10%

Shutter Speed

My First Time at Athens Twilight

By Luke Beard

June 5^th, 2024

In the heart of a bustling Athens, Georgia, I found myself in the middle of an energetic crowd, camera in hand, ready to capture the famous Athens Twilight Cycling Race for the first time.

I’m Luke Beard, and while I’ve photographed all kinds of events, a cycling race was a completely new experience for me. The energy was contagious, and I couldn’t wait to see what the day would bring through my lens.

As I walked along the race route, I soaked up the vibrant atmosphere. Spectators lined the streets, their cheers reverberating through the air. Cyclists zoomed past in a blur of color and speed, their determination evident on their faces. The whole scene was thrilling, and I felt a rush of excitement as I framed my first shot.

The Athens Twilight Cycling Race, established in 1980

Is renowned not just for its intense competition but also for its festive atmosphere. This event has grown into one of the most prestigious criterium races in the United States, attracting top professional cyclists from around the world. The main race takes place on a 1 km (.621 mile) course in downtown Athens, requiring cyclists to endure 80 km (49.71 miles) within just a few hours. The prize pool for the main criterium features cash prizes totaling more than $10,000.

The race was like a dance of speed and strategy. I moved to different spots along the route, capturing the cyclists as they navigated sharp turns and straightaways. The bright daylight added a crisp clarity to the images, highlighting the intensity of the competition. Each click of the shutter was a testament to their intense focus and athleticism.

One standout moment was when the lead pack approached a sharp turn. The riders leaned in perfect unison, their bikes almost touching the pavement. The crowd’s roar was a wave of sound that seemed to push the cyclists forward. I snapped a series of shots, hoping to freeze the dynamic movement and raw emotion of that moment.

Cyclists speeding past the starting line with the crowd cheering in the background.

But it wasn’t just the cycling that was fun to capture. The Athens Twilight event also features exciting skateboarding and BMX competitions, adding an extra layer of excitement. Watching skaters and BMX riders perform tricks and stunts was thrilling, and I found myself snapping away, trying to capture the perfect mid-air shot or the look of concentration on their faces

By the end of the day, I had a collection of images that told a story of determination, community, and the thrill of competition. It was a challenge to capture the essence of the event, but also a deeply rewarding experience. Each photograph was a piece of the larger narrative, a snapshot of a day filled with passion and excitement.

BMX rider doing a stunt, capturing the energy and excitement of the event.

Photographing the Athens Twilight Cycling Race was a thrilling dive into uncharted territory. Each new experience as a photographer teaches you something invaluable. Capturing the speed and energy of the cyclists, as well as the gravity-defying tricks of skaters and BMX riders, reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s in these moments of curiosity and challenge that we grow the most, discovering fresh perspectives and honing our craft. The Athens Twilight wasn’t just an event; it was a vibrant lesson in the art of seeing and storytelling.