My Year in Pictures: Andy Whitehouse
Source: Andy Whitehouse
Posted: 2 Jan 2009
Photographer Andy Whitehouse looks back on his highlights of an incredible year for cycling.
As 2008 draws to a close I've again taken time out to trawl through my images from 2008. And what an incredible year it has been for cycling. We all sat watching the Olympics with open mouths as medal followed medal, not to mention Mark Cavendish's four stage wins in the Tour de France.
However, behind the big names and big events, there are many thousands of cyclists who, week after week, either compete or volunteer at events throughout the country. I hope my pictures capture the hard work put in by all involved and enjoyment that our sport provides, come rain (usually!) or shine.
BBC Sports Personality 2008
Standing on the red carpet watching many of the countries sporting heroes attend the prestigious BBC awards ceremony in Liverpool was one of many highlights for me this year. Many people thought Lewis Hamilton would walk away with the big award but I think we weren't that surprised when Chris was announced as the winner.
Dave Rayner Fund Dinner
I was privileged to be part of the Isle of Man table and spent a few bottles of wine chatting to Mark Cavendish about his year and what lay in store for 2009. Sitting next to Cav, I realised just what a star he has become - as we were talking there was a constant stream of fans asking him for photos and autographs.
UCI World Track Championships Manchester March 2008
Most memorable moment: watching Cavendish and Wiggins win the Madison. If the velodrome roof wasn't bolted down it would have lifted off. The start of an amazing year in British Cycling.
Cycling World Cup Manchester October 2008
Another amazing event that I was given the opportunity to cover. Pictured here: Chris Newton on his way to winning the Mens Points Race.
Cycle Speedway Team Championships, Ipswich, September 2008
Wednesfield v Leicester: The F.A.Cup of the cycle speedway year and talk about the last kick of the game! The result was decided in the last lap of the meeting by one point in favour of Wednesfield. You had to be there, as they say...
Cycle Speedway Indoor Championships, Cheslyn Hay, November 2008
A leisure centre, no brakes, no gears, no room and no brains (on my part).A few pictures from two days of superb racing and the best crashes you'll see. I only got hit three times so not too bad. If you ever want to see guys hit a wall, stand up and walk away smiling, go and have a look at this sport. Fast, furious and a lot of fun. Find a track near you and go have a go.
National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships Bala July 2008
Again a few random pictures from the National Mountain Bike Downhill. I did manage to get a ride (in a car) to the top of the hill,- it was one hell of a long way up. A fantastic spectator sport.
Isle Of Man Youth Tour 2008
Three days of great racing from the stars of the future, a few beers and a beautiful place to stage such an event. I and many more nearly didn't make the ferry though with a hold up on the M6 after a bad accident the previous night. Thanks to the ferry company who delayed the sailing so we could all get on. A few pictures from the racing. Hopefully I'll be there in 2009.
And finally?
A sight seen on many roads during the road season: "CAUTION CYCLE RACE APPROACHING"
This was from the Two Counties Road Race, promoted by my club, Wolverhampton Wheelers. This is for every cycling club up and down the country whose members tirelessly to make cycling happen. all unpaid, all for the love of their club and their sport. So just a thought after the next race, how about a quick "thanks" to the organizers and the marshals, it doesn't cost anything.
So that's my 2008 in cycling. There are more images in my galleries from the above events and many more.
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