Tour de Georgia - 2.3

Georgia, USA, April 20-25, 2004

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Stage 7 : April 25 - Dawsonville - Alpharetta, 142.3 km

Images by Jon Devich/Cyclingnews.com/www.epicimages.us

• USPS team bikes ready to rumble before the race start.
• George Hincapie (USPS/Berry Floor) makes his way through a mass of eager fans at the start in Dawsonville.
• Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) signs autographs before the race begins.
• The peloton takes up the whole road as they wind their way towards Alpharetta.
• Once again, USPS/Berry Floor strongman Tony Cruz works at the front.
• Pavel Padrnos of the USPS/Berry Floor team sits in front of a seemingly happy Mario Cipollini.
• Lance Armstrong (USPS/Berry Floor) and Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) have a discussion during the race.
• The peloton makes its way onto the final circuits.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) about to hit the front as the peloton passes a mass of spectators.
• A break tried to get away on the final circuits but couldn't get a significant gap.
• Sprints leader Gord Fraser (Health Net/Maxxis) tries to move up in the bunch.
• Lance Armstrong (USPS/Berry Floor) has just one lap to go before being crowned the 2004 winner of the TdG.
• The final sprint, with Gordon Fraser on the left and Mario Cipollini on the right.
• Gord Fraser (Health Net/Maxxis) knows he's done it.
• Team CSC goes home with the team prize.
• The final podium with Lance Armstrong in yellow, sprints winner Gord Fraser, best climber Jason McCartney, and best young rider, Kevin Bouchard-Hall.
• American bike racing legend Davis Phinney speaks with Bobby Julich.

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com/

• A young fan draws on the road in support of his cycling favorites.
• The Health Net team celebrate their win.

Images by Trish Albert/Southeasterncycling.com

• The Jelly Belly-Aramark car is ready to roll before the stage's start.
• Mario Cippolini's World Champion bike was on the Domina car as a spare.
• The Mavic neutral support crew assisted riders with wheel changes for the entire Tour De Georgia
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joes), the Stage 6 winner, prepares for the much flatter stage 7.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) and Gord Fraser (HealthNet-Maxxis) discuss race strategy before the start.
• The crowds line the start of Stage 7
• Mario Cippolini (Domina) catches back on after a bike change in the first few miles of the stage.
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joes) gets a helping hand from the team car after a flat.
• Kevin Bouchard-Hall (TIAA-CREF) wins the Tour De Georgia Young Riders blue jersey.
• Team CSC won the Team Competition.
• On the podium for the GC, Jens Voigt (CSC), Lance Armstrong (US Postal), and Chris Horner (Webcor).

Stage 6 : April 24 - Athens - Hiawassee/Young Harris, 206.4 km

Images by Jon Devich/Cyclingnews.com/www.epicimages.us

• The peloton makes its way past a glassy pond.
• The site of the finish on top of Brasstown Bald.
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) put the hammer down on the Brasstown Bald climb, eventually winning the stage.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) shadows Lance Armstrong (US Postal Service/Berry Floor) on the way to the top.
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal Service/Berry Floor) shows the pain of the day near the top.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) climbed smoothly today and came in second place.
• Webcor's Chris Horner had another great ride today to finish fourth.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) rode hard leading up to the base of the climb to help his teammate Jens Voigt.
• Race leader Lance Armstrong (US Postal Service/Berry Floor) and stage winner Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) take their spot on the podium in front of a large crowd.

Images by AFP

• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) powers up the climb of Brasstown Bald on his way to victory.
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal Service/Berry Floor) and Jens Voigt (CSC) fighting it out for second.
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal Service/Berry Floor) and stage winner Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) salute the crowd.
• A hard but rewarding day at the office for Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's).
• Sergio Marinangeli (Domina Vacanze) rode his way into the top 10 overall after finishing seventh today.

Images by Eric Osguthorpe

• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) launches his race-winning move.
• With the break slow to react, Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) opens up a big gap within seconds.
• Russian Viatcheslav Ekimov (US Postal Service/Berry Floor) sets the tempo up front for his fearless leader, Lance Armstrong.

Images by Trish Albert/Southeasterncycling.com

• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joes) raises his hands in victory atop Brasstown Bald.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) outsprints Lance Armstrong (US Postal) to take second place.
• The crowds gather along the finish line atop Brasstown Bald Mountain.
• Kevin Buchard-Hall (TIAA-CREF) retained the young rider's jersey with a strong finish.
• A Barloworld rider shows the pain that the final climb caused many riders.
• Ivan Dominguez (Colavita Olive Oil) lost the orange sprinter's jersey to Gord Fraser (Health Net/Maxxis).
• Jens Voigt (CSC) knows what a frosty adult beverage can do for recovery.
• Race leader Lance Armstrong (US Postal) and Stage 6 winner Cesar Grajales receive the crowd's applause on the podium.
• King of the mountains Jason McCartney (Health Net/Maxxis) greets the crowd.

Photo sequence by Frank McPherson

• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 1
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 2
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 3
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 4
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 5
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 6
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 7
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 8
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 9
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 10
• Jens Voigt and Lance Armstrong battling it out 320 meters from the summit - Photo 11

Stage 5 : April 23 - Dalton - Dahlonega, 224.3 km

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com/

• A taste of local culture on the way up Woody Gap
• Jason McCartney (Health Net) looking pretty pumped at the end of the stage
• A pretty happy team at the end of stage 5
• Jason McCartney (Health Net) looking exhausted but elated at the same time

Images by Jon Devich/Cyclingnews.com/www.epicimages.us

• How it all started today in Dalton, Ga.
• Chris Wherry leads the break at the base of the first climb.
• The break gets strung out further up the climb.
• Damon Kluck leads the USPS train to keep the break in check.
• Lance Armstrong is shadowed by Viatcheslav Ekimov with Mario Cipollini close by.
• The peloton makes its way through the Georgia mountains.
• The peloton makes its way past one of the oldest houses in Georgia.
• Teammates of Mario Cipollini fall back to help him make it through the day.
• Mike Creed helps his team keep tempo during today's difficult stage.
• Riders make their way around one of the many switchbacks.
• Race leader Lance Armstrong stays safely tucked within the confines of his team.
• No sunflower fields in Georgia, but the scenery is just as pretty.
• Tony Cruz navigates the road ahead for the group.
• Hard-man Tony Cruz still on the front after many kilometers.
• How about a little extra weight to make those climbs easier?
• Lance Armstrong not looking so fresh midway through the day.
• Race winner Jason McCartney attacks breakaway companion Stefan Adamson.
• Stefan Adamson shows the damage of Jason McCartney's race winning move.
• Henk Vogels slows a bit after a super-hard day.
• Chris Horner tries to make a move on the bunch.
• Lance Armstrong crests the final climb of the day.

Stage 4 : April 22 - Rome - Rome TT, 29.9 km

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Ivan Dominguez (Colavita) lost the leader jersey despite a brave effort in the TT
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal) was asking roadside fans "Where's Voigt? Where's Voigt?" as he chased his minute man.
• Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) seemed to be taking it fairly easy in an event that's far from his specialty.
• Gordon Fraser (Health Net) working hard in the time trial
• Chris Horner (Webcor) doesn't plan on settling for third.

Images by Bob Badalucco/www.bbactionphoto.com

• Lance Armstrong (US Postal) put on a display of the TT power that has helped carry him to five Tour de France wins
• Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) wasn't the fastest rider on the TT course, but one of the most popular with the fans

Images by Jonathan Devich/www.epicimages.us

• Henk Vogels - still working on getting his form back after his terrible crash last year.
• France's Jacky Durand works hard during the TT.
• Adam Bergman fought hard to finish in the top 20 today.
• Damon Kluck conserves some energy today to help the team in the mountains.
• Saeco rider Salvatore Commesso wasn't too worried about placing today and left of the aero bars.
• Ofoto rider Eric Saunders.
• Kirk Albers of Jelly Belly focuses on the yellow line to get him to the finish.
• USPS strongman Tony Cruz.
• Chris Horner out of the saddle during his third place ride today.
• George Hincapie put in a strong ride today to round out the top 10.
• Bobby Julich rode hard today to a fourth place finish.
• Gord Fraser gave it all during the TT but fell in GC.
• Second place rider Jens Voigt showing great position on the bike.
• Mario Cipollini rides just fast enough to finish off the day.
• Race leader for a stage Ivan Dominguez.
• Mario Cipollini acknowledges fans as he crosses the TT finish line.
• Lance Armstrong shows off the new TT bike and smokes the course.
• Lance Armstrong crosses the line with the fastest time.
• The podium - Lance Armstrong first, Jens Voight second and Chris Horner third.
• Lance Armstrong looking happy to be in yellow again.

Stage 3 : April 22 - Carrollton - Rome, 126.2 km

Images by Jonathan Devich/Cyclingnews.com/www.epicimages.us

• The peloton rolls through the winding roads of rural Georgia
• The crowds are out in force to watch the race go by
• George Hincapie (USPS) concentrating on the climb
• A CLOSE sprint finish between Armstrong and Dominguez
• Ivan Dominguez (Colavita) happy to be in the leader's jersey
• Podium (L to R): Ivan Dominguez (Colavita), Lance Armstrong (USPS), Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly)

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• “Hey, check out my tan.” Chris Wherry (Health Net) talks with Bobby Julich (CSC) and Chris Horner (Webcor) before the start of stage 3 in Carrolton, GA.
• The locals call it “Heart Attack Hill,” for a good reason
• Alessio Galletti (Domina Vicanze) and Michael Sayers (Health Net) power up the KOM climb. Only three more times up for everyone.
• Two to go and over the climb go Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly) followed by Julich, Lance and Cyclingnews diarist John Lieswyn, who will probably have a few choice words about today’s climb.
• Why do you think they call it Clock Tower Hill?
• Just under the 1km banner with two downhill left turns to go and it’s Horner leading Julich with George Hincapie ready to launch Lance to the line. Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly) is glued to Lance’s wheel.
• Big cheers and lots of camera-ready fans greeted the man of the hour as he rolled back to the finish.

Images by Bob Badalucco/www.bbactionphoto.com

• Lance Armstrong (US Postal) beats Ivan Dominguez (Colavita) and Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly) in the finish sprint.

Stage 2 : April 21 - Thomaston - Columbus, 189.9 km

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Around the Columbus circuits with Lance tucked safely into the pack.
• 350 meters and a left hand turn to go as Mario’s lead-out train blazes the trail.
• Mario stays glued to Lombardi’s wheel through the final turn.
• Jonathan Sundt (Jittery Joe’s) lost a wheel to the barrier monster in the final laps of the circuit.
• The man of the hour graciously signs numerous autograph requests.

Images by Jonathan Devich/www.epicimages.us

• The break of the day makes its way up to the first KOM.
• Wil Frischkorn leads Jakob Piil in the break.
• Jakob Piil gets a little TV time.
• The bunch makes its way up the climb after the break.
• Sergio Marinangeli leads the chase up the first KOM climb.
• Bobby Julich sits safely at the front of the group as the road steepens.
• Lance Armstrong had another day of conservative riding today.
• Jelly Belly rider Doug Ollerenshaw, current Collegiate National Champion.
• And Nieko Biskner, this years TDG “Best Young Rider” so far.
• Mark Walters and Scott Zwizanski look down as the road rises to the second KOM of the day.
• 40 k’s later and Sergio Marinangeli of the Domina Vacanze team is still leading the chase.
• Team Healthnet comes to the front to take up the chase.
• Bobby Julich sits on the outside while Mario Cippollini moves up with Gors Fraser close behind.
• Ivan Domingeuz looks over when he thought he crossed the finish line.
• It was close on the line for Dominquez and Cipollini.
• Mario Cipollini wins his first sprint on US soil.
• Stage 2 winner Mario Cipollini on the podium with second place Ivan Dominguez and third place Gord Fraser.
• Gord Fraser enjoys another day in yellow but will have some wrinkles to work out of the coming stages profiles if he is to keep it.

Images by Bob Badalucco/www.bbactionphoto.com

• The "Blue Train" at the second king of the mountains sprint line near Callaway Gardens
• Scott Zwizanski (Ofoto) beating Mark Walters (Navigators) at the second King of the Mountains Sprint
• George Hincappie entering Columbus, GA, with the peloton
• Lance Armstrong climbing Hines Gap
• Cipo puts the power down as he approaches the finish line
• And isn't Cipo happy with his Stage 2 win!
• Ivan Dominguez, Mario Cipollini and Gordon Fraser on the podium
• Cipo still looks suave after a hard days racing

Stage 1 : April 20 - Macon - Macon, 132.2 km

Images by Jon Devich/Cyclingnews.com/www.epicimages.us

• Jacky Durand looking happy to be racing stateside.
• Sprinter extraordinaire Mario Cipollini takes to the start line in Macon.
• The streets were full at the line-up in Macon.
• Young Lance fans were out to cheer on their favorite guy.
• Riders leave the start line.
• Breakaway riders Marc Hagenlocher and Tim Larkin on their way back into town.
• Landbouwkrediet-Colnago riders come to the front to chase the two away.
• Team Health Net rides safely in the bunch before winding it up for the win.
• The bunch meanders through the very green Georgia countryside.
• Gord Fraser pulls ahead of Ivan Dominguez to take the win with 100 meters still to go.

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• David Clinger's new carbon and E5 Aerotec aluminium Specialized Tarmac - just delivered today!
• The Lion King rolls into Macon to excited crowds.
• The man of the hour then arrives and the crowd goes wild.
• George Hincapie had a strong spring campaign. Can he translate that in the warm Georgia weather?
• Mario Cipollini waits to be called up to the front of the start as a few American domestic riders try not to look nervous.
• A local cancer survivor was invited to start today's stage. Here he meets and shares a few words with his hero.
• The Navigator's mechanic makes some unorthodox adjustments to Chris Baldwin¹s time trial brake levers - every gram shaved helps.
• Local Bobby Julich supporters pulled out all the stops in supporting their favorite rider.
• Everyone was asking, "Where's Lance?" Here he is, riding next to eventual second-place finisher Ivan Dominguez (Colavita-Bolla). When asked by a non-cycling journalist if he was worried about Lance in the finish, he simply replied, "I don't care about him." (meaning he knew th
• Rounding the corner for the first of three laps around downtown Macon, the pack remained tightly bunched.
• This unlucky rider flatted with one lap to go, but was able to get a quick change thanks to the fast hands of the boys in yellow.
• The Health Net mini-train led by John Lieswyn delivered Gord Fraser (second) to the stage win and the leader's jersey.
• Cipo had an uneventful day in the saddle. He was able to avoid a last-lap crash and finish in the group.

Images by Beth Seliga/www.3catsphoto.com

• Nathan O'Neill lends some expert commentary to announcers Dave Towle and Jeff Roake.
• A CSC rider chillin' before the start.
• Going Postal.
• Gord Fraser dons the yellow jersey of race leader.
• Over here, it's George Hincapie!
• Chris Horner safely tucked away in the peloton.
• Chris Horner is called to the line.
• Don't get your Chris' crossed - Chris Horner (L) and Chris Baldwin.
• Jelly Belly on the front.
• Doing the Jitter-bug - Some Jittery Joes fans.
• Road art.
• LANCE!
• Lance is my hero!
• Local schoolchildren get the afternoon off.
• Super Mario Cipollini.
• The stage podium.
• Eric Wohlberg makes some last-minute adjustments.

Images of the TIAA-CREF/5280 team by Beth Seliga/www.3catsphoto.com

• Blake Caldwell and Craig Lewis sign in.
• Dan Bowman.
• Kevin Brouchard-Hall.
• Someone's gotta do it.
• Colby Pearce.
• Craig Lewis.
• Ian McGregor.
• Team mechanic Kevin Grove.
• Signing autographs.
• Stuart Gillespie.

Pre-race press conference, April 19

Images by Beth Seliga/www.3catsphoto.com

• Lance Armstrong looks thoughtful at the press conference
• Mario Cipollini is looking forward to racing in the USA again
• Bobby Julich is here to win with his CSC team
• Johan Bruyneel - the USPS strategic mastermind
• Chris Horner is looking for a repeat of his 2003 win
• David George - all the way from South Africa with Barloworld
• Lance Armstrong is introduced to the press
• Mario Cipollini and his team say hello
• Media frenzy
• The Webcor team will have their work cut out to support Horner
• Eric Wohlberg - the hugely experienced Canadian is here with his Sierra Nevada team.
• Team TIAA-CREF lines up
• TIAA-CREF DS Jon Vaughters considers a response