Feature image: Suzan Debuysere | other photography as credited
Every single year the images amaze me — and 2022 is no exception.
Veronique Rolland has chosen her top 10 —her Shortlist — it’s her perspective from the eyes of an artist.
Every single entry has made a difference, they are bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone who is a part of the awards. And of course your entry fees go towards cancer research with Tour de Cure, a cause which unfortunately, almost of all us are a little too close to.
Our second Shortlist is below — enjoy the images and the stories from the Professional and Amateur photographers.
Final winners to be announced on 25th January, 2023.
Enjoy Veronique’s top 10s!
Cover image by Suzan Debuysere @suzandbsr in the Amateur category: “What a year for Lotte! It won’t be easy to do better in 2023, but I really hope she will! I took this one after her great win at ‘De Ronde”
Veronique Rolland is a contemporary artist focussing on nature and the environment, in both still and moving mediums. As a graduate of MA Photography of London, she went on to win the prestigious Sproxton Award for Photography in 2014.
Veronique’s work is housed at the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A, both London, and the Kandinsky Library in Paris.
“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
“The power of sight. Jolanda Neff always has time for her fans. I adore the way this girl is looking at her. Pure admiration.” Aleksandra Sulikowska @olasulikowska1
“Larger than life. @teamamani’s team captain Sule Kangangi (leading out his teammate @sjord5an_schleck in the image) tragically lost his life after crashing at high speed during a race in Vermont in August 2022. Gaping holes are left when giant’s fall. Sule was a giant. But the memory of Sule, and the path he set out together with Team AMANI to create equal opportunities for East African cyclists has only become clearer over the last few months. It’s time to change the face of cycling.” Lian van Leeuwen @saltlake_lian
“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
“Victoria Peel of Hope Tech, early on in the Three Peaks CX, September 2022. Seen here ascending Simon Fell at great pace- she went on to claim 1st place overall in the women category.” Matthew Flemming @matthewjamesfleming
“This is the late Davide Rebellin pictured at home during an interview one month before his tragic death caused by a truck driver while he was doing what he loved the most: riding his bike. He had announced his retirement as a professional cyclist just a few weeks before.” Francesco Rachello @strict
“This photo was made at Giro dell Emilia this year. It was before the start when Urška Žigart came to the UAE bus to say hi to Tadej Pogačar. They were talking a bit and then they kissed. I have captured the moment when Urška’s eye appeared on Tadej’s golden sunglasses. It shows the true love between the two great riders.” Alen Milavec @alenmilavec
“Daniel Oss is being hugged by his fan after he earned a silver medal at the first ever UCI Gravel World Championships in Cittadella, Italy.” Michal Cerveny @michalcervenyphoto
“Kevin Vermaerke punctures on Stage five of the TDF. His soigneur was stranded on the other side of the cobbles with riders and team cars still blasting through the sector. Without a chance to run across between the chaos he threw the wheel infront of a team car to an assisting fan. I shot the saga in disbelief at what I witnessed. I love this sport.” Harry Talbot @visualsofharry
“A different kind of fan giving away a different kind of support!” Juan Felipe Rubio @thebreakaway.co
“Lina Hernandez from Columbia waiting to start the women’s individual TT during the World Titles in Wollongong 2022.” Stuart Baker @stuhbaker
“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
“2022 was a historic year for women’s cycling, when the TDFF was announced I knew I had to be there to take pictures and soak up the atmosphere no matter what. I caught this candid shot of the young girls supporting and cheering on the women as they neared the top of this epic climb.” Lewis Allan @lewisallanphotography
“It wouldn’t be a season at Fifth Street Cross without a torrential downpour. The racing images from the night were cool, but this moment of reflection by Darrell summed up the night well. Soaking wet, covered in dirt, he’s taking a moment to reflect on why he’s even there. I used a slower shutter speed to capture the raindrops but kept it fast enough to capture his details in low light.” Gabe Lloyd @thegabelloyd
“Vittoria Bussi, former world record holder in 1-h track cycling, trains indoor. She aims at reconquering the record in 2023 with her self-funded project Road2Record, with a new bike and a whole new team and sponsors.” Edoardo Frezet @cicloreporter_photos
“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
The bicycle is a true symbol of defiance. Empty streets, sandbags, air-raid alarms, anti tank hedgehogs – our reality now. For those who volunteer or came back from the front, cycling is a great way to relax mentally and physically. In many regions of Ukraine, bicycles have become the main means of transport.” Dmitriy from Odesa, Ukraine in Aug. Iurii Makalis @makalisiurii
“What a year for Lotte! It won’t be easy to do better in 2023, but I really hope she will! I took this one after her great win at ‘De Ronde” Suzan Debuysere @suzandbsr
“Marvel. Admiration. Emotion. Inspiration. Isn’t that what sports is all about. Thalita de Jong during a derny criterium in Wilrijk – Antwerp. And a young marvelled fan.” Stijn Bastens @stijn_bastens
“Three years ago, on a local loop through southeast London, I met a family of foxes. Since then, I’ve visited them a few times a week and their gentle curiosity has never failed to raise my spirits.” Jenna Leigh @jenna7788
Thank you Veronique Rolland for your insightful choices.
To catchup on all the Showcases visit Mark Gunter Photography. Check out James’s Shortlist here, and keep a look out for Sean’s Hardy’s, Antonio Colombo’s, and Susanna Brown’s Shortlist’s coming soon!
For more information on the #markgunterphotoawards2022 check out Rouleur.