After the fun of the morning’s action, deciding what to do with the afternoon wasn’t so easy.
I didn’t want to risk the long hike back to SS14 for tarmac shots. SS16 didn’t start until about half an hour before sunset, so that only left SS15.
There were two places I had in mind on the stage – the river crossing by the Kelefos Bridge and the deserted village of Vretsia. I chose the Kelefos Bridge, and I got it wrong.
When I got there, I should have known better. Two hours before the first car and already the crowd was thronging in the tight river valley. Very difficult light, the track down to the river was in bright sunlight, but the river itself was in shade.
I should have got back into the car and headed off for Vretsia, but I chose to stick it out. The two hours passed quickly with entertainment being provided by the Police trying to keep the good natured crowd in order.
When the action started the photography was difficult. The top of the frame was bright, the bottom dark. I persevered, gradually moving position and only really sorted it for the last ten cars or so. And interestingly, it was the wide angle lens that saved the day.
It was a lot of effort to get it right, but the final pictures were worth it.
With the last car through I headed off home, along the special stage of course. The route is a dirt track through the mountains with loads of steep ups and downs, tight bends and a loose surface. Some of it I was taking at little more than walking pace. Deep respect to the drivers prepared to go all out along this.
Check out all my pictures of FxPro Cyprus Rally 2010.
Fantastic picture!
I was stood near here but none of my pictures were as good!
Cheers
Brian