Feature image: Michal Cerveny | other photography as credited
Presenting — Sean Hardy’s Shortlist.
The depth of talent this year is immense — in particular in the Amateur category. Scroll down to see the Sean’s selection of stunning, moving, and meaningful moments taken by cyclists and photographers alike.
Next up is our final judge’s shortlist from Susanna Brown. If you missed James Startt’s Shortlist or Veronique Rolland’s Shortlist or Antonio Colombo’s Shortlist check them out now.
Final winners are announced on 25th January, 2023.
Enjoy Seans’ top 10s!
Cover image by Michal Cerveny @michalcervenyphoto “A bunch of cyclist rides through the city of Vicenza, Italy to recon the route of the first ever UCI Gravel World Championships.“
Sean Hardy is a professional cycling photographer who got his start with Rouleur magazine, and has gone on to take incredibly powerful images in the cycling world. He’s now a regular fixture and any and all pro tour circuit races, and more.
Sean won the 2021 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards with his moving image of Lotto Kepecky, one that added a new dimension to the world of cycling photography and these awards.
“Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard shares a quiet and intimate moment with his partner Trine Marie Hansen on the Champs Élisées in Paris just after the final stage of the 2022 Tour de France. After three weeks of racing, the Team Jumbo-Visma rider secured the overall victory of the most prestigious cycling race in the world. This photo was shot just before the podium ceremony, in a backstage area.” Bram Berkien @bramberkien
“The final stage of the Tour de France Femmes ended on the infamous Super Planche des Belles Filles. When Demi crossed the finish line she directly went to lie down on the ground, exhausted. Her mother was holding her hand and she quickly jumped over the barriers to hold her tight. She had a big smile on her face and she was constantly whispering to Demi while she was trying to catch her breath. I stayed on the ground enjoying this beautiful magical moment between mother and daughter.” Eloise Mavian @eloisemavian
“For me this images sums up this years TDFF. The next generation of female cyclists in the foreground, with the penultimate climb of the Tour in the background.” Jo Jo Harper @jojoharper_
“2nd edition of Paris Roubaix Femmes. For many riders, getting a picture in the iconic showers in Roubaix is at least as important as a picture of them during the race itself. Here, Flora Perkins (Le Col Wahoo) after her first Paris-Roubaix participation.” Anouk Flesch @anoukflesch
“”Changing Perceptions“ — this image was shot at the 2022 Tour de France Femmes — a landmark race. I was scoping out our location and saw the beauty shop window in a small village — I had the idea of catching the yellow jersey riding past the reflection in the window, to show that girls can be bad ass as well as feminine!”.” Russ Ellis @cyclingimages
“Portrait of Mathijs Wuyts just after he finished the cx race in Oostmalle, Belgium.” Bram Paulussen @brampaulussen
““After climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, I was treated to this stunning vista of the women’s peloton of the Tour de France Femmes racing up the Champs-Elysees surrounded by sprawling Paris.” Andy Rogers @fameandspear
“A bunch of cyclist rides through the city of Vicenza, Italy to recon the route of the first ever UCI Gravel World Championships.” Michal Cerveny @michalcervenyphoto
“”During the hottest day of the year in Belgium, the queen stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour took place. Riders arrived completely overheated. And barely tried to refresh themselves with some ice cold water.” Mats Palinckx @matspalinckx
“Not everyday is a snow day. The harsh conditions across London meant it was time to escape to the forest on mountain bikes.” Saskia Martin @saskiacmartin
“Best dam climb in the UK. The Stwlan Dam in Snowdonia, Wales. Switchbacks. Epic scenery. CLOSED TO CARS! This was on a trip with mates. Perfect weather. Perfect route. I had the legs and managed to get up there ahead of some, so at least the slowest was rewarded with this lovely photo as they rounded the penultimate bend.” Ben Allan @ballonandon
“Total blackout. Night ride in Odesa, Ukraine is a challenge now. For 2 months due to rockets attacks every day, we have power outages that leave the city in dark, thus lights from auto, steam and streets create strange ambiance, but with hope for great future.” Iurii Makalis @makalisiurii
“Friday night crits under lights out at Ipswich Cycle Park, on a clear moonlit night.” Mat Gilfedder @matgilfedder
“We’ve hit October now and there still hasn’t been a drop of rain in sight. The dust is getting kicked up into the light make it a dream for photographers but an absolute nightmare for the athletes. MFG CX at Fort Steilacoom Park in Washington.” Hung Mai @hungmaiphotography
“Tiny riders. Yet another from the 3 peaks race and one that sums up cyclo-cross: you’re either on the bike or the bikes on you. I saw these two like ants from a distance and knew I needed to go for the silhouette shot, thankfully they lined themselves up perfectly in different poses for me too!” James Middleton @jmidphoto
“After damaging his back in a fall during the mountain bike race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, I guess Mathieu had the most difficult period of his carreer. He struggled but worked so hard, together with Roxanne. He won his second Ronde van Vlaanderen in April ’22. I focused on Roxanne, on how she was crying. Well, that says it all.” Suzan Debuysere @suzandbsr
“Through the crowds. The intensity of Roubaix means you need to push through the crowds to try and capture the Peloton finishing.” Saskia Martin @saskiacmartin
“In the Ötztal Alps, just across the Italy/Austria border lies this gem of a dead end climb. Cousin of the Zoncolan, the Mortirolo, and the Alto de l’Angliru, but higher than them all at 2,798m. Make it up this one last kick and you can climb even higher through a 1.7km tunnel under the glacier which emerges at the Tiefenbachferner (2,829m).” Jenna Leigh @jenna7788
Thank you Sean Hardy for your insightful choices.
To catchup on all the Showcases visit Mark Gunter Photography. Check out James Startt’s, Veronique Rolland’s, and Antonio’s shortlists, and finally Susanna Brown’s is still to come!
For more information on the #markgunterphotoawards2022 check out Rouleur.