Amgen tour of California 2012

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Gruelling Vuelta a España promises action and unpredictability

  • The 75th anniversary and 65th edition of the race celebrated its heritage with this gesture, and also with some stirring video clips from older editions.

    The 75th anniversary and 65th edition of the race celebrated its heritage with this gesture, and also with some stirring video clips from older editions.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • They then posed for photos...

    They then posed for photos...

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • The riders were presented with a book of images from this year's race.

    The riders were presented with a book of images from this year's race.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • We guess that's going in a prominent place on his coffee table.

    We guess that's going in a prominent place on his coffee table.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Sanchez isn't officially allowed to wear the Olympic logo due to OTT IOC rules, but his gold earrings celebrate his victory.

    Sanchez isn't officially allowed to wear the Olympic logo due to OTT IOC rules, but his gold earrings celebrate his victory.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Sanchez was runner-up this season and would be all too willing to climb to the top step of the podium.

    Sanchez was runner-up this season and would be all too willing to climb to the top step of the podium.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • The Tour de France will be Sanchez's main target next year; he'll make a decision about Vuelta participation closer to the date of the race.

    The Tour de France will be Sanchez's main target next year; he'll make a decision about Vuelta participation closer to the date of the race.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Valverde gave interviews to the journalists present, and also to radio stations via mobile phone.

    Valverde gave interviews to the journalists present, and also to radio stations via mobile phone.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Providing his CAS appeals go in his favour, Valverde will be targetting the Tour and also possibly the Vuelta.

    Providing his CAS appeals go in his favour, Valverde will be targetting the Tour and also possibly the Vuelta.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Sanchez fulfills a photos request.

    Sanchez fulfills a photos request.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Sanchez also had radio interviews to do.

    Sanchez also had radio interviews to do.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Valverde's other tasks included signing jerseys.

    Valverde's other tasks included signing jerseys.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Valverde puts his signature on a Maillot Oro. With the leader's jersey turning red next year, is this the last time gold-coloured ones are seen?

    Valverde puts his signature on a Maillot Oro. With the leader's jersey turning red next year, is this the last time gold-coloured ones are seen?

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Contador was also asked for photos.

    Contador was also asked for photos.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Contador may attempt a Tour-Vuelta double next season.

    Contador may attempt a Tour-Vuelta double next season.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • The last time many of the Vuelta people saw Valverde, he was clad in the Maillot Oro.

    The last time many of the Vuelta people saw Valverde, he was clad in the Maillot Oro.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • ...and didn't seem too perturbed by the paparazzi shots.

    ...and didn't seem too perturbed by the paparazzi shots.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • The Vuelta 2010 route launch was held in Seville, Spain - the location for the opening team time trial next August.

    The Vuelta 2010 route launch was held in Seville, Spain - the location for the opening team time trial next August.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • The Vuelta 2010 route launch took place in the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones, a fairly striking building.

    The Vuelta 2010 route launch took place in the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones, a fairly striking building.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • The Vuelta had full billing there today.

    The Vuelta had full billing there today.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Bernard Hinault in intense discussion.

    Bernard Hinault in intense discussion.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Hinault talks with Angelino Soler, the 1961 Vuelta champion.

    Hinault talks with Angelino Soler, the 1961 Vuelta champion.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Ezequiel Mosquera, Samuel Sanchez, Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde at the presentation.

    Ezequiel Mosquera, Samuel Sanchez, Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde at the presentation.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Between Sanchez, Contador and Valverde, they have racked up numerous stages plus three overall victories in the race.

    Between Sanchez, Contador and Valverde, they have racked up numerous stages plus three overall victories in the race.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Mosquera said he is looking forward to the mountains in 2010.

    Mosquera said he is looking forward to the mountains in 2010.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Former Vuelta and Tour de France winner Pedro Delgado was one of those presenting the new route.

    Former Vuelta and Tour de France winner Pedro Delgado was one of those presenting the new route.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Many past stars and Vuelta winners were brought out on stage, including Hinault, Soler and Delgado.

    Many past stars and Vuelta winners were brought out on stage, including Hinault, Soler and Delgado.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • Sanchez, Contador and Valverde sit on stage and check out the details on small tv screens.

    Sanchez, Contador and Valverde sit on stage and check out the details on small tv screens.

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes

  • How to tempt a badger...

    How to tempt a badger...

    Photo credit © Shane Stokes