![\"Escape](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ESC_Avatar.png\"){kind=avatar}
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2025 is drawing to a close which means it\u2019s time for one of our favourite annual traditions: the Mark Gunter Photo Awards (MGPA).<\/p>\n
Held every December and into the following January, the MGPAs honour the life and legacy of the renowned Australian cycling photographer, Mark Gunter. Mark tragically died in November 2015 after a battle with oesophageal cancer, leaving behind his wife Leeanne, their young son Lucas, plus a portfolio of amazing work.<\/p>\n
Escape Collective is proud to be partnering with Leeanne once again to deliver what is the 10th edition of the MGPAs. These awards ensure that Mark\u2019s significant contribution to the cycling community is commemorated and that a spotlight is shone on the best cycling photographs of the year, all while supporting a wonderful charity.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/mark-gunter2.jpg\")
Mark in action at the 2011 Tour de France.<\/p>\n
Thousands of amazing submissions have been made to the MGPAs over the years<\/a>, from professional and amateur photographers alike. We\u2019re certain 2025 will continue that trend.<\/p>\n For this year\u2019s awards, entrants can submit photos in one of three main categories:<\/p>\n ProfessionalAmateurSmartphone (first photo submitted for free)<\/p>\n If you submit an entry and are an Escape member you’ll automatically be in the running for some additional prizes thanks to POC.<\/p>\n All photos submitted to the competition must have been taken this year, and have some sort of connection with cycling. Photos that fall under the umbrella of gravity mountain biking \u2013 downhill and enduro \u2013 are excluded as there are other competitions better suited to photographers of these disciplines.\u00a0<\/p>\n As ever, the winners in the Professional and Amateur categories will be judged by a panel of professional photographers. In the Professional category, there\u2019s both prestige and the perpetual trophy to compete for. Meanwhile, those entering photos in the Amateur category will be in the running for some fantastic prizes courtesy of Ritchey, Albion, and Feedback Sports.\u00a0<\/p>\n Prizes aren\u2019t the only reason to take part in the MGPAs. Funds raised from entry fees \u2013 AU$10, or roughly US$6.50 \/ \u20ac6 \/ \u00a35 per photo \u2013 will be donated to cancer research through Australian charity Tour de Cure<\/a>. If you\u2019d like to support Tour de Cure\u2019s fundraising efforts without entering the competition, you can do so by voting for your favourite photos \u2013 each vote after your first requires a donation. The most popular photos across the Professional, Amateur, and Smartphone categories (Fan Favourites) will be awarded cash prizes. (You can also donate directly to the cause<\/a>, if you prefer).<\/p>\n Entries are now open (as of 10am on Saturday December 6, 2025, AEDT) and will close at 11pm on Sunday January 4, 2026 (AEDT). Throughout that period, we\u2019ll have regular galleries on Escape showcasing the many great photos that will surely be coming in. We\u2019ll also be posting photos on Instagram using the hashtag #markgunterphotoawards2025. The winners will be announced on Wednesday January 21, 2026.<\/p>\n We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful photos!<\/p>\n PrizesProfessional prizes<\/p>\n \ud83e\udd47Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Award perpetual trophy + gold medallion Honour roll<\/p>\n 2024<\/a>: L\u00e9on van Bon \ud83e\udd47Ritchey WCS Zeta GX tubeless-ready gravel wheelset<\/a> (US$675) Escape Member prizes<\/p>\n \ud83e\udd47POC Cytal Helmet<\/a> + Elicit Toric Sunglasses<\/a> (total value US$690) Fan Favourites<\/p>\n \ud83e\udd47AU$500 Judges<\/p>\n The esteemed professional photographers who will judge this year\u2019s competition are as follows:<\/p>\n L\u00e9on van Bon<\/a><\/p>\n L\u00e9on van Bon is living proof that the eye of a cyclist can become the eye of a photographer. Son of a teaching filmmaker with a celebrated career as a professional rider, he raced Classics, Grand Tours, and won Olympic silver in Barcelona. He bought his first analog camera at the World Championships in communist Moskou. Later L\u00e9on shifted from life inside the peloton to life behind the lens. His photography carries the same intuition he once used to read a race: timing, tension, and raw emotion. As winner of the 2024 Mark Gunter Photo Awards, L\u00e9on returns this year as a judge bringing humility, insight, and deep respect for the many beauties of cycling.<\/p>\n Michael Blann<\/a><\/p>\n Michael Blann made many us all look at mountains differently. His iconic book Mountains: Epic Cycling Climbs (also known as Cols) displays a unique creative approach. It revealed the silence, scale, and spirit of the places that shape them. He too is a former professional cyclist turned fine-art photographer. As such Michael brings a rare duality: he knows what it takes to climb, and what it takes to capture the feeling of the climb. We\u2019re proud to welcome Michael to this year\u2019s jury. <\/p>\n Twila Federica<\/a><\/p>\n Bio coming soon.<\/p>\n Competition rules<\/p>\n Follow the link for detailed rules for the 2025 Mark Gunter Photo Awards<\/a>.<\/p>\n The best of 2024<\/p>\n To get inspired for this year\u2019s photo awards, be sure to check out the best photos from last year:<\/p>\n Did we do a good job with this story?<\/p>\n \n \ud83d\udc4dYep
\ud83e\udd48Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Award silver medallion
\ud83e\udd49Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Award bronze medallion<\/p>\n
2023<\/a>: Pauline Ballet (France) \/ Harry Talbot (New Zealand)
2022: Bram Berkien (Netherlands)
2021: Sean Hardy (United Kingdom)
2020: Chris Auld (United Kingdom)
2019: Alex Broadway (United Kingdom)
2018: Dario Belingheri (Italy)
2017: Tim Bardsley-Smith (Australia)
2016: Wouter Roosenboom (Netherlands)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trophy.jpeg\")
Amateur prizes<\/p>\n
\ud83e\udd48\u00a3500 Albion voucher<\/a> (US$665)
\ud83e\udd49Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic 2.0 Bike Repair Stand<\/a> (US$250)<\/p>\n
\ud83e\udd48POC Elicit Toric Sunglasses<\/a> (US$320)
\ud83e\udd49POC Ultra Snack Bag x 2<\/a> (US$136)<\/p>\n
\ud83e\udd48AU$250
\ud83e\udd49AU$100<\/p>\n
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