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60th Vuelta a España - GT
Spain, August 27-September 18, 2005
Photography
Stage 21 - Sunday, September 18: Madrid-Madrid, 136.5 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by AFP
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) prepares to start the final stage
- Count the victories that Heras has in the Vuelta: 4
- Menchov and Heras congratulate each other on a hard fought race
- The Colombian connection Victor Pena and Mauricio Ardila
- The peloton rides past the Kio towers in Madrid
- The final podium (L to R): Denis Menchov (2nd), Roberto Heras (1st), and Carlos Sastre (3rd)
- Ale-Jet amassed another five grand tour stage wins
Images by Unipublic
- The peloton cruising around Madrid
- The kiddies wave the Vuelta on
- Golden boy Roberto Heras
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) riding his special gold themed BH bike
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) enjoying his golden bike
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) talks to the oracle
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) back in the caravan
- Fassa sharing a joke with Michele Scarponi from Liberty Seguros
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) safely in red
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) rides with Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano in the final stage
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) smiles on the final stage
- Charly Wegelius (Liquigas-Bianchi) helped set the pace in the peloton
- The kiddies taking part in the Vuelta junior
- Once again it was 1. Petacchi, 2. Zabel
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) celebrates his fifth stage win
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) with his Vuelta mantlepiece feature #4
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) was Vuelta runner-up
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) finished third overall
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) adding to his trophy collection
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) claimed the points jersey with a perfect performance in the final stage
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) can do this with one hand
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) also won the combination jersey
- The winning team was Comunidad Valenciana
- Everyone got some podium time
Images by Hernan Alvarez/Cyclingnews.com
- The pack races past
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) salutes the crowd
- A serious Alessandro Petacchi discusses next week's World's race at the post-stage press conference
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) won the mountains jersey with a clear margin
Stage 20 - Saturday, September 17: Guadalajara-Alcala de Henares TT, 38.9 km
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Images by AFP
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) going fast
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) may be a lightweight, but today he rode faster than anyone in any grand tour long TT, save for Ruben Plaza.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) cheered on by a future Heras?
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) at full tilt
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) has developed into a good time trialist
- Victor Pena (Phonak) showing good form en route to setting the quickest time
- Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) was even quicker than his teammate Tom Danielson today
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) did another solid ride to finish top 10
- Stage winner Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) on the podium
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) has Madrid in his sights now
Images by Unipublic
- A minute's silence at the start in memory of the 11 people who died in the recent forest fires in Spain
- Marcus Ljungqvist and Devis Miorin stretch before the start
- Saunier Duval's Joaquin Rodriguez warming up
- Agent Pereiro signing autographs
- Igor González de Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) rolls up for his last time trial
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) looks good in the fishes of the points jersey, but won't win it overall
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) was the best today
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) flying
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) had all the aero equipment
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) rode well to defend his third place on GC
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rode well, but couldn't win today
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) getting up to speed
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) gets going
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) in action
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) moved up to eighth overall
- Mauricio Ardila (Davitamon-Lotto) moved up to ninth
- Juan Miguel Mercado (Quick.Step) lost two positions today
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) with a hard start
- Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) a Vuelta stage winner this year
- David Blanco (Comunidad Valenciana) cranks it up
Images by Hernan Alvarez/Cyclingnews.com
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) had to be content with fifth
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) speaks post-stage
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) salutes from the podium
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) with team manger Manolo Saiz at the press conference
Stage 19 - Friday, September 16: San Martin de Valdeiglesias-Alcobendas, 142.9 km
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Images by AFP
- Getcher fresh grapes here! Grapes for sale! Anyone for grapes?
- Cows love the Vuelta
- Menchov, Heras, and Sastre: the big three in this Vuelta
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) concentrates for another day
- Haussler and Elmiger on the front of the break
- Haussler (L) gets his wheel in front of Elmiger's
- Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) is kissed on the podium
Images by Unipublic
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) exits sign on
- Roberto Heras with Pablo Lastras at the start
- The Vuelta's general director, Victor Cordero ('R) presenting "Stories of the Rainbow" with the book's author Juan Carlos Molero, technical director Abraham Olano and Fernando Escartin
- Pablo Lastras (Illes Balears) is very popular around here
- Cutting the ribbon to start stage 19
- Doing the donkey work
- Lastras and Zaballa lead the first break of the day
- Daniele Nardello (T-Mobile) tows the big break away from the peloton
- Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) looking for the peloton en route to El Escorial
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) forcing the pace
- The peloton climbing
- Martin Elmiger (Phonak) gets some distance on a descent
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) talks on the Bat-phone
- Heras and Sastre in the peloton
- The peloton descends during stage 19
- Heras protected by his teammates
- Liberty Seguros doing a great job again for Heras
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) stays behind a teammate
- Pablo Lastras (Illes Balears) on the front of the break
- Pablo Lastras (Illes Balears) and Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel) work in the break
- Gert Steegmans (Davitamon-Lotto) bringing up the rear
- Adolfo Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) goes for it alone
- Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) wins the sprint in Alcobendas. David Latasa does not.
- Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) is happy
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) lookin' good
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) checks out his flowers
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) likes the fishes on the points jersey
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) now can't lose the mountains jersey
Images by Hernan Alvarez/Cyclingnews.com
- David Latasa was part of the always aggressive Comunidad Valenciana push
- Fourth placed Juan Fuentes (Lampre)
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) pulls on the golden jersey one more time
- Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) at the post-race press conference
Stage 18 - Thursday, September 15: Avila-Avila, 197.5 km
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Images by AFP
- Avila the start/finish town of the 18th stage
- Menchov and Mancebo close to each other
- Liberty Seguros in command
- Bridges were a feature of today's stage
- Nicki Sorensen (CSC) and Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) racing for the stage win
- Nicki Sorensen (CSC) on the podium as stage winner
Images by Unipublic
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is ready for the battle
- Heras lines up for the start in Avila
- The bunch rides during the early part of stage 18
- Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) distracted by a possible bovine element?
- The peloton crosses a bridge near Avila
- The pressure is on in the break
- Jimenez and Sorensen driving the break
- Working on the tan
- Illes Balears stirring things up
- Riding hard in the peloton
- Igor Gonzalez De Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) leads the bunch
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) goes downhill fast
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in the combination jersey
- Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) looks for the bunch on a descent
- Illes Balears keeping the pressure on for Mancebo
- A breakaway rider is pursued by the peloton on a climb
- The peloton on a descent
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) receives the points jersey
- Ascending in stage 18
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) ringed by teammates
- I think we outnumber them: The Liberty boys have the upper hand.
- The best seat in the house to watch the race
- Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (Illes Balears) on his own in front
- The peloton races up the cobbles into the walled city of Avila
- Nicki Sorensen (CSC) wins the 18th stage in Avila from a nonplussed Javier Pascual Rodriguez
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) golden jersey wearer
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) gets some help with his combination jersey
Stage 17 - Wednesday, September 14: El Espinar-La Granja de San Ildefonso, 165.6 km
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Images by AFP
- What a load of bull
- The pace is on
- Passing over a bridge during stage 17
- Heras and Baranowski descending
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) descends
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) hurting a little in the final week
- Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) helps his teammate Carlos Garcia Quesada get away
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) forces the pace
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) not wanting to let Garcia Quesada go
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) gets his photo taken
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) finishing a strong second
Images by Unipublic
- The organisers of the World's in Madrid
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) looking happy to be here
- The peloton was always active
- The bunch catches an early break after the first descent
- The peloton under the impulse of Liberty Seguros
- Liberty Seguros strings 'em out
- Heras and Menchov riding together
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) climbing towards more points for the red jersey
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) follows the wheel of Scarponi
- Concentrating in the gold jersey group
- Joseba Beloki drives the Heras group
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) keeping his composure
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) on track for a podium place
- Pain
- The various teams protecting their leaders in the peloton
- Menchov leads Sastre and Heras
- Heras and Menchov in the peloton
- Perdiguero and Gonzalez leading the chase group behind the big break
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) stayed attentive
- Lastras and Rodriguez drive the pace in the break
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) starts to split the chase group behind Garcia Quesada
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) was very active today
- Mancebo's group chasing on the Navacerrada
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) powering along alone
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) on his way to winning
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) wins the 17th stage
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) king for another day
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is still the points leader
- And Heras is still the best all-round rider
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) is awarded the mountains jersey by Abraham Olano
Stage 16 - Tuesday, September 13: Leon-Valladolid, 162.5 km
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Images by AFP
- Rolling through Leon at the start
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is well protected
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) refuels
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassas Bortolo) refuels
- Hi ho it's the Vuelta a Espana
- The bunch rides between Leon and Valladolid
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) charges for the line
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) a happy stage winner
Images by Unipublic
- The Liberty boyz relax with big daddy Saiz
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) turns up for the start
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) checks out the competition
- Rolling through Leon for the start
- The race goes this way
- Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (Illes Balears) gets the early break going
- Bart Dockx (Davitamon-Lotto) drives the early break, which is hovering ahead of the peloton
- The early break rolls along through the Spanish plains
- The bunch races along in stage 16
- Liberty Seguros controls the peloton
- Mario Aerts (Davitamon-Lotto) in the peloton
- Linus Gerdemann (CSC) wonders what's going on
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) changed the gold jersey for the blue points jersey
- Heras and Sastre next to each other
- One way to see the Vuelta
- Igor Gonzalez De Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) checks if Heras is OK
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) protected by a teammate
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) concentrates
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) with Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) in the peloton during the 16th stage
- Heras and Menchov stay close
- Nacor Burgos (Relax) attacks with Angel Gomez (Saunier Duval) in the last 40 km
- Gomez and Burgos riding ahead of the peloton in the final 40 km
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) beats Petacchi (R) and Perdiguero (L) to win stage 16
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) celebrates his stage win
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) looking good in gold now
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) smiles from the podium in the points jersey
Stage 15 - Sunday, September 11: Cangas de Onis-Valgrande Pajares, 191 km
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Images by AFP
- The peloton started out in fair conditions, but the weather soon turned nasty.
- The peloton led by men from T-Mobile and Liberty Seguros.
- Roberto Heras' face says it all. Menchov's face says nothing.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) forces the rhythm at the head of affairs.
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros, L) has been Roberto Heras' ever-faithful team-mate in the mountains.
- Igor Gonzalez De Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) sets a cracking pace for his leader Roberto Heras.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) sets a cracking pace of his own, soloing to victory atop Pajares.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) gets the tongue-action happening.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks concerned at Roberto Heras leaves his group behind.
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) held onto his third place overall.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) attempts to limit his losses, but lost too much by the day's end.
- Denis Menchov's team was just five-strong by the end of the day.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks like a beaten man.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) claims victory in Valgrande Pajares.
- Number 4 in the bag? Roberto Heras thinks so.
- There's even time for fun and games at the end of the day for Roberto Heras.
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) flies up the climb of Pajares.
- Denis Menchov's time in gold came to a bleak and bitter end today.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) showed today it's never over till it's over.
- The new race leader - Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros).
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) does it again
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) almost there
- Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) wants it to end
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) battles his way up the climb
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) finishes well for fourth
- Mauricio Ardila (Davitamon-Lotto) was the fifth rider on the road
- Mario Aerts (Davitamon-Lotto) digging a bit deeper
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) struggles with Pereiro
- Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) rode well for a top 10
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) en route to 12th
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) limiting his losses
- Daniel Atienza (Cofidis) in the hurt box
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) rides ahead of Adolfo Garcia Quesada
- Juan Miguel Mercado and Oscar Sevilla ride clear of Denis Menchov
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) really in pain
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) suffers in the wet
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) wins the stage in Pajares
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) a strong second
- Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) comes home for a solid third place
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) finishes on the Pajares
- Ardila finishes the stage
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) finishes ahead of Sastre
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) tries the jersey on for size
- Heras likes it
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) back in gold
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) returns to the podium
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) leads the points classification
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is the best rider in the combination classification too
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) salutes as the combination jersey wearer
Stage 14 - Saturday, September 10: Nestlé La Penilla-Lagos de Covadonga, 172.3 km
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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Eladio Jimenez (Comm. Valenciana) arrives to win stage 14
- Give me five! Eldio Jimenez (Comm. Valenciana) looks for a celebratory high-five at the finish
- Inigo Cuesta (Saunier Duval) arrives at the finish
- A nice ride from Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) as he finished in third today
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) finishes stage 14 looking pretty tired
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks strong, and led home Heras
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is spent after a tough day in the mountains with an injury
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) is still in the hunt for at least a podium place
- Dude, I love that hat! And Jimenez loves it too - because it means he's won stage 14 of the Vuelta
- Eladio Jiemenez (Comm. Valenciana) looks very pleased to be on the podium
- The lonely road... with many a rocky mountain
- You've gotta love the horses who are totally at home in the high country
- Eladio Jimenez (Comm. Valenciana) punishes himself on his way to winning stage 14
- Inigo Cuesta (Saunier Duval) rides alone
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) and Gilberto Simoni (Lampre)
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) rides alone during stage 14
- Denis Menchov and Roberto Heras aren't giving anything away to each other in this year's Vuelta
- Denis Menchov and Roberto Heras stalk each other like prize fighters
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) finished sixth on the stage today
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) leads Miguel Perdigero and Santos Gonzalez
- Miguel Perdiguero and Santos Gonzalez (Phonak) work together going over the higher ground
- The Illes Balears pair of Unai Osa and Francisco Mancebo cut a solitary swathe through the pass
- Unai Osa and Francisco Mancebo work together during the stage
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) pushes the tempo on his way to taking 10th on stage 14
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) has it all ahead of him during stage 14
- Plenty of mist on the mountain means there's plenty of climbing left
- Illes Balears has been prominent at the front of the pack this Vuelta
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) has worked hard for Heras all Vuelta
- All the hard work lies ahead in these mountains
- Riders pass Lagos De Covagonda during stage 14
- Descending down to the lake during stage 14
- Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) rides one of his last races for the T-Mobile squad
- Constantino Zaballa (Saunier Duval)
- Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) (left)
- Magnificent views are something riders can't afford to enjoy
- You have to go up...
- But you get to come down again
- Not a bad view at all as riders descend
- Heras and Menchov go blow for blow during stage 14
- Roberto Heras shows the strain as Denis Menchov maintains the poker face
- Sastre and Simoni ride together
Images by AFP Photo
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) seemed to be looking forward to another round with Menchov
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looking focused on defending his lead in stage 14
- The peloton climbs through the Spanish countryside
- The peloton speeds down a hill
- Oooh look a castle - the Vuelta peloton is probably not taking in the scenery
- The peloton fills a narrow country road
- Eladio Jimenez (Comunidad Valenciana) on his solo breakaway.
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) on the attack
- Heras and Menchov are joined by Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-caffita)
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) powers away from Heras and Menchov
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguroa) and Denis Menchov (Rabobank) do battle in the 14th stage, arriving at the finish together.
- Eladio Jimenez (Comunidad Valenciana) waves from the podium
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is congratulated on staying in the leader jersey
Stage 13 - Friday, September 9: Burgos-La Bien Aparecida, 196 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by AFP
- Tom Steels (Davitamon-Lotto) lies unconscious on the ground.
- Tom Steels (Davitamon-Lotto) is immediately sent to hospital following his crash, where the prognosis thankfully revealed he is in a stable condition.
- Dariusz Baranowski (Liberty Seguros) clutches his face after coming down in a fall early in the race.
- Dariusz Baranowski (Liberty Seguros) receives medical attention after getting back on his bike.
- Then it was the doctor's turn to examine Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel).
- Race leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) has been fortunate to avoid incident so far.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) knows Madrid is still some ways away.
- The peloton en route to La Bien Aparecida.
- The peloton splits...
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) leads the winning break.
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) and Mauricio Alberto Ardila (Davitamon - Lotto) fly up the climb of Ampuero.
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) blows a kiss to the God of Fortune.
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) points to the heavens.
- Three favourites - Menchov, Heras and Sastre - mark each other all the way to the line.
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step-Innergetic) signs a few autographs before the start in Burgos.
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Cafitta), with new-look hairdo, does the same.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) has his eyes on the big picture - Madrid.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) gingerly makes his way down the stairs after signing on for the day.
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) leads Mauricio Alberto Ardila (Davitamon - Lotto) up to the finish.
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) in hot pursuit.
- Joan Horrach (Illes Balears) leads Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile Team) on the final climb.
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) sits on Horrach's wheel.
- Pablo Lastras (Illes Balears) en route to sixth place.
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) riding to a top-10 finish.
- Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) brings home the group maillot oro.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) grits his teeth.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looking one cool customer.
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) suffers on the final climb.
- Mountains leader Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Saunier Duval) finished almost four and a half minutes down today.
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) looks to see how far he's got to go.
- Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) knows the battle for the points competition isn't over.
- The Fassa boys get a day off.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) is looking like a good bet come the road world championships.
- But not for the overall title at the Vuelta!
- Here comes the autobus.
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) took advantage of Mauricio Alberto Ardila's mistimed sprint to win the day.
- Mauricio Alberto Ardila (Davitamon - Lotto, R) isn't a happy camper as he crosses the line with Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile, L).
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) leads home the golden jersey group.
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) was in a spot of bother today, finishing 1'33 down on the winner in 25th place.
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) downs an ice-cold drink.
- Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) looks like he might have a toothache.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step-Innergetic) comes home in the grupetto.
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) a delighted stage winner.
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) thanks the man above.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looking a little nervous about tomorrow.
- Spanish legend Miguel Indurain hands over a prize to mountains leader Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Saunier Duval).
Stage 12 - Thursday, September 8: Logroño-Burgos, 148 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by AFP
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is attended to by the race doctor after a pile-up at the head of the peloton around 30 kilometres from the finish in Burgos.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) grimaces in pain.
- Roberto Heras' leg has seen better days.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is getting rather used to the maillot oro.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) notches up his fourth stage win of the 2005 Vuelta in Burgos.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) points to the heavens in memory of his late grandfather Angelo.
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Igor Gonzalez De Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) recently announced his retirement from cycling at the end of this year.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) looking much happier at the start in Logroño than he did at the end of the day.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) could now become Denis Menchov's biggest threat after the crash of Roberto Heras today.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) doesn't appear to have any threat in this year's Vuelta.
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) is shaping himself up for a good ride at the World's.
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Cafitta) has just heard Lance Armstrong is going to race next year's Giro d'Italia.
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Cafitta) and Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) line up at the start in Logroño.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) happy to sign a few autographs.
- Riders at the start in Logroño.
- Petacchi's final lead-out man, Marco Velo, already knows who's won.
- All too easy for Ale-Jet.
- Ale-Jet's a certain winner in Burgos.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) slowly motions his arms towards the sky.
- The two arms come together, pointed.
- Petacchi dedicates his win to his late grandfather, Angelo, as well as wife Anna Chiara.
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Cafitta) knows he's been watched...
- Grazie, Matteo! Alessandro Petacchi thanks his team-mate Matteo Tosatto.
- E grazie Fabio! Petacchi then thanks Fabio Baldato.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) is running out of different victory salutes.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) once again looks to the heavens.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) on the podium.
- Denis Menchov's time in gold is becoming almost a casual affair.
- This will always bring a smile, even a little one.
Stage 11 - Tuesday, September 6: Andorra-Cerler, 186.6 km
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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel) wins the stage
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) wins the sprint for second
- Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel) stage winner
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) likes the feel of it
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) still in gold, and feeling more confident
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) after a long day
- Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel) going for gold!
- I must break them
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) couldn't get rid of the Others today
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) did not budge
- Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) chasing
- Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel) limiting the damage
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) fights hard
- Is that the finish up there?!?
- Relax we're almost there
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) not at the front today
- Are we there yet? Asks Paolo Bettini
- Bits and pieces of the bunch
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) in Zabel's group
- A bit of climbing in today's stage
- A good vantage point
- A sprinters' bus comes up the final climb
- It's a long way to the top if you're alone
- Not far to go for these boys
- A group comes up the final climb
- A group ascends
- Riding in the afternoon sun
Images by Unipublic
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) jokes at the start
- Cutting the ribbon to start stage 11
- Let's get it on!
- Crossing the border between Andorra and Spain
- The peloton rolls along early in the stage
- How to capture a cow's interest
- Phonak went on the attack early
- Points leader Thor Hushovd gets into the car
- Adolfo Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) leads Pereiro on a climb
- David Bernabeu (Comunidad Valenciana) leads Joaquin Rodriguez in the break
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) on the front of the break
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) hammering on the front of the break
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) puts on a jacket at the top of a climb
- Descending in stage 11
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) grabs his feedbag
- On the Coll de la Creu de Perves it rained a bit
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) scored a lot of mountain points today
- Marcos Serrano (Liberty Seguros) leads Heras and Beloki
- The Liberty train with a bit of help from Rabobank
- The pursuit is on in earnest
- Thorwald Veneberg (Rabobank) helping out the Liberty boys
- Joseba Beloki (Liberty) makes it hard
- Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel, L) keeps an eye on things
- Mauricio Ardila (Davitamon-Lotto) ahead of Menchov
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) staying ultra-cool
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) breaks the front group
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) piles the pressure on
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) still on the front
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) chases on to the four leaders with Carlos Garcia Quesada
Images by AFP Photo
- The peloton passes over a bridge during stage 11
- Unnatural light for riders while passing through a tunnel during stage 11
- Another day, another tunnel as riders make their way around the mountainous countryside
- Roberto Heras in second wheel as his team works hard to keep him secure
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) takes in some fluids during stage 11
- Roberto Laiseka (Euskatel) working hard on his way to winning stage 11
- Don't look so happy... Roberto Laiseka (Euskatel) doesn't appreciate the benefits of receiving two kisses at once
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks relaxed before the start of stage 11
- More gold for Denis Menchov after stage 11
- Heras (l) and Mechov (c) ride together during stage 11 - they have been inseparable
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) rides to second on stage 11. He's still in touch with the leaders, almost two minutes back
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) has a look at the day's stage route
- Roberto Laiseka (Euskatel) wins stage 11 into Cerler
Stage 10 - Monday, September 5: La Vall d'En Bas (Girona)-Ordino Arcalis (Andorra), 206.3 km
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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Here come the leaders!
- The lead group begin the final climb.
- Rounding one of many switchbacks to the summit at Andorra.
- Here they come!
- And there they go!
- A long way to go.
- Juan Miguel Mercado (Quick Step) rode an excellent, attacking stage to finish fifth.
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) was a little off his best today.
- Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) really suffering.
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) isn't having much fun, either, finishing 12th on the stage.
- Aitor Gonzalez Jimenez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) lost any chance of winning the tour today, finishing five minutes down.
- Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero (Phonak) finished almost four and a half minutes in arrears.
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) was way off his best on the climb of Ordino Arcalis.
- Early breakaway Rik Verbrugghe (Quick Step) spent a great deal of time out in front today.
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) in the hurt box.
- The remnants of the peloton.
- The only way is up.
- What's that on the hillside?
- One kilometre to go.
- The five leaders approach the summit of Andorra.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) giving it plenty up front.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is flanked by race leader Denis Menchov.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) looks ahead to the summit finish in Ordino Arcalis.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) triumphs atop Ordino Arcalis.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) can't hide his delight.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) gets the shoulder back for a big air-punch.
- Hai-yahhh!
- About time, God!
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) can't believe it.
- Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) had a tough time today, but rode well enough for eighth place.
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) looking a little pooped.
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) holds his winner's trophy up high.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) enjoying his time in the maillot oro.
Images by AFP Photo
- Denis Menchov's a happy man to still be in yellow
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) gets a kiss on the podium
- Menchov (l) and Mancebo (r) duel it out on the final climb of the day
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks comfortable during stage 10
- That's tops! Denis Mechov (Rabobank) stays in yellow for another day
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) climbs within himself during the tough stage 10
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) rides hard on his way to winning stage 10
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) and Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) enjoy a little chat before the stage starts
- Beloki (l), Scarponi (c) and Heras (r) ride together on stage 10 in a good showing for Liberty
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) wins after a thrilling stage 10
Stage 9 - Sunday, September 4: FC Barcelona-Camp Nou TT, 48 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) pursued by a TV moto
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) at full tilt
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) gluing his eyes to the road
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) passes his four minute man Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier)
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) cutting an aero profile
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) doing a measured ride
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) en route to setting the best provisional time
- Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) winding it up
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) or is it the Alien?
Images by Unipublic
- Vuelta director Victor Cordero (L) presents former Unipublic director Alberto Gadea with a token gesture
- The Liberty camp warms up. And no, that isn't Sean Kelly in the background.
- Warming up on the rollers
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) maybe considering a bit of help down the hills
- Juan Antonio Flecha (Fassa Bortolo) signing an autograph pre-start
- Jose Antonio Garrido (Quick.Step) was the first rider off
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) aero but powerful
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) gets it going
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) was one of the best today
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) driving it hard
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) in action
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) taking a corner
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) taking a corner
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) from behind
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) wants it to end now
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) doesn't really love time trials
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) travelling well
- Juan Miguel Mercado (Quick.Step) lost a bit of ground today
- Relax it's only a TT
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) drives it home
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) towels down
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) gets a big trophy for his win
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) has the gold jersey back in his keeping for now
- Would you mind keeping focused on the matter at hand?
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) with the combination jersey
Stage 8 - Saturday, September 3: Tarragona-Lloret de Mar, 189 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Paco Mancebo with mountains leader Eladio Jimenez and Pablo Lastras
- The peloton passing through a tunnel during stage 8
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) rides during stage 8
- Heras didn't have it easy all the time
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is very determined
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) beats Thor Hushovd to win stage 8
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) on the podium for the third time
- Golden jersey Roberto Heras
Images by Unipublic
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) signing on
- Patrick Calcagni (Liquigas-Bianchi) with a young fan
- Get some of this into you
- All lined up for stage 8
- Kilometre zero
- The peloton rolls out of town
- Xavier Florencio (Relax) gives chase on his own
- Bart Dockx (Davitamon-Lotto) and Angel Gomez (Saunier Duval) were the first to escape
- Bart Dockx (Davitamon-Lotto) leads at the intermediate sprint in La Gornal
- Xavier Florencio (Relax) leads Gomez and Dockx in the break
- Angel Vicioso (Liberty) does his turn
- Liberty Seguros leading the peloton
- Bram de Groot (Rabobank) grabs his feedbag
- Matteo Tosatto (Fassa Bortolo) trying to protect himself from the sun
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) wins the stage
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) awarded the combination jersey
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) on the podium
- Eladio Jimenez (Comunidad Valenciana) gets the mountains jersey
- Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) in the leader's jersey
Stage 7 - Friday, September 2: Teruel-Vinaros, 212.5 km
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Images by AFP Photo
- The Comunidad Valenciana boys, Ruben Plaza and David Blanco, check out the news
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) in his first day in gold
- An older spectator watches the race go past
- Max van Heeswijk (Discovery Channel) wins the seventh stage
- Max van Heeswijk (Discovery Channel) on the podium
Images by Unipublic
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) signing autographs
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) smiling at the start
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) looking forward to today
- Relaxed at the start of the stage
- Isidro Nozal (Liberty Seguros) sits on the line in anticipation
- The Mayor of Teruel, Lucia Gomez Garcia, cutting the ribbon to start stage 7
- Cruising out of town for the start of stage 7
- Only 212.4 km to go…
- Leon van Bon and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano lead the peloton at the start
- The heat is on! again
- Heras in the thick of it
- The break starts to form early on in the stage
- Egoi Martinez (Euskaltel) helped form the first breakaway
- Eladio Jimenez (Comunidad Valenciana) leads over the first climb of the day
- Liberty Seguros leads the bunch over the first climb of the day
- The boys in blue led by Isidro and Igor
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) in control
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) rides in the company of his teammates, including Joseba Beloki
- Inigo Cuesta (Saunier Duval) asks for directions
- Inigo Cuesta (Saunier Duval) on the front of the break
- Poilvet and Verbrugghe lead the break
- The breakaway group starts to solidify its lead
- The breakaway group passes through the feed zone
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) grabs his feed bag
- Liberty Seguros has things well in hand
- Well, what do we have here?
- Dude, check out the view! Morella greets the Vuelta
- Egoi Martinez (Euskaltel) leading the break
- Ignacio Gutierrez (Phonak) in front, with Poilvet coming to terms with his lunch?
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) keeping his cool
- Rik Verbrugghe (Quick.Step) with Egoi Martinez on his wheel
- The devil has spawn everywhere
- Fabio Baldato (Fassa Bortolo) rides tempo on the front of the bunch
- A token rain shower provides some relief
- We'll get 'em don't worry
- Getting ready for the finale
- Max van Heeswijk (Discovery Channel) beats Erik Zabel and Alberto Ongarato to win stage 7
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) on the podium for the second day in gold
- Eladio Jimenez (Comunidad Valenciana) is the new mountains leader
- Liberty Seguros awarded as best team yesterday
Stage 6 - Thursday, September 1: Cuenca-Valdelinares, 217 km
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Images by AFP
- With a mountain-top finish, Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) was laughing all the way to Valdelinares today.
- Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) is looking very good in this first week, and is now third overall.
- The peloton make the 217 journey from Cuenca to Valdelinares.
- Russian Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rode brilliantly to move into second overall.
- Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Saunier Duval) finds himself in fourth overall after Stage 6.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is all determination up the climb of Valdelinares.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) punches the air as he crosses the line a winner.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) pulls over his first golden tunic of the 2005 Vuelta.
- Is this the face of the 2005 Vuelta a España champion?
Images by Unipublic
- Yesterday's stage winner Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) found the sign-in closed when he got there, which required a little explanation to the commissaires.
- Actress Dana García gets comfy next to Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile).
- A few familiar faces on the startline.
- Miguel Ángel Martín Perdiguero (Phonak) gets his transmitter issues sorted.
- Attacks began from the get-go, with the peloton already one long line.
- Five riders - Koos Moerenhout, Stijn Devolver, Thomas Voeckler, Pablo Lastras and Guido Trentiget - break away from the peloton.
- At the first sprint, the quintet held a 30 second advantage over the peloton.
- Meanwhile, back in the peloton, the GC riders' teams aren't letting the break get too out of hand.
- Climbing up to Alto de la Ciudad Encantada, the fast rhythm sees Thomas Voeckler the first rider off the back.
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) wasn't the only one having a hard time of it today.
- The peloton begin their ascent of the Category 2 climb of Cubillo.
- The peloton wind their way up the climb.
- Bradley McGee (Française des Jeux) had a really tough time in the crosswinds today, losing almost 12 minutes by the finish.
- The peloton is split into pieces.
- Paco Mancebo's Illes Balears team protect their leader as much as they can.
- Soon after peace was restored, Koos Moerenhout (Davitamon-Lotto) has a go off the front.
- Comunidad Valenciana get the chase happening.
- Yummy! Or maybe not. Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) isn't too sure what to do with the ham.
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) dons the golden tunic as race leader.
- And the mountains jersey to boot!
Stage 5 - Wednesday, August 31: Alcazar de San Juan-Cuenca, 176 km
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Images by Unipublic
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) checks everyone out
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) rolls up
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) rolls up
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) at sign on
- San Sebastian winner Constantino Zaballa (Saunier Duval)
- Marcos Serrano (Liberty Seguros) is one of his team's most experienced riders
- Cutting the ribbon to start stage 5
- Ready, set, go!
- It's easy to get to the finish: just follow the signs
- Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas-Bianchi) tries to get something happening
- Bernhard Eisel (FDJ) takes the first sprint ahead of Flecha
- Stirring it up at the front
- The heat is on!
- Quique Gutierrez drops off the peloton
- Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Phonak) had to abandon today
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) abandons during stage 5
- Francaise des Jeux controlling things for most of the day
- The break is formed by Staf Scheirlinckx and Jakob Piil
- Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) and Michael Barry (Discovery) on the front of the break
- Erik Leblacher (CA) drives the break
- Thorwald Veneberg (Rabobank) driving the break
- Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) descending quickly
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) has a stretch
- Refueling time
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) looks the best of the GC riders at the moment
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) sucks down a bidon
- Francisco José Ventoso (Saunier Duval) drops back with 25 km to go
- Quick.Step, Fassa, and T-Mobile take over from FDJ and chase down the breakaway
- Bernhard Kohl (T-Mobile) riding hard
- Quick.Step setting tempo at the foot of the last climb
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) leads Carlos Sastre (CSC) on the descent after the final climb
- Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) celebrates his win in Cuenca
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) in the combination jersey
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) on top after stage 5
- Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is the new leader in the points classification
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) increased his lead in the mountains classification
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) happy to lead the combination classification too
Stage 4 - Tuesday, August 30: Ciudad Real-Argamasilla de Alba, 232.3 km
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Images by Unipublic
- Igor González de Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) pensive before the start in Ciudad Real.
- The peloton starts the race proper.
- The breakaway passes the second intermediate sprint in Daimiel, led by Christophe Edaleine (Cofidis).
- The peloton relaxed for now as the lead group extend their advantage.
- 36 degree days call for plenty of fluids.
- Afternoon tea time - the peloton come into the feed zone.
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) and Eladio Jiménez (Comunidad Valenciana) ride together.
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) receives a kiss from his Mum. Awww.
- Ignacio Gutiérrez (Phonak) gets tangled up in a crash with José Manuel Caliente (Team CSC) midway through the race.
- The breakaway begin to feel to effects of the heat and the ever-encroaching peloton.
- Time's almost up for the three Frenchman out in front.
- The peloton momentarily splits into two groups on the run-in to Argamasilla de Alba.
- Française des Jeux ride near the front, protecting race leader Bradley McGee (C).
- Two - Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) triumphs once again, with Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole, L, unseen) and Erik Zabel (T-Mobile, R) second and third.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) accepts his new jersey as points leader.
- Mountains leader Joaquín Rodríguez (Saunier Duval).
- Bradley McGee (Française des Jeux) likes the thought of another day in gold.
Stage 3 - Monday, August 29: Cordoba-Puertollano, 153.3 km
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Images by Unipublic
- Floyd Landis (Phonak) the team captain
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) is congratulated by Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano and the Liberty Seguros team
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) had a pink helmet to go with his mountains jersey
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) rocks up
- Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) even more upbeat today
- The hostilities are opened in the first kilometres
- The pace was on in the opening kilometres
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) wins the day's only mountain sprint, and takes the jersey as a result
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) rides in gold
- Spanish ad billboards are fairly easy to spot
- José Ivan Gutierrez (Illes Balears) gets some assistance from the team car
- Rolf Aldag (T-Mobile) crashed today
- Francaise des Jeux controls the peloton
- Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) was the main breakaway of the day
- Javier Pascual Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) suffers in the heat
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) wins the third stage
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) enjoying the leadership
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) has the points jersey
- Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) is the new mounains leader
Stage 2 - Sunday, August 28: Granada-Córdoba, 189.3 km
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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Are we early?
- Domina Vacanze signs on
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) exits sign on
- Ale-Jet is here
- Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues) in his 400th race of the season
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) arrives
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) rolls up
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) prepares to start
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) Rabobank leader and gold jersey wearer
- Sacchi and Petacchi strap the battle gear on
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux, L) chats to a teammate
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) waiting for the climbs
- Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) surprisingly upbeat
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) nervous
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) looking hopeful
- Once more big smile
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) must be happy with his stage 1 time trial
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) warms up
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) happy to be here
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) pre-hydrates
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) wonders how it will go
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) serious
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) adjusts things
- The peloton leaves
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) gets ready
Images by Unipublic
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) interviewed at the start
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) gets ready
- Thor Hushovd (CA) fronts up
- T-Mobile's Spaniards Oscar Sevilla and Paco Lara
- The peloton in the neutral zone
- The peloton leaves Granada
- The start of stage 2
- Luis Perez gives Beloki some tips
- The peloton begins to pick it up
- Sevilla and Mancebo ride together
- Bernhard Eisel (FDJ, R) takes the first sprint at km 20 ahead of Verbrugghe (C) and Boonen (out of shot)
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) gets his knee seen to
- The Casero bros: Angel (L) and Rafael (R)
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) chats with former teammate Pablo Lastras (lles Balears)
- Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) as water carrier
- Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) and Dariusz Baranowski look out for Roberto Heras
- The Liberty team take Heras back up
- Benoit Joachim (Discovery Channel) deduces the reason for his loss of power
- David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) with Duclos-Lassalle in tow
- David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) with Herve Duclos-Lassalle (Cofidis) on his wheel
- De la Fuente goes for it alone
- Quick.Step's Kevin De Weert and Jurgen Van Goolen lead the peloton
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) beats McGee to win in Cordoba
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) trying to blend in with the locals
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) now in gold
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) is the points leader as well
- Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis) also has the mountains jersey
Stage 1 - Saturday, August 27: Granada-Granada TT, 7 km
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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) driving
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) en route to victory
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rolls past
- Rik Verbrugghe (Quick.Step) full gas
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) comes up the climb
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) concentrating
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux) goes past
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) was the best Spaniard in fourth
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) powers up the hill
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) had a great ride for fifth
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) comes up the climb
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) reaches for another gear
- Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) rode well for 6th
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) comes up the climb
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) not leaving anything in the tank
- Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) defended his number well
- David Bernabeu (Comunidad Valenciana) comes up the climb
- David Bernabeu (Comunidad Valenciana) finished 8th today
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) made his ambitions clear
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) was good enough for a top 10
- Santi Botero (Phonak) on the climb
- Santi Botero (Phonak) looks ahead
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) keeping his composure
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) goes by
- Aitor Gonzalez (Euskaltel) was OK, but not at his best
- Oscar Sevilla (T-Mobile) grimaces in pain
- Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas-Bianchi) suffers
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) didn't go too hard today
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) on his way
- Here comes Tom Boonen
- There goes Tom Boonen
- Thor Hushovd (CA) was well off the pace
- Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) riding solidly
- Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) looking smooth
- Floyd Landis (Phonak) was not at his best today
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) hammers it
- Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) was off the pace today in 59th
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) working hard
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) on his way to the top
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) punches his way up the climb
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) ploughs ahead
- Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues) in action
- Joseba Beloki (Liberty Seguros) did not have a good day, as he crashed on the second corner
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in gold
Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com
- Rik Verbrugghe (Quick.Step) hammers up the hill
- Rik Verbrugghe (Quick.Step) en route to setting the day's early best time
- Charly Wegelius (Liquigas-Bianchi) during his ride
- Charly Wegelius (Liquigas-Bianchi) going hard
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) warms up
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) and iPod
- Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) warms up
- Floyd landis (Phonak) still showing the road rash from a training crash a couple of days ago
- Aitor Gonzales (Euskaltel-Euskadi) bathed in orange under the team cabana.
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) happy to be in Spain for the Vuelta.
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) gets on his game face and eyewear.
- Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguras)
- Rafael Nuritdinov (Domina Vacanze)
- David Canada (Saunier Duval)
- Rik Verbrugghe (QuickStep) was fastest at the halfway point
- Rik Verbrugghe (QuickStep) - his early dash was rewarded with second place
- Charly Wegelius (Liquigas)
- Ruslan Ivanov (Domina Vacanze)
- Denis Miorin (Liquigas)
- Giuliano Figueras (Lampre-Caffita
- Julian Dean (Credit Agricole)
- Eladio Jiminez (Communidad Valenciana)
- Aitor Osa (Illes Baleares)
- J.E.Gutierrez (Phonak)
- Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros)
- Angelo Furlan (Domina Vacanze)
- David de la Fuente (Saunier Dival)
- Juan Miguel Mercado (QuickStep)
- Sebastein Chavanel (Bouygues Telecom)
- Santos Gonzalez (Phonak)
- Dariusz Baranowski (Liberty Seguros) goes hard
- Daniel Atienza (Cofidis)
- Benjamin Noval (Discovery Channel)
- Bram de Groot (Rabobank)
- Tom Steels (Davitamon-Lotto)
- Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) starts out on his last grand tour in magenta.
- Francisco Pérez (Illes Balears) made a good start with a 12th place in the prologue
- Santiago Botero (Phonak) - would finish in the top ten
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) gets going
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) looks done in after his ride
- Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) talks to reporters after his ride to 97th place
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) looks a bit disappointed with tenth place
- Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) gets cleaned up
Images by Unipublic
- Hey it's Miguel Indurain
- Big Mig is still popular
- Not sure which team she rides for
- The Phonaks warm up
- Santos Gonzalez (Phonak) gets some helmet adjustment
- Paco Mancebo (Illes Balears) warming up
- Jose Azevedo (Discovery Channel): what, me worry?
- Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) sets off
- Aitor Osa (Illes Balears) during his ride
- Miguel Perdiguero (Phonak) winds it up
- Marcos Serrano (Liberty Seguros) with the look
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) gives it gas
- Daniele Nardello (T-Mobile) cruises past
- Gonzalez and Mayo warm up
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the podium
- Rik Verbrugghe (Quick.Step) has the mountains jersey
