World Championships – Koksijde, Day 2
I’ve seen a few races but this has been the craziest, ever. Over 60 000 spectators, a very sandy course and kilometers and kilometers of barriers to keep the two separate. The only problem that it makes it moving around for us, photographers next to impossible, especially that they locked down the level crossings during the elite men’s race and both us and the spectators were only allowed to use the bridges.
Of course, the dedicated is hard to deter so most of us got around eventually but it was quite an adventure, especially with 15 kg of gear on our backs. What was easy is to follow the races. The women’s race? Marianne Vos leading with a mile. The men’s race was more exciting but only because the eventual winner, Niels Albert wasn’t a pre-race favourite, moreover, he even said that he would ride to help his fellow Belgians.
But then he pulled away from the rest of the field straight from the start and when he got rid of Zdenek Stybar, no one could get close to him ever again. And the best bit? The crowd as it went absolutely nuts when the front of the race approached. Even I got goosebumps and I wasn’t even riding!
Now I’m back to London, but here are the photos. And don’t forget, the 2011/2012 Cyclocross book is available to pre-order now – if you buy, you help me to keep this thing going!
Commotion in the first lap of the women's race, with Kaitlin Antonneau (l) and Gesa Bruchman (r)
The course wasn't exactly Katerina Nash's cup of tea, this was the first time ever she raced here.
It was inspiring to see how the love of the spectators almost pushed Belgian rider Sanne Cant ahead and made her ride harder and harder. After a not too good start, she made her way up to the podium. She was very happy on the podium.
One of the countless crazy fan costumes.
It wasn't clear what this guy wanted but it's very likely that firing that torch thingy is against UCI regulations.
I still don't get these beer tents, the hundreds of people, the thumping techno and rest.
Twitter queen @albertinapdc and her sparkly pink boots.
Niels Albert attacked straight from the start and tried to put a gap between him and the rest of field. Only Zdenek Stybar could follow him.
Niels Albert attacked straight from the start and tried to put a gap between him and the rest of field. Only Zdenek Stybar could follow him.
Commotion in the first lap at the Herijgers Dune.
Rob Peeters and the long line of Belgian riders.
This was one of the four designated areas for photographers. It was very busy, accordingly.
Sven Nys fought hard for a podium place but when it dawned on him that he wasn't going to win, he sat up and let the others race. He finished 7th.
The crowd
Niels Albert tackles a fast and sandy descent.
3 Comments
Dunc
02/02/12Great photos of a great race. I was there and loved it. Cheers
Gesa Brüchmann
04/02/12Dear Balint,
I saw this great photo from CycleCross World Championship of in Koksijde 2012 of my race and I would like it for private use.
“Commotion in the first lap of the women’s race, with Kaitlin Antonneau (l) and Gesa Bruchman (r)”
Could you please tell me what is possible.
Regards
Gesa Brüchmann
Ciclismo e tema para fotografia « Mountain Bikexart
02/07/12[...] world-championships-koksijde-day-2A radicalidade, o contato com a natureza, e a dinâmica da corrida se apresentam como elementos presentes no ambiente do ciclismo. Essas marcas peculiares proporcionam ao fotógrafo seja iniciante ou profissional várias possibilidades de registrar imagens interessantes. Um site que recomendo com propriedade é esse aqui. Gostar disso:GosteiSeja o primeiro a gostar disso. [...]