2021 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards: Enter now – CyclingTips

As has become an annual tradition, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of the 2021 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards.

The awards – which were first held in 2016 – are a prestigious yearly highlight for all those who love cycling photography, and serve as a reflection of the year that has passed.

Thankfully, this year brought a shift for much of the world with an opening up of cities, eased restrictions, and an abundance of cyclists riding through 2021, living their shared passion. It’s been a spectacular year on the racing stage, too – one we’ll all remember. 

We want all cyclists and cycling photographers to be a part of the Awards – to share your images, your moments, and your love of cycling from behind the lens.

Entries are open now for amateurs and professionals alike.

You’re making a difference

The Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards were established in the memory of Mark Gunter, a beloved Australian cycling photographer who died tragically young from oesophageal cancer.

The Awards will always be about making a difference – and this year, all entry fees raised are once again being donated to two important causes: cancer research and Young Cyclists Assistance. Entries are $25AUD (~US$17.50/€15.50), and you can submit up to three images.

We’re proud to support Tour de Cure and one young cyclist – or maybe two if we raise more – who need a little financial help to take the next step in their cycling journey. The judge this year will be past recipient, Sarah Gigante.

Every entry makes a difference, and we can’t thank you enough.

The purpose of the awards

Just before you enter the Awards, a note from Leeanne Gatien, Mark Gunter’s wife, the driving force behind the Awards. 

A little reminder of why we exist – to help others, to bring the cycling community together and to inspire others. And – for my son Lucas to share in Mark’s love of cycling and photography.


I’m so proud that this year Lucas joined the fight to raise money for cancer research by riding 100km for Tour de Kids and raised over AU$1,500.

We’ve lost so many people to cancer and, sadly, it will continue. May your photos inspire others to get out, enjoy our natural environment and enter this year’s #markgunterphotoawards2021.

Leeanne Gatien

How it works

This year images can be entered into one of two categories: Professional and Amateur.

Wahoo has generously offered up some fantastic prizes for the top three Amateur winners in support of the competition, as they have for many years now:

1st Place: Wahoo KICKR

2nd Place: Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM

3rd Place: Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL

We’re glad to confirm that we will continue to recognise the work of the Professional category by awarding the perpetual trophy for the winner, and medallions for the podium placers.

Judging

This year we’re thrilled to welcome Jojo Harper, Albert Gallego Rabert (aka Brazo de Hierro), and James Startt as our judges to adjudicate the competition. We also have cycling photography legend Graham Watson back for another year as an honorary judge and to independently select his top 10 images of the year. In a heartwarming new tradition, Leeanne and Mark’s son, Lucas, will be selecting his favourite images too.

When does it start?

Entries are NOW OPEN, and will close 10pm Monday 3rd Jan PST (or 5pm 4th Jan 2022, AEDT). Winners are announced 12th Jan 2022.

How do I enter?

For Ts & Cs and other details head here – otherwise…

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