I love Austria and this event.  This is what mountain bike racing is all about for me.  Huge mountains, endless forests and alpine lakes.  Throw in some snow, long climbs, fast descents and what more could you want.  

  I have shot this event twice now and would be happy to photograph it every year.  I was introduced to the race by some good friends and the first year was a challenge as I knew nothing of the course, so sitting over maps and scoping Google maps I managed to get to some great locations.  Returning the second year and knowing a bit more of the area I discussed locations with organizers working with with the rest in the team to capture content not shot before or to ensure not in the same locations doubling up  efforts. 

  As usual, shooting editorials that cover the whole event from pre-race smiles to podiums and everything in between.  Knowing race times is always helpful so I can calculate roughly where and when riders will be but also get back in time for some presentation photos.  While out on the course use of a drone provided some different angles and opened up views as forests are so thick you see nothing of the surrounding peaks when under their dense canopy.  

  Each night the riders assembled in the conference hall to enjoy dinner as part of the event.  Presentations for the days stages are carried out and this is a great time to show riders some images from the days racing.  This usually is about 2hrs after finish so after returning to the hotel, showering I need to quickly select and edit these before making way to the hall to eat something myself. 

  After its all over I stay on another night/day to recover from the efforts and finish off the last of the images.  These are used for marketing the event by the organizer in various media outlets.   When travelling in Europe there is so much else to see and do the quicker I finish these the sooner I can sit back and enjoy a local brew.