This was one of my 8s -- it was such a wonderful story! I'm very surprised it didn't do better. But I think people were looking for wet to hit them over the head. Many of my 8-10s didn't score nearly as well as I thought.
I love your image and a tough challenge to do well in with so many amazing images.
You nailed it though, perfection in not only the image but the quality of the B/W contrast you chose. Congrats on this special image 9 from me.
placement of the pedestrian is a bit too perfect, i think, but i can't deny this is a gorgeously composed and processed image. The bicycle is marvelous and feels like an homage to Cartier Bresson.