Cycling Tips have announced an exciting new competition for professional, up-and-coming and amateur photographers of cycling sport. The inaugural Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards have been set up to commemorate the life and achievements of Mark Gunter, a widely respected Australian photographer who sadly died after a brave fight with cancer last year, aged just 41.
Mark Gunter worked as a photographer for nearly 20 years
Mark worked in cycling photography for nearly 20 years and covered the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and the Tour Down Under among other prestigious races. Cycling Australia said that “he built a tremendous career across a number of world, national and local events of all disciplines…capturing the attention of the cycling world through his amazing imagery.” His work was recognised with the Cycling Australia Photo of the Year Award on many occasions. You can see a selection of some of his great photographs here.
Cycling Tips say that, “Together in partnership with Mark’s wife, Leanne Gatien, we want to honour Mark and let his name live on through an award that will grow more prestigious each year.” The funds raised by the competition will be donated towards oesophageal cancer research, young athlete assistance and into an education trust for Mark and Leanne’s son Lucas who is two years old.
There are three categories that you can enter for: Professional – to acknowledge and celebrate the work of Mark’s colleagues; DSLR for semi-professionals and enthusiasts, representing the higher end of digital camera equipment; Smartphone and Action-cam for those amateurs who have a good eye or have simply got lucky with an amazing shot.
There are some cool prizes on offer. While the pros will have to make do with a trophy for first place and medallions for second and third, the DSLR prizes include Specialized Allez DSW road bike, new Shimano Di2 groupset and some very classy Bont Vaypor custom shoes. Amateurs could win a trip to the 2017 Tour de France or a $500 voucher for the Cycling Tips Emporium.
Entries are open from today, 2nd December with the first round of shortlisting taking place on January 9th 2017 and the winners being announced on January 16th.
Four of the most prolific and experienced cycling photographers in the world will be judging. Graham Watson is “arguably the most well known cycling photographer on the planet” who has captured some of the most significant moments in recent cycling history. Belgian Kristof Ramon has been described as “a master of detail, light and atmosphere.” Meanwhile, Jered and Ashley Gruber, the husband and wife duo, have spent years chasing around the globe to capture some of the most iconic images of cycling photography in recent times.
To enter go to the Cycling Tips website.
