14th Crocodile Trophy - NE

Australia, October 21-30, 2008

Photography

Stage 10 - October 30: Ayton - Cape Tributlation, 48 km

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Images by John Flynn/Cyclingnews.com

• Tomas Trunschka (VIG+Racing 1) gets Crocodile fever.
• Tomas Trunschka (VIG+Racing 1) crosses the Bloomfield.
• The riders of the 2008 Crocodile Trophy pose on the beach.
• The result of too many long, hot days in the Outback.
• The final day of racing starts at Ayton.
• Men's podium (L-R): Craig Gordon (Rockstar Racing), Martin Horak (VIG+Racing Team), Ondrej Fojtik (VIG+Racing Team 2), Tomas Trunschka (VIG+Racing 1) and Nicolas Vermeulen.
• The event support crew were going just a little bit fruity by the race's end.
• The elite men's podium and stage winner Naomi Hansen.
• The all conquering team from VIG+ Racing.
• Team Lingier's Nic Vermeulen and Kris Hertsens relax at the drink station.
• Poland's Stefaniak Wojciech crosses the Bloomfield River.
• Runner-up Martin Horak (VIG+Racing Team 2) crosses the Bloomfield river.
• Ondrej Fojtik takes the Crocodile theme to new lengths.
• Czech rider Ondrej Fojtik poses for photos at the finish line after winning the Crocodile Trophy.
• Ondrej Fojtik (VIG+Racing Team 2) celebrates his win and the fact he can now go for a swim at the beach.
• Naomi Hansen wins the final stage from the overall race winner.
• Love those jerseys: The final day was a formal occasion for some.
• Jo Bennett (Merida - Flight Centre 2) crosses the finish line.
• Eric Vanderaerden and Crocodile Trophy supremo Gerhard Schoenbacher.
• Gatorade makes you go longer... but beer is just as enjoyable at the end of a tough race.
• The peloton crossing the Bloomfield River in the heart of Croc Country.
• It wasn't all fun and farewells on the final day with riders having to climbing the steep mountains of Daintree.
• Australian Craig Gordon and Czech Ivan Rybarik ride towards the finish.
• A huge thank you to the Crocodile Trophy kitchen crew.
• Belgian Karen Steurs (Team Ride for Stars) was the women's race winner.
• Women's champion Karen Steurs with fourth place getter and fellow Belgian Nic Vermeulen.

Stage 9 - October 29: Cooktown - Ayton, 128 km

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Images by John Flynn

• Breakaway Rider Martin Horak.
• Eric Vanderaerden on the descent into Wujal Wujal.
• Karen Steurs at the Roaring meg crossing.
• Ondrej Fojtik.
• Likely overall winner Ondrej Fojtik.
• A hard day at the office for belgian Nic Vermeulen.
• Australian Nathan Dyke watches his footing.
• Daniel Wyss in crystal clear water.
• Georg Vinczencz smiling with the finish line in sight.
• Guido De Jong makes the river crossing.
• Jo Bennett leads her team toward the Daintree.
• Karen Steurs tries to keep her bike dry.
• Kris Herstens gives his bike a wash.
• Kris Hertsens negotiates the water crossing.
• Naomi Hansen descends with style.
• Naomi Hansen of the Coopers Shimano Dream Team nears Black Mountain National Park.
• Philipp Zenklusen awash at the Roaring Meg.
• Polish Cyclist Stefaniak Wojciech goes downhill fast.
• Race start on the Cooktown waterfront.
• Raf DeBakker does the bike carry.
• Reece Stevens keeps his balance.
• Riders cross a creek as they head towards the Daintree.
• The Bloomfield River Crossing where crocodiles lurk.
• The Merida Flight Centre team on the Cooktown docks.
• Tomas Trunschka and Nic Vermeulen at a creek crossing.
• Tropical North Queensland tourism ambassador Isaac Tonello.
• Yes, this really is Croc Country.
• Zdenik Kris enjoyus the cool waters.

Stage 8 - October 28: Laura - Cooktown, 142 km

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Images by John Flynn / Crocodile Trophy

• Australian Craig Gordon won stage eight.
• Ondrej Fojtik reaches the summit of Grassy Hill.
• The Crocodile Trophy peloton rolls along Battle Camp Road.
• Craig Gordon and the bunch ride through Lakefield National Park.
• Karen Steurs celebrates a smashing effort.
• Kris Hertsens attacks again.
• Krisof Vanspauwen rides across the empty Laura River.
• Nic Vermeulen despondent at the end of the stage.
• Nic Vermeulen digs deep.
• Riders cross a creek in the Lakefield National Park.
• Riders fly through a feed zone during stage eight.
• Ruedi Senn enjoys a water crossing.
• The chase containing Craig Gordon crosses the Endeavor River.
• The early morning break on Battle Camp Road.
• The GC Leaders' group rides along.
• The Ivanator Ivan Rybarik turns over a huge gear.
• The Merida Flight Centre Team at a creek crossing in the Lakefield National Park.
• Nic Vermeulen and Ondrej Fotjik cross the crocodile-inhabited Endeavor River.
• Aboriginal Elder Uncle Tommy George fires the start gun in Laura.
• Phil Smith is determined to finish the race.
• Belgian Marc Roggen crosses a creek.
• Craig Gordon is at his best on stage 8.
• Craig Gordon cools down in Cooktown.
• Craig Gordon gets a tow from Ondrej Fojtik.
• Craig Gordon on his way to a stage win.
• Craig Gordon reaches the top of Grassy Hill with Ondrej Fojtik in pursuit.
• Daniel Wyss puts in another long day on the bike.
• Eric Vanderaerden takes in more fluids.
• Gillis Van Loon and Raf Debakker
• Gillis Van Loon and Tomas Kozak ride Battle Camp Road.
• Guy Lemmens leads the pack through the Laura River Bed.
• Guy Lemmens makes a huge effort.
• Isaac Tonello takes on supplies.
• Ivan Rybarik pulls another huge turn.
• Jo Bennett still manages a smile.

Stage 7 - October 27: Mt. Mulgrave - Laura, 148 km

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Images by John Flynn / Crocodile Trophy

• The Merida Flight Centre team
• Jo Bennett (Merida Flight Centre) is the women's race leader.
• Karen Steurs (Team Ride for Stars) struggled in the sand.
• Nic Vermeulen wins the stage.
• Race leader Ondrej Fojtik (VIG+Racing Team 2) takes a turn at the front.
• Matt Powell leads a group of riders through a water crossing.
• Nic Vermeulen leads the bunch across the dry, sandy Palmer River.
• Philipp Zenklusen of Switzerland leads a group across the Palmer River.
• Race leader Ondrej Fojtik powers along the road to Laura.
• Riders embark on the epic stage to Laura.
• Steers hoof it as the riders approach.
• Steven Bourg of Belgium dismounts in the sand.
• The breakaway passes through Mount Mulgrave station.
• The peloton heads toward Laura.
• The Czechs show how it's done at the water crossings.
• The early morning break in the savannah lands of lower Cape York.
• Tomas Trunschka glides through the sand.
• It was a little dirty out there.
• A beast keeps a close eye on the progress of Karen Steurs.
• Alfred Schabauer changes a flat tire.
• Alfred Schabauer gets muddy.
• Australian Isaac Tonello enjoys every moment.
• Craig Gordon grits his teeth in the deep sand.
• Englishman Phil Smith in last place, but enjoying the ride.
• Eric Vanderaerden lends a hand to Karen Steurs.
• Isaac Tonello
• Jo Bennet in fine form
• Jo Bennett concetrates at the race start.
• Karen Steurs focuses at the race's start.
• Marc Roggen leads his group through a water crossing.

Stage 6 - October 26: Chillagoe - Mt. Mulgrave, 138 km

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Images by John Flynn

• Australian riders cool down in the Mitchell River
• Belgian Eric Vanderaerden gets aboard another prime mover
• Those seeking glory need not apply... Kejval Lubos crosses the finish line to the applause of two fans
• Kejval Lubos and Tomas Kozak arrive at Mt Mulgrave Station
• Kejval Lubos and Tomas Kozak celebrate their efforts
• No contest here as a rider makes way for an outback road train
• Riders caught in the dust as a roadtrain passes by
• The peloton heads through anthill country near Chillagoe during stage 6
• A scramble as Christian Birngruber takes on water supplies.
• Aussies Reece Stevens and Nathan Dyke hit the gas.
• Belgian Nic Vermeulen at the first feed station.
• Daniel Wyss on the road to Mount Mulgrave.
• Darren O'Grady of the Coopers Shimano Dream Team running the tank dry.
• Eric Vanderaerden en route to a masters stage win.
• Georg Vinczencz crosses an outback river.
• In the dry season the rivers that riders cross carry little water.
• Karen Steurs and partner Christophe Huybrighs.
• Karen Steurs on the road to Mount Mulgrave.
• Lubos Kejval zipping along.
• Naomi Hansen in third place and racing strongly in the women's event.
• One of the locals in a hoof stamping mood.
• Passing by an outback cattle station near Chillagoe.
• Patrick Van Gelder of Belgium.
• Phil Smith is the Chillagoelocal in the Croc Trophy field.
• Riders crossing a creek bridge near Chillagoe.
• Rolling out of Chillagoe.
• The Merida Flight Centre team surounds Jo Bennett.
• The bunch containing the G.C. leaders in cruise mode.
• The bunch containing the women's race leaders.
• The bunch hits a bulldust patch.

Stage 5 - October 25: Chillagoe - Chillagoe, 120 km

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Images by John Flynn

• Adrian Jackson and Ivan Rybarik power away from their competitors.
• Adrian Jackson of Merida Flight Centre finished in second today and gave the Czechs a run for their money.
• Cyclists pass by a majestic beast.
• Karen Steurs tired but happy after making a good comeback in the GC.
• Kejval Lubos and Ivan Rybarik driving hard in the beginning of the race.
• Darren O'Grady of the Coopers Shimano Dream Team leads the breakaway group.
• Adrian Jackson surveys the road ahead.
• Adrian Jackson takes on fresh supplies.
• Benedikt De Vrees cranks over the big gears.
• Chaos at the feed station.
• Daniel Wyss of Switzerland ahead of the main bunch.
• Eric Vanderaerden swaps water bottes.
• Eric Vanderaerden with a hard-to-quench thirst.
• Ivan Rybarik takes a breather at stage end.
• Karen Steurs gets the women's stage win.
• Kejval Lubos hits the pain barrier before fading.
• Merida Flight Centre's Adrian Jackson pulls another turn.
• Naomi Hansen of the Coopers Shimano Dream Team rehydrates.
• Nick Both of Merida Flight Centre on a lonely journey.
• Real beasts of riders.
• Riders suck on oranges for instant energy.
• Riding in the vast Australian outback.
• Solo entrant Craig Gordon still clinging to hopes of a podium G.C. result.
• The G.C Group taking it easy.
• The bunch containing the race leader's takes it easy.
• The dry, dusty track of the Australian outback.
• The lead three head for Chillagoe.
• The leaders cross an outback cattle grid.
• The only Cool Spring here is in a bottle.
• Tomas Kozak leaves the feed station.
• Tomas Kozak of the Czech Republic.

Stage 4 - October 24: Gunnawarra - Chillagoe, 130 km

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Images by John Flynn

• Struggling in the sand.
• Bert Apers rolls into Chillagoe.
• Best of friends Jo Bennett and Karen Steurs.
• Czech sportsman Martin Horak.
• Eric Vanderaerden in the outback flatlands.
• Glory to you, Martin Horak.
• Horak and Hertsens swapping turns.
• Kejval Lubos relaxes with his work for the day done.
• Kristof Herstens and Martin Horak with victory in sight.
• Kristof Hertsens leads Martin Horak.
• Luc Gielen takes on some hydration.
• Man of the moment: Martin Horak.
• Marc Withofs of Belgium heading seriously outback.
• Martin Horak makes his way into Chillagoe's beautiful ranges.
• Martin Horak on the road to victory with Kristof Hertsens.
• Matt Powell of Velo Cycles in anthill country.
• More flat tyres for Crocodile Trophy protagonists.
• Nick Vermeulen leads the peloton.
• Philipp Zenklusen of Switzerland motors through the railway crossing.
• The Belgian and the Czech sharing the road.
• The Croc Trophy's first ever women's sprint finish.
• The commando and the flatlands king cross the finish line.
• The leaders pass the glorious cliffs around Chillagoe.
• The men's bunch rolls in behind the leading ladies.
• The peloton containing the lead women heads for Chillagoe.
• Trouble in sand country.
• Long straight stretches on the road to Chillagoe.

Stage 3 - October 23: Koombooloomba - Gunnawarra, 122 km

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Images by John Flynn / Crocodile Trophy

• Yes, this IS as hard as it looks
• Disaster can strike anytime at the Croc Trophy.
• Martin Horak runs up the hill with his bikes in his hands.
• Horak laboured hard up the hill under the relentless sun.
• But at the top he was able to crack a smile.
• Joanne Bennett (Merida - Flight Centre 2) with Karen Steurs (Team Ride for Stars) directly behind on the climbs.
• Karel De Winter (Winter Vreese) and Steven Boury enjoy the powerline track.
• Lubos_Kejval (VIG+ Racing) looks happy at the race start.
• Martin Horak (VIG+Racing Team 2) leads on the powerline track.
• Martin Horak (VIG+Racing Team 2) on an early solo move for his team.
• Flat changing was how most of the riders spent their day.
• Nicolas Vermeulen digs deep.
• Nicolas Vermeulen leads the chase group.
• Nick Both (Merida - Flight Centre 1) with teammate Adrian Jackson close behind.
• Oops the cameraman forgot to warn me about this!
• Overall race leader Ondrej Fojtik (VIG+Racing Team 2) on the day's biggest climb.
• Stage winner Tomas Trunschka (VIG+Racing 1) is part of the strong Czech team.
• Tomas Trunschka (VIG+Racing 1) on his way to winning stage 3.
• Joanne Bennett (Merida - Flight Centre 2) is the women's race leader.
• Zdenek Kriz (VIG+Racing 1) gets over the summit.
• Sometimes walking is the best way to keep going forward.
• Alfred Schabauer of Austria gets the legs pumping.
• Almost over the summit.
• Australia Reece Stevens fights on after crashing.
• Axel Strauss of Austria hoofs it up the powerline track.
• Daniel Wyss (Swisscrocs08) focuses on the mountain top.
• Eric Vanderaerden (Marc Herremans Foundation) on foot
• Guido De Jong carries his bike uphill.
• Ivan Rybarik (VIG+Racing 1) on the descent.
• Jiri Kriz (VIG+Masters) of the Czech Republic leads the peloton.

Stage 2 - October 22: Irvinebank - Koombooloomba, 128 km

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Images by John Flynn

• Ondrej Fojtik and Ivan Rybarik of VIG+ Racing swept all before them on today's stage
• VIG+ Racing's Ondrej Fojtik and Ivan Rybarik finished on top after a long breakaway
• The leaders head through Koombooloomba
• The peloton makes its way over the Herberton Range
• The mighty Czech contingent had a great day today
• A taste of the Australian Outback.
• Austrian Valentin Zeller.
• Belgian Steven Boury on the road near Irvinebank.
• Brisbane's Matt Powell steps on the gas.
• Craig Gordon and Nic Vermeulen lead the chase.
• Darren O'Grady of Coopers Shimano Dream team gets some shade.
• Darren O'Grady slams the big gears.
• Eric Goeleven of Belgium.
• Eric Vanderaerden climbing.
• Eric Vanderaerden on the Herberton Range.
• Fojtik and Rybarik working together.
• Fojtik pulls another turn.
• Ivan Rybarik leads the peloton.
• Ivan Rybarik quenches a hard-earned thirst.
• Ivan Rynarik and.
• Jiri Kriz of team VIG loving the Croc Trophy.
• Jo Bennett of Merida Flight Centre in the women's leaders jersey.
• Love that croc jersey.
• Luc Gielen puts in a huge effort.
• Martin Horak of Team VIG+.
• Matt Powell leads the bunch over the Herberton range.
• Mikkel Wichmann of Denmark.
• Naomi Hansen riding for the Coopers Shimano Dream Team.
• Nic Vermeulen fuels up.
• Petr Uhlik on the Australian bush roads.
• Race Start.
• Raf DeBakker of Belgium.
• Robert Novotny leads the way for the Czechs.
• Rybarik and Fojtik cross the finish line.
• Swiss cyclist Daniel Wyss.
• Tell my wife I didn't stop at the pub...Eric Vanderaerden.
• The beautiful outback country near Irvinebank.
• The long road uphill.
• Time for a drink as the riders pass an Australian bush pub.
• Valentin Zeller seeks help from the race doctor for cramp.

Stage 1 - October 21: Mareeba - Irvinebank, 86 km

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Images by John Flynn

• A strong ride by Belgian Kris Hertsens.
• A tough day for Merida Flight Centre.
• Adrian Jackson bleeds from his chin.
• Alfred Schabauer carries his bike.
• Austrian Valentin Zeller gets mentally prepared.
• Belgians in Australian jerseyes.
• Benedikt De Vreese.
• Christian Birngruber of Austria.
• Craig Gordon powering on the dirt.
• Crocodile Trophy regular Valentin Zeller.
• Guido Dejong in the outback.
• Kejval Lubos struggles to keep going.
• Local Mareeba entrant Isaac Tonello.
• Martin Horak of VIG+ racing.
• Nic Vermeulen at the water depot.
• Nic Vermeulen finishes.
• Nic Vermeulen hits the dirt.
• Race favourite Ondrej Fojtik with the number one plate.
• Race start in Mareeba.
• Riders prepare for the Crocodile Trophy journey.
• Rock Star Craig Gordon.
• Ronny Potter with the finish line in sight.
• Stage winner Tomas Trunschka.
• Stephens Reece pushes uphill.
• The Merida Flight Centre team on the asphalt.
• The joys of the Crocodile Trophy.
• The last riders head for the finish in Irvinebank.