2017 Winners announced!

In the second annual Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards of 2017, there were so many epic images entered – in all three categories. The final week was a last minute rush with hundred of images flooding in.

Our judges this year – Graham Watson, Marcus Enno (aka Beardy McBeard), and Jim Fryer & Iri Greco the team from Brakethrough Media – definitely had a task on their hands to decide the winners.

The judging process was gruelling. They narrowed down a shortlist for each category, from over 1,200 images. Then collectively – and painstakingly – they chose the winning images.

We are proud to showcase the winners here, their images, and the story behind their image.

Thanks to Cyclingtips for making the 2017 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards happen again.

The wait is over…. here are the winners! Congratulations to you all.

1st Prize Professional category: Tim Bardsley-Smith (Australia)

‘Jaw, meet Floor… it was hard not to get blown away every single day in Tibet.’ Image by Tim Bardsley-Smith.

2nd Prize Professional category: Luca Bettini (Italy)

‘Fight for winning.’ Image by Luca Bettini.

3rd Prize Professional category: Eloise Mavian (Italy)

‘Laurens De Plus climbing the Muro di Sormano in first position during Il Lombardia. He was in the breakaway of the day but minutest after this beautiful moment he crashed badly on the descent. Luckily he is recovering well.’ Image by Eloise Mavian.

1st Prize Enthusiast category: Angelica Dixon (United States)

‘Riders in the dust cloud.’ Image by Angelica Dixon.

2nd Prize Enthusiast category: Lian Van Leeuwen (The Netherlands)

”First shower in days. Cool down and clean up at the swimming pool shower after finishing 4000 kilometers of riding – Transcontinental race 2017.’ Image by Lian Van Leeuwen.

3rd Prize Enthusiast category: Craig Huffman (United States)

“Breakaway” – There’s nothing like racing under the lights as Chris Riekert of Team Mike’s Bikes followed by Cameron Piper of Team Illuminate work the defining move, a two man breakaway, during the Toyota San Rafael Sunset Criterium Pro/1/2 race in San Rafael, California, USA on July 29, 2017.’ Image by Craig Huffman.

1st Prize Smartphone / Action Camera category: Seetoh Lang (Austria)

‘Riding solo is riding with and against one’s self. It allows your subconscious mind to unknot, accompanied by the steady sounds of the whir of your drivetrain and the beating of your own heart. Whether fast or slow, no matter the weather, I enjoy these times so much. There is no better feeling than watching the ground and your worries disappear underneath you as you race against nothing but your own thoughts.’ Image by Seetoh Lang.

2nd Prize Smartphone / Action Camera category: Jon Turner (United Kingdom)

‘A beautiful day on the Col du L’Iseran in the French Alps. Officially closed but we managed to ride to 2400 m in perfect conditions and beautiful light with the mountain completely to ourselves. Descending in summer kit in May – a truly magical day. Possibly a once in a lifetime.’ Image by Jon Turner.

3rd Prize Smartphone / Action Camera category: Andy Rogers (Australia)