Favorite 2012 photos by ProVéloPassion, part 2

Different reasons can render a photograph a favorite: an artful composition or conglomeration of color; the emotion or intent it symbolizes; a particularly expressive face; or the memories from a related event it brings to mind. Here’s part 2 of a collection of photos I took in 2012 that have become my favorites. Find part 1 here.

Outpacing the best riders in the world to a 9,375 foot elevation uphill finish at Mount Crested Butte during the USA Pro Challenge made Tejay van Garderen thirsty.

Tejay van Garderen after winning Stage 2 of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge

Taylor Phinney’s 2012 was a rich year – a Giro stage win and pink jersey, the Olympics, and a USA Pro Challenge time trial win in his home state of Colorado. What momento of that amazing year did he treasure the most? Maybe those silver Giro shoes.

Taylor Phinney during pre-2012 Olympic training near Boulder, CO

The sand section on the shores of Boulder Reservoir tested riders during the Colorado Cross Classic in late October. Jamey Driscoll’s strong second, his best result in the season so far against some of the strongest ‘cross racers in the country, led him to say after the race, “I feel like a bike racer again.” He parlayed that confidence into at least three wins over the next two months.

Jamey Driscoll aced the sand at the 2012 Colorado Cross Classic

Ultra-endurance racers rely on their support crews. At the Mountain Bike 24-Hour National Championships in Palmer Park in Colorado Springs this young man supported his parents who contested the duo race.

A couple in the two-person MTB 24-Hour National Championships received support from their son

Tinker Juarez and Cameron Chambers kept each other in sight in the initial hours of the solo men’s race at the Mountain Bike 24-Hour National Championships. This rocky uphill on the lap challenged the majority of riders, including Juarez, who later dropped out early due to illness.

Even Tinker Juarez walks his bike sometimes

Moist red carnations provide a striking contrast to the arid Utah desert near Moab where the last 24 Hours of Moab event took place and Team Type 1 – SANOFI entered two categories. Kerry White (far right) won the women’s solo race; her son explores the podium flowers. Dustin Cottle, Nathan Bartels, Daniel Schneider, Dustin Folger, and Dan Cunkelman (left to right) placed second in the 5-man team race. Folger’s dad’s, seated to Folger’s right, assisted the team.

Team Type 1 – SANOFI’s Kerry White and 5-man team at 24 Hours of Moab awards ceremony

 One of my favorite expressions from 2012, and it’s not a pain face.

Allen Krughoff at the USGP Smartwool Cup in Fort Collins

I’ve wondered what types of prizes riders receive, so after Gage Hecht won the Junior 15-16 Colorado State cyclocross championship and opened his goody bag, I asked him to unveil the contents. It included a great pair of socks, too.

Gage Hecht pulls an item out of his prize bag