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Photos archive Videos - Interviews and Action Cyclingnews Reader's Pics of 2006 |
Coppa Placci
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld)
- Alfonso Falzarano (Cinelli-OPD)
- Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare)
- Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) rides during the race.
- Simone Masciarelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
- Team Cinelli leads affairs.
- Italian Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) satisfied with the team's win.
- Congratulations for Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) from Italian selector Franco Ballerini.
- Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) tops the podium with Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) and Mauro Facci (Quick Step), l & r.
- Podium time for Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
- Italy's Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo), 31, wins the 58th Coppa Placci over Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld).
- Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo), 31, celebrates his win in the 58th Coppa Placci.
Memorial Rik van Steenbergen
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Images by AFP Photo
- Gert Steegmans wins the bunch sprint
- Steegmans was even more ecstatic about the beer than about his win...
- The podium with winner Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) in the middle and runner-up Stefan Van Dijk (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) on the left. Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) finished third.
Omloop Mandel - Leie - Schelde
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Images by Stijn Vercaemer/www.CyclingView.be
- It's been a difficult race with some bad crashes.
- Dutch champion Jasper Ockeloen tries to get a way on top of the 'Kluisberg'.
- It's been a hard race with seven climbs and the last riders in the race were struggling on the famous Paterberg.
- Dutch champion Jasper Ockeloen tries to get away with the Belgian champion Arthur Vanoverberghe.
- Arthur Vanoverberghe (Koninklijke Balen B.C.) is the winner of this edition.
- Nicholas Vereecken, Jasper Ockeloen and Thomas Debraebandere sprinting for the second place.
- The podium: (l-r) Nicolas Vereecken, Arthur Vanoverberghe and Jasper Ockeloen.
Tour of the Murray River
Stage 13 - September 7: Merbein To Wentworth, 81.03km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- There was no time for the tour to buy some of the local produce on offer during stage thirteen from Merbein to Wentworth.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) was holding onto a nine second lead going into the penultimate stage of the tour.
- Praties William Clarke from Tasmania was in 24th place on the GC, 17.46 minutes behind the tour leader Leigh Howard.
- Nathan Wise (49) of the Cycle City Ballarat team was in 37th place on the GC heading into stage thirteen.
- Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) was in seventh place on the GC going into stage thirteen, just 56 seconds behind teammate Leigh Howard.
- David Pell (Savings and Loans) and Tim Decker (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) got the gap on the peloton which started a breakaway group at the half-way mark of the stage.
- Pell and Decker were joined by eight other riders who tried to open up a sizeable gap on the peloton during the 81km stage.
- The team of Jayco/VIS were on the front of the peloton and controlling the race for their tour leader Leigh Howard.
- It's yours mate: David Kemp (L) of the Virgin Blue Cycling team and Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) have staged a ding-dong battle for tour honours for most of the race and have been marking each other closely in the peloton.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) stretches the peloton out as they close in on the lead group nearing the finish in Wentworth.
- Leigh Howard (centre) of the Jayco/VIS team is closing in on his first major road-race victory.
- Tim Decker (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) was still trying to hold the peloton off as the lead group reached the outskirts of Wentworth.
- A classy win: Leigh Howard (right) of Jayco/VIS virtually seals his tour win with a thrilling stage win in Wentworth.
- Thirsty work: The riders of the Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River aren't the only ones needing a drink after the completion of stages on the tour.
- The stage thirteen podium (L-R): Kyle Marwood (2nd, Dixon Homes Cycling Team), Leigh Howard (1st,Jayco/VIS) and Bernard Sulzberger (3rd,Virgin Blue Cycling).
- David Pell (Savings and Loans) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider of the stage jersey.
- Leigh Howard holds a nine point lead in Tasco Inland Sprint Points competition over his Jayco/VIS teammate Sean Finning.
- Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard will take a 25 second lead into the final day of the tour in Mildura.
Stage 12 - September 7: Merbein, 33km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) gets across to the break and in the winning move on stage twelve in Merbein.
- The lead group open up a gap on the peloton during the 33km stage twelve criterium.
- Tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) was being closely marked by Virgin Blue Cycling's David Kemp.
- Luke Durbridge (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) was 27th overall on the tour going into stage twelve.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) in his WHK Criterium leaders jersey; Finning has won three stages of the tour so far.
- Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard from Geelong was defending a slender nine second lead on the tour going into the twelfth stage.
- Matthew Jensen (centre) of the Total Rush team out of the saddle during the stage twelve criterium in Merbein.
- Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) has been a willing worker for teammate David Kemp on the tour and finds himself in 13th place on the GC.
- Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) was in 17th place overall as the tour hit Merbein on the penultimate day of racing.
- The Geelong flyer: Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard is one of Australia's brightest talents in the sport - road or track.
- Luis Trueba (Swan Hill City Rural Council Pioneers) is on the improve and is ranked in the top twenty on GC.
- Hayden Brooks (Virgin Blue Cycling) was in 12th position overall on the tour heading into stage twelve.
- The peloton were under the pump to bridge the gap to the lead group closing in on the finish.
- Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) is determined to steal a stage win from the peloton.
- The peloton corner on the 1.1km circuit in Merbein, 15 minutes from Mildura in Victoria.
- Virgin Blue Cycling were on the front of the peloton in the concluding laps trying to bring back the lead group.
- Too good to be true: Petrol prices have sky-rocketed in Australia of late and the 86.7 cents a litre here were the good ole' days.
- Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) reaches for the sky as he wins stage twelve in Merbein.
- Kyle Marwood (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) brings home the peloton behind the lead group on stage twelve.
- Cadel Evan's profile with the Silence Lotto team in Europe has won him fans all over Australia including Merbein on the Tour of the Murray River.
- The stage twelve podium (L-R): Jamie Crass (2nd,NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) ,Malcolm Rudolph (1st,Team Budget Forklifts) and Brad Norton (3rd,Praties).
- Leigh Howard (right) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey as his Jayco/VIS teammate Sean Finning awaits his call-up to the podium.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) zips up his yellow jersey as the tour leader with two stages remaining.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) is now the leader of the Scody Cup Cycling Series with only the Tour of Tasmania remaining.
Stage 11 - September 6: Ouyen - Patchewollock - Ouyen, 86.5km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Tour of the Murray River construction crew try out some of the local bikes that were on show in Ouyen during their festival to celebrate the arrival of the tour.
- A lead group soon opened up after the start of stage eleven in Ouyen.
- The peloton roll through with little interest in bringing back the lead group in the early kilometres of stage eleven.
- The peloton make their way towards Patchewollock on the out-and-back course over 86.5km's from Ouyen.
- The tour convoy follows the peloton on a small rise during stage eleven.
- Anthony Bennett (Swan Hill Rural City Council Pioneers) found himself in the leading group on stage eleven.
- Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) was a member of the leading group that opened up a gap of two minutes on the peloton.
- The leaders pass the Patchewollock General Store at the half-way mark of stage eleven.
- Tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) was safely tucked away in the peloton.
- David Kemp was surrounded by his Virgin Blue Cycling teammates back in the peloton.
- Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) on the front of the lead group as they turned for home and the finish in Ouyen.
- The Virgin Blue Cycling team were driving the peloton towards the lead group in the run home to the finish.
- The Tour of the Murray River has been hopping into townships all along the Murray River for six days now.
- Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) escaped the peloton nearing the finish before puncturing and blowing his chances of a stage win.
- Riders try to sneak away from the peloton in the final twenty kilometres of the stage.
- The peloton pass through an intermediate sprint point with six kilometres to the finish.
- Tasmanian Nathan Clarke (Praties) takes out stage eleven of the tour in Ouyen.
- Praties team-support member Steve Price (holding wheels) and team-manager Andrew Christie-Johnson congratulate Nathan Clarke on his win as Tour Director John Craven (far left) looks on.
- Stage runner-up Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling) chats with tour commentator Lyndsay Hill on the podium in Ouyen.
- The stage eleven podium (L-R): Bernard Sulzberger (2nd,Virgin Blue Cycling), Nathan Clarke (1st,Praties) and Peter Johnstone (3rd,Australian Road Cycling).
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) tries on his Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey.
- Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) is the Tourism Victoria King of the Mountains leader after stage eleven.
- Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive riders jersey for stage eleven.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) puts on his yellow jersey in Ouyen.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) will take just a nine second lead over Virgin Blue Cycling's David Kemp into stage twelve.
Stage 10 - September 5: Ouyen, 36km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- It was Vanilla Slice day in Ouyen for Stage 10 and the Tour's jersey leaders sampled some of the delights (L-R): Malcolm Rudolph (King of the Mountains), Nathan Clarke (Criterium leader), Leigh Howard (Tour leader) and Glen O'Shea (Most Aggressive).
- The peloton head under the banner in Ouyen during the 36 km Stage 10.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Robert Lyte (NSWIS) opened up a gap on the peloton and there began the winning break.
- Nicholas Walker (Jayco/VIS) was in 22nd place overall heading into the 10th stage in Ouyen.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Robert Lyte (NSWIS) were joined by Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) and Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) in the lead group.
- The peloton corner into the home straight in Ouyen during Stage 10 of the tour.
- Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) drives the leading quartet on the 30 laps of a 1.2 km circuit in Ouyen.
- The leading four opened up a gap of around 30 seconds on the chasing peloton.
- The Jayco/VIS team drive the peloton in search of the leading four riders.
- James Langedyk (Jayco/VIS) will be working hard for his team-mate and tour leader Leigh Howard in the final two days of the race.
- Tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) corners around the streets of Ouyen on Stage 10.
- Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) is in 46th place overall on general classification heading into Stage 10.
- Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) shares a fine partnership with Leigh Howard on the track and is now working hard for him on the Tour of the Murray River.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) takes out Stage 10 in Ouyen from NSWIS rider Robert Lyte.
- The tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) brings home the peloton on Stage 10.
- Congratulations son: Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) is embraced by his mother after winning another stage of the Tour of the Murray River.
- Jobs done: Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) hands his helmet to his mother before stepping onto the podium in Ouyen.
- Stage 10 podium (L-R): Robert Lyte (NSWIS), Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club).
- Yeah, looks pretty goog to me: Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) receives his Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) has taken over the WHK Criterium Championship leaders jersey after 10 stages.
- Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive riders jersey of the stage.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) awaits his call up for the presentation of the yellow jersey in Ouyen.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) zips up his tour leader's yellow jersey in Ouyen.
Stage 9 - September 4: Euston, 52km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) contemplates a possible yellow jersey and the Tour lead on the startline in Euston for Stage 9.
- The Tour gets underway for the 52 km criterium in Euston on the fifth day of the Tour.
- The peloton move under the Scody Cup Cycling Series banner in Euston.
- Luis Trueba (Swan Hill Rural City Council Pioneers) leans into a corner in Euston.
- Matthew Jensen (Total Rush) was in a total rush during the Stage 9 criterium in Euston.
- William Alexander (Virgin Blue Cycling) corners in the 52 km criterium in Euston.
- The Stage 9 criterium was held over 40 laps of a 1.3 km circuit in Euston.
- Victorian Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) has been applying the pressure to Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling).
- Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) is in the thick of the action on Stage 9.
- Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) tried to escape the peloton's clutches late into the Stage 9 criterium.
- The Tour is hotting up as it heads to it's conclusion in Mildura on Sunday.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) would relenquish his Tour leader's yellow jersey by the end of the day in Euston.
- Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) got clear of the peloton approaching the final laps of the race.
- The peloton head under the banner and in search of solo leader Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts).
- Four riders tried to bridge the gap to Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) in the final laps.
- Western Australian Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) will ride the up-coming Tour of Tasmania for his South Australia.com/AIS team.
- Adrian Hanson (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) look ahead to the solo leader Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) with a lap to go.
- Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) broke away from the field and held on to win the Stage 9 criterium in Euston.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) grabs second place ahead of Praties Nathan Clarke (far left).
- Team Budget Forklifts Manager Jeremy Betts congratulates Benjamin King on his great win in Euston.
- Stage 9 podium (L-R): Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS), Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) and Nathan Clarke (Praties).
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey after nine stages.
- Nathan Clarke (Praties) is the WHK Criterium Championship leader; Clarke was un-aware that stage winner Benjamin King had broken clear towards the end.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) is the new leader of the Tour and slips on the yellow jersey.
- Taking them to the cleaners: Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard has snatched the Tour lead from Virgin Blue Cycling's David Kemp.
Stage 8 - September 4: Robinvale, 60km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Team Budget Forklifts Manager Jeremy Betts (right) adjusts Malcolm Rudolph's ear-piece for the team radio in Robinvale.
- The Tour of the Murray River would not be possible without the help of the Victorian and New South Wales police.
- The peloton makes its way along the streets of Robinvale during the Stage 8 criterium.
- The Tour speeds along the Murray River in Robinvale.
- The Tour was kicking goals when it sped past the Robinvale Australian Rules football ground.
- Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) was holding onto a narrow lead over Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard.
- Peter Milostic (Team Budget Forklifts) corners in the peloton during Stage 8 of the Tour in Robinvale.
- Will Tehan (Total Rush) was in 33rd place overall on general classification heading into the eighth stage.
- Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) was in 18th place overall, 11.45 minutes behind the Tour leader David Kemp going into the eighth stage.
- Weather conditions have been improving on the Tour as the first week of Spring goes by.
- The lead group gets the bell with the peloton closing.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) goes head-to-head with Praties' Nathan Clarke at the finish to Stage 8 in Robinvale.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) edges out Praties' Nathan Clarke to win Stage 8 in Robinvale.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) team brings home the peloton after failing to bring back the breakaway.
- Nathan Clarke (centre) of the Praties team can't believe a stage win went begging in Robinvale.
- Stage 8 podium (L-R): Nathan Clarke (Praties), Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team).
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) is the new Tasco Inland Sprint Points leader after eight stages.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the yellow jersey as the Tour of the Murray River leader after eight stages.
Stage 7 - September 3: Balranald, 63km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- A photo opportunity for a spectator in Balranald on stage seven of the Tour
- Riders corner in Balranald during the 63km kermesse
- The field corner into We Street on a 35 lap stage of a 1.8km circuit
- Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) corners in Balranald
- Tasmanian Nathan Clarke (Praties) leans into a bend during stage seven of the Tour
- Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) has had his fair share of falls in recent times but stayed upright in Balranald
- Mark Hooper (SRT Titans) leans into a bend back in the peloton
- Michael Matthews (ACTAS) leads Nicholas Walker (Jayco/VIS) and Luis Trueba (Swan Hill Rural City Council Pioneers) in a breakaway
- Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) struck some bad luck with a puncture but received a lap-out and rejoined the race soon after
- The leaders sprint under the banner after opening up a gap of forty seconds on the peloton
- Darren Rolfe leads his Virgin Blue Cycling teammates at the front of the chasing peloton
- Daniel Furmston (Praties) gives Savings and Loans David Pell a helping hand in the lead group
- Fans in Balranald were giving the Tour the thumbs-up as they watched stage seven of the Tour
- Well played: Great game Shirley, now lets watch the Tour of the Murray River
- The chasing peloton were closing the gap on the lead group in the concluding laps
- The attacks began in the lead group with two laps to go
- The peloton were beginning to realise they had left their run a little too late
- Michael Matthews (left) of the ACTAS team edges out Savings and Loans Joel Pearson to win a thriller in Balranald
- Leigh Howard (right) of the Jayco/VIS team brings home the peloton
- The stage seven podium (L-R): Joel Pearson (2nd,Savings and Loans), Michael Matthews (1st,ACTAS) and Malcolm Rudolph (3rd,Team Budget Forklifts)
- Malcolm Rudolph (right) will be hoping to take his good form and Team Budget Forklifts into the Herald Sun Tour in October
- Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive riders jersey for stage seven
- Timothy Decker's son sports a trendy hair-style during the podium presentations in Balranald
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey after seven stages
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) still holds a 24 second lead over Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard after seven stages
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) tries on his Tour leader's yellow jersey on the podium in Balranald in southern New South Wales
Stage 6 - September 2: Swan Hill - Manangatang, 88.4km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- The Tour leave Swan Hill bound for Manangatang on the 88.4km stage six.
- Nathan Clarke (Praties) leads the peloton on the straight roads out of Swan Hill.
- Air time: Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) gets airborne over a railway line on stage six.
- Luke Durbridge (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) wheel stands his way over a railway line on stage six.
- Bunny hopping on the Tour during stage six.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) will have Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard breathing down his neck for the remainder of the Tour.
- Cameron Hughes (Team Budget Forklifts) is the oldest rider in the Tour at 36 years of age.
- The peloton head towards Manangatang and in search of a leading group of riders up the road.
- The lead group had opened up a significant break on the peloton with thirty kilometres remaining.
- Victorian Brad Norton (Praties) was in the lead group and looking for a stage win for the Tasmanian based team.
- Seven riders had escaped the peloton's clutches and were powering towards Manangatang.
- Brendan Schultz (SRT Titans) and Matt Meisel-Dennis (ACTAS) were trying their best to bridge the gap to the leading seven.
- Charles Howlett (Cycle City Ballarat) has been on the improve since the Tour of Gippsland and was searching for another podium placing.
- Peter Ladd (Team Budget Forklifts) drives the lead group towards the finish.
- The lead group with ten kilometres to go and stretching the lead out to more than three minutes.
- Cameron Hughes and Team Budget Forklifts teammate Benjamin King (L) back in the peloton with teammate Peter Ladd in the lead group.
- The back of the race roll past some barren landscape heading into Manangatang.
- Counter lunches were on hold as spectators left their beers to watch the finish to stage six in Manangatang.
- Brad Norton (Praties) wins stage six of the Tour into the tiny township of Manangatang.
- Bittersweet day for Praties: Dylan Newell receives treatment for a fractured AC joint after teammate Brad Norton had won the stage.
- The stage six podium (L-R): David Pell (2nd,Savings and Loans), Brad Norton (1st,Praties) and Charles Howlett (3rd, Cycle City Ballarat).
- Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) received the Tourism Victoria King of the Mountains jersey on stage six.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leader after six stages.
- Still in yellow: David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) holds onto a 23 second lead over Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard after six stages.
Stage 5 - September 2: Swan Hill, 45km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Some divine intervention on the start line in Swan Hill for stage five of the Tour.
- Australian Road Cycling members (L-R): Patrick Lane, Peter Johnstone and Samuel Genge on the start line in Swan Hill.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) has a new set of wheels for the stage five criterium in Swan Hill.
- You guys ride and I'll run: Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling) after crashing during the stage five criterium in Swan Hill.
- Robert Lyte (NSWIS) corners in Swan Hill during the 45km criterium.
- Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) in action in Swan Hill.
- Sean Boyle (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) grimaces on the streets of Swan Hill.
- Adrian Hanson (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) leans into a bend in Swan Hill.
- Peter Milostic (Team Budget Forklifts) is one of the veterans of the National Road Series.
- Peter Johnstone (Australian Road Cycling) in action during stage five of the Tour.
- Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remained in the lead after stage five.
- Peter Smith (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) was bowling along during stage five in Swan Hill.
- Riders in the Tour of the Murray River corner on the streets of Swan Hill during stage five.
- Darren Rolfe leads Virgin Blue Cycling teammate Bernard Sulzberger into the home straight in Swan Hill.
- Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) has been an attacking rider so far during the Tour.
- Patrick Lane (Australian Road Cycling) accelerates out of a corner and into the home straight in Swan Hill.
- Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) tried to sneak away in the concluding laps.
- Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) drives the peloton after a lead group in the final two laps of the stage.
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) wins stage five whilst teammate Sean Finning contemplates a lost chance.
- The stage five podium (L-R): Sean Finning (2nd,Jayco/VIS), Leigh Howard (1st,Jayco/VIS) and David Pell (3rd,Savings and Loans).
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint leader's jersey after five stages.
- Michael Matthews (ACTAS) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider of the stage jersey.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) is 29 seconds ahead of Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard after five stage.
Stage 4 - September 1: Kerang - Cohuna, 74.7km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- The race begins to fragment in strong winds early into the 74.7km stage four from Kerang to Cohuna.
- Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) was in no rush in the early kilometres of stage four.
- Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) was in the lead group and sitting in 16th place on the GC, 1.57 minutes behind his teammate and Tour leader David Kemp going into stage four.
- Richard Lang (NSWIS) was in 31st place on the GC heading into stage four.
- Riders at the back of the race found life difficult in the blustery conditions and lost contact with the two other groups around twenty-five kilometres into the stage.
- Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) came in 36th position on stage four, three and a half minutes behind the winner Rohan Dennis.
- The improving Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) on his way to a podium finish in stage four of the Tour.
- Luke Durbridge (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) knuckles down into the wind on his way to 27th place on the stage and 27th overall.
- Michael Matthews (ACTAS) from New South Wales lies 23rd overall after four stages of the Tour .
- Vintage stuff that: Riders pass a vintage car on the road to Cohuna during stage four.
- Need a hand mate? …Buy a Ford next time .
- Rohan Dennis (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) from South Australia rode a strong tail-wind into Cohuna and grabbed himself a stage win in the Tour of the Murray River.
- Awe head up Rolfey, there's always tomorrow: Stage winner Rohan Dennis looks around to see Virgin Blue Cycling's Darren Rolfe disappointed at a chance gone begging for a stage win.
- Michael Matthews (ACTAS) holds off Leigh Howard (L) of Jayco/VIS for fourth placing on the stage.
- Rohan Dennis is a recent gold and silver medallist at the Junior World Track Championships for the team's and individual pursuit respectively.
- The stage four podium (L-R): Darren Rolfe (2nd,Virgin Blue Cycling), Rohan Dennis (1st,NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) and James Langedyk (3rd,Jayco/VIS).
- Tasco Inland Sprint leader David Kemp almost wipes out commentator Lyndsay Hill (L) trying his jersey on the podium in Cohuna.
- Victorian Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) accepts his MADEC Most Aggressive rider's jersey , Howard is earmarked for a spot on the Australian track team for the London Olympics of 2012.
- If my son wins this Tour he will be taking BOTH of us out to dinner: David Kemp's biggest fans, his mother Jan (right) and wife Tess like what they see.
- And here he is; The leader of the 2008 Tour of the Murray River, David Kemp, originally from Toowoomba in Queensland and now residing in Melbourne, Victoria.
- The BIG Cohuna: Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) will take a 37 second lead into stage five of the Tour.
Stage 3 - September 1: Kerang, 33km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Dylan Newell (Praties) leads Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) and Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) around Kerang in the leading break.
- Jamie Crass (left) of the NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out team corners in the peloton during the 33km stage three criterium in Kerang.
- Dylan Newell (Praties) had a dirty day on the bike the day before and was looking to make amends with a solid showing in stage three.
- Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) takes the leading trio around a bend on their winning break .
- The peloton corner in front of the Royal Hotel in Kerang.
- No Sunday stroll: Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) wasn't out for a lazy Sunday ride during his winning move to get into the lead break on stage three.
- Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) in the middle of a team train on stage three.
- The leading trio had opened up a handy break but it was beginning to close in the concluding laps.
- The Virgin Blue Cycling team were on the front of the peloton with their Tour leader in yellow, David Kemp, in tow.
- Patrick Lane (Australian Road Cycling) back in the peloton giving chase to the leaders.
- Craig Gibbs (Cycle City Ballarat) in action during the 33km stage three criterium around the streets of Kerang in Victoria.
- No anchoves or olives thanks: Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) puts his order in for a post-stage snack.
- Finning, Newell and McCartney receive plenty of support from local school-children heading towards the finish.
- Dylan Newell (Praties) takes out an intermediate sprint in the final laps of the stage.
- Abram Manion (Team Budget Forklifts) drives the peloton towards the leading trio.
- The improving Damien Turner (Team Budget Forklifts) takes his turn at the front in the peloton's attempt to bring back the leading trio.
- Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) takes out the stage three criterium in Kerang…and well done to our flag waver.
- The bunch roll home after letting three riders pinch the stage in Kerang.
- You still owe me five: Former Australian scratchman Rick Martin (L) shares a joke with fellow Tasmanian Bernard Sulzberger who was looking for a high-five after the stage.
- The stage three podium (L-R): Dylan Newell (2nd, Praties), Sean Finning (1st, Jayco/VIS) and Craig McCartney (3rd, Savings and Loans).
- You ARE going to shout me dinner: Tour leader David Kemp receives post-race instructions from his wife Tess after stage three.
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint leader's jersey after three stages.
- Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling) is the WHK Criterium Championship leader after the third stage.
- Victorian Dylan Newell (Praties) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider of the stage.
Stage 2 - August 31: Moama - Barham, 112.9km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Mates on the track and mates on the road: Glen O'Shea (L) and Leigh Howard of the Jayco/VIS team on the front of the peloton in stage two
- The peloton set out from Echuca in atrocious conditions bound for Barham on the 112.9km second stage
- Aren't you supposed to be in the peloton: A rider (at left) comes to grief on the slippery roads in the early kilometres of stage two
- Chaos on the road to Barham as a fall brings down several riders who needed medical attention and spares
- Medical assistance for Jay Callaghan (left) as neutral spares attend to other fallen riders
- The heads of state rolled to the front after the crash as the road surface became hazardous during heavy rains
- A serious split in the field had developed and the stage winner was likely to come from the lead group
- Leigh Howard (centre) was receiving great support from his Jayco/VIS teammates in the heavy rain
- Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) was rugged-up and ready for the cold and wet during stage two
- The rains had passed but the next storm was never too far away as the lead group headed towards Barham
- Malcolm Rudolph (Budget Forklifts) is stamping himself as an emerging rider on the series after good performances in Gippsland and Ballarat
- Cameron Hughes (Budget Forklifts) is and experienced rider and always a willing worker in a breakaway
- Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) attacks the lead group beneath stormy skies during the second stage
- Off-road: The lead group hit road-works during the 112.9km stage two from Echuca to Barham
- The lead group edge closer to the finish in Barham and although the rain had cleared strong winds were still in play
- Somewhere over the rainbow…You'll find the lead group in stage two of the Tour of the Murray River
- David Kemp (L) of the Virgin Blue Cycling team edges out Jayco/VIS's Glen O'Shea to take the double on the first day of the Tour
- A hard day at the office: Jayco/VIS's Glen O'Shea worked hard to finish second at was releived to get to the finish in Barham
- Rewarded for his efforts: Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider's jersey for stage two
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) in the Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River leader's yellow jersey after two stages
Stage 1 - August 31: Echuca, 25.5km
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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
- Riders make their way up the home straight in Echuca during the 25.5km stage one criterium
- Damien Turner (Budget Forklifts) looks like he is feeling the strain of a fast paced criterium
- The peloton give chase to runaway leader David Kemp at the half-way mark of the stage
- The field make their way beneath the Murray River Gums that tower over them in Echuca
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) took the rest of the field on in his quest to win stage one of the Tour
- Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) corners in Echuca on the 850m circuit
- Jonathan Lovelock (Jayco/VIS) goes in search of the solo leader David Kemp in the concluding laps
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) takes a careful approach to a bend that claimed several riders in the greasy conditions
- The field were closing but Kemp was keen to get a stage win on the board early
- The peloton in pursuit of Kemp with two laps to go
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) punches the air to claim the first stage of the Tour in Echuca
- Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) brings home the peloton ahead of Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling)
- Virgin Blue Cycling teammates David Kemp (L) and Bernard Sulzberger share a joke on the podium after claiming 1st and 3rd respectively
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) is the Tasco Inland Sprint Championship leader after the first stage
- David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) stepped straight into the WHK Criterium Championship leader's jersey
- Kemp also claimed the MADEC Most Aggressive rider's jersey after his solo break on stage one
- And another one for goodluck…David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) is the Timbercorp Tour leader after the opening stage in Echuca
- Keeping warm - and colourful: David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) with all his Tour leader's jerseys on after the opening stage
MTB World Cup XC #8 & DH #6
Race 7 - August 31: Elite men downhill,
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Sam Hill (Aus) had the crowd reved up during his semi final run.
- Greg Minnaar (RSA) in the semis.
- Nathan Rennie (Aus) was looking strong in the semis.
- Filip Polc (SVK) heads towards Triple Treat.
- It's a long way down to the finish.
- Aussie Aussie Aussie.
- Andrew Mills (Aus) was looking pretty stylish during the finals.
- Sam Hill (Aus) would have been disapointed today.
- Gee Atherton (GBr) finished in third place.
- Fabien Barel (Fra) managed fourth place.
- Nathan Rennie (Aus) was looking good taking the lead after his run.
- Greg Minnaar (RSA) was to fast though and took the win by four seconds.
- A massive crowd stayed for the presentation.
- The vocal crowd, loving every minute of it.
- Santa Cruz Syndicate are the leading team, and made the most of it.
- Nathan Rennie (Aus) on the podium, getting plenty of local support.
- Greg Minnaar (RSA) standing tall and proud.
- The mens place getters.
- Greg Minnaar (RSA) in the overall leaders jersey.
Race 6 - August 31: Elite women downhill,
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Rachel Atherton (GBr) was exhausted after her semi final run.
- There were plenty of fans showing their support on the course.
- Fionn Griffiths (GBr) finished in fourth place.
- Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) made thrid place just over four seconds behind.
- Rachel Atherton (GBr) made it a one two for Great Britain.
- Tracy Moseley (GBr) powered to a win.
- Tracy Moseley (GBr) on the podium.
- The womens place getters.
- Down she goes.
- Rachel Atherton (GBr) in the UCI leaders jersey.
Race 5 - August 30: Elite men 4X,
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Leigh Darrell won the small final.
- Jared Graves showing the form that took him to first place.
- Sam Willoughby had a great ride taking second place.
- Luke Madill rode to third place.
- Sam Willoughby being interviewed after the final.
- Jared Graves relaxing after taking the win.
- Jared Graves had a bit of fun during the anthem.
- Jared Graves on the podium.
Race 4 - August 30: Elite women 4X,
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- There was a huge crowd despite the rain.
- Caroline Buchanan on her way to blitzing the field in the Women's Four Cross.
- Caroline Buchanan salutes the crowd on the podium.
- Caroline Buchanan became emotional as the large crowd helped her sing the national anthem.
- Caroline Buchanan was a crowd favourite.
Race 3 - August 30: Elite men cross country,
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- The men started at a cracking pace.
- Florian Vogel (Sui) was first into the technical section on the second lap.
- Ralph Naef (Sui) takes the A line.
- Chris Jongewaard (Aus) rode hard to try keep contact with the front runners.
- Adam Craig (USA) finished in lucky thirteenth.
- Filip Meirhaeghe (Bel) lost a tyre and to go for a leisurely jog.
- Ralph Naef (Sui) pushing hard.
- Marco Fontana (Ita) was in hot pursuit.
- Christoph Sauser (Sui) eventually finished in 11th place.
- Lachlan Norris (Aus) finished third in the under 23 division.
- Geoff Kabush (Can) finished in third.
- Chris Jongewaard (Aus) had some true blue support.
- Rudi Van Houts (Ned) working hard up the climb.
- Jose Antonio Ramos (Esp) made it a one two for the Multivan Merida Biking Team.
- Todd Wells (USA) shows the strain at the start of the last lap.
- Ralph Naef (Sui) takes the win.
- Ralph Naef (Sui) talks to the media straight after the race.
- Ralph Naef (Sui) on the podium.
- The men's placings.
Race 2 - August 30: Elite women cross country,
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) and Mary McConneloug (USA) lead the riders out of the start.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) heads up the climb, with a strong lead.
- Rosara Joseph (NZL) had a great race finishing in second.
- Mary McConneloug (USA) just before the technical section.
- Blaza Klemencic (Slo) finished a credible sixth.
- Australian Tory Thomas got plenty of support from the locals.
- Jodie Willett (Aus) shows the strain of the climb.
- Kylie Webb (Aus) descends down the tricky section.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) had a lonely ride out front.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) in action on the climb.
- Catharine Pendrel (Can) finished in third place.
- Rosara Joseph (NZL) found it quicker to run up certain sections.
- Tereza Hurikova (Cze) was the quickest in the Under 23 division and fourth overall.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) on the smooth back section.
- Rosara Joseph (NZL) approaching the lap bell.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) celebrates a great win as she crosses the finish line.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) with a big smile after a big effort.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) talks top the media.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) says cheers.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) salutes the crowd on the podium.
- Irina Kalentieva (Rus) tops the women's podium.
Giro della Valle d'Aosta
Stage 6 - August 31: Ville le Grand - Ville le Grand, 88.6 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Simone Ponzi (Zalf) takes the sprint.
- The group passes through time.
- Michele Gaia (U.C. Bergamasca 1902 Colpack De Nard) wins the race overall of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.
- Michele Gaia (U.C. Bergamasca 1902 Colpack De Nard) rides in the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.
- Riders cover the final climb of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.
Stage 3 - August 28: Valtournenche - Bard, 138.33 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Arrival of Mattia Pozzo (Team Tata) inside the fortress of Bard.
- Support for the team in the feed-zone
- Angelo Pagani (Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin), with under 23 classification's jersey, during the last climb.
- A passage of the bunch near Bard's fortress.
- The leader Enrico Zen (Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin) with his team-mates in Filmop.
- Daniele Ratto (U.C. Bergamasca 1902 Colpack De Nardi) with the Gpm's leader jersey.
- Enrico Zen (Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin), leader of the general classification, concentrated on the last climb.
- Rafael Infantino Abreu (G.S. Tecninox Podenzano Juvenes Steriltom) going up the final climb.
Stage 2 - August 27: Arvier - Breuil Cervinia, 134.12 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Valle d'Aosta and its surroundings
- Riders hit the ramps of stage two.
- Italian Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) powering clear.
- Adriano Malori (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) sets up for day's winner and team-mate, Enrico Zen.
- Italian Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) wins stage two.
- Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) takes the win and the overall lead.
- Italian Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) rewarded after winning the stage and taking the overall.
Stage 1 - August 26: Pollein - Cogne, 114.56 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Anatoliy Pakhtusov (Pagnoncelli) takes the stage with a brilliant solo ride.
- Pakhtusov won by over a minute over his closest competitors.
- Federico Bontorin (Zalf Désirée Fior) fought hard to come in third.
- The peloton passes a castle in a very scenic stage.
- Cristiano Colombo (Palazzago Elledent) out of the saddle on a hilly stage 1.
- Gert Dockx (Beveren 2000 Quick Step) rides for the Quick Step feeder team and is dreaming to be in the main squad one day.
- Anatoliy Pakhtusov attacked and stormed away on the uphills.
- The podium from left to right with Edoardo Girardi (Tecninox Podenzano, second), winner Anatoliy Pakhtusov (Pagnoncelli) and Federico Bontorin (Zalf Désirée Fior).
TransWales
Stage 7 - August 23: Strata Florida to White House Farm in Builth Wells (linking stage), 83.5km
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Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk
- Crossing the Llyn Brianne reservoir dam near Llanwrtyd Wells.”
- USE Solo Men’s category winner Frans Claes (Connection Granville) finishes in an overall time of 45:26:25.”
- Riders heading their way to the fantastic Afon Doethie descent.”
- 2500m of climbing saw wrung the last ounce of energy from many riders legs.”
- What Mountain Bike magazine’s Merida Bikes TransWales competition winners Gareth Taylor and Lewis Collins at the end of a very long but inspiring event.”
- Riders were welcomed home by loved ones and friends, a finisher jersey, ice cool beverages, and a deserved pat on the back.”
- Gore Bike Wear Male Team podium with Ifan Richards & Chris Purt (Revolution Bikes RT) in first in a time of 45:37:21; Ben Jones & Andy Jones (Clee Cycles / KCNC) in second in a time of 45:44:22; and James Cooper & Rick Fielder (Army Cycling Union) in 45:45:32.”
Stage 6 - August 22: Nantyrarian (special stage) & Nantyrarian to Strata Florida (linking stage), 68.5km
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Images by Matt Skinner
- The final descent of the day dropped down a stunning mountain valley.
- A snaking, rocky section of trail on the final descent was one to savour.
- Another river crossing to negotiate and one last climb out to bring an end to the penultimate day.
- Stunning scenery has been a major part of the riding experience on the Merida Bikes TransWales.
- Sweeping through the change over area before heading up the Leg Buster climb.
- The final descent at Nant-y-Arian is a peach of flowing singletrack to be savoured.
- More water.
- What Mountain Bike magazine's competition winner Gareth Taylor nails it on a descent.
- What Mountain Bike magazine's competition winner Gareth Taylor grinning and loving it.
- What Mountain Bike magazine's competition winners Gareth Taylor and Lewis Collins and ready for more.
Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk
- Nant-y-Arian provided the venue for a fitting finale to the competitive part of the Merida Bikes TransWales, with a blend of natural trail, big climbs and swooping singletrack.”
- Woods singletrack on the special stage kept riders on their toes.”
- Windfarms out on the hills keep the riders company.”
Stage 5 - August 21: Cli-machx trail (Corris) (special stage) & Climax Trail to Ponterwyd (linking stage), 55.5km
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Images by Matt Skinner
- The Climachx special stage was fast and furious with a tough climb and an awesome singletrack descent to finish.
- The final section of the Climachx descent with berms and fast swooping singletrack saw trains of riders pushing each other all the to the line.
- The weather was - predictably enough - a little wet at times, with water flowing down the trail in many places.
- The trail whipped and rolled
- The rocky drovers trail that brought riders towards
- Getting there inch by inch and pedal stroke by pedal stroke.
Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk
- Andy Barlow (Whyte Bikes) sprints up the first climb of the Climachx special stage He finished in fourth place.
- Crossing the Afon (River) Hengwm in full waist-deep flow was a cautious business.
Stage 4 - August 20: Tregaron to Machynlleth (linking stage) , 82km
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Images by Matt Skinner
- The weather and cloud rolled in and out all day, at times hiding vast canvasses of countryside in cloud.
- The route took riders along ancient tracks.
- Descent followed climb, before wiggling back up again to repeat.
- The wet conditions made the rock slippery in places made traction a gamble on the more technical pitches.
- It was a long, hard stage but the views were more than worth it by themselves.
- The riders set off from Tregaron at 9am with the last rider rolling in to Machynlleth at just after 5pm.
- It's water. It's wet. It's in the way.
Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk
- As riders dropped off the tops the landscape became more rolling.
- There was still plenty of mud to be sliced through.
- Brooding skies and riders ready for the off.
Regio Tour
Stage 5 - August 24: Teningen - Vogsburg, 166.7km
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Images by Florian und Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- Gerolsteiner may be running out of a sponsor but they won't be running out of fans, as Markus Fothen can testify.
- Björn Schröder enjoyed the yellow sun as well as the yellow jersey.
- The rider had to wait a bit for the start as some team cars (with riders) were stuck in a traffic jam.
- The early break with Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank) in the orange jersey, who ended up winning the mountain points.
- Miguel Rubiano Chávez (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan) was leading the mountains competition but missed the break.
- Ardila Cano in the break over the picturesque roads.
- The German U23 National Team raced hard and showed their potential.
- Phillip Ries (l) is a young talent who didn't even know he was going to be racing until a day before the start.
- The vineyards provided a scenic backdrop but Schröder had his eyes set on his competitors.
- Markus Fothen won the stage with a late surge.
- The podium (l-r) with Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo, second), Markus Fothen (Gerolsteiner, first) and Björn Schröder (Team Milram)
- Young rider winner Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
- Björn Schröder smiled because of his overall win or maybe because of the kisses or maybe both.
- Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank) won the climber's jersey and was equally happy.
- Schröder tested the beer of the sponsor and gave it a thumbs up.
- Four smiles on the podium.
Images by Robin Haake
- Bert de Waele tried to attack with one lap to go.
- But the peloton was close behind and De Waele caught soon thereafter.
- Kuota-Senges was leading the bunch into the final 16 kilometres.
- Fothen digs deep to win the stage.
- Fothen checks back to see how big his gap was.
- The gap was big enough to celebrate
- Markus Fothen wins the final stage into Vogtsburg.
- The fight for second between yellow and green as Björn Schröder (r) has to let Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo, left) finish ahead.
- The teams with the youngsters Atlas-Romer Hausbäckerei (yellow) and Mapei-Heizomat fought all the way to the line.
- Paul Martens heads the wrong way as he is already done.
- ... while others still came in.
- Oliver Zaugg (r) did a lot of work for the team and gave his best to put Fothen into yellow, but Milram defended well.
- Manuel Vázquez in the finish.
- Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) during his post-race interview with Cyclingnews.
- Fothen's legs after the day's efforts.
- Schröder was exhausted after the finish.
- Does Nico Schneider smile about the win or the 50 euro?
- Schröder also got to taste the local wine with the assistance of the wine princess of Baden, Eva Müller.
- The wine had to rest while the cup was presented to Schröder.
- Fothen comes back onto the podium ready to get more wine.
- Fothen also received a sun after all the wine from Baden is treated well by the sun, as the commercial goes...
- Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) was all smiles despite receiving sparkling mineral water instead of wine. That's what you get for winning the young rider competition...
- Schröder gets congratulated by Jörg Pippig who finished the very first Regio Tour in 1985 and is one of the sponsors.
- Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank) tastes the German wine.
- Schröder in yellow received beer from the main sponsor, Rothaus.
- Manuel Vázquez (Contentpolis-Murcia) finished third
- Smiling for the toothpaste commercial are (l-r) Markus Fothen (Gerolsteiner), Björn Schröder (Team Milram) and Manuel Vázquez (Contentpolis-Murcia).
- Rabobank won the teams classification with (l-r) Pieter Weening, Mauricio Ardila Cano, Paul Martens and Theo Eltink (Rabobank). Missing are Grischa Niermann and Australian William Walker.
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- Oliver Zaugg (Gerolsteiner) is checking to see if he can already see the break.
- Gerolsteiner applied the pressure in the break to make Milram work behind.
- The bunch led by Milram was about a minute behind with two laps to go.
- The German U23 National Team helped out with the chase.
- Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) wore green but he was second in that competition. Schröder was busy wearing yellow.
- Timo Albiez (Stegcomputer) trying to survive the last lap.
- Fothen takes the win after a late attack.
- Simon Geschke worked hard for the team to be able to celebrate the overall win with his captain, Schröder.
- Pieter Weening enjoys an 'Apfelsaftschorle' a favourite after sports drink of half Apple juice and half sparkling mineral water.
- Fothen with his stuffed sun in the back pocket.
Stage 4 - August 23: Gundelfingen (ITT), 14.2km
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Images by Florian und Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- Dmitri Nikandrov (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan) was the most serious looking of the day
- Björn Papstein enjoyed the country roads outside Freiburg and was the complete opposite to Nikandrov.
- Andreas Henig (Atlas Romer Hausbäckerei was the surprise of the day, despite his U23 German TT champ credential. Henig finished second.
- Grischa Niermann during his winning ride
- Markus Fothen had a strong ride and moved to third place overall.
- Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) really wanted to win but a third place is nothing to be ashamed of.
- Matteo Montaguti (LPR Brakes) was second in the young rider classification but got to wear the jersey as Rubiano wore the mountain jersey. Kunitski took over the young rider jersey after the stage.
- Björn Schröder decided that yellow looks better than green, so he stormed into the overall lead. But he was atop the points classification as well.
- Mountain leader Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez found the TT to be hard and acknowledged that "it is not my specialty."
- Manuel Váquez (Contentpolis-Murcia) did a great ride into 10th place and only dropped to second in GC by seven seconds.
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- The young Dominik Klemme won stage 2 and is concentrating before the start of his time trial.
- Klemme takes off and finishes
- This clock indicates it is time trial time
- Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank)
- Paul Martens signs in under the guidance of the sign-in lady in the Fassa Bortolo jersey.
- Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) concentrates before the stage.
- Paul Martens takes a deep breath