Bike messengers are the coal miners of the cycling world. They take a beating on a daily basis while braving considerable danger, and let’s be honest, the money isn’t great.
There is, however, one respite. For the past 20 years, the best bike messengers on the planet have gotten to show off their grit and determination at the Cycle Messenger World Championships. Think of it as the anti-Tour de France. No ridiculous spandex outfits covered with ads. No blood doping or annoying pointy helmets. Just 400 or more riders from around the globe showing off their bad-ass skills in hopes of being crowned the fastest, smartest messenger on the planet.
This year’s race took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the steep hills of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, where organizers created a course that mimicked a hectic day in a city. Riders competed in a variety events, including sprints, tricks and uphill climbs, all to qualify for a chance to participate in the main event—a grueling four-hour race in 90-degree heat against the fastest 80 messengers.
In this year’s championship-deciding race, messengers had one hour to pick up and drop off packages at checkpoints along the course. Austin Horse of New York City took first place for the men, and Joséphine Reitzel of Lausanne won the women’s division. Then everyone got trashed.
Milwaukee-based photographer, designer and cyclist Kevin Sparrow finished 10th in the qualifiers, but gave up his shot at the title to shoot photos for us. You can find more of Kevin’s photos from the competition on our Tumblr.
A rider races in his qualifying heat. Switzerland, as you can see, is lovely.
The competitors get ready for their official group photo. In this sport, drinking is required. Or at least it should be.
Racers put on their game faces. This guy has a great mustache.
Riders sprint to their bikes at the start of the main race. Notice, not a fat person in sight.
Men and women race together. All is equal in the messenger world. So long as you have chops.
Hundreds of spectators line the streets as they compete in the uphill time trial.
The Cycling Messenger World Championship was broadcasted on a Swiss radio station and online.
The grueling stairs section on the back part of the race course.
The riders must change directions several times on the course, a simulation of actual bike messenger work.
New Yorker Austin Horse took first place in the men’s division. Must be the sunglasses.
New York City messenger Kym Perfetto’s face shows just how painful the uphill sprint in Lausanne feels.
Fred Marshall of Seattle cools off with a drink.
Fans cheer as riders pedal the last few meters during the final stretch of the climb.
Safa Wagner of Mexico City studies his deliveries on a long, straight section of the course.
This spectator’s splash of water hit the spot in the hot weather.
Local food vendors peddle their offerings to fans and competitors, including one man in very, very short shorts.
Fuego, who’s from Paris, maneuvers his bike loaded with a ridiculous amount of cargo during the main race.
This is what it’s all about: the handmade, official CMWC 2013 trophies.
Actually, maybe this is what it’s all about: A rider jumps his bike into the lake in celebration of the competition’s end.
The riders are treated to a complimentary fondue dinner provided by the CMWC crew and Le Gruyere.
A very special delivery seals the finish to the bike messenger championships.
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