Richard's Cycling Reflections of 2007

 

Feature posted January 2, 2008

 

One of British Cycling’s key photographers in 2007 was Richard Robotham, a long time volunteer in the sport and now helping us to bring you the action from events around the country as and when they happen. Here are a selection of his images from the year that was – 2007.

 

During 2007, British Cycling gave me the opportunity to cover a wider variety of events than in previous seasons. This gave me the chance to improve my technique and understanding of photographing our beloved sport of Cycling. For this I am most grateful and I hope the coverage given was as enjoyable for you as it was for me.

 

I have collated a few images which span a minority of my favourite images of 2007. Also, at the top of the page, you’ll find a small gallery of my favourite images from the past year .

Photo 01:

One of my first images of the year was that of Philip Dixon (Science In Sport – Trek) on his way to winning the 2007 Elite National Cyclo Cross Championships held in Southampton in extremely muddy conditions.

 

Photo 02

The appalling conditions caused by numerous heavy down pours during the 2007 Elite National Cyclo Cross Championships held in Southampton. Was this a sign of things to come with the British Weather?

 

Photo 03

Alex Dowsett’s early season winning celebration at the end of the raining Perfs Pedal Race. The face says it all.

 

Photo 04

The heavens opened causing the muddy conditions for the early season Red Bull 4 Cross Event at Leamington Spa.

 

Photo 05

Rider, Organiser and Commissaire suddenly remembers what he’s forgotten! Pete Mooney is picture here at the start of the Jack Granger Memorial Road Race. Most of you will have come across Pete over the years either in a race somewhere or working hard as Organisers for an event or even as a Commissaire, which ever it is you’ll know that you couldn’t wish to meet a nicer gentleman of the sport. If it wasn’t for people like Pete we wouldn’t have our beloved sport of cycling.

Photo 06

Mow Cop, the final climb towards the end of the Cheshire Cat Sportive. 101 Riders finished the 59 miles short course and 178 completed the long course of 97 miles. Pictured here is Elizabeth Clayton who completed the long circuit finishing in 19th position overall. Elizabeth wasn’t the only one to walk up Mow Cop, if fact the majority of the competitors did at one stage or another walk up a section of the one mile steep hill which touches 25% in places.

 

Photo 07

Bradley Wiggins, sporting his Rainbow Jersey during the famous early season Good Friday track meeting at Herne Hill.

 

Photo 08

It’s Official, 2007 saw the introduction of an easily recognisable British Cycling Commissaires uniform.

 

Photo 09

“Reconsideration.” One of the Riders looks around during his solo attack to see his progress – not good!

 

Photo 10

The signs say it all. 2007 saw even closer co-operation between Race Organiser and the Police Authorities to ensure virtual complete road closures for the whole field as the race toured the Rutland and Melton roads and green lanes. The 2008 Race promises to be even better as the event is again on the UCI International Calendar.

 

Photo 11

Newly wed James Taylor had just won his first race at Welwyn having just returned from his Honeymoon.

 

Photo 12

Sprinting can be painful even at slow speeds. Steven Hill discovers how when he clashes with the rear wheel of Anthony Gill’s bike during the heats of the Sprinters League at Newcastle. Steven dusted himself down and got up again for the rerun.

 

Photo 13

Sprinting to the very edge. Anthony Gill demonstrates to Christian Lyte his ability to ride to the edge of the racing surface.

 

Photo 14

Trying to avoid the camera. Photographer Billy Wright dances his way out of trouble as one of the Riders crashes directly in front of him.

 

Photo 15

I can just about reach it. During the breaks at BC BMX National Series events the Sponsors provide the youngster with a chance to win equipment and race clothing. Here we see one of those prizes just out of arms reach.

 

Photo 16

And the rains came down yet again in 2007 during the Tom Simpson National Junior Road Race Series.

 

Photo 17

BMX helpers. Trying to clear away the puddles caused by one of the down pours during the BC BMX National Series at Coppull.

 

Photo 18

Head on racing shot. One of my favourite BMX shots to date. Taken at the Coppull Track.

 

Photo 19

“You ain’t gonna win this jersey off me” was the quote from the infamous BMX commentator Uncle Buck aka Scott Dick, as he parades a racing jersey donated by Shanze Reade to raise funds during the Stephen Murray Auction. You will have read that Stephen Murray suffered serious spinal injuries whilst competing in the USA.

 

Photo 20

Amongst all the well known faces that took to the streets during the Warwick Town Centre Circuit Races in 2007, there was one notable look-alike. It was that of Dame Edna Everage who dropped the Union Jack to start the events.

 

Photo 21

British Cycling’s 2007 National Circuit Race Champion James McCullum takes a nasty tumble during the Warwick Town Centre Circuit Races. But McCullum carries on regardless of the blood pouring from the cut on his leg.

 

Photo 22

The stars Revolution were out in force at the last Revolution in November including Iljo Keisse from Belgium who is one of the top stars of the 6 day circuit. Here we see Keisse demonstrating his class whilst chasing down an attack on the new boards at Manchester. Revolution 19 is on the 12th January and promises to be an exiting event with Theo Bos vs Chris Hoy taking to the track in a head to head challenge.

 

RELATED LINKS

Larry's Best of 2007

Joolze Dymond's 2007 Selection

 

The Best of Richard Robotham 2006