55th Vuelta a Andalucía (Ruta Ciclista Del Sol) - 2.1

Spain, February 15-19, 2009

Photos

Stage 4 - February 19: Torrox Costa - Antequera, 165.8km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Davide Rebellin wins stage four in the Vuelta a Andalucia
Stage win number two for Rebellin in the Ruta del Sol.
Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) is followed by Juan Antonio Flecha and Linus Gerdemann.
Davide Rebellin (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) concentrates hard during stage four.
Gilberto Simoni (r) rides with teammate and stage winner Davide Rebellin.
Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is getting in some racing as preparation for the big tours this year.
Davide Rebellin and Joost Posthuma make another podium appearance but are joined by Xavier Tondo Volpini
Menchov was a machine today as he helped Joost Posthuma protect his overall lead.
Denis Menchov with teammates Posthuma and Juan Antonio Flecha gassing it on the climb.
The day's podium (l-r): Davide Rebellin, Joost Posthuma and Xavier Tondo Volpini
Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) leads the Ruta del Sol.
Davide Rebellin wins stage four of the Ruta de Sol in Antequera.
Denis Menchov (Rabobank) powers at the front and shows he's got some early-season form.
Thomas Dekker and Marc Wauters are all smiles before the start.
Gilberto Simoni stays alert as teammate Davide Rebellin looks for the win.
Christian Pfannberger (l) rides alongside Davide Rebellin during stage four.
Xavier Tondo (Andalucia Cajasur) rides ahead of David Lopez Garcia, Davide Rebellin and Gilberto Simoni.

Stage 3 - February 18: Marbella - Benahavís, 162.5km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

The peloton climbs out of Marbella early in the stage.
Danilo Napolitano (Team Katusha) leads a strung out group early in the stage.
Davide Rebellin (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) rides in the peloton on the 162.5km stage.
Austrian Christian Pfannberger (Team Katusha) finished the day 2.44 minutes down.
While today's stage broke up the general classification Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) managed to hold on to his overall lead.
Bjorn Leukemans (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) is enjoying his racing, having returned from suspension this season.
After winning Stage 2 Geert Steegmans (Team Katusha) dropped out of the race today.
She'll be comin' 'round the corner when she comes. Today's stage saw riders head from Marbella to Benahavís.
Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) did his bit for teammate Cadel Evans by helping break up the peloton.
Russian Ivan Rovny (Team Katusha) finished towards the back of the field.
Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is down in 30th spot on the overall classification after losing more time today.
Leonardo Moser (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) was 30 seconds down today.
David Arroyo Duran (Caisse d'Epargne) finished 10th in the first group on today's stage.
Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram) looked the part and managed to stay with the front group today.
I'm like a bird, I only fly away: Davide Rebellin (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) takes a stage victory for his Venezuelan team.
Davide Rebellin (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) holds his trophy high after winning Stage 3.
Davide Rebellin (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) celebrates his win on the podium.
Australia's Cadel Evans (Silence - Lotto) finished third on the stage.

Stage 2 - February 17: Vegas del Genil - Córdoba, 164.2km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Gert Steegmans (Katusha) gets ready for the day's race.
The peloton skirts around the outside of the city.
No bull: The peloton rolls along the 164.2km stage.
The Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli (now there's a mouth full) boys hang out at the team car.
Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) rides in the peloton.
Filippo Pozzato from Team Katusha hangs back at the team car.
Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) rides back in the team cars.
Christian Pfannberger (Team Katusha)
Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) shares a joke with Gert Steegmans (Katusha) during the race.
Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) in the Belgian national champion jersey.
Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) looks sleak as he descends during the race.
Russian Denis Menchov (Rabobank) riding his Giant.
The peloton strings out as it rides through the farm land.
Katusha was strong in the sprint finish with two riders taking to top two spots.
Gert Steegmans (Katusha) gives the thumbs up after a strong finish for his Russian squad.
Looking good Gert: Gert Steegmans (Katusha) tips his hat after a win.
Gert Steegmans (Katusha) seemed to enjoy all that came with his win.

Stage 1 - February 16: La Guardia - Humilladero, 169.2km

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Images by Team Katusha

Danilo Napolitano (Team Katusha) on his way to a win in stage one.
Podium kisses for stage winner Danilo Napolitano (Team Katusha)

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Danilo Napolitano (Team Katusha) celebrates his stage win.