Philipp Hympendahl, whose cycling photography has been published in numerous leading media covering the sport, and Tim Farin, a writer who has been covering pro racing, amateurs and sportives for a decade, have announced the release of their first book, “Beyond the Finish Line”, which is now available.
“Beyond the Finish Line” is a thoughtful book that derives from Hympendahl’s long-running project offering a novel view of pro and amateur cycling.
The book is their “experiment in taking time to patiently – even serenely – reflect on a matter otherwise dominated by speed”.
On 128 pages, “Beyond the Finish Line” showcases some of the best cycling photography Hympendahl has to offer, with impressions ranging from the Champs-Elysées in Paris via the Northern Classics to amateurs heading for glory on local tracks and streets. The creators produce a book of cycling photography, enriched with short pieces of narrative on this fascinating sport. Hympendahl and Farin do not want to revisit those aspects of the sport that mostly shape its public image: its well-known superlatives, races and champions. Instead, they encourage their audience to take a different view: to relax, to observe, to feel the beauty of the moment, the emotions and actions, all of which leave room for imagination. Neither the pictures nor the text are designed to answer specific questions or fit a set pattern of storytelling.
The intention rather is to leave space for what lies beyond the information, and the editorial pictures. It is an attempt to combine photography and narrative to cause an uncertain effect on the audience.
While based on association inspired by Philipp’s pictures, Tim’s text is not intended as a description of the surrounding images. “Beyond the Finish Line” combines moments, events and personalities from the world of cycling as observed by Philipp Hympendahl und Tim Farin, and told in their very personal styles.
Parts may seem contradictory, but it is these contradictions, they believe, that add to the overall inspiration this book hopes to offer. Most certainly, their personal experiences on two wheels and love for the sport has also helped shape what you are holding in your hands.
“Beyond the Finish Line”, ISBN 978-3-00-046552-9,
128 pages, 29.95 Euro