Russell Downing (CandiTV) wins Tour of Ireland's opening stage and takes
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
The rugged beauty of the Wicklow mountains
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
The Astana team was at the head of affairs
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
There was no shortage of support for the riders
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Russell Downing (Candi TV – Marshalls Pasta) took a fantastic victory
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Russell Downing (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta) reflects
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Downing receives the applause of the crowd
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Russell Downing (CandiTV - Marshalls Pasta) is presented
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Matti Breschel (Team Saxo Bank)
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Leader of the best placed U25 rider classification, Matti Breschel (Team
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Downing’s victory on stage one
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
A gusting headwind added to the level of difficulty
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Two cycling fans take in the stunning scenery
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Downing was easily the happiest man in Waterford City
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
The Astana bus proved a popular hangout
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Johan Bruyneel ties up a few loose ends
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Lance Armstrong (Astana) was literally mobbed
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photographs posed, questions answered, autographs given...
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia – HTC)
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Stuart O’Grady (Team Saxo Bank)
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
The rolling start of stage one was a solemn occasion
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
The first category climb of Mount Leinster
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
Photo credit © Stephen McMahon
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