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We’re getting close now! You’ve seen the Amateur category shortlists of the 2024 Mark Gunter Photo Awards – a series of breathtaking and contemplative shots of cycling at its best. And now our judges have turned their gaze to the Professional category, sorting through the hotly-contested field to each pull together a list of 10 photos.
Over the nine years of the competition’s existence, it’s grown from an emotional tribute to the memory of Mark Gunter – a much loved Aussie cycling photographer who died from oesophageal cancer – and is now a celebration of the best in his field. We are, as ever, grateful to Leeanne Gatien, Mark’s wife, who is the driving force behind the competition.
The quality of the Amateur category, this year and every year, is inspiring – but there’s something special about the Pro shortlists precisely because they’re judged by industry peers, colleagues that are rubbing shoulders throughout the year. To avoid any bias – conscious or subconscious – our judges never see the photographer’s name, just a caption and the image itself. From there, they rate each photo, take them to a group call, debate the merits of each at length, and finally arrive at a consensus.
At the start of next week, we’ll be announcing the winners: those from the Amateur category that will take home prizes from our friends at Velocio, and those from the Professional category who are competing for the glory and industry recognition of being etched onto the Mark Gunter Photo Award perpetual trophy.
Until then, fire up your biggest screen and enjoy these shortlists from each of our judges.
Kristof Ramon
Kristof Ramon probably doesn’t need much introduction around these parts – he’s a long-time collaborator of ours at Escape Collective. If you haven’t had the pleasure, he’s a celebrated cycling photographer widely respected among professional photographers in road racing. Hailing from Belgium, where cycling is part of the cultural fabric, Kristof has a profound passion for capturing the quiet beauty and human connection inherent in the sport. His evocative work is recognised and admired wherever cycling is celebrated. You can find him on Instagram at @kramon_velophoto.
Evie Richards of Great Britain won the World Champion title in short track discipline in Andorra. | Photo by Aleksandra Sulikowska @olasulikowska1 |An emotional John Degenkolb seeing his kids at the Paris Roubaix velodrome | Photo by Gareth Quinn @mightyquinnphotos | The last Spanish Cyclocross Championship was held in Amurrio on a beautiful circuit with many technical sections and very slippery mud due to the rains of the previous days that put the skills of the cyclists to the test. In one of the last laps the BH team rider Jofre Cullell, who was fighting for the medals, skidded when entering a puddled area, falling to the ground right where I was, with my camera almost on the ground, because the area seemed very interesting visually and I was lucky enough to be able to capture the moment in which his fall raised all the mud. Bad luck for the cyclist and good luck for the photographer. | Photo by Tino Alvarez Rodriguez @tinosemeyes | During stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia, heading toward Livigno, I heard a rumor about skiers leaping over the first riders to arrive. I thought, “This could either be incredible or complete rubbish.” I decided to take my chance—and the result was absolutely amazing! Luckily, Pogačar went for the win and was the first to reach the scene, making this moment even more spectacular. | Photo by Leon van Bon @leon_van_bon |There is no favorable wind for one who does not know where he’s going. | Photo by Paolo Martelli @paolopennimartelli | Christophe Laporte portraiture after his win for Paris-Tour. It was a chaotic race with the rain and gravel sections.| Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic |We are witnessing an exceptional finale at the 2024 Tour de France. Kasia has just won the race, regarded as the most prestigious in cycling, by a 4-second margin. Taylor Phinney, her husband, is heading toward her, his hands covered in paint after cheering her on a few meters below, on the slopes of Alpe d’Huez. A barrier separates them, but it doesn’t take away from the joy they share together after this victory | Photo by Thomas Maheux @ thomas_maheux |Lachlan Morton on Day 12 of his lap around Australia: One of the toughest days of the trip left him with a thousand-yard stare as he rode into camp, barely able to walk, let alone move. He eased into an ice bath, an inflatable kids’ pool, and the emotion, or perhaps the lack thereof, etched on his face said it all. | Photo by Karter Machen @kartermachen | Stage 19, the riders had to ride over the Iconic “cime de la Bonette”, every photographer in the Tour stopped there to take a picture. I saw on the digital recon this abandoned army camp in the descent. As I was doubting what to do a colleague saw me and convinced me to do it. One of my highlights of the year. | Photo by Joris Knapen @jozza_cyclingpics |This photo was captured at the recent Paris Olympics. I was assigned to cover the track racing for 7 days which can get quite repetitive and was beginning to feel a little underwhelmed. After covering my brief on one of the days during the racing I had a little time to get something creative and more importantly keep my creative mind running. I noticed on some slow shutter pan blur shots how the in-field of the track was looking like a black hole. I visualised the shot in monochrome and proceeded to focus on 2 riders from Poland racing by. I like this frame as it makes you really think of some unique features in your environment you shoot in to really create something different out of the ordinary. | Photo by Con Chronis @chronis.photo |
Dominique Powers
Next up is Dominique Powers – a Los Angeles-based photographer whose love for the mountains and cycling converge in compelling visual storytelling. She has produced notable works, such as the “Leaders of Gravel” series, and has been an entrant and shortlisted photographer in the prestigious Mark Gunter Photo Awards. Dominique’s unique perspective as both a participant and documentarian adds depth to her portrayal of the cycling world. You can find her on Instagram at @dominiquepowers.
Here are the ten photos that caught her eye in the Pro category:
We are witnessing an exceptional finale at the 2024 Tour de France. Kasia has just won the race, regarded as the most prestigious in cycling, by a 4-second margin. Taylor Phinney, her husband, is heading toward her, his hands covered in paint after cheering her on a few meters below, on the slopes of Alpe d’Huez. A barrier separates them, but it doesn’t take away from the joy they share together after this victory | Photo by Thomas Maheux @ thomas_maheux |During stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia, heading toward Livigno, I heard a rumor about skiers leaping over the first riders to arrive. I thought, “This could either be incredible or complete rubbish.” I decided to take my chance—and the result was absolutely amazing! Luckily, Pogačar went for the win and was the first to reach the scene, making this moment even more spectacular. | Photo by Leon van Bon @leon_van_bon |Tour de France Femmes avec ZWIFT, stage 7 in Le Grand Bornand. The little fan was cheering very hard every single rider. | Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic | My job often goes like this: Searching for faces in the throng, a subject not moving, yet not fully recovered – the liminal state between ribbons of race tape. Before requisite oxygen is drunk and composure returns, there exists a wellspring of images, dwelled on for seconds; expressions that last years Giuliana Salvini-Morgen of Trek Future Racing, after the u23 XCC at the 5th round of the UCI MTB World Series in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. | Photo by Piper Albrecht @piperalbrecht |French fans cheer as Pauline Ferrand-Prévot makes her way toward the finish during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games mountain bike race in Élancourt, France, July 28, 2024. I noticed all the other photographers getting low and centrered for a traditional finish photo, but I knew this was the picture I wanted to make, the fans were a huge story during this race. | Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn @nickiwanyshyn | The peloton ride through the cycle track in the middle of the desert, during the 1st stage of the 6th UAE Tour. | Photo by Luca Bettini @lucabettini87 | Aerial image of cyclists going over a bridge at the Collie River Mountain Bike Marathon, in southwest Australia. This abstract-looking image was captured with a drone. | Photo by Daniela Tommasi @daniela_tommasi_photography | The final stage of the TDF, Supporters of Biniam Girmay came together to see him ride past. | Photo by Joris Knapen @jozza_cyclingpics |I took this photo in November 2024 during the 6daagse in Ghent. Madison. | Photo by Jordi Vila @jordivilapf |Lachlan Morton on Day 12 of his lap around Australia: One of the toughest days of the trip left him with a thousand-yard stare as he rode into camp, barely able to walk, let alone move. He eased into an ice bath, an inflatable kids’ pool, and the emotion, or perhaps the lack thereof, etched on his face said it all. | Photo by Karter Machen @kartermachon |
Michal Ceveny
Michal is a photographer from the Czech Republic, whose portfolio of cycling images spans the road, to mountain bikes, gravel & beyond. He’s featured in multiple shortlists and top 10s in the past few years. You can find him on Instagram at @michalcervenyphoto. Michal’s shortlisted Pro category photos are as follows:
Two of the biggest names in the sport on the biggest stage there is, ride past one of the most iconic sights in the world, a pretty special combination. | Photo by Zac Williams @z_w_photography |This photo was taken behind the podium where Pogacar had just won Il Lombardia. I have no clue what he was thinking at that exact moment. What do you think? | Photo by Wout Beel @woutbeel |It was an overwhelming day out at the Olympic Road Race in all the right ways. Over a million people on the side of the road, packed into the most iconic parts of Paris, topped off with being the only person at the finish to manage to squeeze the Eiffel Tower and the victorious Remco into the same frame, doing my best with the organisation’s horrendous finish line pavement at the bottom of a 100m ramp. | Photo by Zac Williams @z_w_photography | UCI Cyclo-cross world cup in Hulst (NED), Elite women. Famous round because of THE WALL, where the bike rides you 🙂 | Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic |During the E3 Saxo Bank Classic, The Gaston Van De Walle butchers cheers the local Hero Wout Van Aert | Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic | During stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia, heading toward Livigno, I heard a rumor about skiers leaping over the first riders to arrive. I thought, “This could either be incredible or complete rubbish.” I decided to take my chance—and the result was absolutely amazing! Luckily, Pogačar went for the win and was the first to reach the scene, making this moment even more spectacular. | Photo by Leon van Bon @leon_van_bon |Tour de France Femmes avec ZWIFT, stage 7 in Le Grand Bornand. The little fan was cheering very hard every single rider. | Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic | During practice for mountainbike XCO worldcup in Leogang many athletes struggle a lot. The reason is a small but violent impact which not very surprisingly leads to many falls. | Photo by Thomas Weschta @thomaswdesign | Bikepacking around the world can sometimes be a very loneliness way of traveling. You have to deal with your deepest thoughts and sometimes your deepest fears. It might be the best way to get in touch with yourself. | Photo by Paolo Martelli @paolopennimartelli | She lost the stage but won the TDF with 4 seconds! It took just this 4 seconds to realize that she had won the biggest cycling race on the planet. What a moment to witness, Magnifiek. | Photo by Joris Knapen @jozza_cyclingpics |
Sarah Meyssonnier
Sarah Meysonnier is a Paris-based French photographer and visual journalist for Reuters. Her diverse portfolio spans news, cultural stories, and sports, with a particular emphasis on cycling. Known for her compelling and dynamic imagery, Sarah brings a journalistic eye and artistic depth to her work, making her a standout talent in the field. You can find her on Instagram at @sarahmeyssonnier. Here are Sarah’s shortlisted shots from the Pro category:
I covered the Tour of Oman for the second time this year, and this race continues to fascinate me. It takes us beyond European borders and offers thousands of spectators, often unaccustomed to this sport, a unique opportunity to witness the world’s best cyclists in action. These two young girls are the perfect example: captivated, they watch in awe at the spectacle before them, embodying the magic of cycling. | Photo by Thomas Maheux @thomas_maheux |UCI Cyclo-cross world cup in Hulst (NED), Elite women. Famous round because of THE WALL, where the bike rides you 🙂 | Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic | On a 5-mile loop to be covered 102 times, ultra triathletes from all over the world who have come to Colmar for the Bretzel Ultra Tri (June 2024) spend days and nights often alone… but always surrounded by their sparring partners. Participating in this type of race means entering a large, united family and going through all possible physical and mental states. Here, a competitor goes through the night from Thursday to Friday before tackling the 131 miles on foot. His race had started on Monday. | Photo by Gilles Brayé @gillesbraye_sport |This photo was taken behind the podium where Pogacar had just won Il Lombardia. I have no clue what he was thinking at that exact moment. What do you think? | Photo by Wout Beel @woutbeel | A boy with a ball seen walking by during the national juniors cup road race held in Kos island, Greece | Photo by Nassos Triantafyllou @nassostphoto | During the E3 Saxo Bank Classic, The Gaston Van De Walle butchers cheers the local Hero Wout Van Aert | Photo by Gaëtan Flamme @gaetan_sportpic | During stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia, heading toward Livigno, I heard a rumor about skiers leaping over the first riders to arrive. I thought, “This could either be incredible or complete rubbish.” I decided to take my chance—and the result was absolutely amazing! Luckily, Pogačar went for the win and was the first to reach the scene, making this moment even more spectacular. | Photo by Leon van Bon @leon_van_bon | A small mistake made in the front of a cyclocross race creates a chain reaction. | Photo by Daghan Perker @dperker | There are two challenging descents on the Zonhoven cyclocross. They usually turn into human waterfalls in no time. This photo perfectly captures the chaos of this race. | Photo by Charlotte Lindet @lindetcharlotte | After riding (and following from the moto) Paris-Roubaix, all you want to do is take a shower! This year the weather was perfect—by far the warmest we’ve ever had—sunny, but incredibly dusty. Right after crossing the velodrome finish line, Femke Markus approached me and said, “Look!” She took off her gloves and showed me the damage to her hands from the brutal race. I thought I had captured a great shot with her half-removed glove, but something even better was coming. As I snapped photos of her in the showers, I noticed the deep holes in her hands. They were striking, especially when contrasted with the expression of relief on her face as she enjoyed the warmth of the water. I love this photo—far more than the one I took in the velodrome earlier! | Photo by Eloise Mavian @eloisemavian |
Matt Grayson
Last but not least, it’s over to Matt Grayson. Matt is a photographer of cycling, portraits, and lifestyle, and he’s well known to the Mark Gunter Awards as a shortlister, top 10, and finalist. Matt’s focus on African cycling played a key role in two Sierra Leonian cyclists being awarded the Mark Gunter Young Cyclist Assistance. You can find him on Instagram at @mattgrayson_photo. The photos he shortlisted for the Professional Category are as follows:
An emotional John Degenkolb seeing his kids at the Paris Roubaix velodrome | Photo by Gareth Quinn @mightyquinnphotos | The Koppenberg was once again a decisive point in the Tour of Flanders this year, with all but two riders slipping off their bikes and being forced to walk. This was the last time the peloton saw Van Der Poel on that day, the rest of them reduced to clip clipping up the infamous cobbles in their cleats as he tore away to victory. | Photo by Zac Williams @z_w_photography |From Roubaix to Istanbul in 11 days. Jana Kesenheimer has just finished the tenth edition of the Transcontinental Race as the fastest woman to complete the course. At last she could relax and enjoy the moment. It wasn’t even ten minutes ago that Jana had picked herself up off the ground after a stray cat had caused her to fall. | Photo by Tomás Montes @arrieredupeloton | The last Spanish Cyclocross Championship was held in Amurrio on a beautiful circuit with many technical sections and very slippery mud due to the rains of the previous days that put the skills of the cyclists to the test. In one of the last laps the BH team rider Jofre Cullell, who was fighting for the medals, skidded when entering a puddled area, falling to the ground right where I was, with my camera almost on the ground, because the area seemed very interesting visually and I was lucky enough to be able to capture the moment in which his fall raised all the mud. Bad luck for the cyclist and good luck for the photographer. | Photo by Tino Alvarez Rodriguez @tinosemeyes | Italy, Rimini, 29-06-2024 Cycling, Tour de France, Men. Florence to Rimini Stage winner Romain Bardet ( right ) of Team DSM Firmenich PostNL and his Dutch teammate Frank van den Broek look back once more to see if the oncoming peloton will overtake them before the finih line but the distance is too great. | Photo by Klaas Jan van der Weij @klaasjan.photography | A duo as synonymous as bangers and mash, the Tourmalet and the Tour de France have a history like no other, so when it pops up as a mid stage opportunity, you’ve got to take the chance to shoot its mythical beauty. | Photo by Zac Williams @z_w_photography | Lachlan Morton on Day 12 of his lap around Australia: One of the toughest days of the trip left him with a thousand-yard stare as he rode into camp, barely able to walk, let alone move. He eased into an ice bath, an inflatable kids’ pool, and the emotion, or perhaps the lack thereof, etched on his face said it all. | Photo by Karter Machen @kartermachen |She lost the stage but won the TDF with 4 seconds! It took just this 4 seconds to realize that she had won the biggest cycling race on the planet. What a moment to witness, Magnifiek. | Photo by Joris Knapen @jozza_cyclingpics | How do you photograph a cyclist who rides almost exclusively in digital space? We went to an indoor cycling studio with Kathrin Fuhrer (bronze medallist at the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships). There we were able to let her merge with a network of lights on her bike. Published in «Gruppetto» in November 2024 | Photo by Maurice Haas @mauricehaasphoto | Aerial image of cyclists going over a bridge at the Collie River Mountain Bike Marathon, in southwest Australia. This abstract-looking image was captured with a drone. | Photo by Daniela Tommasi @daniela_tommasi_photography |
Coming next: On Monday, it’s the big reveal: the winners of the 2024 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards. We can’t wait to see who comes out on top this year.
And it’s not too late for you to get involved: donate to the competition’s charity partner Tour de Cure by voting for your favourite photo, which will raise funds for cancer research and help determine the winner of the Fan’s Favourite category, also to be announced Monday.
