2023 Photo Competition Winners Revealed

After another year of brilliant entries, it was hard enough narrowing down a shortlist, let alone picking a winner!

We loved seeing all the photos of people, places and pedalling as they came in throughout the year, and we hope you loved seeing them too as we shared every entry on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

But now for what you're all here for... the winners!

By Craig Charley, Marketing Manager

Chris said: "The image was taken on Day 4 (Kaprun-Lofer) of our wonderful Innsbruck to Salzburg tour in June '23. We were spoiled for choice of which photo to enter as there was an amazing view around every corner. However, this one got the nod because it perfectly represented a perfect day. The stunning scenery, beautiful weather, picture-book alpine meadows, a fabulous route (Austria's cycling infrastructure is something else!) and a couple of stops for a drink and strudel! It simply couldn't have been better."

Judges' verdict: We love this photo so much that we've been posting it all over the place the past few months! It perfectly captures the Freedom Treks style of bike touring - gentle cycling along smooth paths with scenic backdrops. We think that Chris did a cracking job with the framing and focus of the photo - the cycle path and meadow in the foreground, the majestic Alps in the background and the pretty trees and buildings in between. The pristine blue skies help, but nobody would look at this photo and not want to be there.

Suzanne said: "When we discovered part of our planned route was closed, we couldn't imagine that our Slovakian detour would turn the day into one of our holiday highlights! With breathtaking (in every sense) views on the way up, we were treated to glorious 360 degree views across Southern Poland and the Tatra Mountains once at the top, plus the world's most appreciated coffee stop. If you like great value adventures and stunning scenery in an unspoiled part of Europe, this trip is hard to beat. "

Judges' verdict: Another photo that gets to the heart of what Freedom Treks tours are all about. Travelling by bike makes for some exceptional coffee stops, especially when you're cycling through stunning locations like the unspoiled countryside of the Poland/Slovakia border. Our Krakow & Dunajec Cycle Path Bike Tour is a lesser-ridden gem, receiving nothing but five star reviews from customers in 2023.

Jane said: "This photo was taken at Parco del Monto Subasio - we had taken a slight detour and cycled up a long winding road around Assisi on the Umbria Leisurely tour - we sat and had a picnic overlooking the view across to our hotel in the valley. This trip was relaxing and we had a great time cycling with friends and relaxing poolside in the sun. The tour is flat but after all the puddings and tiramisu eaten, we added a few longer rides and hills - wish I was still there!"

Judges' verdict: This snap brings back fond memories of my own Umbria bike tour back in October 2022. Andy and I were also treated to daily stunning sunsets - a real benefit of cycling in October - and took a few hillier detours too! As a team, we like how Jane's photo focuses on the cyclists over the view - although there's enough of that to understand why all eyes are on the expansive countryside below. Top tip for future competition entries? The golden hour just before sunset usually provides impeccable lighting.

We'd like to say a big thank you to each and every one of our customers who entered our photo competition in 2023.

Don't despair if your photo didn't win, there's always next time - our 2024 Photo Competition is now live!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to see our customers' photos as they come in.