10th Tour Down Under - ProT

Australia, January 20-27, 2008

Photography

Stage 6 - Sunday, January 27: Adelaide City Council Street Circuit, 88km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Simon Clarke leads the Australia-UNISA train around the streets of Adelaide on the final stage of the Tour
• The Tours three placegetters corner in Adelaide (L-R): Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Caisse D'Epargne, 3rd), Andre Greipel (Team High Road, 1st), and Alan Davis (Australia-UNISA, 2nd)
• The Tour rolls through on the back of the course in Adelaide
• The CSC train leads the peloton through during the 88 kilometre final stage criterium
• Graeme Brown (L) of the Rabobank team held the Tour lead for one day before handing it back to Mark Renshaw
• A photo opportunity as the Tour leader, Andre Greipel (Team High Road) swings by
• A small bunch tried to split the race up in the middle part of the stage
• Matt Wilson (Australia-UNISA) drives the peloton out of the home straight in Adelaide
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) edges out Gerolsteiner's Jan Robert Forster to win the final stage and the Tour
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) wins his fourth stage of the Tour and the first ever Pro-Tour outside of Europe
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) was awarded the best placed South Australian rider of the Tour
• Miguel Indurain congratulates Tour winner Andre Greipel (Team High Road) on the podium in Adelaide
• Alan Davis (Australia-UNISA) just failed to win the Tour but was awarded the most aggressive rider's jersey on the stage
• Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Caisse D'Epargne) took out the Share the Road best rider under 25 of the Tour
• Germany's Andre Greipel (Team High Road) the 2008 Tour Down Under winner with his trophy
• Tour commentator and podium presenter Jimmy Jaques was showered with champers by riders on the podium
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is presented with the year's first Pro-Tour leader's jersey in Adelaide

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• The tour hosts were back again and did a great job as usual.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) was looking focused at the start.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) in action during the stage.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) reacts after Allan Davis (Australia-UniSA) won the first sprint.
• Matt Wilson (Australi-UniSA) out front working for Allan Davis.
• The peloton spread out during the fast paced race.
• Benoit Joachim (Astana) went for a flyer.
• CSC joined forces to control the race for a while.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) and Allan Davis (Australia-UniSA) stayed close all race.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes a corner at speed.
• Australia-UniSA out front trying to reel in the break.
• The five man break.
• The peloton racing in the East End.
• the final sprint for the tour begins.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) lunges for the line...
• And celebrates.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) prepares for the podium.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) was pounced on by the media.
• Allan Davis (Australia-UniSA) won the most aggressive today.
• Jose Rojas (Caisse D'Epargne) took out the young riders jersey.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) in the Sprinters jersey.
• Philippe Gilbert (FDJ) won the KOM jersey.
• FDJ took out the Teams prize.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) celebrates in the Ochre jersey.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) in the years first Pro Tour jersey.
• Time to celebrate.

Images by Cyclingnews

• Graeme Brown (Rabobank) relaxes before the start of the final stage.
• The riders are lined up for what should be a very exciting race.
• Pre-race sign-on or collecting phone-numbers? You decide.

Images by Rachel Burke/www.maximumattack.biz

• Allan Davis (UniSA) gets some pre-race support from fellow Aussie Robbie McEwen (Silence - Lotto).
• One of the Saunier Duval support crew goes for a spin.
• Looking focused - riders from Caisse d'Epargne before the race.
• A Caisse d'Epargne rider reads up on Stage 6.
• A minor, but very important, pre-race adjustment.
• The East End of the Adelaide CBD was filled with colour.
• The field sets off on the final, and deciding stage of the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• The UniSA team were a force to be reckoned with today.
• Setting the pace, the UniSA team were on a mission.
• A one-man breakaway by Benoit Joachim (Astana) was quickly gathered up by the peloton.
• Team CSC riders take a turn of pace, while overall Tour leader Andre Greipel (Team High Road) sits back conserving energy.
• A race fan keeping her guide to the race 'under her hat'.
• 2005 TDU winner Luis Leon Sanchez looked strong during a breakaway.
• Allan Davis (UniSA) with fellow Aussie Stuart O'Grady (CSC) on his wheel.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) sitting in the peloton.
• A close finish on Stage 6 sees Andre Greipel take out victory.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) celebrates as he crosses the line to take out overall victory in the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• Team High Road celebrate their victory.
• A junior Team High Road fan's dream comes true when Andre Greipel throws his flowers to her.
• A tour to remember - Andre Greipel (Team High Road) dominated the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• Riders make their way onto Rundle Street.
• Allan Davis (UniSA) recovers with some much needed water, as Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is interviewed about his victory.

Stage 5 - Saturday, January 26: Willunga - Willunga, 147km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) signs on. Will he hold on to his Ochre jersey.
• The peloton ride along the foreshore of Aldinga beach.
• A nice day at the beach, or a bike race.
• Credit Agricole look controlled in the early stages of the stage.
• A few riders got tangled up on the third lap.
• Igor Astarloa (Milram) gets a hand getting up after the crash.
• Caisse D'Epargne on the front as they head towards the sea for the third time.
• The peloton stretch out.
• The peloton pass some vineyards near McLaren Vale.
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) heads up in front on the early part of the climb.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) struggled on the climb.
• The leading group on the climb, in front of a huge crowd.
• William Walker (Rabobank) leads the main group as the road flattend out.
• Luis Sanchez (Caisse D'Epargne) went for it with 15km to go.
• With 10km to go UniSA-Australian National Team went to the front, for hopefull Allan Davis.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) took his third win for the tour, and moved into the leader's jersey.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) feels the heat, after a long hard day.
• Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) after the stage heads to his team van.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is enjoying Australia.
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) raises the Aussie flag on Australia Day.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) on the podium with Miguel Indurian.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) has had a great tour, and is sure to win overall after tomorrow.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• A member of Team High Road celebrates team-mate's Andre Greipel's win into Willunga.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) shows his disappointment at losing the Tour lead after stage five in Willunga.
• A Gerolsteiner rider takes a well earned drink after the 147 kilometre stage which included the climb up Willunga Hill in 35 degree heat.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is wrapt in his third stage victory of the Tour.
• You mean to tell me I could win the first ever Pro-Tour held outside of Europe?
• Germany's Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is in blistering form in the Tour Down Under.
• Gerolsteiner's Carlo Westphal from Germany was awarded the Hindmarsh Most Aggressive rider of the stage jersey.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) will be looking to finish the Tour off with another possible stage victory on the sixth and final stage in Adelaide.
• The Tour's fastest legs (left) and possibly the nicest (right).
• Team High Road manager, Alan Peiper, had his charges making all the right moves on stage five.
• Jan Robert Forster (L) of the Gerolsteiner team was eleventh overall going into the penultimate stage.
• Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) returns to the team-car after signing on in Willunga.
• Carlo Westphal (Gerolsteiner) cools down in the leading group some five minutes ahead of the peloton.
• What a great name for a vineyard: Sorry, I couldn't resist.
• The leaders make their way along the roads around Willunga with a five minute plus gap on the peloton.
• The peloton in search of the leaders on the roads around McLaren Vale wineries.
• A Brilliant Blend King of the Mountains leader, Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux), gets a hand with his jersey on the podium.
• Luke Roberts (Australia UNISA) approaches the sign-on board in Willunga; Roberts was in 62nd place, twenty-four seconds off the Tour leader.
• Brett Lancaster (Milram)(left) with Tour leader Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) prior to stage five in Willunga.
• Boy you Aussies will use anything to cover up from the sun: Temperatures reached 35 degrees on stage five and the crowd was estimated at 85,000 for Australia Day.
• The peloton begin their ride along Aldinga Beach for the first time on stage five.
• The peloton string out on the roads beside vineyards in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia.
• South Australia is famous for it's wine and the Tour takes the vineyards in on stage five around Willunga.
• A five-man leading group head along Aldinga Beach beside the tempting waters of South Australia.
• Aitor Galdos Alonso (Euskaltel Euskadi) corners in the lead group at Aldinga Beach.
• The chasing peloton on a small rise at Aldinga Beach slowly bridged the gap to the leaders.
• Aitor Galdos Alonso (Euskaltel Euskadi) offers Gerolsteiner's Carlo Westphal a cool drink in the leading group.
• The peloton descend on the roads around Willunga .
• Oh! I can't believe this, there is a panda bear chasing me up the climb: Frenchman David Moncoutie (Cofidis Le-Credit Par Telephone) was the first over the climb up Willunga Hill despite the chasing bear.
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) gaps for air on the climb up Willunga Hill just seconds behind Moncoutie.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes out his third stage win of the Tour into Willunga and onto the GC as the new Tour leader.

Images by Greg Johnson/Cyclingnews

• Kiwi rider Timothy Gudsell signs on before the start of stage 5
• UniSA rider Luke Roberts is interviewed before the start in Willunga
• Current race leader, Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) faces a tough day out to protect the ochre leader's jersey
• A pensive Graeme Brown (Rabobank) considers what's to come in today's important stage
• Team High Road manager Alan Peiper discusses tactics with key rider Adam Hansen prior to the start of stage 5
• The peloton is led by Credit Agricole
• The bunch hard at work

Images by Rachel Burke/www.maximumattack.biz

• You'd smell too if you had all this fur on such a hot day!
• With a Panda giving chase, David Moncoutie (Cofidis) took out the King of the Mountain at Willunga Hill.
• The Pandas are coming, and they could use a lift....anyone?
• Not usually one to shun the limelight, the Willunga Hill Devil tried to blend into the crowd.
• Spectators try their luck at conquering the KOM.
• Just along for the ride? I think not, this little future champ put in a mighty effort to make it to the KOM at the top of Old Willunga Hill.
• The Aussie flag was not only useful for showing national pride...
• Bram De Groot (Rabobank) gets some running repairs on his bike.
• A mid-race breakaway including riders from Gerolsteiner, Euskaltel - Euskadi, Astana, Team High Road and Ag2r La Mondiale.
• Credit Agricole out front at Snapper Point, Aldinga.
• The peloton enters Willunga to finish lap 1.
• An early breakaway on lap 1.
• Clearly they've done this before - spectators looking very comfortable.
• What's Australia Day without a good ole aussie barbie?
• Flying the flag on Australia Day.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) looked relaxed before the start of the 5th stage.
• One of the Lampre team shares a joke on the start line.
• Aussie favourite Allan Davis (Australia - UniSA) chats to Kurt-Asle Arvesen (CSC).
• The riders prepare on the start line as the Australian National Anthem is performed.
• Koen De Kort (Astana) gets some pre-race attention.
• Michael Albasini (Liquigas) performs some pre-race checks on his bike.
• Many race fans showed their national colours as they packed the circuit to watch Stage 5.
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) gives his thoughts on the race ahead.
• Looking strong throughout the event, Andre Greipel (Team High Road) chats before the race starts.
• Young Aussie Will Walker (Rabobank).
• Aussie Simon Clarke (Australia - Uni SA) signs on for Stage 5.
• Dressed in finery, even a little princess came out to cheer the riders on.
• A spectacular 10th birthday creation, made by local Willunga resident Brian Kowald.
• Race Director Mike Turtur gives two of the Gerolsteiner riders a run down on Stage 5.
• A local beauty crew had 'hat hair' covered.
• 2007 Tour Down Under victor Martin Elmiger and team mates chill out before Stage 5.
• Mine's the black carry on case...
• Jan Boven (Rabobank) puts his feet up before the race start.
• Hand made wine holders, a perfect accompaniment to a few bottles of the local drop.
• Lots of fresh produce was on offer at the Willunga Market.
• These creations have to be the winners of the Willunga hat competition!
• The rest of the field including Stuart O'Grady, were left to wonder 'what if'.
• Unbeatable on Stage 5, Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes out victory and the overall lead in the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• A fight to the line.
• The crowd can't wait to see who's out in front for the sprint to the finish.
• An accessory for every occasion!
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) attacks to take out 3rd place in the KOM.
• A family day out.
• Not playing favourites, Aldinga residents cheer on the riders.
• Aussie supporters have a birds eye view of the action.
• Celebrating a 10 year tradition, the party just keeps getting bigger and better!
• Milram rider Enrico Poitschke warms up before the stage start.
• Riders pose for an all Italian group photo.
• Hometown favourite Stuart O'Grady.
• Tour de France legend Miguel Indurain pleased fans by signing autographs.
• New overall leader Andre Greipel (Team High Road).
• Mountains leader Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux).
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is presented with the trophy for winning Stage 5 of the Tour Down Under in Willunga.
• A joey relaxes under the shade of a tree in today's hot conditions.

Stage 4 - Friday, January 25: Mannum - Strathalbyn, 134km

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Luke Roberts (UniSA-Australian National Team) and team-mate Karl Menzies await the start of the days racing.
• The peloton head out of Mannum.
• Attacks were on from the begining today.
• Simon Clarke (UniSA-Australian National Team) lead a trio up the KOM.
• The peloton head up the early climb.
• The four riders out front at the top of the climb.
• The locals even dressed up in ocre for the day.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) came off the worst after the peloton missed a tight bend.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) kept goin though.
• Before too long the pace was on again after the corner incident.
• Richie Port (UniSA-Australian National Team) out in front.
• All the teams were trying to make the all important break today.
• At the sprint into the finish Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) took a tumble.
• Plenty of action as the riders head to the line.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes a close win in front of Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole)
• Graeme Brown (Rabobank) escorts team mate Mathew Hayman over the finish line.
• Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) had some nasty scratches after his fall.
• Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) haa a broken collarbone.
• Jose Rojas (Caisse D'Epargne) throws his flowewrs into the crowd after receiving the Young Riders jersey.
• Good Aussie girl.
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) retained his KOM jersey.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) in ocre and loving it.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• A little rock grafitti on the climb up Adelaide road near Palmer on stage four of the Tour.
• The peloton roll through a one-tree landscape on the 134 kilometre stage from Mannum to Strathalbyn.
• UniSA-Australia team-mates Karl Menzies (left) and Alan Davis in the peloton approaching the outskirts of Strathalbyn.
• Race Doctor, Peter Barnes (left), comforts Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) after he broke a collarbone falling in the home straight in Strathalbyn.
• Stage winner Andre Greipel (Team High Road) got more than he bargained for when he won into Strathalbyn.
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) tries on his A Brilliant Blend King of the Mountains jersey in Strathalbyn.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) remains in the Tour leader's ochre jersey after the fourth stage.
• The oldest rider in the race; Fabio Baldato (Lampre) relaxes prior to the stage four start in Mannum.
• The Tour hit Mannum for the start to stage four in thirty degree plus heat.
• Support from a lone fan for the leading trio on the climb up Adelaide road at the 20 kilometre mark.
• Riders corner at Mt.Torrens heading for Woodside and the next intermediate sprint at the 60 kilometre mark.
• Riders cross a railway-line during stage four of the Tour.
• Credit Agricole on the front of the peloton and keeping their Tour leader, Mark Renshaw, handy for a bunch sprint in Strathalbyn.
• Javier Aramendia Lorenti (Euskaltel Euskadi) was awarded the stage's most aggressive rider and deserved a drink for his breakaway attempt.
• The peloton corner approaching the final twenty kilometres and closing the gap on the lone rider at front.
• Urgency required for a mechanical problem with Euskaltel Euskadi's Mikel Chaurreau Astarloza.
• Mmm, this stuff isn't as nice as the local drop: Team High Road's Frantisek Rabon would rather a Coopers Ale at the Hilton bar perhaps?
• Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) minutes before crashing out of the Tour on stage four.
• The Tour sprint to the finish with Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) sitting on the ground in the distance after a nasty fall.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) throws his bike at the line and wins another stage of the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• A bruised and battered Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) rides back into the finish after falling heavily in the sprint to the line.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) is a happy man after claiming his third stage (including the Classic Criterium) of the Tour.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) remains in SA Lotteries Sprint Points leader's jersey after four stages.
• Francaise Des Jeux's Philippe Gilbert looks forward to the podium kisses when he claims his King of the Mountains jersey.

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Denis Flahaut laughing with reporters prior to Stage 4 of the Tour Down Under.
• Amets Txurruka has his race face on at the Tour Down Under.

Stage 3 - Thursday, January 24: Unley - Victor Harbor , 139km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Allan Davis (UniSA-Australia) looking picture perfect before today's stage.
• Wesley Sulzberger (UniSA-Australia) leads the break.
• The trio of breakaways were looking strong.
• Rabobank lead the peloton on a sharp descent.
• Rabobank were on the front in hope of protecting Graeme Brown's lead.
• The break were cheered on all the way.
• The colourful peloton from a birds eye view.
• The peloton take a corner at high speed.
• Team High Road out front as the race was in its later stages.
• William Walker (Rabobank) in the bunch.
• Wesley Sulzberger (UniSA-Australia) giving his all.
• The break with 15kilometres to go.
• After the break was caught Caisse D'Epargne and CSC pushed the pace.
• Allan Davis (UniSA-Australia) takes an easy win.
• Allan Davis (UniSA-Australia) answers questions for the media.
• Allan Davis (UniSA-Australia) makes his way to the podium.
• Allan Davis (UniSA-Australia) was joined by his daughter on the podium.
• Allan Davis (UniSA-Australia) and his little fairy on the podium.
• Jose Rojas (Caisse D'Epargne) gets the spoils of being the Young Jersey wearer.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) in the sprinter's jersey.
• Miguel Indurian was there to see the action.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) loving being back in the leaders jersey.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) is showing some good early season form.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Matthew Lloyd (Silence-Lotto) gets friendly with a local in Unley for the stage three start.
• Members of the Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone team relax before the start of racing on stage three.
• Stage winner, Alan Davis (Australia-UNISA), has the odd microphone thrust beneath him for quotes in Victor Harbor.
• It's all the fun at the fair for stage three winner Alan 'Alby' Davis of the Australian UNISA team.
• Hey! My dad's just won another stage of the Tour Down Under.
• R is for Robbie: Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) puts pen to the sign-on board in Unley.
• Hey Alby I reckon you can win this stage: Tour leader Graeme Brown (Rabobank) inspects his front wheel with Alan Davis (UniSA-Australia) on the startline in Unley.
• Riders await the start to stage three; A 139 kilometre trip to Victor Harbor.
• How much can a koala bear? A fair bit if it's the Tour Down Under - it's great!
• Spectators get a great view of the Tour as it passes beneath them leaving Unley in Adelaide.
• A helicopter provides television footage as the Tour heads towards Sellick's Hill.
• Saunier Duval's Camano Ortuzar Iker (177) and Del Nero Montes Jesus (172) take fresh bidons and drinks to team-mates further up in the peloton.
• Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) chats with Team CSC's Matt Goss (L) back in the peloton during a quieter moment in the stage.
• The three leaders (L-R) Kjell Carlstrom (Liquigas), Wes Sulzberger (Australia-UNISA), and Mickael Delage (Francaise Des Jeux) head up Sellicks Hill leaving the waters of South Australia behind them.
• Alan Davis of the UniSA-Australia team takes stage three into Victor Harbor after the peloton caught the breakaway trio with about five kilometres remaining.
• I bet you say that to all the girls: Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) from Belgium is the King of the Mountains leader after three stages.
• Credit Agricole's Mark Renshaw from Australia is back in the Tour leader's ochre jersey after the third stage.

Images by Greg Johnson/Cyclingnews

• A group of Astana riders relax just before the start in Unley, ahead of stage 3 of the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• Kiwi sprinter Greg Henderson from Team High Road talks to television commentator Paul Sherwen prior to the start.
• Quick Step riders assemble just before the start in Unley.
• Race director Mike Turtur interviewed by ABC Radio at the start.
• The winner of stage 3 of the 2008 Tour Down Under, Allan Davis, nurses his son after the stage win in Victor Harbour.

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Simon Gerrans (Crédit Agricole) before the start of the stage.

Stage 2 - Wednesday, January 23: Stirling - Hahndorf, 148km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) at the sign up.
• Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) and team mate Matt Goss looking pretty happy about being in South Australia, whilst at the start line.
• The peloton makes its way along the undulating terrain of Stage 2.
• The peloton enters the town of Echunga.
• The three break aways in action.
• The peloton ride the hills of Adelaide.
• Chief Commissaire Michael Robb with the best seat in the house.
• On the KOM Phillippe Gilbert (Fancaise Des Jeux) had plenty of support.
• Jan Boven (Rabobank) has a chat with his team director out the back of the race.
• Credit Agricole took to the front to make sure the escape group didn’t succeed.
• Credit Agricole stayed on the front for much of the race.
• The break was still in front with 40km to go.
• Handorf has a great finishing straight.
• Nearly at the line, but who will it be?
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes the win.
• Silence-Lotto riders talk about the race at their team car.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) accepts his prize for his win in Handorf.
• Graeme Brown (Rabobank) is now the new leader.
• Graeme Brown (Rabobank) waves to the enthusiastic crowd.
• As usual a large crowd was there to watch the cycling.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Chief Commissaire Michael Robb from Ireland poses for a photo with baby kangaroo in Stirling.
• Team-cars with bikes atop are ready to leave the startline in Stirling for stage two.
• Riders speed past some Tour fanatics on the road to Hahndorf on stage two.
• The leading trio in the main street of Hahndorf with a minute gap back to the peloton.
• Chief Commissaire Michael Robb is enjoying the sun in Australia so much as he keeps watch on the peloton.
• The peloton head up the main street in Hahndorf before another great crowd that has come out to see the Tour Down Under.
• Podium kisses for new Tour leader Graeme Brown of the Rabobank team.
• Are you really going to take that joey home? 2007 Tour winner Martin Elmiger (Ag2R-La Mondiale) from Switzerland cradles a baby kangaroo
• Last minute call-up: Tasmanian Richie Porte of the (UniSA-Australian National Team) was a late inclusion to the race and was a member of the breakway on stage one.
• Rabobank team-manager Erik Dekker chats with Graeme Brown in Stirling prior to Stage 2.
• Boy the scenery out here is great! Two members of the Caisse D'Epargne check out some Aussie girls in Stirling.
• Looking ahead: Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) has his eyes fixed on more victories in 2008.
• Adam Hansen (L) and Scott Davis both from Queensland in Northern Australia and team-mates with Team High Road.
• Awe aren't you a cutey: Theo Eltink (Rabobank) gets friendly with a joey in Stirling.
• Stephane Poulhies (Ag2R-La Mondiale) drives the leading trio into Hahndorf.
• Credit Agricole (with the help of a Rabobank rider) lead the peloton through Hahndorf with its Tour leader, Mark Renshaw, in seventh wheel.
• Stephane Poulhies (Ag2R-La Mondiale) grabs a bite to eat in the leading break.
• Credit Agricole found some support from a Rabobank rider in its chase to bring back the leading trio.
• Simon Gerrans (Credit Agricole) is sandwiched between some Caisse D'Epargne riders on a small rise out of Hahndorf.
• Frenchman David Moncoutie (Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone) has ridden the roads on the Pro circuit in Europe for many years and is now on the roads of Australia.
• The peloton head up a rise out of Hahndorf and close in on the leading trio of French riders.
• Fans can get up close and personal with the Tour as it speeds by on the roads of South Australia.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes stage two into Hahndorf ahead of Graeme Brown (far right) of Rabobank and Alan Davis of the Australia-UniSA team.
• Gee, what's so funny? I've just won a stage of the 2008 Tour Down Under!
• Hey, remember my name: Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone) is the leader of the SA Lotteries Sprint Points competition.
• Yoann Offredo (Francaise Des Jeux) is the leader of the King of the Mountains competion after the second stage.
• Australian Graeme Brown (Rabobank) is in the ochre jersey of the Tour leader after two stages.

Images by Greg Johnson/Cyclingnews

• Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) with his child Seth before the start of Stage 2.
• Igor Astarloa (Milram) gets familiar with the furry locals
• Riders hit the top of the K.O.M. section

Stage 1 - Tuesday, January 22: Mawson Lakes - Angaston, 129km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Greg Johnson/Cyclingnews.com

• Silence-Lotto riders before the race.
• Lounging about a café is a perfect start to the day.
• The loudest shirt competition is tomorrow, Miguel, not today.
• The lead bunch consisting of Mickael Buffaz (Fra) of Cofidis, Dimitri Champion (Fra) of Bouygues Telecom and then Richie Porte of UniSa.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Tasmanian Karl Menzies (Australia UNISA) lost time after crashing at the feed-station in Seppeltsfield and will be stiff and sore in the morning.
• Credit Agricole Team Manager, Serge Beucherie, congratulates Mark Renshaw after his sizzling sprint to win stage one into Angaston.
• A guarded walk: With the national jersey comes fame for 2008 Australian Road Race Champion Matthew Lloyd of the Silence Lotto team.
• Bernard Eisel (Team High Road) from Austria after signing on for stage one of the Tour Down Under in Mawson Lakes.
• Wes Sulzberger (Australia-UNISA) signs on in Mawson Lakes and may well be still feeling the effects of a nasty fall in the Australian Road Championships last week.
• Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) has won more stages of the Tour Down Under than any other rider in the race's history.
• A neutral-spares moto-pilot has the team's wheel specifics on the back of his vest to assist his support passenger.
• Frenchman David Moncuitie (Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone) is a long way from home but will enjoy the weather in sunny South Australia.
• The leading trio (L-R): Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone), Dimitri Champion (Bouygues Telecom), and Richie Porte (Australia-UNISA) opened up a gap of over five minutes at one point on the peloton.
• Dimitri Champion (Bouygues Telecom) corners ahead of his partners in crime in the leading break on stage one.
• The peloton weren't smelling the roses at the half-way mark of the 129km stage with the leading trio over five minutes up the road.
• Mickael Buffaz (left) of the Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone team edges out Dimitri Champion (Bouygues Telecom) at an intermediate sprint in Lyndoch.
• Some of the Tour convoy make their way under the banner at the finish to stage one in Angaston.
• The field were all together by the time they hit Angaston and the sprint to the line was on.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) take the stage with the rest of the Tour behind him in Angaston.
• A delighted Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) from Bathurst in New South Wales has started the year in great form winning the Bay Classic Criterium Series and now the first stage of the Tour Down Under.

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone) was awarded the Hindmarsh Most Aggressive rider's jersey for stage one.
• The SA Lotteries Sprint Points jersey for stage one went to Mickael Buffaz of the Cofidis-Le Credit Par Telephone team.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) gets his podium kisses after being presented with the Tour leader's ochre jersey for stage one.
• Local boy Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) signs on.
• Bobbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) makes his way to the sign on area.
• As usual fans lined the route on Stage 1.
• The main bunch makes its way through some stunning scenery.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) rides in the bunch.
• Christophe Kern and Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) stuck in no man's land trying to bridge the gap.
• The peloton rides through the vineyards.
• The peloton rides past the palms on its way to Angaston.
• 15km from the finish the hopeful teams get on the front.
• The three breakaways close to home, but not close enough.
• The sprint was furious.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) was far too strong though and took the first Pro Tour win of the season.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) answers question put forward by the hungry media.
• Matthew Lloyd (Silence-Lotto) finished in the bunch today.
• Miguel Indurian pleased the crowd before the presentation.
• Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) waves to the crowd, to celebrate his win.
• Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis) became less aggressive after winning the most Aggressive jersey.
• Jose Rojas (Caisse D'Epargne) is now wearing the Young Riders jersey.
• Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis) was happy with receiving the Sprint Jersey.
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux) happy to be back on the TDU podium, this time for the KOM jersey.
• Mark Renshaw(Credit Agricole) enjoys the spoils of success.
• Mark Renshaw(Credit Agricole) looking good in ocre.

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Kjell Carlstrom (Liquigas) at the stage start in Mawson Lakes.

Down Under Classic - Sunday, January 20: Glenelg circuit, 50km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• The Sanier Duval boys await the start.
• The peloton stayed pretty close all race.
• Summer time in Adelaide.
• The peloton racing in the afternoon light.
• Some spectators had a good view.
• The peloton head through Glenelg.
• William Walker (Rabobank) leads the race.
• Rabobank took control during the second half of the race.
• Riders pass by the first corner on the two kilometre circuit.
• Bouygues Telecom decided to come to the front with two laps to go.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) takes the win, ahead of some some competition.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) celebrates his win.

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• The Tour Down Under keeps coming back... like a boomerang.
• Sections of the huge crowd in Glenelg took up every possible vantage point to view the race.
• Okay, which one of you horses did this?
• Big wheels keep on rollin' at the Tour Down Under.
• The peloton on the streets of Glenelg early into the Down Under Classic..
• The peloton stretch out in front of a huge crowd in Glenelg.
• Action from the 2008 Down Under Classic from Glenelg in South Australia.
• Riders go on the attack and look to break open the race.
• Scott Davis (Team High Road) gets a taste of the 2008 Down Under Classic.
• Matthew Lloyd (right) of the Silence-Lotto team proudly wearing his new Australian road race champion's jersey.
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) corners out of the home straight in an attempt to sneak away from the peloton.
• Theo Eltink (Rabobank) from the Netherlands leans into a bend.
• William Walker leads the Rabobank train out of the home straight.
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) from South Australia is the hometown favourite for the Tour Down Under.
• The peloton head under the banner in Glenelg, a suburb of Adelaide, home to the Tour Down Under.
• Andre Greipel (Team High Road) from Germany gets his podium kisses after winning the 2008 Down Under Classic.

Team presentation - Sunday, January 20

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Team Gerolsteiner await their call-up for the 2008 Tour Down Under teams' presentation in Glenelg.
• Team Ag2R La Mondiale are a tight unit.
• Tour de France legend Miguel Indurain (L) is introduced to the crowd by commentators Paul Sherwen (centre) and Phil Liggett
• Team Australia UNISA are introduced to the crowd in Glenelg.
• Riders from the Liquigas (standing) and Francaise des Jeux teams await their introduction in Glenelg.
• 2005 winner Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (Caisse d'Epargne) is a strong candidate for overall honours again in 2008.
• Scott Davis (Team High Road) was on the attack last week in the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships and will be one to watch in Adelaide.
• Brett Lancaster (Milram) has a ProTour ranking of 128 and is a classics specialist in Europe.
• Caisse d'Epargne team manager Neil Stephens (right) will be keeping a close watch on his charges in the 2008 Tour Down Under.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) gives a wave to his family and friends back home in France.
• Recently crowned Australian Road Champion Matthew Lloyd (Silence-Lotto) is all smiles awaiting his team's presentation to the crowd in Glenelg.
• Best mates, team-mates, and not bad golfers too... Nick Gates (L) and Robbie McEwen of the Silence-Lotto team.