The fourth edition of the Wild Bear MTB Stage Race turned Tara Mountain in Serbia into the ultimate battleground for endurance, skill, and sheer willpower. With more than 200 riders from 25 European countries, this race once again lived up to its reputation as the most demanding MTB event in the Balkans.

This was one of those events I photographed with pure joy, where my energy and motivation were at their peak. The reason? I spent the entire shoot on my MTB. Both the location scouting and the event itself required me to ride, which I absolutely love. But I’ll admit it was a challenge, both behind the lens and on the bike, making sure I reached every spot in time.

Mountain biking is something I know inside out; I’ve basically spent my whole life on two wheels. That gives me an advantage at events like this, because I know exactly where and when to wait for the perfect moment – the one I want to capture in my photos.

Tara’s wild beauty is no stranger to me, yet every event proves again why it’s called the most beautiful Serbian mountain. It’s the perfect outdoor studio: mountains, forests, trees, and stunning nature as the backdrop to the MTB action.

Over three intense days, competitors pushed through 160 kilometers of trails and conquered 5,000 meters of vertical ascent, an effort that tested even the strongest athletes to their very core. The unpredictable weather made each stage feel like a journey through a new, untamed world, giving Wild Bear a unique atmosphere that rivals some of the most legendary cycling events across Europe. On the first day, we had rain, Day 2 was marked by heavy clouds, and on Day 3 we had sunshine, just in time for the spectacular finish of the race.

Belgium’s Hans Becking took the overall victory at the Wild Bear MTB Stage Race, finishing with a time of 7:26:23. In the women’s category, fellow Belgian Griet Cuelenaere claimed the win, crossing the line in 16:36:13.

INSIDE THE SHOOT WITH PREDRAG VUCKOVIC

Predrag Vučković brings decades of experience in photographing outdoor stage events, especially MTB races. The difference he brings to the event isn’t just his mastery of photography, but also his deep knowledge of the sport itself.

Vučković is a lifelong cyclist and a passionate mountain biker with years on two wheels. Thanks to that personal connection to the sport, he has an instinctive understanding of when and where the action will unfold. He doesn’t just capture a rider in motion, he captures the very essence of the struggle, determination, and triumph that define mountain biking.

The equipment used for this photoshoot:

  • E-Bike PIVOT
  • 2x NIKON Z9 camera
  • Lenses: range from 10 to 400 mm, f2.8

To capture the most dynamic images, he will often times go the extra mile. Like in the case where he followed the race on his own MTB, riding the same demanding trails as the competitors. This unique approach allowed him to be right in the middle of the action, ready to frame every moment from the perspective of someone who truly knows what it means to conquer the mountain.