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Chris Hitchcock Action and Sports Photographer.
Chris Hitchcock Action and Sports Photographer.
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chrish_photos

Living life imperfectly, with great delight, every single day.

How can you tell if a cyclist is happy? They've go How can you tell if a cyclist is happy?
They've got mud on their teeth.
#mtbpictureoftheday #mtbphotos #mtbgirl
When golden light glistens on morning dew and a cr When golden light glistens on morning dew and a crisp winter chill fills the mountain air—that’s when life feels truly magical.
@soxtrailrun #soxtrailrun #trailrunners #lightbro
When you test your race nutrition in training and When you test your race nutrition in training and decide that you actually need all of it on race day.  It’s 1 week to @ironmansouthafrica 70.3 Durban and training season is over.
A classic case of leading lines. This was back in A classic case of leading lines. This was back in 2020 when we had just come out of lockdown for the first time. Crazy days that seem a lifetime ago now.
In just 2 weeks time, #ironman703durban will be ov In just 2 weeks time, #ironman703durban will be over. In the meantime, enjoy the pre-race tapering, nerves and vibe. I'll see you all there.
#triathlonsouthafrica #swimbikerun #trilife
It looks like a wet weekend ahead. That'll improve It looks like a wet weekend ahead. That'll improve the light no end.
#mtbpictureoftheday #sportsphotography
I took this photo last November when a flagging sp I took this photo last November when a flagging spring was passing the baton on to summer who was coming in hot. Now the first cool tentacles of winter are wrapping themselves around the early mornings, and I think I'm ready for it.

This image was taken at the #bloukliptrailrun in Stellenbosch, and if natural beauty and views forever are your thing, then it's an event that you really should have on your calendar.
#trailrunners
Just reflecting on a beautiful autumn morning in # Just reflecting on a beautiful autumn morning in #capetown 
#marathonswimming #coldwaterswimming #islandescape
Coming hot out of T1, just need to find the bike. Coming hot out of T1, just need to find the bike.
#triathlonmotivation #swimbikerun #ironmandurban703
If the word 'YEEHAW' was a photo. #triathlonlife If the word 'YEEHAW' was a photo.

#triathlonlife #swimbikerun #triathlonsouthafrica
Ever tried pushing a bicycle in a straight line wh Ever tried pushing a bicycle in a straight line while holding only the saddle? Even the best riders in the world can't do it. Thanks for that physics.

#triathlonsouthafrica #triathlonlife #cyclingphoto #sciencefacts #physicsfun
Building up to full compression! Ernst is retired Building up to full compression! Ernst is retired now, but what a mega competitor he was in his many years of racing. When he shakes your hand it remains shaken for days.
#wheelchairsports #paracycling
60mm of rain turned the route to rivers the day be 60mm of rain turned the route to rivers the day before—then race morning arrived cool, crisp, and ideal. Golden Gate Highlands National Park showed off in moody perfection: riders winding through golden grasslands, weaving beneath sandstone cliffs, pushing over steep climbs. Light, landscape, and raw effort in perfect sync. A photographer’s dream. #MalutiDouble90
The 42km route of the Cape Town Cycle Tour is not The 42km route of the Cape Town Cycle Tour is not about speed. 

It’s about starting a cycling career, or even resuming one. It’s about community, fun, and ‘the vibe’. It’s about growing the sport of cycling and giving people the motivation to perhaps step up to the longer version of the tour—but only if they want to. No pressure, no pointing fingers. Not here.

No one really cares who is first across the finish line of the 42km tour, except the person who was, and that’s what makes it so joyous.

After this, the third iteration of the 42km cycle tour, I think we can call the concept a massive success.
For the past 8 or 9 years, I’ve had the stressfu For the past 8 or 9 years, I’ve had the stressful honour of being the photographer tasked with capturing the elite women’s race at the Cape Town Cycle Tour. It’s a whirlwind of pressure and adrenaline. 

The race kicks off in Fish Hoek shortly after 6:00am, when the sky is just light enough for the Commissaires to deem it safe to ride. But for my cameras it’s still pitch dark, so cue the technical tricks and some creative problem-solving to make the photos useable, and if all else fails, make the image black and white and call it art.

My moto rider and I have a rhythm: ride a kilometre ahead of the riders, stop, shoot, and then charge past the team cars and peloton to do it all over again. Rinse and repeat. But make sure every shot counts because you have no more than 10 chances. The pressure is real.

Speaking of moto riders—these guys have what the kids call ‘the skillz’. Safety is non-negotiable, and as a biker myself, I’m in awe of what they can do on two wheels while a large lump of photographer is perched behind them. 

Once we hit the top of Suikerbossie, we leave the race behind and make a dash for the finish line to wait for the winners. 

What’s the best part of the day? Being inside the race. Being able to watch Pia Grünewald break away at Smitswinkel Bay, while her team masterfully controlled the peloton, was pure joy. The dilemma that comes with it? Do I photograph the breakaway or the chase? Spoiler: I probably spent too much time concentrating on Pia. 

This may be my job— but I’m so aware that it’s a massive privilege. To witness the grit, strategy, and sheer power of these women up close is something I’ll never take for granted. So here’s to the riders, the moto crew, and the magic of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
#ctcycletour
A Friday flashback to the Discovery Triathlon Worl A Friday flashback to the Discovery Triathlon World Cup in Cape Town on the 11th February 2018. Nothing like a win from Richard Murray to get the home fans going crazy. 

I had to fight for this photo because I wasn't allowed to balance on the top of the scaffolding and look through the camera eyepiece. I ended up using a long monopod, a remote trigger and a lot of faith that I'd pointed the camera in the right direction. 
#triathlonsouthafrica #ituworldtriathlon #ituworldcup #swimbikerun
Twice the heat, twice the ice cold beer. It's a ru Twice the heat, twice the ice cold beer.
It's a rule.
Brain fart! Brain fart!
Back on the boats today. Average conditions for a Back on the boats today.  Average conditions for a Robben Island swim 
Straight out of camera photo.  Sony A1.
#sonya1 #sonyalpha #swimphotography #coldwaterswimming #islandedcape
Another morning in paradise. Robben Island to Big Another morning in paradise.  Robben Island to Big Bay, 7.2km and the water is a chilly 12 degrees.  #coldwaterswimming #iceswimming #robbenisland #capetownmag
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2017-04-30