Many of us cyclocross fans don’t make an annual trip to take in European cyclocross. Despite dreaming of such a trip, we have so many reasons it doesn’t happen. It’s expensive, we have conflicting demands and non-European vacation day limitations. Thankfully, cyclocross photographer Balint Hamvas offers up his annual virtual trip to take in the full season of European cyclocross in the form of his stunning annual photo book, and it’s an annual tradition for many of us to add his latest work to our coffee table.
Will you be one of the lucky few to get a copy of these? © Balint Hamvas
This year’s book, expected to be 240 packed pages, can be yours for a nominal donation of just £35, but time is limited (just 2 more days), and it’s the only way to get this season’s book. Full details below and sample images below.
TONBRIDGE, United Kingdom—Pre-sales are currently underway for the seventh annual cylcocross photo album created by esteemed cycling photographer Balint Hamvas. A nine-year veteran of the sport, Hamvas professes a deep love of the mud. His annual album is a showcase of his passion for this sport.
“I visited a Cyclocross World Cup race in the fall of 2008,” said Hamvas. “I hadn’t heard of cyclocross before then, and all it took was one race to pull me in. It was love at first sight. I’ve photographed nearly 200 world-class races since then, and I’ve produced a photo annual that tells the story of the season for the last six years.”
Long-standing relationships with teams, riders and manufacturers and an easy-going, unobtrusive nature allows Hamvas a wide-range of access. His leverages this unrestricted access to produce a beautiful, diverse body of work.
The 2016/2017 photo annual, like those that came before, mix Hamvas’ gorgeous imagery with essays and reports produced by well-connected figures in the sport of cyclocross.
“Riders, teams, brands, journalists – they’ve all been involved in the stories shared in this book,” said Hamvas. “I really value their contributions. Not only do their stories give context to my images, but they often choose to write about topics that are lesser-known and not often discussed.”
Cyclocross Superprestige #2 – Zonhoven, BEL
Although Hamvas does offer space for written contributions, his book largely remains a one-man show. Friends and family generously donated time during the production stage of the first five annuals. He looked toward Kickstarter last year and successfully reached his £17,000 goal – and the book was funded. Those that did not participate in the Kickstarter missed out.
2016 Jingle Cross World Cup, Iowa City, Iowa. © Balint Hamvas
“I’m using Kickstarter again as it proved an effective strategy last year,” said Hamvas. “The premise is simple. People pledge to buy the book as a means of pre-ordering. If I enough people pledge, I’ll meet my target and the book is funded. If I can’t get enough backers, the project won’t be funded. That’s how it works with Kickstarter.”
Back this project to get your hands on the 2016/2017 album. Hamvas has promised 240 pages of high quality photos, including shots from all the major European races, paired with equally captivating stories.
Cyclocross DVV Verzekeringen Trofee #5 – Scheldecross, Antwerp
“The book will have four main sections – one each about the World Cup, the Superprestige, the DVV Verzekeringen Trofee series and the World Championships in Bieles,” said Hamvas. Among others, the exciting features will include a long interview with John Meehan, the organizer of Jingle Cross, the second round of the cyclocross World Cup, a photo essay, featuring the photos of Niels Albert, the retired two-time World Champion and the manager of Wout Van Aert.
Cyclocross DVV Verzekeringen Trofee #4 – Essen
To pre-order the 2016/2017 Cyclocross Album make a donation of £35. For £5 more, you can add your name to the book. For £250, your book will be signed by one of the 2017 Cyclocross World Champions and Hamvas will throw in a limited edition print. Hamvas anticipates a July 2017 delivery date
The 2016/2017 Cyclocross Album Kickstarter campaign runs through 06 Feburary. Visit the campaign for more information or to pre-order your book.
