"I never set out to be cycling photographer, I got into it through skateboarding."
We asked Chris Lanaway to photograph a stage of the Tour of Britain his way. He chose the third day of the race, a unique, short and lumpy stage, starting and finishing in Bristol.
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"Once you've photographed one race, it is like you've photographed them all and you're looking for something interesting in the scenery.
"I have always been interested in faces and faces of athletes. Athletes are almost superhumans. Particularly professional road cyclists. Cycling is so intense, what they are subjecting their bodies to on a stage race is superhuman."
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"You never really see athletes and cyclists portrayed in a contemporary way. I felt like doing something differently so I took my lights and set up an area pre and post race.
"JLT Condor are a popular team and setting up the shots proved to be a challenge. There was always someone who wanted an autograph or to speak with the riders. I knew the team were on a deadline to get to the start and at the end they were tired. But I like a challenge."
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"I really like photographing cyclocross, but amateur cross. My interest came from racing cyclocross and I quickly realised I was better at photographing the event than racing in it.
"Amateur cross is just as interesting, everyone is giving hundred-and-ten-per cent. There is more going on and personal battles. Plus you see your mates."
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The Tour of Britain concludes on Sunday in London. JLT Condor's six-man squad of Edmund Bradbury, Graham Briggs, Ali Slater, Tom Moses, Jon Mould, and Tom Stewart will have completed 1140km in eight days.
Follow Chris Lanaway on Instagram
