As the road cycling season comes to close in September people start to set their eyes on cyclo-cross. The race calendar definitely runs throughout the harshest part of the year; from late September into the cold of the new year. The Yorkshire Points series is a 10 round league held at different venues, but race day is always Sunday.
Rich, the man behind the designs at Magic Rock Brewing decided to give the full season a go whilst doing a long term test for us at GritCX on a rather ridiculous bike (final review coming soon). During the week in, week out racing, Rich began to recognise the familiar faces of the Yorkshire Points Series. It reaffirmed to him that ‘cross is a very accessible and inclusive form of bike racing.
Fred and his team at Yorkshire Cyclocross run a very friendly series, but that’s not to say the racing is easy; it’s far from it. There’ve been a few talented riders over the years that have emerged through the series; Tom Pidcock comes to mind. While the majority of the action is on the inside of the tape there’s a committed few who travel around the series in support. Whether that is mechanics, family, support or those with cameras shooting the action from the other side of the tape.
Super Sunday
Feeling inspired by his first full season, Rich has decided to host an exhibition showing off what he loves about the sport of ‘cross, and featuring the best photography from the Yorkshire Series. Super Sunday is that event. It obviously helps that he’s got access to a brewery tap that has plenty of space to host such an event, but he’s gone to a lot of work, pulling together seven photographer’s and showcasing them.
As well as the exhibition, the team at Magic Rock have coincided the date with the Cyclocross World Championships, and will be streaming the racing from Bogense, Denmark throughout the weekend. What’s not to love?
The Togs
Jonny Tomes
“I am in my first year of photography, having naturally gravitated towards showcasing the beauty of cyclocross – this year has seen the 10th anniversary of my first race.
“I enjoy keeping things simple, equipment wise. Most of my shooting is with a fixed focal length lens, meaning that in order to frame the shots that I want I have to walk around and get up close to the action where necessary.”
Stephen Smith
Stephen Smith, lives in Huddersfield, but hails from over the border. We’ll forgive him.
“I love to photograph cycling and running events across all disciplines, tris and duathlons. My favourite event has to be the 3 Peaks CX, whether supporting my wife or marshalling and taking some shots.
“When not behind the camera I spend my time with the family, usually at bike/run/multi sport events supporting my wife and kids.”
Joe Cotterill
“Hi, I’m Joe Cotterill, a freelance photographer specialising in cycling. Taking photos and cycling have always been hobbies of mine, so why not combine the two? For me it’s about capturing the moments in cycling that happen for a split second and making them last forever. If you don’t find me with a camera, you’ll find me with a coffee!”
Dan Monaghan
“I’ve been working within the pro peloton for over five years… on track, road and ‘cross. I love what I do and the people I meet. The pictures I take are all about the stories, the trials and tribulations and the passion behind riding a bike, hopefully people feel that. I also occasionally ride my bike and very occasionally race in the mud… CX is my passion!”
Mo Leeming-Sykes
“My name is Mo Leeming-Sykes and I’m 14 years old. I first got into cycling when I went to watch my brother race and now I do both cx and road. I currently race for Otley CC but I’m moving to RFDA team for the upcoming road season.
“I started taking photos during last years summer CX season which continued into the winter and now find myself rushing to get changed after my race in order to get photos of the other races. I am very lucky that I can combine two of my favourite things and really enjoy doing both.”
Olivia Coukham
“I am Olivia Coukham, 19 from Yorkshire. I go to all the races within the cyclocross winter series, including all the National races following (my brother) Joe around with my camera. I also take photos of other riders from Shibden CC and other teams like Paul Milnes Cycles. Cyclocross is forever changing, each race consists of different terrains; some are extremely muddy or hilly, in woodlands, flat and dry or on sand, offering a range of photography opportunities. It is challenging to cycle these courses, but is almost as challenging to plough through them to get to the best snapshots! Wellies and stamina are a must.”
Paul Davy
Paul is clearly a bit of an enigma, as he’s not submitted a bio… perhaps his photos speak for themselves?
The details
Super Sunday – A Cyclo-Cross Exhibition
Sunday 3rd February
12 – 6pm
Magic Rock Tap, Willow Lane, Huddersfield, HD1 5EB