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Photos archive Videos - Interviews and Action Cyclingnews Reader's Pics of 2006 |
Tour de Kumano
Stage 2 - May 10: Kumano Sangaku Circuit, 112.1 km
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Images by Hitoshi OMAE / PhotoSport International. UK - US - Asia.
- The three-man break is led by Arashiro
- Yukiya Arashiro wins a wet stage on the second day.
- The peloton heads across some dangerously wet railroad tracks.
- The rain was good for the rice fields.
- Yukihiro Doi leads another break.
- Yukiya Arashiro preferred to ride solo for the last art of the race.
- The peloton is heading over the Fudatate pass for some wet KOM points.
Stage 1 - May 9: Akagigawa Seiryu Circuit, 105.1 km
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Images by Hitoshi OMAE / PhotoSport International. UK - US - Asia.
- The peloton heads over a bridge.
- The peloton is highly concentrated as they tackle a tricky descent.
- Satoshi Hirose takes the win in the 10-man group.
- The peloton is reflecting on the Tour de Kumano's country side.
Trophée Centre Morbihan
Stage 3 - May 11: Radenac - Locminé, 95.3km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Wesley Kreder (DCM-GB Vorselaar) claimed the final stage victory.
- Nathan Brown's Hot Tubes Cycling Team team-mates congratulate him on his victory.
- The peloton rolls through the country side in France.
- Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) collects his yellow jersey on the podium.
- American Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) celebrates on the podium after his win.
- Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) and his team's director were pleased with the result.
- Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) also claimed the young rider jersey.
- DCM-Gb Vorselaar topped the team's classification.
- Thomas Opdebeeck (Avia Cycling Team) topped the points classification.
- Tosh Vandersande (Avia Cycling Team) took the sprinter's jersey for his team.
- France's Arnaud Demare (Team Wasquehal Juniors) claimed the combination classification...
- ...as well as the mountains jersey.
Stage 2 - May 11: Réguiny Naizin (ITT), 7.2km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Tom David with his trophee.
- The top three (l-r) Jonathan Breyne, Tom David and Zico Waeytens.
- The overall leader Clément Bouton
- Bouton was happy to get the lead but he is only two seconds ahead.
- Bouton during his time trial.
- The classification leaders
Stage 1 - May 10: Réguiny - Naizin, 106.5km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- One rider from each of the 28 teams posed for a picture.
- The peloton struggles up one of the little rises that take the energy out of legs if done at race pace.
- Mickaël Delage was the first to attack and the rider for the Dordogne selection woke up the bunch.
- Florian Taillefer tried to escape in the finishing circuit in Naizin.
- Jérémy Rouyer (Poitou Charente) leads the first break with Boris Zimine on his wheel.
- The arrival of Thomas Opdebeeck ahead of the small group.
- Thomas Opdebeeck wins the first stage.
- The peloton comes home.
- The joy of the Avia Cycling Team.
- The podium with all the jerseys.
- Thomas Opdebeeck won the stage and is presented with flowers on the podium.
- The US team Hot Tubes ended up on the top of the teams classification after day one.
Dirt Sweat and Gears
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Images by DS&G / www.dirtsweatandgears.com
- Gary Fisher
- Fuzzy John Mylne
- Mark Hendershot
- Greg Martin
- Nat Ross
- Rebecca Rusch
- Pua Sawicki
- Tinker Juarez
- Josh Tostado
- Dejay Birtch
- Dejay Birtch
- Brandon Draugelis
Giro del Friuli
Stage 5 - May 11: Alesso - Pontebba, 148.9 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Luca Gasparini (SC Pagnoncelli-NGC-Perrel ASD).
- Luca Iattici (Danton Caparrini Vibert Italia).
- Miholjevic Hrvoje (BK Loborika) & Luca Gasparini (SC Pagnoncelli-NGC-Perrel ASD).
- The peloton passed through some beautiful countryside.
- Alessandro Bisolti (Palazzago Elledent Rad - Grigolin Solaris).
- The podium (l-r) : Alessandro De Marchi (G.S. Brisot Cardin Bibanese), Alan Marangoni (Fausto Coppi Gazzera Videa) & Marco Stefani (Danton Caparrini Vibert Italia).
- Federico Vitali (Faresin Panni VC Breganze) & Gabriele Tassinari (Gs Zalf Desiree Fior).
- Alan Marangoni (Fausto Coppi Gazzera Videa) takes the win.
- Italy's Alan Marangoni (Fausto Coppi Gazzera Videa) took the victory from his 4 other break-away companions.
Stage 4 - May 10: Pozzuolo del Friuli - Monte Matajur, 155.1 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Ferraro and Vitali were driving the break.
- Defending champion Alexander Filippov wears number one.
- Vitali was in a good mood before the start, but little did he know...
- Ervin Haxhi gives the thumbs up as the peloton headed out.
- Most of the peloton were ready to sit down on a chair and take a rest.
- Romas Sinicinas during the stage and showing the efforts of the hills.
- Slovenian Robert Vrecer out of the saddle and trying hard to stay in contention.
- The moment when Miholjevic got rid of his last companion in the break.
- A jubilant Hrvoje Miholjevic takes the stage win.
- Miholjevic rode away solo on the last climb.
- Miholjevic takes a hard earned win on the mountain top finish.
- Goodness me, who made the climb so steep? Federico Vitali (Faresin Panni VC Breganze) was trying to hang on to the white jersey.
- The podium with the winner Miholjevic being a bit cold, but happy.
Stage 3 - May 9: Trieste - Gradisca dIsonzo, 139.3 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- The start in Trieste on the big piazza, in the centre of town.
- The huge peloton rides along in stage 3.
- Oleg Berdos (G.S. Brisot Cardin Bibanese) wins stage 3.
- The podium with Oleg Berdos in the centre.
- Oleg Berdos on the podium and getting celebrated for a glorious solo win.
- Vitali the new leader and gets to wear white.
- Uros Silar lost the white jersey in stage 3.
- Federico Vitali was strong during the stage and knew what he had to do in order to win.
Stage 2 - May 8: Pordenone - Casarsa della Delizia, 158 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Broken glasses is the least of pain for this rider, who hurts where most cyclists fear the worst: The collarbone.
- The peloton is rock solid as it makes its way through the Italian country side.
- The podium gets crowded
- Andrea Piechele was concentrated throughout the stage.
- A happy stage winner Piechele celebrates his triumph.
- The top three of the stage
- Piechele's team-mates took a quick shower right after the stage.
- Uros Silar is the race leader and gets to wear white.
- Federico Vitali (Faresin Panni VC Breganze) during stage 2.
Stage 1 - May 7: Ormelle - Vittorio Veneto, 153.8 km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Uros Silar tackles a downhill section of the course.
- Silar in the break
- The finish sprint of stage 1 was marred by a crash in the final metres.
- The jubilant winner Uros Silar
- The peloton eagerly awaited the start of the first stage.
- A bit of chaos in the first kilometre as riders swarmed in from all sides.
- The podiumfrom l-r Valeriy Dmitriyev, Uros Silar and Rudy Campa.
- Andrea Tincani (filmop) is out of the saddle during his break.
- Tincani leads his breakaway partner through a patch of forest.
- Federico Vitali (Breganze Faresin) feels the gradient in the vineyards.
4 Jours de Dunkerque
Stage 6 - May 11: Dunkerque - Dunkerque , 128.4 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Norway's Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) claimed victory on the final stage.
- France's Stéphane Augé (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) held out for the overall win after claiming victory on the six day event's opening stage.
- Stéphane Augé (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) took a start to finish victory in the tour.
Stage 4 - May 9: Wasquehal - Calais, 193 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Pierrick Fédrigo (Bouygues Telecom) takes out the fourth stage from Allan Davis (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) and Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Caisse d'Epargne).
- The Frenchman climbed up to third position in the overall standings.
- Fédrigo enjoys his moment on the podium.
- Stephane Augé (Cofidis) has led the race since winning stage one.
Stage 3 - May 8: Le Cateau-Cambrésis - Saint-Quentin, 193 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Kenny De Haes (Topsport Vlaanderen) out sprinted Norwegian Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) to claim victory on the third stage.
- Stéphane Augé (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) continues to lead the event after his first day break away.
Stage 2 - May 7: Henin-Beaumont - Le Cateau Cambrésis, 192.2 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) takes the bunch sprint in stage two.
- Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) still leads the general classification.
Stage 1 - May 6: Dunkerque - Roost-Warendin, 179.4 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) took the win from a two-man breakaway which gained over two minutes, beating Clement Lhotellerie (Skil Shimano)
- Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) gained the leader's jersey.
GP Copenhagen
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Images by Cyclingworld.dk
- The Designa Køkken team was very active in the race.
- The weather wasn't so great but then it can be expected to rain that time of the year.
- The break that stayed clear.
- Allan Johansen was strong and bridged to the break, then left them behind.
- Johansen rode for a CSC but switched to Designa Køkken during the season.
Rund um den Henninger Turm
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Images by AFP Photo
- Karsten Kroon (Team CSC) takes the 48th GP Henninger Turm
- Kroon shows his guns and behind him, Rebellin is disappointed.
- CSC's Kroon gets his second win at the Henninger tower after 2004.
- Kroon gets congratulations from team-mates and fellow riders.
- Kroon holds off Gerolsteiner's Davide Rebellin
- The local brew is one of Kroon's rewards for a job well done.
- German fans don't want doped riders.
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- Doping – No Thanks is the underlying slogan of this year's Henninger.
- The only dope that the organisers allow is the beer from the local breweries.
- Henninger is the drink of choice but the Binding brewery has taken over the sponsorship for now. They won't return in 2009, though.
- A model of the earlier days.
- This is the Henninger Turm after which the race was named.
- Henninger everywhere.
- Radler means cyclist but in Germany it also happens to be a favourite drink in the summer time: Beer mixed with a sparkling lemonade.
- Fabian Wegmann was greeted as he entered by many, including Rudi Altig.
- Gerolsteiner Manager Hans Michael Holczer talked openly about doping issues, as always.
- Marcus Burghardt is back after his knee surgery.
- Dominik Roels is only 21 but already rides ProTour races.
- André Korff was out with injury for a few months and has only been riding for three weeks.
- Race organiser Bernd Moos-Achenbach is feeling the pinch.
- Fabian Wegmann smiles a lot and his positive attitude came across even when describing his bitter defeat in Flèche Wallonne.
- Holczer is still looking for a sponsor.
- ASO's Jeremy Botton was present as well during the pre-race press conference.
- Gerald Ciolek wants to improve on his second place which he achieved in 2006.
- Burghardt regrets the races in Germany getting less and less.
- Roels can look to a bright future
- Roels is thinking about the tough years in cycling since his training camp with Jan Ullrich.
- Knees would like to win but won't have a problem to ride for Roels if the latter is in a position of winning.
- Korff is hoping for a sprint so that Pollack or Musiol can win. Korff is a good sprinter, too, but still recovering from injury.
- Fabian Wegmann made his final race in his spring campaign a very active one and Gerolsteiner almost got rewarded.
- Björn Glasner is looking for help from Christian Knees.
- Lars Bak seems to smile and maybe he already knew his team would run away with the win today.
- Synchronised pedaling is not an Olympic event just yet.
- Albert Timmer smiled – and who wouldn't with such a big beer mug presented.
- The Dutchman won the mountains classification for the day
- Bernd Moos-Achenbach is the race's organiser.
- Rudolf Scharping is the president of the BDR (the German Cycling Federation)
- Timmer shared his sentiments with Cyclingnews after another break completed.
- Rebellin's mug was just as big as Kroon's, but somehow he didn't seem to happy.
- The podium with runner-up Rebellin on the left, winner Kroon in the centre and Ardila
- Karsten Kroon won for the second time in his career.
- Rabo's Mauricio Ardila Cano gained confidence for the Giro.
- The Colombian felt well but in the end it was too hard against Kroon and Rebellin.
- Kroon with his crash souvenir on his left knee.
Images by Sabine and Rolf Jost / Insidesport
- Karsten Kroon takes a well deserved drink.
- Rebellin took second place in Frankfurt.
- The Rabobank riders ready for the start.
- TinTin with a new trick!
- The peloton between Schlossborn and Ruppertshain.
- Andre Greipel from High Road.
- A rider from the new German Team Issac
- A rider from Rabobank looks to the heavens…
- Fabian Wegmann in his champion jersey
GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) confirms his win in the 32nd GP Industria & Artigianato.
- Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) takes the 32nd GP Industria & Artigianato.
- Italy's Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) tops the podium with Francesco Ginanni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) (l) and Luis Felipe Laverde (CSF Group Navigare) (r).
Tour of the Gila
Stage 5 - May 4: Gila Monster Road Race
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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Jose Manuel Garcia (Toyota-United) leads an early break
- The break works it's way over the rollers before the first major climb of the day
- Bissell keeps the pace high on the climb
- Could be a race support from a 70's race in England but the Zipp wheels did not exist then
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) makes a move near the top of the Anderson Vista
- The pack nears the summit of the Anderson Vista
- Bad crash on the decent to the cliff dwellings puts race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissell) out of business with a broken collarbone, broken ribs and a broken finger
- The race leaders on there way to the Cima Pantani leaving the cliff dwellings
- Team Tecos controls the pack on the cima Pantani
- Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) Takes his turn at the front of the break
- The break
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) and Justin England (Toyota United) lead the break with less than 20 miles to go
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell)
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) leads Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) on the final climb
- The lead group gets whittled down to 2, Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) leads Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos)
- Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) does his best to keep the near the front of the race
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) gives Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) a quick look I the final meters of the race
- Everyone's a winner! Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) wins the stage and Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) wins GC
- Woman's GC Podium, Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine), Leah Goldstein (Valueact Capital) and Felicia Gomez (Aaron's)
- Best woman's team, Cheerwine
- Men's podium ; Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell), Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) and Anthony Colby (ColaVita)
Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc
- Race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) paused during the neutral start to don the race leader's jersey.
- Bissell Pro Cycling had all eight riders on the front as they controlled the pace in the early going.
- The peloton rolls along with the Lorenzo mine in the background.
- With a small break up the road, Tecos rode near the front to monitor the situation.
- Gradually the break increases in numbers. Jose Garcia (Toyota-United) leads them toward the climb.
- A hungry group of riders enter the feed zone.
- Bissell Pro Cycling starts to pick up the pace at the front of the field.
- Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) drives the break as the road pitches up.
- The breakaway group enjoys a brief section of flat road.
- Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) has been active in almost every break during this race.
- Bradley White (Successful Living) helps the break gain time on the peloton.
- The peloton climbs through some amazing scenery on this difficult day.
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Gregorio Ladino (Tecos).
- Anne Samploniuos (Cheerwine) and Rachel Lloyd (Proman Racing) head up the road before the climbing starts.
- Race leader Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) made the lead split in the woman’s peloton.
- Julie Beverage (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) leads the break up the steeper section of the climb.
- The women did a different climb than the men... but we're am not sure which one was steeper.
- With three miles remaining, the girls were all eyeing each other.
- Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) didn’t win the stage, but finishing with the leader assured her of the GC win.
- Gregorio Ladino (Tecos) is the 2008 Tour of the Gila GC winner.
- Women’s podium (L-R): Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine), Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital), and Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Pro Cycling).
- Cheerwine won the women’s team overall competition.
- Men’s podium (L-R): Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling), Gregorio Ladino (Tecos), and Anthony Colby (Colavita/Sutter Home).
- Tecos won the men’s team overall competition.
Stage 4 - May 3: Downtown Silver City Criterium
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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- There's no place like home there's no place like home…
- Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) flies through the turn.
- Marisa Asplund-Owens (Cheerwine Cycling) sits comfortably in the pack.
- Felicia Gomez (Aaron's), TT winner, attacks the hill furiously.
- Leah Goldstein (Valueact Capital) is very happy in her leader's jersey.
- Eventual winner Rachel Heal (Tibco) takes the turn onto the downhill.
- Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) hammers the corner onto the home straight.
- Rachel Lloyd (Proman) looking for an opportunity.
- Rachel Heal (Tibco) soundly defeats her competition to win the criterium.
- Tiago Depaula (Latinos Cycling) rips the turn onto the home stretch.
- Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United)
- Morgan Schmitt (BISSELL)
- Alessandro Bazzana (Successful Living) attacks the break.
- With five laps to go the break is getting close to being caught.
- It was Bissell all over the front of the pack.
- Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) is triumphant in victory.
Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc
- Rushlee Buchanon (Team Tibco) looks on as they call up the top riders.
- Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) in her pink leader's jersey is called to the line.
- Anne Samploniuos (Cheerwine) gets things started early as the pace was high right from the gun.
- A very interesting choice of barricade material here in New Mexico.
- Rushlee Buchanon (Team Tibco) leads a small breakaway through the final turn.
- The final turn was a fast one that required intense concentration.
- Suz Weldon (Proman Racing) rode an outstanding race.
- Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine) shot off the front with a strong solo move.
- Ferrett Gonzalez (Metromint) looks for every advantage on the descent.
- Emily Zell (ValueAct Capital) climbs the small hill on the back stretch.
- This gentleman had the right idea.
- It was no picnic riding in the peloton today.
- The pain of the pace shows on this rider’s face.
- Rachel Heal (Team Tibco) sprints home for the win.
- Roman Kilun (HealthNet-Maxxis) is called to the line.
- Gregorio Ladino (Tecos) is called to the line.
- Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) looked confident on the line.
- Bissell Pro Cycling quickly went to the front and controlled the race from the gun.
- Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) leads a small group up the road.
- Silver City put on a terrific show today. The whole town came out to watch.
- Bissell Pro Cycling, still controlling the front, didn’t seem too interested in chasing down the break.
- Phil Zajicek (HealthNet-Maxxis) powers up the small hill on the back side of the course.
- Jose Garcia (Toyota-United) sat in and waited to position his team-mate.
- The break kept rolling, but never really gained a lot of time.
- The break flies through turn one.
- Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) slays the competition and takes the victory on the line.
Stage 3 - May 2: Dan Potts Memorial Tyrone Individual Time Trials
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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) gets low and fast.
- Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) out of the saddle up the hill.
- Tom Zirbel (Bissell) was a well oiled machine.
- Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) showed his winning form.
- Justin England (Toyota United).
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell).
- Anthony Colby (Colavita).
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) gave it all he had to try to keep the leaders jersey.
- Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) rode to a very respectable 3ed place.
- Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) made the most of the downhill to make up time.
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos).
- Andrea Dvorak (Colavita) fought hard and took 8th.
- Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) took 5th.
- Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) was very fast and took 3ed place.
- Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) won the stage 11 seconds ahead of the tour leader Leah Goldstein.
- Leah Goldstein (Valueact) took second and in the stage and retained the overall leader’s jersey.
Images by Kathleen Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Aaron Olson (Bissell Pro Cycling Team) Rding hard for a top 10 finish.
- Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling Team) Best time of the day.
- Chris Baldwin (Toyota - United) In the zone over the 1st hill of the day.
- Jonny Clarke (Toyota - United) Giving it all he has on his way to the finish line.
- Chris Baldwin Toyota - United) On his way to 6th place for the day.
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos Trek) Suffering his way over the last few miles.
- Gabriela Gonzalez-Ferrat (Metromint Cycling On Marin) Powering up the 1st climb of day.
- Helen Kelly (Team Tibco) Looking up the road for her nearest competitor.
- Kristin Sanders (Aaron's Professional Women's) Concentrating on the job at hand.
- Felicia Gomez (Aaron's Professional Women's) On her way down the final descent to victory.
- Kelly McDonald (Touchstone Climbing) Looking smooth on her way to the finish line.
- Leah Goldstein (Valueact Capital Cycling Team) Suffering her way to a 2nd place finish.
Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc
- Jose 'Chepe' Garcia (Toyota-United) powers up the first climb.
- Navarro Ayala (Arenas Tlax-Mex Cycling) looked comfortable as he made his way toward the line.
- Phil Zajicek (Healthnet) focuses on a fast time.
- Michael Grabinger (Team Successful Living) was in fast company on course this morning.
- Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) put in an amazing performance and landed third on the podium.
- Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) shows signs of his mammoth effort.
- Bradley White (Successful Living) on the return trip.
- Ben Sonntag (Kahala-LaGrange) leaves nothing on the table as he sprints for home.
- Up close and personal with Christian Valenzuela (Successful Living).
- Jeremy Vennell (Bissell Pro Cycling) powers up the early climb.
- Sarah Bamberger (Cheerwine) begins to show the strain of her ride on the return trip.
- Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) in good form as she rides to a respectable fifth place finish.
- Emily Zell (ValueAct Capital) turned in a great ride and finished just outside the top ten.
- Julie Beverage (Aaron's Pro Cycling) focuses on the finish as she powers her way to a third place finish.
- Rachel Heal (Team Tibco) had her game face on today.
- Kristin Sanders (Aaron's Pro Cycling) rode her way into the top ten with a stellar performance.
- Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) was only 11 seconds off the leader.
- Amber Rais (Team Tibco) powers her way down the last descent to the line.
- Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) rode a smooth race, but I think that she was saving a bit for the criterium.
Stage 2 - May 1: Inner Loop Road Race
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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- The race is just a few miles old and already it is Tecos all over the front.
- the pack passes by the Gila national forest.
- Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) and Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) go for an early break.
- Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex).
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) joins Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) and Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage).
- Tecos leads the pack in the chase.
- Team Tecos.
- After spending a large part of the day at 45 seconds to 2 minutes ahead of the field, the break is coming to an end.
- And the first Pro rider across the line looks for the second place rider!!! Oops! Wrong race!
- Tyler Wren (Colavita-Sutter Home) handily won the sprint to win the stage.
- The break in the woman's race went all the way to the end.
- The Women's pack passes the San Lorenzo Mine.
- Alison Testroete (Aarons) and Amber Rais (Tibco).
- Amber Rais (Tibco) stage winner!
Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc
- The women's peloton rolls along not wanting to push the pace in the wind.
- Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) sneaks off the front of the field.
- She was joined by Amber Rais (Team Tibco) and Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine).
- The three strong riders in the break amassed a four minute lead.
- ValueAct Capital went to the front and attempted to pull back the three escapees.
- The break battled both the wind and the hills as they headed home.
- Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine) puts in a huge effort against the wind.
- Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) takes a pull as the break nears the line.
- The hard charging peloton brought the gap down, but your winner would emerge from the riders in the break.
- The break prepares for the sprint.
- Amber Rais (Team Tibco) takes a very closely contested sprint from Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling).
- Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) has a look at the course map.
- Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) rolls to the start as he prepares for a very windy day in the saddle.
- Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) zips up at the line.
- Luis Macias (Mexico) easily takes the first intermediate sprint.
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) rides at the front as the peloton regroups after the sprint.
- The wind on course was brutal. Nobody wanted to make the pace.
- Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) and Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) escape early.
- Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) and Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) climb into the Gila forest.
- Tecos quickly went to the front to control the pace.
- Team Tecos continues to chase with Colavita/Sutter Home lending a hand.
- Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) bridges up to the breakaway.
- The small breakaway group worked well together putting up to two minutes into the field.
- Today's course took the riders through a beautiful forest.
- With Luis Macias (Tecos) on point the peloton echelons across the road in the wind.
- The scenery rolls by pretty fast at the front.
- There were many interesting structures along today's route.
- The pace intensifies as Team Tecos starts to reel in the break.
- The field climbs up out of the feed zone.
- The three breakaway riders saw their lead begin to shrink in the closing miles.
- It was a very familiar sight... Team Tecos all over the front today.
- Jonathon Baker (Vitamin Cottage) couldn't maintain the pace in the break and rolls back to the field.
- ....and then there were two. The remaining riders press on against the wind.
- The field closes the gap and collects the two remaining breakaway riders.
- Stefan Rothe (Marx and Brensdorf) was the first one to make contact with the break.
- Stefan Rothe (Marx and Brensdorf) breathes new life into the break and they manage to stay away.
- Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) sprints home for the victory.
Stage 1 - April 30: Silver City - Mogollon Road Race
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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- It's not a party, Team successful living prepares for a hot windy stage
- The women's field
- The women's field makes heads into the town of Gila
- Kristin McGrath (Colavita) leads the stage winner, Leah Goldstein (Value Act) less than 3 miles from the line
- Kristin McGrath (Colavita)
- Leah Goldstein (Value Act)
- 50 meters from the line, Leah Goldstein (Value Act) gives it all she's got!
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) launched a successful attack
- Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) takes a look
- Bernardo Colex Tepoz (Tecos) teammate of the stage leader has no intention of helping with the chase
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) leads the chase.
- Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) in the final push to the line
GP Stad Roeselare
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Images by Dick Soepenberg/WomensCycling.net
- An van Rie (Platteland) in the Belgian countryside
- Emma Jones (Swift) maintains in the line
- The breakaway corners At the front, Laure Werner (AA Drink), leading Annemiek Van Vleute (Platteland) and Kim Anderson (High Road)
- Alex Wrubleski (Canda) looks like she enjoying the race The Webcor rider has had some good European results in April
- Heading out of town…….
- …… and into unmistakeable Belgian countryside
- It may be spring, but there are still no crops sprouting here in Belium
- A tired Loes Markerink (Flexpoint) enjoys her win
- The race podium - Annemiek Van Vleuten (Platteland) Loes Markerink (Team Flexpoint) and Kim Anderson (High Road)
Omloop van Borsele
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Images by Dick Soepenberg/WomensCycling.net
- Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road) smiles as Luise Keller signs in behind her
- The bunch rolls along in the sun on the flat roads
- A beautiful spring day, one of the nicest race days so far in Europe for the elite women
- The pace lifts a little in the bunch, as riders watch for moves
- Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road) out of the saddle on a small rise
Images by Dave Rietbergen/WomensCycling.net
- Kirsten Wild (AA Drink) prepares to celebrate as she wins the Omloop van Borsele
- A victory salute from Kirsten Wild
- Wild provides race insight for TV after her win
- The race podium - Teutenberg, Wild and Vos
- Top Competition leader, after round 2, Kirsten Wild (AA Drink)
Cohutta 100
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Images by New Leaf Adventures
- A rider negotiates a bridge in wet and slippery morning conditions.
- Not a lot of room for passing on the bridge.
- Jeff Schalk won the elite men's race.
- These guys look a little dirty.
- Jeff Schalk and Daniel Vallencourt discuss their race after the finish
- Floyd Landis finds the perfect way to clean up after he finishes.
- Nothing beats a beer after a 100 miler.
- The women's podium: Cheryl Sornson (Trek East Coast) 2nd, Monique "Pua" Sawi (Team MATA) 1st, Carey Lowery (Outdoor Store) 3rd
- The men's podium: Daniel Vallancourt (Toshiba/Santo) 2nd, Jeff Shalk (Trek-VW) 1st, Evan Plews (ScottUSA/CSC) 3rd
- The men raise their arms in celebration.
- Top three in the men's race.
Gran Premio della Liberazione
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Images by GP Liberazione
- The peloton started in sunny conditions.
- The winner Andrea Grendene of the Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin team.
- Grendene's team-mate Marcello Pavarin finished third.
- The podium was completed by runner-up Nicola Galli who rides for the Pool Cantu'1999 Ngc Medical team.
Giro del Trentino
Stage 4 - April 25: Lavarone – Peio Terme, 178.6km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Fortunato Baliani (CSF Group Navigare) on the lam.
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) back in action after a long winter with knee pains. Trentino is his second race of the year.
- Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo), 34, wins his second stage of the Giro del Trento – leaving a sign to the Giro d'Italia organiser in its non-selection of his team.
- Italy's Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) presented on the podium.
- 32nd Giro del Trento winner Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) at the end of the four-day event.
- Overall Trentino winner Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) flanked by sprints winner Hubert Krys (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce) (l) and mountains winner Emanuele Sella (CSF Group Navigare) (r).
Stage 3 - April 24: Torri del Benaco – Folgaria, 173.0km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- World champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) was out to test his legs before Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
- Bettini went on the attack with 30km to go.
- Bettini spent some time in the lead but was eventually reeled in.
- The world champion hopes to be on top form for Liége this Sunday.
- Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) will be another rider to watch in the Giro d'Italia.
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) leads Garzelli and Di Luca.
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti PVC) was up with the leaders today.
- Paolo Savoldelli surrounded by his LPR Brakes team-mates.
- Julio Perez Cuapio (CSF Group Navigare).
- Ivan Rovny (Tinkoff Credit Systems) lost over 10 minutes to the winner.
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) has had a quiet season so far.
- Domenico Pozzovivo (CSF Group Navigare) suffers on the final climb.
- Di Luca rides ahead of Garzelli on the Passo del Sommo.
- Di Luca breathing hard on the final climb.
- Paolo Savoldelli eventually finished in 24th, 42 seconds down.
- Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) launches his winning move on the final climb.
- Nibali rides alone up the twisting ascent of Passo del Sommo.
- Bettini trails in over two minutes down on the winner.
- Pellizotti gives it the big licks as Garzelli hangs on behind.
- The Italian blows a few kisses to the crowd.
- Nibali wins Stage 3 and takes the overall lead.
- Nibali now holds a 27 second lead in the general classification.
- 'Yeeaaah, I could get used to this!'
- Vincenzo Nibali has just one stage to defend his lead.
Stage 2 - April 23: Torbole sul Garda – Torri del Benaco, 178.0km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Romain Villa (Cofidis) during his break of the day.
- Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) on the final descent of the day.
- Gasparotto on the sweeping descent at the end of the race.
- The peloton rides along on a beautiful day.
- Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) enjoys the champagne.
- Garzelli wins the sprint
- The Lago di Garda provided a nice backdrop for the riders.
- Domenico Agosta (Nippo-Endeka) also featured in the break of the day.
- Garzelli enjoys his victory
- Alessandro Spezialetti (LPR Brakes) on the final climb of the day, but he too was brought back.
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) was safely tucked away in the bunch.
- Bettini stayed upright today even on the tricky descents.
- Krys Hubert on the flat part of the course.
Stage 1 - April 22: Arco - Riva del Garda (ITT), 9.68km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) rarely looks at home in a time trial and finished outside the top 100 today.
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) had his race face on but was also way off the pace.
- South African Daryl Impey (Barloworld) en route to sixth place.
- Liquigas domestique Charles Wegelius came in just behind fellow Briton Geraint Thomas (Barloworld).
- Volodymyr Zagorondy (NGC Medical) scorched round the 9.6km course to take the race lead.
- Zagorondy enjoys his moment on the podium in Riva del Garda.
Tro Bro Léon
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Images by Freddy Guérin/www.photos-finish.com
- Antoie Dalibard (Bretagne Armor Lux) in the escape behind Frédéric Guesdon (Française des Jeux).
- The bunch on a typical Tro Bro Leon road.
- Bad weather and bad roads made the race very tough.
- Gabriel Rasch (Crédit Agricole) is leading the bunch.
- Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) looks a bit dirty, n'est-ce pas?
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Crédit Agricole) seems to smile and really enjoy himself on the dirt paths.
- Frédéric Guesdon (Française des Jeux) made the best of the foul conditions.
- Guesdon takes the sprint and wins the race.
- The cleaned-up podium from l-r with Maxim Gourov (2nd), Guesdon and Julien Belgy.
Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Jean Luc Delpech (Bretagne Armor Lux ) leads the counterattack.
- Frédéric Guesdon (Française Des Jeux) with his kids on the podium.
- Guesdon was happy to meet Miss France but his expression turned a little sour when he found out she won in 1996.
- Guesdon lets his first price do the talking in the post race interview.
- Jimmy Casper was able to smile at the start but maybe he didn't know the course?
- The peloton in a dry moment of the race.
- Guesdon was super strong and the conditions didn't deter him.
- The arrival of Guesdon who outwitted Gourov in the end.
- Calling the conditions mediocre is a bit of an understatement.
- Guesdon gets congratulated by none other than five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault.
- The leading break with Guesdon as well as Maxim Gourov (A-Style Somn) and Benoît Sinner (Agritubel)
- The podium with the usual flower power and the riders sandwiched between the ladies.
- Cofidis was making the pace in the Ribinou.
- The racing is on with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
Tour du Finistère
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Images by Freddy Guérin/www.photos-finish.com
- Traficante, Bideau, Levarlet and Le Floch featured in the big break of the day.
- Guillaume Levarlet (Française des Jeux) leads the break and looked strong.
- Allan Davis (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) stayed in the bunch.
- Big victory at home for David Le Lay who rides for the Bretagne Armor Lux team.
- A proud father congratulates the stage winner.
- The podium (l-r) with Navardaukas (2nd), Le Lay and Pauriol.
26th Giro d'Oro - 1.1
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Di Luca and Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes) took the top two spots in the Giro d'Oro.
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) returned to racing after being acquitted on charges of doping in the 2007 Giro d'Italia.
- Di Luca gave up a chance for personal glory to help his team-mate to the win.
- Bosisio takes the win ahead of Di Luca.
Asian Championships
Stage 3 - April 17: Road Races: Junior Women, Elite Men,
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Images by Hideaki Takagi/www.cyclingtime.com
- Elite Men's road race: leading 15 riders in final nine laps.
- The final lap of the Elite Men's road race.
- Fumiyuki Beppu (Japan) wins the Elite Men's road race.
- Fumiyuki Beppu (Japan) tops the podium.
- Ah Reum Na (Korea) tops the Junior Women's podium.
Stage 2 - April 16: Road Races: Junior Men, Elite Women,
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Images by Hideaki Takagi/www.cyclingtime.com
- Min Gao (People's Republic of China) wins the Elite Women's road race
- Miho Oki (Japan) Elite Women's road race.
- Min Gao (People's Republic of China) heads towards the line.
- Min Gao (People's Republic of China) tops the Elite Women's podium.
- Masanori Noguchi (Japan) tops the podium in the junior men's road race.
- Masanori Noguchi (Japan) wins the junior men's road race.
Stage 1 - April 15: Time Trials,
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Images by Hideaki Takagi/www.cyclingtime.com
- Eugen Wacker (Kyrgyzstan) winning the Elite Men's TT.
- Yukiya Arashiro (Japan) in the Elite Men's TT.
- Eugen Wacker (Kyrgyzstan) tops the Elite Men's podium
- Meifang Li (People's Republic of China) on her way to win the Elite Women's TT.
- Mayuko Hagiwara (Japan) finished third in the Elite Women's TT
- The Elite Women's TT topped by Meifang Li (People's Republic of China)
- Hyeong Min Choe (Korea) on his way to winning the Junior Men's TT.
- Hyeong Min Choe (Korea) tops the Junior Men's TT podium.
- Ah Reum Na (Korea) on the winning ride in the Junior Women's TT.
Presidential Tour of Turkey
Stage 7 - April 20: Antalya - Alanya, 136.6km
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- Minister of Youth and Sport Munat Basesgioglu, President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gül, Director of Sports Mehmet Atalay and President of Turkish cycling federation Emin Muftuoglu with overall winner David Garcia Dapena and the top 3 riders of the final stage.
- Overall winner David Garcia Dapena
- Tour of Turkey winner David Garcia Dapena with President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gül
- The top three in Alanya: Schulze, Richeze, Bazayev
- A tight win for Max Richeze
- Turkish beauty.
- The overall leader is protected by his Karpin-Galicia team
- The three breakaway riders of the day: Herrero, Schaaf and Nikandrov
- David Garcia Dapena shines in yellow
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Race leader David Garcia Dapena under the blue sky of Antalya
- A smiling yellow jersey at the time of signing in
- Happy Germans in Turkey Danilo Hondo and Andreas Klöden
- Andreas Klöden and Danilo Hondo together once again but after the crash of the sprinter from Serramenti PVC-Diquigiovanni
- Danilo Hondo assisted by directeur sportif Marco Belleni after the crash
- Destroyed jersey for German sprinter
- David Garcia Dapena happy with final trophy
Stage 6 - April 19: Finike - Antalya, 115.8km
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- A break of nine men gained nearly three minutes, but today the sprinters' teams were on the job.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) gets win number two ahead of Maximiliano Richeze (CSF) and Javier Benitez (Benfica).
- Richeze, Petacchi and Benitez provide a nice range of color on the podium.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Petacchi after winning...
- There was big enthusiasm from the crowd and the TV stations at the Tour of Turkey.
- During the presentation, the TV shows the antique places visited by the Tour of Turkey.
Stage 5 - April 18: Kalkan - Finike, 100.1km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- What a view for the riders to start in Kalkan!
- David Garcia Dapena plans the defense of the yellow jersey with his team-mates from Karpin-Galicia in the media center.
- A tribute to Marco Pantani? Stage 5 started from the hotel "The Pirat"...
- Andreas Klöden enjoys the air of the mountains in Turkey
- Second stage win for Matteo Priamo ahead of Gabriele Missaglia and Assan Bazayev.
- Not only flowers but also oranges for the winners in Finike.
- Jersey wearers after stage five: Javier Benitez (KOM), Pieter Jacobs (points), Christophe Meschenmoser (Turkish Beauty classification) and David Garcia Dapena (overall).
Images by Tour of Turkey
- Priamo in the lead group
- Garcia Dapena controls the bunch alongside the wonderful Mediterranean coast
- Another great win for Matteo Priamo
- The riders enjoy spectacular views from the Mediterranean coast.
Stage 4 - April 17: Marmaris - Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), 177.7km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The Dutch national team ready for a cruise in Marmaris.
- David Garcia Dapena was confident to keep the yellow jersey before stage 4.
- King of the Mountains José Alberto Benitez relaxed with Juan José Cobo near the sea.
- Stage winner Filippo Savini congratulated by runner up Luca Zanasca.
- Filippo Savini's cap appeared on the giant screen above the podium...
- Flowers for Zanasca, Savini and Perez.
- José Azevedo (Benfica) was a lieutenant of Lance Amrstrong before heading back to his native Portugal to ride with the country's new Pro Conti team.
- Ondrej Sosenka broke the world hour record in 2005.
Images by Tour of Turkey
- The rest of the break was left behind by the attack of Savini.
- Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) makes his winning move.
- The breakaway tackles the ascent and the attacks are about to fly.
- Schoolchildren welcome the breakaway to the final kilometre.
Stage 3 - April 16: Bodrum - Marmaris, 166.8km
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- The break heads up the lonely highway.
- Riders were greeted by scenic views and enthusiastic fans.
- Priamo leads the break on the climb.
- The beautiful seaside view in Marmaris.
- The breakaway is cheered on by a group of school children.
- The break hits the hills.
- Matteo Priamo (CSF Group Navigare) takes the win on stage 3.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- A yachting atmosphere for the winners who are interviewed at water's edge before the awards ceremony.
- Everywhere in Turkey, there is a statue that celebrates Mustafa Kamal Atatürk (the father of all Turkish people)
- The stage three podium: Miguel Angel Rubiano (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan), Matteo Priamo (CSF Group-Navigare) and new leader David Garcia (Karpin Galicia)
- Juan Jose Cobo Acebo (Saunier Duval-Scott) at the start of Stage 3
Stage 2 - April 15: Kusadasi - Bodrum, 165.9km
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- The town of Bodrum was crowded for the win of Mirco Lorenzetto
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The Astana team far away from their usual races in Europe...
- Turkish pride at the start in Kusadasi.
- José Azevedo was interested in local folklore before going in the winning breakaway.
- Benoît Joachim looks for his way in Turkey.
- Local folklore with kids while waiting for the race to finish in Bodrum.
- Serramenti's DS Marco Bellini asking Mirco Lorenzetto for an explanation of what happened in the finale.
- Tiziano Dall'Antonia was the last man away before Mirco Lorenzetto's final rush.
- A fully Italian podium with Dall'Antonia (2nd), Lorenzetto (1st) and Ginanni (3rd).
- Mirco Lorenzetto invited the local kids dancers on stage with him for celebrations.
- Always many officials to congratulate the winners in Turkey.
- Mirco Lorenzetto doesn't think he'll keep the yellow jersey till the end of the Tour of Turkey.
Images by Jacob Sabine/www.bettiniphoto.net
- The peloton enjoys the lovely landscape on stage two.
- The stage wasn't entirely flat which helped the break put time into an unmovitated peloton.
- Schoolchildren fly their flag above the peloton.
- Locals cheer on the peloton as they pass by in a colorful blur.
- Alessandro Petacchi in yellow had his men controlling things until it was clear the break wasn't coming back.
- It's hard to argue with a view like this…
- Petacchi admitted he didn't have top form after taking the lead on stage one.
- Lorenzetto is joined by some children in traditional dress.
- Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre) takes the sprint win on the cobbles of Bodrum.
Stage 1 - April 14: Izmir - Kusadasi, 132.7km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Riders gathering in front of the famous clock of Izmir.
- Alessandro Petacchi and Ruben Bongiorno went into the TV production car, looking at the images because they didn't know who was the winner.
- The winning trio with the president of the Turkish cycling federation Emin Muftuoglu who organises the Tour of Turkey.
- Sea side promotion behind stage winner Alessandro Petacchi.
- The winning three Ruben Bongiorno, Alessandro Petacchi and Javier Benitez shared the honours.
- Petacchi had the lead… but Ruben Bongiorno was coming on strong.
Images by Jacob Sabine/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Petacchi powers to the line neck and neck with Bongiorno.