WELCOME
To this years Mark Gunter Photography of the Year Awards.
And welcome back to our avid cycling photographers who have been with us in previous years.
The #markgunterphotoawards2019 promoted by CyclingTips are open now!
Once again, we can’t wait to see some of the best cycling photos from 2019, from not only our pro tour photographers, but also the avid cyclist, and the keen enthusiast following the racing.
And remember, all your photos are making a difference – to cancer research and to help support young aspiring cyclists chase their dreams.
But just before I go and leave you to enter the awards, one quick reminder of why we exist.,,,, It’s hard to believe that it’s four years since Mark was diagnosed & died of cancer. In that time, Lucas – who was just one when Mark died – is now five years old. He’ll be starting school next year and has lived almost 80% of his life without Mark – without the guidance of his Dad.
It’s why we’re here…. It’s why we need your help to spread the word.
ENTER NOW
Calling cyclists with a camera to enter for your chance to share amazing prizes!
Simply upload up to 3 of your own images here.
Entries open 10am Monday 2nd Dec 2019 and close 1159pm Sunday 5th Jan 2020 AEDT. Winners are announced 13th Jan 2020.
Your AUD$25 entry fee goes towards cancer research and young cyclists worldwide.
JUDGING PANEL
We are pleased to announce our Judges who are renowned Professional Cycling Photographers on the World Tour circuit.
Judge 1 Chris Auld
Judge 2 Pauline Ballet
Judge 3 Simon Wilkinson
Hononary Judge Graham Watson
Our Judges announce their shortlists after the Awards close, then they have the gruelling task of selecting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in each category.
CHECK OUT THEIR STORIES BELOW
GIVING BACK
Helping others is what we do because Mark loved the cycling community, and shared with others as much as he could.
In the spirit of giving back, proceeds from the entry fees are being donated to Tour de Cure and
the Young Cyclist Assistance for up to two young cyclists worldwide to help them achieve their life long dreams.
CATEGORIES & PRIZES
Entering is easy! This year choose from one of three categories: Professional | Enthusiast | Smartphone & Action Cam
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER CATEGORY
We encourage Professional photographers from the World Tour Circuit and everywhere, to enter to celebrate and acknowledge the best photographs of the year. By definition in the rules, a Professional Photographer earns AUD$25,000 from photography specifically relating to cycling.
PROFESSIONAL PRIZES
1st Place
Cash Prize AUD$2,500 PLUS the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Award trophy and medallion
2nd Place
Cash Prize AUD $750 PLUS the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year medallion
3rd Place
Cash Prize AUD $250 PLUS the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year medallion
Winners of the Professional category can opt to donate some or all of the cash prize to Tour de Cure, and give back even more to cancer research.
ENTHUSIAST CATEGORY
Anyone who is a enthusiast or semi-professional – you’re encouraged to submit your best work, using high end camera’s including DSLR’s, mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras, film, and compact.
ENTHUSIAST PRIZES
1st Place
FELT VR Advanced with Ultegra Di2
Modern road bike designed for all-day, epic road rides, with a focus on comfort and a smooth ride quality. Advanced-level carbon layup optimized for a smooth ride, Clearance for up to 30mm tires, Modern endurance geometry for a broad fit range.
2nd Place
Wahoo KICKR CORE and CLIMB Smart Trainer System and a year subscription to the Sufferfest training platform
KICKR CORE delivers a realistic, accurate, and quiet indoor training experience by using the proven flywheel technology, advanced algorithms, and integrated cadence measurement that originated with the iconic KICKR smart trainer. By pairing KICKR CLIMB to the KICKR CORE you can take your training to another level by integrating real ascents and descents into your workouts.
3rd Place
Bontrager Specter WaveCel Helmet and XXX Road Shoe
A lightweight, breathable helmet for all types of riding with the advanced protection of WaveCel technology.
XXX is professional grade from heel to toe. It’s meticulously constructed of the most luxurious materials available, and renowned for its tailored fit and unparalleled pedaling efficiency. This attention to detail has made XXX one of the most sought after race shoes by the world’s best riders.
SMARTPHONE / ACTION CAM CATEGORY
Some of the best photos are taken on the readily accessible smartphone and action cameras. All you need is an artistic eye and to be in the right place at the right time.
SMARTPHONE / ACTION CAM PRIZES
1st Place
Mavic Allroad Pro Carbon SL Wheels
Ride smoother and faster on rough roads with a reduced risk of punctures
– 23mm wide UST rims and integrated tubeless tires reduce rolling resistance.
– UST Road Tubeless lets you run lower tire pressure for comfort and control on rough roads.
– 700C wheel comes with Yksion Allroad UST tires, choose either 35mm or 40mm.
2nd Place
Park Tool Kit
The PK-4 includes 88 of Park’s best, carefully chosen tools selected with versatility in mind. A great way to outfit a pro bench or to set up a fabulous home workshop, the PK-4 is an impressive set of tools, which, can help you perform hundreds of repairs and maintenance tasks. A toolkit you’ll appreciate for decades all housed in a large, rugged tool box.
3rd Place
Castelli Gift Certificate USD$500
GRAHAM’S CHOICE
This year we’re delighted that Graham Watson is back for his fourth year as our Honorary Judge. Graham will select his top 10 photos in each category. He’ll select the most insightful and creative photos – in Graham’s Choice.
Everyone who’s been picked by Graham in the Enthusiast and Smartphone / Action Cam categories will be recognised, and his top three choices receive a gift from Graham Watson.
GRAHAM’S CHOICE PRIZES
Graham’s Choice Top 3 in the Enthusiast category
Graham Watson 100th Tour de France poster autographed by Graham.
Graham’s Choice Top 3 in the Smartphone / Action Cam category
Graham Watson 100th Tour de France poster autographed by Graham.
JUDGING PANEL
CHRIS AULD
Chris has over 20 years experience, photographing everything from portraits to sporting events.
A chance phone call from Cycling Weekly – some years back – saw him focus on cycling photography and pursue his dream job.
These days you’ll see Chris at many World Tour events and his magnificent images.
Chris has been a regular contender in the Awards making the shortlist several times.
PAULINE BALLET
Pauline is a freelance photographer based in Paris, although you’ll see her more around the world than at home! Pauline currently photographs many World Tour events for the ASO including Tour de France, Roland Garros, Paris-Roubaix, and recently the Skoda Shanghai Criterium.
Pauline placed second overall in the 2019 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards – Professional category.
SIMON WILKINSON
Simon Wilkinson is an experienced sports photographer, and the founder of the SWPix.com photo agency.
Based in Yorkshire UK, Simon has covered numerous Tours de France, along with most of the other major events in the sporting calendar.
Simon has been an active participant in the Awards and most recently ranked within the top 10 in 2018.
GRAHAM WATSON
Graham has been with the Awards since it’s inaugural year in 2016. He is arguably the most well known cycling photographer and his iconic images captured many of cycling’s most moments over his 44 years of photography.
As one of the pioneers of the cycling media, Graham brings an immense volume of knowledge and expertise in cycling photography. He and Mark knew each other well and we are thrilled that Graham is yet again part of the Awards.
This year we’ve asked Graham to be an Honorary Judge – and that means being a part of the Awards but he’ll leave the judging of the images in each category up to the three up and coming photographers who are currently on the World Tour Circuit – Pauline Ballet, Simon Wilkinson, and Chris Auld.
Graham will also select his top 10 as ‘Graham’s Choice’, so you’ll have the chance to be recognised by Graham, and the chance to win a prize!
More chances to win with the Early Bird offer! You get 2 bonus photos if you enter before 9th December!
RULES
Check out the full Rules of the Awards here.
Some key dates and information below;
– Awards open 3rd December 2019 and close 5th January 1159pm 2020
– Categories: Professional, Enthusiast, Smartphone/Action Camera
– Each photo must have been taken between 1st January 2019 and 5th January 2020
– Each photo must relate to cycling and be original material by the photographer entrant
OUR CHARITY PARTNER
Our charity partner is Tour de Cure Australia, a cycling based tier one cancer charity in Australia, dedicated to raising money from within the cycling community. Since 2007, they have contributed to 29 cancer breakthroughs and raised over $50 million dollars. And we’re proud to be supporting them again in 2019.
YOUNG CYCLIST ASSISTANCE
This years Awards will again support up to two young cyclists with AUD$1,000 of financial assistance each to help them in their development.
Nominations are open to young men and women cyclists worldwide, aged 23 years and under, who are competing at any level, and who could make good use of AUD$1,000 to help them in their career development.
To nominate yourself or someone else just tell us your story and you’ll be considered.