Top of first segment of Telegraph Hill prologue stage, Tour of California. San Francisco, CA. February 18, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)

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Prologue, Amgen Tour of California. San Francisco, Calfornia. February 18, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell. (Sales)

Notes: We grabbed a spot on the last turn of the route, 50 meters from the finish line. At this point the riders were exhausted from the long and fast climb, but were catching their first glimpse of the finish line just a short uphill sprint ahead.

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Saturday Training Race. Hellyer Park Velodrome, San Jose, California. November 4, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

I’ve been involved in cycling for many years, but recently I’ve had some opportunities to try shooting track racing and the Hellyer Park Velodrome in San Jose. (It helps that my son is on the track!)

Cycling photography seems tricky to me. Normally there is far to much to cover and it is spread out over many miles – the only way to get continuous shots is probably to use a vehicle and be in the race. On the other hand, track racing is contained to a small oval that is completely visible from one location, the riders are very close to the spectators and to one another, and one can move around te track looking for good angles.

Though shot in color, somehow black and white versions of the photos seem appropriate for the velodrome.
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Paceline, Saturday Training Race. Hellyer Park Velodrome, San Jose, California. November 4, 2006. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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