First attempt with 70-200 f/4 lens and panning a sporting event

[not_timmins]

I finally picked up a 70-200 f/4 IS. This weekend was a local triathlon so I was eager to give it a trial run in panning. It was attached to a monopod and I think in the future I might try handheld. I set the lens to IS on, mode 2 based upon some forum suggestions. I think it's a good first try but I need to work on non-standard perspectives of the athletes to make it exciting. These are straight from the camera (which has a really dirty sensor, btw), imported into Lightroom and exported to Smugmug. So other than soliciting comments ... one question, is there a way to pan moving athletes from a tight (I guess the best way to call it) "obtuse" angle, where they are almost headed toward you?

Here are some of the shots:
1.
http://timmins.smugmug.com/photos/339677599_7ya2e-L.jpg

2.
http://timmins.smugmug.com/photos/339683151_Sj4Fh-L.jpg

3.
http://timmins.smugmug.com/photos/339678165_jvdyH-L.jpg

4.
http://timmins.smugmug.com/photos/339678729_PHGgP-L.jpg

5.
http://timmins.smugmug.com/photos/339682012_v5DbA-L.jpg

6.
http://timmins.smugmug.com/photos/339679689_LfFJi-L.jpg

Entire Gallery (http://timmins.smugmug.com/gallery/5544907_vYJ5n#339677599_7ya2e)

[cstewart]

All good attempts at panning except for the last, which simply looks like an OOF photo. With the runner, maybe a bit more "pan" or softness of the people in the BG would have isolated him better. #1 and #2 are best, but for #2 it would be better to have entire cyclist in frame.

Also watch your backgrounds. #3 is nice but the street signs in #1,2 and 4 are distracting.

[not_timmins]

Sorry, I should note that #6 was an attempt at, for lack of better wording, "reverse panning". I like the motion portrayed... but I did notice the odd shift in wheel size from front to back.

I blame the frame of #2 on using a monopod. I will try to take some handheld shots at the next cycling event and see if I can refine some better framing. I was a bit upset it was cropped like it was.

Thank you for the compliments and advice.