Feature image: Joris Knapen | other photography as credited

It’s hard to believe that another year of the Mark Gunter Photo Awards is coming to a end. After a slight hiccup with the closing date — I had been posting a close date of 5th Jan instead of the 4th Jan — entries are closed!

I know I say it every year — “the images just get better and better every year” — but it’s totally true.

This year it’s been an absolute joy to read through all the captions and to look through all the images. Lucas has started his list — it’s currently a long list, but that’s the process!

This week is the last showcase before the all important Judges Shortlists — their top 10 in each category.

Until then….

A stunning cover Image by Joris Knapen @jozza_cyclingpics in the Professional category: “MvdP, is coming back to the cyclocross season 2021-2022. As WvA is demolishing the competition, MvdP struggles to keep the pace.”

Entry into the fiercely-contested Professional Cycling Photographer category is permitted to anyone who earns a living from their cycling photography.

“Most of the time we missed the fans at cycling events this year. One of the few races without restrictions was the Koppenbergcross. The fans went crazy when their favorite rider passed by.” Mats Palinckx @matspalinckx

“In the first women’s Tour de Suisse, cycling showed an unprecedented dynamism and power. The way they attacked up that climb in the woods gave me the opportunity to capture it in that moment.” Sam Buchli @buchlifotografie

“After the start of the Zilvermeercross it started to snow. As a result, the snow only stayed next to the racingline. What caused a beautiful leading line towards the leader of the race, Wout van Aert.” Mats Palinckx @matspalinckx

“It was my first time shooting a stage of the Tour de France from a motorcycle and I was as nervous as the peloton was on the damp windy roads of the first stage of a grand tour. We came to an abrupt halt behind a line of vehicles. Something had gone wrong. “Daniel, Allez! Allez!” shouted Max, gesturing for me to jump off the motorcycle. I ran into the horrific crash to find Marc Hirschi brooding in a bush over his injured shoulder in a scene that seemed to stand still amidst the chaos of it all.” Daniel Cole @danielcolepares

“Lora Fachie piloted by Corrine Hall of Great Britain break the World Record in the Women’s Tandem B 3000m Individual Pursuit qualifying at the Izu Velodrome during the Tokyo Paralympics.” Alex Whitehead @alex_swpix

“Climbing out of Sion en route towards Col du Sanetsch, the forest provides much needed cover from the midday sun before tackling the punishing exposed ascent to the summit of Sanetsch.” Chris Lanaway @chrislanaway

“Looking at Amy Pieters through crystal wishing that its energy will help her healing #staystrongamy. The photo was taken during the prologue of the Simac Ladies Tour in Ede, The Netherlands.” Eloise Mavian @eloisemavian

“The wait of four fans is finally over when the peloton passes in front of them in the french countryside during the third stage of the 2021 Tour.” Francesco Rachello @strict

“There are still miles of steam pipes underneath New York City streets heating up close to 2000 buildings. Here, racer riding through the steam after a race on a cool night.” Daghan Perker @dperker

“Onwards & Upwards – Shot at the last race of 2021 in my local CX league. As the light was beginning to fade a glorious sunset began to appear over the hill as the rider trudged onwards and upwards through increasingly more difficult conditions. A reflection, perhaps, of current times whereby at times the journey may seem like an uphill struggle but brighter times may be just over the crest.” Warren Davies @traxphotos1

“This is a shot from inside the hut on the start/finish line at Hillingdon, West London. I wanted to highlight the role of the volunteers who work to keep grass roots cycling alive and see the riders from their perspective.” Ian Wrightson @ianwrightsonphotography

“This photo was taken in carrefour de l’arbre one of the most difficult sections of pave in paris roubaix, the photo shows the podium of the race but mainly there is the winner Sonny Colbrelli, Paris Roubaix always is a epic race but due the weather the 2021 edition always will be in my memory.” Andrés Felipe Cano G @pipecano_photo

“Finding out that there is more to the world of cycling than just tarmac roads, theres a whole other world of dirt tracks, trails and paths to explore. Partially forced on by the general trend towards gravel but also the yearning of adventure, childish freedom and sense of discovery it has given me in a year of staycationing.” Matt Stevenson @mattwstevenson

“Climbing out of the clouds. Off-road riding in the French Alps in October can deliver an array of conditions, even over just a few days. This moody day crossing Cormet d’Aréches was followed by a day riding through snow to 2400m, then a bluebird day climbing to 2600m. You learn a lot riding in these conditions. Not just about bikes.” Graeme Longhorne @graemelanghorne

“This is the end of the epic trip tour, we spent many hours in the saddle. We were completely exhausted, we were a fool. With the rest of my strength, I took this photo, driving a few meters behind my friend. I saw the end result only at home, it fully reflects that moment, fatigue, freedom, fog, road, landscape.” Maciej Grzybowski @cyclingmill

For more information on the #markgunterphotoawards2021 check out CyclingTips and Mark Gunter Photography.