Photo Story: Sven Martin's Favourite Shots of Hans Rey
Sven Martin may be most known for his photos of the GTFR team, but he first got his start with GT by shooting with Hans Rey. Since first working with Hans in 2006, the two have created countless epic photos shot across the globe. Check out some of their most memorable moments from over the years in the second installment of GTFRchives:
 | No other mountain biker has had more magazine covers than Hans Rey, and I doubt anybody has come close to riding their bike in as many countries or crazy locations. He’s done it all. An influencer before it was a thing, long before Instagram even existed. Living in California at the time and as a fellow member of the Laguna RADS, we would ride together when he was in town. He helped launch my career in the MTB industry, believing and trusting in me enough to do a couple of small shoots with him, but I secretly always dreamed of accompanying him on one of his exotic Hans-Ventures. Fast forward 15 years and I’m happy to say we’ve managed to go on a few big adventures together. I’ve learned a lot from Hans. His longevity is to be applauded, and so is his loyalty. He is the longest standing GT rider - a true lifer - but what’s even more impressive than his bike skills and sense of adventure is his mindfulness and compassion for others. His @wheels4lifecharity that he founded together with his wife, Carmen, has given away almost 15,000 bikes to date. Their motto “give a bike, change a life!” is something that he both practices and preaches. |
My first ever shoot with Hans. A big hop with high consequences. LA 2006.
Two World Champs past & present. Hans with Kenny Belaey (who would go on to ride for GT) under a classic Californian sunset. Newport Beach 2006.
Livigno holds a special place in Hans’ heart, you can see why. Trails everywhere both natural & man-made “flow country” paradise.
Like this statue somewhere in the Alps, Hans has seen it all & then some.
Elephants, lions & prancing antelope, just another ride for Hans. Botswana Bike Safari 2009.
Hans under an African Baobab that’s been around since Christ.
Like this chameleon inspecting his drive train, Hans has adapted over time to suit his natural habitat. Southern Africa 2009.
An eye-opener of a trip for me - Cabo Verde, a small island chain in the middle of the Atlantic, 3,000m descents from volcano craters to the beach villages.
European scree 2012.
Catching up with the GT Factory Racing crew Val Di Sole 2018. The good times keep rolling.
Words and Photography: Sven Martin
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When I think of iconic HR pics, the first thing that comes to mind is front covers of MBUK from the last half of the ‘90’s. It was always either him or one of the Martins hopping somewhere. Simpler times.
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