Teva Proof of Life Photo Contest Winner Announced 4

After hundreds of great entries were submitted into our Teva Proof of Life Photo contest, a winner has been chosen. The concept of the photo contest was for you to upload your great riding photos that told a story or had a story behind them. After the entry period, Vital MTB staffers narrowed the field down to the final 5, At Crankworx, Teva athletes voted for the grand prize winner.

Grand Prize Winner, Bunt in the Guts by Trent Bona

Among the finalists chosen by Vital MTB staffers, this photo of Dave Bunt shredding a steep, rocky chute near Crested Butte, Colorado was voted the grand prize winner by Teva athletes, Cam McCaul, Jeff Lenosky, Sam Pilgrim, Kurt Sorge, Paul Basagoitia and Kelly McGarry. In the end they felt this photograph did the talking and told the story of a bike rider pushing his limits on technical terrain in a remote area, embodying what our sport is about. Sam Pilgrim was especially stoked on the title and repeated it a handful of times with his thick British accent to the delight of his teammates.

Photographer Trent Bona will get $250, a pair of Teva Links and a pair of Teva Crank Mid shoes!

Honorable Mentions

The remaining four photographs made were chosen by Vital MTB staffers based on their action and stories. Each honorable mention gets a pair of Teva Links MTB shoes!

Freeride Sesh by wolisphoto.com

While the story behind the "Freeride Sesh" photo was absent, the photo showed great action, dramatic lighting and a strong composition. Well done, Wolis.

Tom Wheeler testing out his new arm brace by Eyesdown Films

This is a fanatasic, sharp POV shot that not only tells a story through all the details in the photo, but came with an inspiring explanation of what we were viewing. Read the full story here...

Sebastian Ahlering by WellDone

I found this photo hilarious and pulled it into the finals. Sam Pilgrim was utterly offended by the photo which made me that much more certain I had made the right choice. The ultimate goon air with a focus on nature...what's not to love? Worth a pair of shoes any day of the week! -gordo

Dropping In by rhiannon

The story behind this photo was why it showed up in the finals. Had the photo itself been a little bit more stimulation, we may have had a different winner. If you haven't read about this rider's experience, do it now...

Epic by Felix Burke

Last but not least is this high-contrast photo dubbed "EPIC" by Felix Burke. This high alpine hike-a-bike with a great story from a frothing young rider made this a Vital MTB staff favorite in the competition. Sometimes you just have to get the ride, no matter what it takes.

Thanks to Teva and everyone who participated!

You can view all of the entries in the Teva Proof of Life Photo Contest here.