Cat’s Hill Classic ’09

Competitors lined up at the starting point and ready to follow the motorcycle lead.

PERFORMANCE CYCLING: In anticipation of my new Specialized Roubaix bike arriving in the coming week, I attended the Cat’s Hill Classic 36th annual bicycle race in Los Gatos, CA. After years of on doing wedding photography and portrait sessions, my first foray into cycling photography is a welcomed change and challenge. The afternoon was complete with gray clouds looming overhead with the possibility of showers—that amounted to ideal lighting conditions. Below are highlight photos from the race (complete set available on flickr as well).

This photo, at the start of the race, foreshadowed Jackson Stewart confidently as the winner of the race.

Really amazing to experience firsthand how fast the cyclist zoom by—wouldn’t want to be clipped by one them.

Taking the wide turn at Bean and Tait.

An aspiring cyclist pedals nearby a VW Scirocco own by a cycling enthusiast—brings back memories for me in many ways.

The Men’s Pro team heading up the hill (23% grade) on Nicholson Ave.

A pan-n-zoom shot showing the adrenaline and chaotic view of the racers.

Here’s a time trial bike from BMC in all its carbon fiber glory and precision components.

Various equipment and cycling gear with branding plastered everywhere you look on the race course.

A glimpse just meters from the finish line…

Even before it was confirmed, Jackson Stewart was self-assured that he had passed the finish line victoriously with his fist pump to the sky.

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NOTE: All photos were shot documentary style using available light and any motion blurs/effects were done in-camera utilizing panning and/or zooming techniques. SEE COMPLETE SET ON FLICKR.