Amgen tour of California 2012

powered by Performance Bicycle

TechPowered By

More tech

Through the lens: Finishing touches ahead of Vuelta start

  • Astana's mechanic ensures everything is sitting just right as he installs some new levers on one of the team's Trek Madones.

    Astana's mechanic ensures everything is sitting just right as he installs some new levers on one of the team's Trek Madones.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Guess who's back: Alexandre Vinokourov has had a special saddle printed up for his first Grand Tour since being thrown out of the 2007 Tour de France.

    Guess who's back: Alexandre Vinokourov has had a special saddle printed up for his first Grand Tour since being thrown out of the 2007 Tour de France.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Someone obviously asked Alexandre Vinokourov a thought provoking question during his press conference, like whether he prefers a glass of fino sherry or tinto with his tapas. The Vuelta will be the Kazakh's first major race since returning from suspension.

    Someone obviously asked Alexandre Vinokourov a thought provoking question during his press conference, like whether he prefers a glass of fino sherry or tinto with his tapas. The Vuelta will be the Kazakh's first major race since returning from suspension.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Vacansoleil had brand new, limited edition forks installed on the team's bikes just days before the race begins.

    Vacansoleil had brand new, limited edition forks installed on the team's bikes just days before the race begins.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Vacansoleil's mechanic kept himself busy fitting the team's new forks, which display a map of España in the nation's colours.

    Vacansoleil's mechanic kept himself busy fitting the team's new forks, which display a map of España in the nation's colours.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Vacansoleil's bikes all lined up and ready for the race, although the road bikes won't be seen until Sunday's 202 kilometre stage two.

    Vacansoleil's bikes all lined up and ready for the race, although the road bikes won't be seen until Sunday's 202 kilometre stage two.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Garmin-Slipstream leaves no stone unturned in its Vuelta preparations, with the team's bus even getting some last-minute attention.

    Garmin-Slipstream leaves no stone unturned in its Vuelta preparations, with the team's bus even getting some last-minute attention.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Germin-Slipstream's time trial rigs are ready to rock for the opening stage, where British rider David Millar should put in a strong ride.

    Germin-Slipstream's time trial rigs are ready to rock for the opening stage, where British rider David Millar should put in a strong ride.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Caisse d'Epargne's Dani Moreno was checking out his mechanic's handy work, ensuring everything about his ride was up to standard with the International Cycling Union's rule book.

    Caisse d'Epargne's Dani Moreno was checking out his mechanic's handy work, ensuring everything about his ride was up to standard with the International Cycling Union's rule book.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • No prizes for guessing which kanata Christian Meier comes from. The Garmin-Slipstream rider proudly displays Canada's maple leaf on his top tube.

    No prizes for guessing which kanata Christian Meier comes from. The Garmin-Slipstream rider proudly displays Canada's maple leaf on his top tube.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Feeling grand: Alexandre Vinokourov enjoyed a little media attention ahead of this Grand Tour return.

    Feeling grand: Alexandre Vinokourov enjoyed a little media attention ahead of this Grand Tour return.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Whose turn is it to wash? Okay, so not all of the tasks are glamorous, but hey, someone's got to do it.

    Whose turn is it to wash? Okay, so not all of the tasks are glamorous, but hey, someone's got to do it.

    Photo credit © Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

  • Robert Gesink has made a move and gone off the front! Okay, so the Dutch rider was actually taking part in a team training ride, but we're sure he's thinking about a move in the weeks ahead.

    Robert Gesink has made a move and gone off the front! Okay, so the Dutch rider was actually taking part in a team training ride, but we're sure he's thinking about a move in the weeks ahead.

    Photo credit © AFP

  • Rabobank leader Robert Gesink and Bram Tankink cycle in front of the Rabobank team during the preparations around Assen.

    Rabobank leader Robert Gesink and Bram Tankink cycle in front of the Rabobank team during the preparations around Assen.

    Photo credit © AFP

  • Big Belgian Tom Boonen rides with his Quick Step team-mates in the lead-up to tomorrow's Vuelta start. Hopefully Boonen will do something – anything - at the Vuelta, which would be more than he achieved at this year's Tour de France.

    Big Belgian Tom Boonen rides with his Quick Step team-mates in the lead-up to tomorrow's Vuelta start. Hopefully Boonen will do something – anything - at the Vuelta, which would be more than he achieved at this year's Tour de France.

    Photo credit © AFP