The winning photos of the 2020 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards
2020 was a year like no other. That was reflected in the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards, too, which have once again delivered some amazing shots from passionate enthusiasts and pro photographers from all over the world.
But this year, there was a twist. In the craziness of the past year, it was clear from the entries just how much freedom the bicycle (and the camera) granted.
The unusual, solitary norm that has now become established helped create some fascinating new perspectives for entries in the competition, with some meaningful moments captured in photos and told through stories.
The awards this year were presided over by judges Kristof Ramon, Tim Bardsley-Smith and Jered & Ashley Gruber, with Graham Watson returning as an honorary judge and offering his own top 10 in the Amateur category.
Out of hundreds of entries from every continent (except Antarctica), our judges whittled their selections down to a shortlist of ten images in both the pro and amateur categories, avoiding bias by judging without seeing the photographer’s name.
Each of those shortlists and the arguments behind them were brought to a call earlier this week, where the judges debated for over four hours to arrive at a consensus of the top 10 in each category, and ultimately, the winners.
Kristof, Tim, Jered, Ashley and Graham: our deepest thanks for your expertise and your time. It was an absolute pleasure.
We are proud now to showcase the winners here, their images, and the story behind their image, as well as the top 10 in both categories.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this year’s awards – whether as a photographer, or as a reader. Thank you also to Wahoo for generously providing prizes in the Amateur category.
And finally, and most significantly, thank you to Leeanne Gatien, the driving force behind the awards. Leeanne was Mark Gunter’s wife, and when he tragically died of oesophageal cancer, leaving Leeanne and a one-year-old son behind, the awards were established as a fundraiser for cancer charities and to allow Mark’s name to live on. Thank you, Leeanne – this is all due to you.
The wait is over…. here are the winners and your top ten in each category! Congratulations to you all.
Professional category
The professional category is open to anyone who gets a living income from their work in the field.
This category is all about the prestige – there’s a perpetual trophy that passes down each year for the winner, along with medals for the top three. Some of the finest photographers in the sport have taken out this award over the duration of the competition, and this year we are thrilled to announce that the winner is …
First place, professional category: Chris Auld, United Kingdom
Congratulations, Chris! You are the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year. You’re in esteemed company, and custodian of the perpetual trophy for the next year.
Hot on Chris’ heels, we have…
Second place, professional category: Alberto Gallego (Brazo de Hierro), Spain
Nice one, Alberto. This is a stunning image from a phenomenal photo set.
And rounding out the podium, we have this ripper of a shot from…
Third place, professional category: Luis Alcantarilla, United Kingdom
Stunning work, Luis! A phenomenal follow up from a second place in the Amateur category last year.
The rest of the top 10 in the professional category, in order, are as follows:
Fourth place: “Pre-covid media scrum around Wout Van Aert after the finish of the men elite race at the Cyclocross World Championships in Dübendorf.” Francesco Rachello @strict 
Fifth place: “As we all know this year has been quite difficult for everyone, luckily the Giro managed to arrive on its last stage in Milan. Here is Simon Guglielmi riding through the empty streets of the Italian city with two carabinieri wearing masks as only spectators.” Eloise Mavian @eloisemavian 
Sixth place: “The perfect line. Mathieu van der Poel is truly an exceptional rider with outstanding bike skills. To see him finding the perfect line is an impressive show. At the World Championship 2020 in Duebendorf (Switzerland) i aimed for this minimalistic shot from a bridge, reduced on Mathieu van der Poel and these lines in the mud. For me this image represents the beauty and demands of this sport, combined with maybe the best rider in the world.” Marcel Hilger @marcelhilger 
Seventh place: “As the theme for the awards this year is defined by ‘hope’, I chose this photo of Stig Broeckx during a rehabilitation training at Igo4fit with trainers Paul Van Den Bosch en Wouter Moors. In the field of psychology ‘hope’ can be linked to the existence of a goal. Combined with a determined plan for reaching that, ‘hope’ should be viewed as a cognitive skill that demonstrates an individual’s ability to maintain drive in pursuit of a this goal. Well, Stig Broeckx has this skill.” Rhode Van Elsen @rhode_photo 
Eighth place: “Daniel Felipe Martinez of EF Pro Cycling in action during the time trial from Lure to La Planche des Belles Filles on stage 20 of the Tour de France.” Alex Whitehead @alex_swpix 
Ninth place: “Denmark’s men’s team pursuiters shattering the world record at UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Berlin, Germany, 2020. The new Worlds best time on 4km track is 3:44.672 min.” Michal Cerveny @michalcervenyphoto 
Tenth place: “It was a cold snowy day in February; Back when the calendar was full of possibilities. I was in my favourite place in the world: Hood River-Mosier, Oregon. There was a light dusting of snow. I decided to head up to Rowena Crest. As luck would have it, three Eagles were circling that day and a lone cyclist pedalled up the icy climb. If “hope” is the theme, this is an image I think about often: in spite of the conditions — keep pedalling.” Drew Coleman @dcmediahaus
Amateur category
The Amateur category encapsulates any photographers that don’t fit into the professional category. This category was consolidated this year from the Enthusiast and Smartphone/Action camera categories, and allows anyone shooting on an SLR, in film, on drones and on their phones to get involved.
Due to the wider catchment, this is the most hotly contested of the two categories. And this year, from a fiercely contested field, the winning image is …
First place, amateur category: Anthony Leutenegger, Switzerland.
Anthony’s 2019 entry, as mentioned in caption, was the inverse of the story here, and came fourth overall in the Enthusiast category.
This year, Anthony has gone a few places better. Congrats, Anthony! You’ve won a Wahoo Elemnt Roam GPS unit and a year’s subscription to the Sufferfest.
In second place on the podium is…
Second place, amateur category: Julien Payette-Tessier, Canada.
Nice one, Julien. You’ve scored a Wahoo Elemnt Rival sportswatch and a year’s subscription to the Sufferfest.
And rounding out the podium is a competition regular…
Third place, amateur category: Rasmus Pellizotti, Denmark.
Great stuff, Rasmus! You’ve won a Wahoo Tickr heart rate monitor, along with a year’s subscription to the Sufferfest.
The rest of the top 10 are as follows:
Fourth place: “No roaring engines that day at the circuit of Zolder. Only human power during the cyclocross race on the former Formula One track. Taking a step back made it possible to get the motorsport atmosphere, when Mathieu van der Poel passes by.” Mats Palinckx @matspalinckx 
Fifth place: “During lock down the local bunches ceased, and there was plenty of solo rides and riders. As things settled, racing started again. This image is taken on a hot Sunday morning at the local, purpose built crit track in Noosa. It is a break gone early, emerging from the dark bridge & tunnel and into the light, solo, with the pack chasing. It’s lonely out there, as it has been in in periods of 2020. The bunch ultimately caught up and a pack formed, together again, as we hope for in 2021.” Glen Bucklar @gbvisi0n 
Sixth place: “My most intense moment at a Cross Race so far. @JoshuaDubau (FRA) fell off the Bike and was not able to continue the Race, due the Conditions in Dendermonde.” Felix Homann @fellusch 
Seventh place: “Gravel riding in the Tarentaise (France). The region is mostly known for the ski resorts and regular Tour de France stage finishes of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel (in the background). But it offers way more to the discerning cyclists, like this great loop to the Refuge du Mont Jovet.” Alain Rumpf @aswisswithapulse 
Eighth place: “This pic was taken when me and two friends rode the South Downs Way, a 100 mile off-road route from Winchester to Eastbourne. I took my beloved Yashica T3…I stored the camera in the top tube bag along with a half eaten protein bar. After some pretty rocky, bone shaking descents I pulled the camera out to take this snap only to find that the bar had disintegrated and had filled every part of the camera…..this was its last frame …ever. Quite a cool ending to a cameras life.” Tom Glendining @tom_glendining 
Ninth place: “After we abandoned our Project Pedal Further venture early 2020 due to the pandemic, I was discouraged. The past 7 months had been full of adventures and now we were stuck in Switzerland, which sometimes seemed too familiar and therefore not too worth discovering. How wrong I was: When we went on a bikepacking trip in mid-November, I found my adventurous spirit again and drew hope: Not only that I live in a beautiful country, but also that somewhere – whether near or far – surprises await me.” Sara Bukies @projectpedalfurther 
Tenth place: “I often pass geese on the road. One day I decided to take a photo of myself with the geese. I set my camera on a timer and as I passed they got a little to close. Fortunately everyone was ok, and I got an interesting photo.” Ron Short @shortcycles
Graham’s choice
Graham Watson has been involved with the awards since they first began, deliberating as a judge for the first three years of the awards. The last two years, he continues to offer his experience and insight as an honorary judge, selecting his top 10 of the amateur category.
Graham writes:
“It’s always an honour to be involved with the Mark Gunter Photo Awards.
The level of quality in the entries continues to grow, in fact the entries act as an annual gauge of how amateur photographers have increased their skills and love of photography.
A lack of racing around the world in 2020 and restricted access to fans at the major European races has seen a slightly more landscape-orientated entry in this year’s awards, and I’ve pondered long and hard over a dearth of great scenic shots.
So many locked-down cyclists have shown themselves out alone on inspirational rides, or if not actually alone then restricted to a close friend or relative.
My top ten selection emerged primarily from amongst the worlds’ forests, gravel roads, iconic passes, and deserted country lanes. As well as a few stunning race shots for those lucky enough to be there.
I’m pleased to say it was a near perfect sunset shot that attracted me the most for it represented a very challenging year.”
-graham watson
Here are the ten photos that most caught the eye of a cycling photography legend this year.
First: “A smoky night in the Idaho Mountains.” Remi McManus @r_adventurist 
Second: “In february the Bora team arrived to my Hometown Medellín and i join them a couple of days in bike and taking pictures, in this one i say to Peter to do an sprint in the back of the motorcycle, my cousin Lucho put the pace on the motorbike and i lean a little bit to take it with a good angle.” Andres Felipe Cano G @pipecano_photo 
Third: “A favourite local gravel segment north of Boulder that I love for rare traffic and wonderful sun setting light.” Christopher Dacey 
Fourth: “In January 2020 we’ve had the great opportunity to attend the 6 Days Series in Berlin as photographers and were able to capture this speedy moment with Christian Dagnoni and Marc Hester during the derny race. We’re looking forward to the return of these amazing track events with their special atmosphere.” h.a.velopix @h.a.velopix 
Fifth: “Taken at sunrise in Scarborough Marsh, Maine, USA during a weekly small CX group ride. One of a couple things that helped get me through 2020.” Casey Cesari @caseycesari 
Sixth: “What a season for Remco. In the Vuelta a Burgos he flew past me, more than even the helicopter.” Markel Bazanbide @markel.bazan 
Seventh: “This was Kim Magnusson (Rival Readynez Cycling Team) battling on the dusty ribinou of Tro Bro Leon 2019.” Ruby Roubaix @ruby_roubaix 
Eighth: “@cycliste_tricolore reached the summit I was 2,642 m above sea level. The view was the supreme reward for my efforts, with a 180° panorama over the Col du Lautaret below. The famous milestone which marks the col itself was still under the snow; a final reminder of the shortened winter.” Antonien Biez @focal_77 
Ninth: “Tremola Strasse cobbles. 9.4k of climbing on these? The top is the Gotthard Pass summit in Switzerland. This road (Strasse in German) is featured in many Tour de Suisse races. 24 named(!) switchbacks first constructed in 1828.” Jimi Thomson @twotyredtours Tenth: “After we abandoned our Project Pedal Further venture early 2020 due to the pandemic, I was discouraged. The past 7 months had been full of adventures and now we were stuck in Switzerland, which sometimes seemed too familiar and therefore not too worth discovering. How wrong I was: When we went on a bikepacking trip in mid-November, I found my adventurous spirit again and drew hope: Not only that I live in a beautiful country, but also that somewhere – whether near or far – surprises await me.” Sara Bukies @projectpedalfurther
Lucas’ list
Last year, Leeanne and Mark’s son Lucas took an interest in the awards for the first time, selecting his favourite shots. This year, he’s back with another selection of his favourite images. Leeanne writes:
You might be surprised to learn that despite Lucas only being 15 months when Mark died, Lucas has a deep understanding of who Mark was and how he lived his life. I’m a super proud Mum of Lucas — he’s growing into himself as a kind and caring little human.
Last year — Lucas asked me if he could do his list. I thought it was a great idea — and so ‘Lucas’s List’ was born. This year, he is back to do it again.
There are a lot of images to look through for a 6 year old — especially when it’s school holidays and lots of other fun things to do!!! But he did it. He scoured all the images, and then cut back his list — just like the real judges do. I’m a very proud Mum, and just so happy that Lucas is part of what is his Dad’s legacy.
Thank you Lucas — for showing us your list, and for delighting us with what interests you and showing us your keen eye for some great photos.
We hope you all enjoy seeing Lucas’s choices, and they inspire you to keep going with your passion.
Lucas and LeeannE
Here are Lucas’ top three in each category:
Professional
First: “The rider presentation during Gent Wevelgem. The riders had to ride true the 1 world war memorial, for al those brave solders whom gave their live so we can live in peace. It was a heroic sight to see, like, if the riders are solders going to war. It gave me goose-bumps.” Joris Knappen @jorisknapen_studioknapen 
Second: “Mikhail Shemetau of Belarus rides during the Men’s Individual Pursuit Qualifying at the 2020 Track Cycling World Championships held in Berlin, Germany.” Alex Broadway @_alexbroadway_ 
Third: “A view of the riders in the middle of the lava rocks climbing to the top of volcano Etna during the Giro d’Italia 2020.” Dario Belingheri @dariobelingheri
Amateur category
First: “This pic was taken when me and two friends rode the South Downs Way, a 100 mile off-road route from Winchester to Eastbourne. I took my beloved Yashica T3…I stored the camera in the top tube bag along with a half eaten protein bar. After some pretty rocky, bone shaking descents I pulled the camera out to take this snap only to find that the bar had disintegrated and had filled every part of the camera…..this was its last frame …ever. Quite a cool ending to a cameras life.” Tom Glendining @tom_glendining 
Second: “Polish fans dressed as Hussars at the Polish Cyclocross Cycling Championships.” Wojciech Wentland 
Third: “I often ride just to catch the sun rise. I always find it inspiring. I hope this self portrait can inspire others.” Ron Short @shortcycles
There were a lot of great shots this year, so Lucas selected a full 10 images in the Professional category and could only narrow it down to 15 in the Amateur category.
To check out his full selection, see here.
Wrapping up
It’s been a challenging year, but the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards have demonstrated that even in the midst of adversity, creativity can shine.
Thank you to all entrants and readers. We hope you’ve enjoyed it – let us know in the comments below what your favourite shots were.
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