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Looking back on 2013 – the non-cross stuff

2013 has definitely been one of the most important years in my life. So many things have happened, so many things have changed in my life profoundly, so many memories and wonderful people, it has been incredible all year.

Probably the biggest change was that I left Evans Cycles at the beginning of the cyclocross season and I decided to become a full time, freelance photographer. It had been a goal of mine since 2006, when I realised how much fun cycling photography was and I have made this move.

While for many, it’s a natural thing, I have always worked in a proper, 9-5 job, received a pay check on the 1st of every month and enjoyed the security of it. Being a freelance photographer is a thrilling perspective, with all its challenges, too. It is early days but things are looking good.

I was a busy year and I was lucky to be a part of a few really great projects. One was probably following Sir Chris Hoy through his launch UK tour of his bike brand, HOY Bikes. We toured the width and breadth of the country in six, action-packed days, meeting thousands of fans of his. It’s been really interesting to see a proper celebrity from this close and experience not only the way people go bonkers when they meet or see him, but also how coolly he responds to these situations and how humble and down-to-earth he remained in spite of all the attention and hype.

Last, but definitely not least, I’ve met the wonderful and awesome Katie, who makes me smile and supports my crazy habit of going to Belgium every weekend during the winter without complaints. While it is not directly linked to cycling or photography, meeting someone this awesome was definitely one, if not THE key moment of the season.

I am looking forward to 2014, what it will bring, but before the year ends, there is one more post is due, tomorrow: the best cyclocross photos.

The World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky gave me the opportunity to wonder around a bit in the US. I took a few days off the week before the Worlds and drove up to Detroit as I've always been a sucker for urban decay. Well, urban decay was abundance there, no questions about that.
The World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky gave me the opportunity to wonder around a bit in the US. I took a few days off the week before the Worlds and drove up to Detroit as I’ve always been a sucker for urban decay. Well, urban decay was abundance there, no questions about that.
My first ever Paris-Roubaix and my first road bike race that I have covered. While the race was magnificent and brilliant to watch, it was a bit overwhelming for the first time. Will be back for more in 2014.
My first ever Paris-Roubaix and my first road bike race that I have covered. While the race was magnificent and brilliant to watch, it was a bit overwhelming for the first time. Will be back for more in 2014.
This day started at 3:30am on a sunny morning in August but the quality of the light was so good, that it made us forget about the early start.
This day started at 3:30am on a sunny morning in August but the quality of the light was so good, that it made us forget about the early start.
Though he must have shook hands with over 2 000 people over the course of six days, he was just as nice and engaged in Edinburgh on the last day as he was a week earlier in Richmond. Top bloke.
Though he must have shook hands with over 2 000 people over the course of six days, Chris Hoy was just as nice and engaged in Edinburgh on the last day as he was a week earlier in Richmond. Top bloke.
This was the second time I followed the Evans Cycles boys on their journey from the head office at Gatwick to Eurobike, in Friedrichshaven. It's a 1000 mile, 5 day trip - long nights of editing, but it is always a lot of fun.
This was the second time I followed the Evans Cycles boys on their journey from the head office at Gatwick to Eurobike, in Friedrichshaven. It’s a 1000 mile, 5 day trip – long nights of editing, but it is always a lot of fun.
In previous years, they had managed to avoid rain, but not this time. The worst day was the last day, tantalisingly close to their destination, they had to survive one last, cruel storm.
In previous years, they had managed to avoid rain, but not this time. The worst day was the last day, tantalisingly close to their destination, they had to survive one last, cruel storm.
Following the Tour of Britain was a great experience, seeing the peloton up, close and personal was something unique, I can see how this can be so exciting. It was also great to see how successful the race was and everybody was raving about the crowds, the hundreds of thousands of people who stood by the route and cheered on riders, team cars and police motos alike.
Following the Tour of Britain was a great experience, seeing the peloton up, close and personal was something unique, I can see how this can be so exciting. It was also great to see how successful the race was and everybody was raving about the crowds, the hundreds of thousands of people who stood by the route and cheered on riders, team cars and police motos alike.
This is an outtake from a shoot for the London Cycling Campaign's winter magazine cover. They chose a different image for the cover but this one is probably my favourite.
This is an outtake from a shoot for the London Cycling Campaign’s winter magazine cover. They chose a different image for the cover but this one is probably my favourite.
Ever since I've been covering cyclocross, I've been meaning to visit the Gentse Zesdagse and this year I have finally managed to do so. The venue, the racing and the atmosphere were all great and very intense. I really enjoyed that they gave full access to all photographers, something that I have rarely experienced at other, higher profile track races. I will be back next year for more, this experience definitely got me hooked.
Ever since I’ve been covering cyclocross, I’ve been meaning to visit the Gentse Zesdagse and this year I have finally managed to do so. The venue, the racing and the atmosphere were all great and very intense. I really enjoyed that they gave full access to all photographers, something that I have rarely experienced at other, higher profile track races. I will be back next year for more, this experience definitely got me hooked.
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Probably the best cx photography on the web