — by himself without any influencing by me (as hard as that was!!!) : His list doesn’t have any bearing
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