
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




