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Cycling photography for April - Part II

Tour de la Manche
CSC Classic
Four Days of Dunkirk
Historic Roswell Criterium
Museeuw's farewell criterium
Souvenir Magali Pache
GP S.A.T.S.
Giro di Toscana
Tour of the Gila
Rund um den Henninger Turm
GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano
Tour de Romandie
La Vuelta de Bisbee
Aust. track nats
Athens Twilight Criterium
Ruban Granitier Breton
Baw Baw Classic
Week In, Weak Out Dirt Crit Series #5
Giro dell'Appennino
Tour de Georgia
Liege-Bastogne-Liege
Contre la montre pour le coeur
Fleche Wallonne
Amstel Gold
Paris-Roubaix
Giro del Trentino
Tour de Vendée
Copperopolis
Veenendaal-Veenendaal
GP de Denain
Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen
Rund um Köln

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Tour de la Manche

Stage 1 - May 6: Donville-les-Bains - La Haye-du-Puits, 161 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Stage 1 winner and the first race leader is Saulius Ruskys (Oktos)
• Jukka Vastaranta (Rabobank TT3) is the best espoir after stage 1
• The Rabobank TT3 looks unbeatable again

Stage 2 - May 7: La Haye du Puits - Agon-Coutainville, 189 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Ludovic Auger is the new leader after winning stage 2
• Nic White of HSBC is a potential winner of the Tour de la Manche
• Crédit Agricole has taken the team competition lead over from Rabobank

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Yannick Talabardon (Auber 93) happy after his good stage yesterday.
• Blowing a gale near the beaches of Utah Beach.
• The decisive 18-man break that went with 120 kilometres to go.
• The peloton led by Rabobank, whose indecisiveness cost them.
• Nicolas White (HSBC) and Ludovic Auger (Auber.93), the two heroes of the day.
• David Arassus (Crédit Agricole Espoirs) takes the points to move into the lead in the mountains classification.
• Nicolas White (HSBC) and Ludovic Auger (Auber.93) on the edge of sea coming into Agon-Coutainville.
• Ludovic Auger (Auber.93) wins the stage, with Nicolas White (HSBC) second.
• Ludovic Auger (Auber.93) becomes the new race leader - but does he want to be?

Stage 3 - May 8: Agon Coutainville ITT, 14.6 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Eventual stage winner Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) at the start in Agon Coutainville.
• Nicolas White (HSBC) would go on to take the leader's jersey by just five seconds.
• Overnight leader Ludovic Auger (Auber.93) wasn't looking confident about defending his lead.
• Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) with team director Frans Maassen checks the results - it's a Rabo 1-2-3!
• Mellow in yellow - new race leader Nicolas White (HSBC).

Stage 4 - May 8: Agon Coutainville - Mortain, 101 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• David Bréard (Auber 93) creates the stage-winning break, with Jukka Vastaranta (Rabobank, obscured) on his wheel.
• David Bréard (Auber 93) and Jukka Vastaranta (Rabobank) contine to make progress on the peloton.
• After a massive effort, Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) managed to make contact with the two leaders.
• The yellow-jersey team of HSBC spear the head of the peloton to limit the break's advantage.
• The three-man break, with Bréard, Posthuma and Vastaranta.
• A delighted Jukka Vastaranta (Rabobank) wins the stage.
• David Bréard (Auber 93) finishes second, followed by Joost Posthuma (Rabobank).
• Ludovic Auger (Auber 93) and his team-mate Yannick Talabardon finish a few seconds in front of the peloton containing race leader Nicolas White (HSBC), and it was enough for Auger to assume control of the general classification.
• Stage winner Jukka Vastaranta (Rabobank).

Stage 5 - May 9: Mortain - Granville, 160 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• The Auber.93 team keep abreast of the latest in current affairs.
• Auber.93 keep things in control for race leader Ludovic Auger.
• The break of the day, with Lemoine (Credit-Agricole), Reus (Rabobank), Macleod (HSBC), Baatout (V.C Evreux) and Jay (Canada espoirs).
• The local rider Laurent Paumier (Auber.93) leads the peloton.
• The group passes by Mont Saint-Michel; Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (Crédit Agricole) can't help but admire its beauty.
• Cyril Lemoine (Crédit Agricole) thinks of victory on the final circuit.
• The peloton in the streets of Granville.
• Second overall Nicolas White (HSBC) attacks, but Ludovic Auger (Auber 93) is right on his wheel.
• Ian McLeod (HSBC) wins the stage followed by Kai Reus (Rabobank).
• Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) congratulates Ian McLeod (HSBC).
• The five stage winners salute the crowd.
• Ludovic Auger (Auber 93) is the final winner of this year's Tour de la Manche.

CSC Classic (GP Aarhus)

Images by www.cyclingworld.dk

• Don't think your boys are gonna win today! tells the CSC team director.
• Winner Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Team CSC) looking a little lonely on the podium.
• That's better! The podium: (L to R) Magnus Bäckstedt (Alessio-Bianchi), Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Team CSC) and Allan Johansen (BankGiroLoterij).

Four Days of Dunkirk

Stage 1 - May 5: Dunkerque - Steenvoorde, 181 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Cofidis team members sign in for the Four Days of Dunkirk
• David Millar (Cofidis) arrives at the start, ready for action
• David Millar (Cofidis) atop Mont Cassel, during stage 1
• Jans Koerts (Chocolade Jacques) crashed out of the race during stage 1
• A delighted Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) wins stage 1
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) on the podium with his trophy

Stage 2 - May 6: Hem - Saint Pol sur Mer, 183.9 km

Images by AFP Photo

• David Millar (Cofidis) sets the tempo in the peloton during stage 2
• Marc Streel (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) with one lap to go
• Stuart O'Grady (Cofidis) leads the bunch through with 1 lap to go
• Marc Streel (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) celebrates as he crosses the line
• Jean-Patrick Nazon (C) wins the sprint for second ahead of Hammond (R) and Van Heeswijk (L)
• Marc Streel (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) gets a kiss on the podium
• Marc Streel (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) on the podium in the leader's jersey

Stage 3 - May 7: Hondschoote - Longuenesse, 203.1 km

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton on the Cap Gris-Nez during stage 3
• Didier Rous (La Boulangere) leads Stijn Devolder (USPS) and Christophe Mengin (FDJeux.com) in a breakaway during stage 3
• Didier Rous (R) and Sylvain Chavanel (L) (La Boulangere) celebrate their 1-2 triumph
• Max van Heeswijk (R) wins the sprint for third ahead of Jaan Kirsipuu (C)
• Didier Rous (La Boulangere) salutes from the podium after his stage win

Stage 4 - May 8: Neufchatel Hardelot - Boulogne sur Mer, 186 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Brioches la Boulengere rode hard during stage 4 and broke the peloton
• Stijn Devolder (USPS-Berry Floor) wins the tough fourth stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk
• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches) crosses the line in fourth place, which was enough to take the lead
• Stijn Devolder (USPS-Berry Floor) on the podium with his flowers
• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches) salutes from the podium in pink
• Didier Rous (L) congratulates his teammate Chavanel for taking the pink jersey

Stage 5 - May 9: Dunkerque (Place Charles Valentin) ITT, 12 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches la Boulangere) rides in pink during the fifth stage time trial
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) winner of stage 5 of the Four Days of Dunkirk

Stage 6 - May 9: Dunkerque - Dunkerque, 97.5 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches la Boulangere) rides during the final stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk
• Max van Heeswijk (L) wins the final stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk
• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches la Boulangere) waves his winner's bouquet
• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches la Boulangere) with his Dunkirk winner's trophy

Historic Roswell Criterium

Images by Alicia Frese-Klenk/FreseFrame Photography

• The Pro Women dig deep coming down the line for the final sprint. Tina Mayolo (CR) took it out.
• The Colavita women have a strong showing
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) fresh off his Tour de Georgia successes lines up for the start
• Brasstown Bald winner Cesar Grajales returns to Georgia for the Roswell Criterium
• Colavita's Sebastian Alexandre blasts down the back stretch
• Jittery Joe's in good form this season
• Gord makes turn 5 with no problem
• Colavita is looking to be quite a force to be reckoned with this season!
• Making turn 5 some weren't as lucky earlier in the day
• Colavitas everywhere!
• It was a wonderful evening for a ride
• Here comes the Health Net train
• Health Net takes the day with Greg Henderson

Images by Bill Parsons/North Chattanooga Cycle Club

• 2001 Elite National RR Champion Remi McManus riding for the new Subway - Express DIII Pro Team
• Roswell native Tim Henry riding for Nalley Lexus
• John Lieswyn (Health Net) strips down for battle
• Ben Jacques-Maynes leads the break of five, which later became four
• The break is down to four: Thad Dulin (Colavita Bolla), Gustavo Artacho (Colavita Bolla), Ben Jacques-Maynes (Sierra Nevada) and Greg Henderson (Health Net)
• Thad Dulin leads Greg Henderson
• You'll need 3D glasses for this pic
• The peloton
• Full steam ahead for the lead break
• Jittery Joe's did much of the chasing in the pack to catch the break.
• Jittery Joe's trying to close the gap
• Gustavo Artacho (Colavita Bolla) drives the break
• Greg Henderson (Health Net) wins by several bike lengths over Thad Dulin
• The Podium (l to r): Ben Jacques-Maynes (3rd), Greg Henderson (1st) and Thad Dulin (2nd)
• Thad Dulin avec bouquet
• Ben Jacques-Maynes avec bouquet

Museeuw's farewell criterium

Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cycle Sports Japan

• All the jerseys that Johan Musseuw wore in his career decorated the course in Gistel.
• Johan Museeuw was interviewed at the start of his farewell race.
• Nico Mattan sang the'Johan Museeuw song' with many supporters.
• Paolo Bettini and Michael Rogers were both in attendance for Museeuw's farewell
• Johan Museeuw started his final race with his son Stefano
• Johan's son Stefano started the race and rode the first lap with his father.
• Johan Museeuw rode the final race with his teammates.
• The peloton races through the small streets in Gistel.
• Museeuw cruises along to the tune of We don't need another hero
• Johan Museeuw won his last race in his home town.
• Johan Museeuw said goodbye to the supporters with his son Gianni.
• What kind of taste does champagne on the final podium have?
• Johan's bike was sold for charity.
• Bedankt Johan!
• Johan Museeuw appeared at the VIP party with his wife Veronique.
• A lot of riders gathered at Johan's party including Nico Mattan, Andrea Tafi and Davide Bramati to celebrate his retirement.
• This giant artwork of Johan Museeuw will be exhibited in the city hall of Gistel.
• Johan and his friends sang We are the Champions with supporters
• Goodbye Johan hello Tom?
• And Johan's retirement day came to an end

Souvenir Magali Pache

Images by Greg Boorer

• Oenone Wood with race organiser Andre Massard
• Girls on the podium, Lyne Bessette (2nd), Oenone Wood (1st) and Margaret Hemsley (3rd)
• Margaret Hemsley presenting her podium flowers to the parents of the late Magali Pache

GP S.A.T.S.

Images by Frank Rud Jensen/www.cykel-sport.dk

• Ready to rumble - or should that be ready to rubble?
• Michele Bartoli (CSC) was in top form today.
• A mass of CSC riders out in force and out in front.
• Rabobank lead the peloton on the gravel section.
• Not quite as nasty as the pavé in Roubaix, but enough to split the bunch.
• Fabio Baldato (Alessio-Bianchi) looking a little over it.
• Team CSC puts down the hammer.
• Martin Hvastija (Alessio-Bianchi) takes in some deep breaths; the Slovenian eventually finished fifth.
• You can't get much more sideways than that - unless you fall over, of course.
• After a bit of straightening up, he's off again.
• The sides of the road are invariably the fastest way to go.
• A trio of riders make their way onto the finishing circuits.
• Michele Bartoli (CSC) drives the winning break, with team-mate Frank Høj and Stefan Kupfernagel (Team Lamonta) in tow.
• Michael Sandstöd (CSC) was over two minutes down on his team-mate and winner Frank Høj, but it was still good enough for fourth place.
• Frank Høj (CSC) about to celebrate a very popular home-town win.
• Michele Bartoli (CSC) looks a little nonplussed.
• Winner Frank Høj (CSC) is a happy boy.
• Frank Høj (CSC) is handed the winner's trophy, with Stefan Kupfernagel (Team Lamonta) looking at what might have been.
• Frank Høj (CSC) goes easy on the champagne.
• CSC team director Bjarne Riis keeps a watchful eye on the winner's trophy.

Giro di Toscana

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Matteo Tosatto (Fassa Bortolo) signals his delight to the crowd as he hits the finish line a winner.
• After a convincing sprint win, Matteo Tosatto (Fassa Bortolo) decides to go for another victory salute.
• Tosatto practices his follow-through in his second victory salute.
• Matteo Tosatto (Fassa Bortolo) laps up the applause in his first victory for 2004.
• Matteo Tosatto (Fassa Bortolo) holds his winner's trophy up high.
• The podium - (L to R) Alberto Ongarato (Fassa Bortolo, 2nd), Matteo Tosatto (Fassa Bortolo, 1st) and Dimitri Konyshev (Team LPR, 3rd).

Tour of the Gila

Stage 3 - April 30: Inner Loop Road Race, 73 miles

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• Andrew Bajadali (Ofoto/Lombardi) was the only significant break of the day.
• Health Net/Maxxis maintained a close watch on the front to the pack.
• Davide Frattini (Monex) made a late break but, it wouldn’t stick.
• Scott Moninger (Health Net/Maxxis) keeps things “status-quo”.
• Scott Moninger followed closely by third place rider Mike Jones.
• Amber Neben (T-Mobile) stays in pink for at least one more day.
• Sue Haywood (T-Mobile) takes her turn at the front with race leader and teammate Amber Neven.
• Mari Holden (T-Mobile) confers with her team captain.

Stage 4 - May 1: Downtown Silver City Criterium, 40/25 miles

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• Scott Moninger (Health Net) near the front and out of trouble.
• Wherry, Jones and Lokkesmoe in control.
• Rubelt was the only one who could follow Sayers.
• Mike Sayers (Health Net) scores a descisive win.
• The women's race cresting the hill on Cooper St.
• One of the early breaks that kept the race active.
• Mari Holden (T-Mobile) drives what would become the winning move.

Stage 5 - May 2: Gila Monster Road Race, 100/66 miles

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• Health Net's Chris Wherry and Mike Sayers take their turn protecting their leader Scott Moninger.
• The early break would not survive the "Gila Monster".
• Carl Swenson won the Cima Pantani prize at the summit of Anderson Vista.
• Mike Jones (Health Net/Maxxis) in the hunt for a stage win.
• Davide Frattini (Team Monex) and Scott Moninger (Health Net/Maxxis) drive the lead group.
• Carl Swenson tries to leave the lead group in the final miles of the stage.
• The women's podium - (L to R) Stage winner and third overall Kim Anderson (T-Mobile), race winner Amber Neben (T-Mobile) and second overall, Brook Ourada (Victory Brewing).

Rund um den Henninger Turm

Images by Elmar Krings

• Gerolsteiner manager Hans-Michael Holczer sports his new-look hairdo, conceding to do so after Davide Rebellin's win in the Amstel Gold Race.
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) had an almost-perfect ride today.
• Careful cornering was the name of the day.
• The peloton chased hard, but not hard enough.
• Gian Matteo Fagnini (Domina Vacanze) would probably prefer to be somewhere else.
• Robbie Mcewen (Lotto-Domo) is yet to find his winning form after a brilliant season in 2002.
• Ronde van Vlaanderen winner Stefen Wesemann (T-Mobile) drives his chain gang with one lap to go.
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) leads the front group.
• Up close with race winner Karsten Kroon (Rabobank).
• Rik Verbrugghe (Lotto-Domo) and Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) both finished around 30 seconds adrift of the lead group of five riders.
• T-Mobile gave it everything to try and reach the leaders, but it proved a little too late.

Images by Franklin Tello/www.franklintellophoto.com

• The wet and cold conditions of today's start could not diminish the enthusiasm in Erik Zabel's face (T-Mobile).
• A bus needs a push up the heartbreaker 26% grade Mammolshain hill a historic German climb that will see the peloton go by twice today.
• Emanuele Sella (Panaria) leads the escape up the Mammolshain hill, with Christian Werner (T-Mobile), Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) and Jens Renders (MrBookmaker-Palmans). Hidden behind are Torsten Schmidt and Frank van Dulmen (BankGiroLoterij), Johan Coenen (MrBookm
• Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) at the top of the Mammolshain hill.
• The T-Mobile team starting the chase to the escape that contains Karsten Kroon (Rabobank), the winner of today's race.
• Erik Zabel, the champion of Germany led by his T-Mobile teammates, follows close to the front of the peloton up the Mammolshain Hill (26% grade).
• A focused Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) midway on what's left of the peloton after such inclement conditions.
• Bjorn Leukemans (MrBookmaker) leads German Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) across the finish line for sixth.
• Dutch rider Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) winner of today's Rund um den Henninger Turm, is scorted to the podium after a long, wet and cold 205 km.

Images by Christine Krüger/www.cyclingimages.com

• Lars Wackernagel (Team Wiesenhof) could do with a bigger (and more masculine) umbrella...
• ... like Team Saeco's.
• Davide Rebellin's not sure whether he wants to ride in the rain, despite Marco Serpellini telling him otherwise.
• Cipo's loyal lead-out man, Gian Matteo Fagnini (Domina Vacanze).
• Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) signs in for another day of pain.
• Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) lends his thoughts on today's race.
• Alexandr Kolobnev (Domina Vacanze) looking happy despite the weather.
• Looks like Daniele Bennati (Phonak) doesn't mind a spot of rain, either.
• Gregory Rast (Phonak) and Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) drive the early break.
• Christian Werner (T-Mobile) bridges across to the lead group.
• Emanuele Sella (Panaria) joined the lead group shortly after the early break went away.
• Eventual winner Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) and Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) so their bit to keep the peloton at bay.
• More than a few faces of suffering in this lot.
• Torsten Schmidt (Gerolsteiner) began attacking with around 15 kilometres to go, eventually creating a five-man lead group.
• Gregory Rast (Phonak) was part of the final five-man break; he eventually finished fourth.
• Faces of desperation for those who missed the winning move.
• Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) comes around Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) to take a very well-deserved win.
• Salvatore Commesso (Saeco) stays warm.
• Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) is led to the podium.
• Giosuè Bonomi (Saeco) was still in good spirits despite not finishing.

GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano

Images by Olympia Photo

• Igor Astarloa (Lampre) at the start of the GP Larciano
• Igor Astarloa (Lampre) had a good first race back, finishing second
• Igor Astarloa (Lampre) in action once again
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco, R) just edges out Igor Astarloa (L) to win the GP Larciano

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Igor Astarloa (Lampre) rides in his first race with Lampre
• Panaria working with Cunego and Astarloa
• Igor Astarloa (Lampre) looked great in his first race back
• Cunego with Astarloa on his wheel
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) driving the lead group
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) looked strong all day
• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) rides away from the break
• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) demonstrated good form in the GP Larciano, attacking on the last climb
• It was right against the barriers but Cunego (R) got it ahead of Astarloa
• Cunego celebrates his win
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) on the podium

La Vuelta de Bisbee

Prologue - April 23: Mule Pass Individual Time Trial, 2.8 miles

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• Heather Woodhouse (Team Kenda Tire) finished 5th, only 50 seconds off the pace set by Brooke Ourada (Victory Brewing)
• Lynn Gaggioli rode an 11:52 over Mule Pass, good enough for 2nd place.
• Sandy Espeseth (Victory Brewing) was 3rd, making it two Victory Brewing women in the top three.
• Mike Dietrich showed good form finishing 7th .
• Burke Swindlehurst (Navigators) Posted the Best time in the Mule Pass Prologue Time Trial. A 10:01 was the time to beat today.
• Jason Spencer (Atlas Cycling) finished 1:53 behind Swindlehurdt.

Stage 1 - April 24: Sulphur Springs Road Race, 79.3/39.7 miles (M/W)

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• Team Seasilver, Boadmark Capitol and Monex were all active in the early breaks
• Davide Frattini tries to improve his 3rd overall.
• Mari Holden (T Mobile) wanted to race the longer distance with the men!
• Burke Swindlehurst lost his lead because of the intermediate sprint bonus.
• Symmetrics was another team active in the early miles of racing.
• Scott Blanchard (Eclipse) easily took the field sprint for the stage win.
• Booke Ourada (Victory Brewing) was the leader yesterdays prologue. She is closely marked by T Mobiles Lynn Gaggioli who sits second overall.
• Sandy Espeseth conferences with her team, who had two women in the top three.
• Kate Woodhouse (Team Kenda Tire), Brook Orada (Victory Brewing) and, Lynn Gaggioli all work to protect their G.C. position.
• Kate Sherwin (Team Kenda Tire) today’s stage winner, leads a break of three riders.
• The winning break got clear with about 6 miles left to race.

Stage 2 - April 24: Warren Time Trial, 10.6 miles

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• Tucson native Curtis Gunn posts a great time on his fixed gear bike!
• Mike Dietrich (Fiordifrutta) 7th in the prologue seems to be enjoying the time trial.
• Davide Frattini (Monex) working to maintain his overall lead.
• Jacob Erker (Seasilver) lost a bit of time in the time trial today.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Navigators) is in the hunt for a podium finish.
• Brook Ourada (Victory Brewing) leader after the prologue, finished well in time trial as well.
• Kate Sherwin (Team Kenda Tire) won the road stage earlier in the day, and hopes to move up even more after the time trial.
• Maatje Benassi (Excel Sports) is looking for a podium finish.
• Lynn Gaggioli (T Mobile) took the leaders jersey today and increased her lead with her time trial finish.

Stage 3 - April 25: Tombstone Road Race, 65/59 miles (M/W)

Images by Jason Elhardt/www.jasonelhardt.com

• The early break in the men’s race would gain just over 3 min before the chase began.
• Team Monex seemed to be in control, keeping the break within reach.
• The lead group of about fifteen came into Bisbee all together.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Navigators) took his second stage win but it wasn’t enough for the overall win.
• Davide Frattini (Team Monex) crossed the line second today, but first in the GC.
• Michelle Beltran was on the attack early on in the women’s race.
• Beltran had company for the first few miles but, no one could stay with her today.
• In the field, Lynn Gaggioli seemed content to let Beltran ride alone.
• Lynn Gaggioli (T Mobile) rides contentedly in the field.
• Sandy Espeseth (Victory Brewing) rode well in field to defend 2nd place for teammate Brook Ourada.

Ruban Granitier Breton

Prologue - April 26: Cesson Sevigne - Cesson Sevigne, 4.2 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• South Africans warming up in Brittany - HSBC's Neil McDonald and Nic White
• Impressive stage winner David Boucher turning pro with Oktos next week
• The most elegant rider Julien Gonet won one year of free coffee!
• Best climber is Steijn Ennekens from Deschacht-Eddy Merckx, only 19 years of age.
• Jeremy Yates is the best young rider after the prologue
• It will be hard for anyone to take the lead off David Boucher now
• Dirk de Wolf is a happy DS with 4 men in top 10 already

Stage 1 - April 27: Rennes - Saint-Brieuc, 147.9 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Laurent Mangel was a worthy solo winner in St-Bieuc
• Jussi Veikkanen is the king of the mountain and the new leader of Ruban Granitier Breton

Stage 3 - April 29: Port Manech (En Nevez) - Saint Gildas De Rhuys, 167.7 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Anthony Ravard enjoyed the Breton folklore and the Breizh Kola after winning stage 3 in a bunch sprint
• Nicholas White from South Africa won a year of free coffee in reward to his elegance on the bike!
• Ricardo Costa from Portugal is the king of the mountain
• Jean-Luc Delpech of Jean Floc'h has taken the green jersey over from Simon Gerrans
• Jussi Veikkanen remains a solid leader of the Ruban Granitier Breton
• Podium of the day with Jean-Luc Delpech, Nicholas White, Stijn Ennekens, Jussi Veikkanen and Ricardo Costa

Stage 4 - April 30: Sarzeau - Missillac, 133.8 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Meeting of champions: Bernard Hinault and Jeremy Yates
• Ian McLeod of HSBC was the main attacker of the day
• Brittany is full of true fans of cycling
• The most elegant rider of the day: Vincent Jerome of Vendée U

Stage 5 - May 1: Missillac - Dol De Bretagne, 187.9 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Laurent Mangel won the first bunch sprint of his career
• Olivier Kaisen the Walloon time trialist, attacked almost every day with no luck
• A Dutchman is the new king of the mountain: Maint Berkenbosch
• Laurent Mangel now combines the race leader jersey and the points competition

Stage 6 - May 2: Tricots Saint James - Dinan, 153.5 km

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Nicholas White won the last stage in a fantastic way.
• The South African enjoyed the crowd in Brittany
• A delighted Nicholas White on stage
• Ricardo Costa got his polka dot jersey back on the last stage
• Kenny Lisabeth of Belgium was the most agressive rider at the end
• Laurent Mangel is a professional in the making
• The podium (L to R): Cyrille Monnerais (best young rider), Nic White, Laurent Mangel and Ricardo Costa

Baw Baw Classic

Images by Luke Hanley

• The local pub seemed okay for a quick oil rub.
• Matt Lloyd from St Kilda, eventual second placegetter, adjusts for the temperature at the Warragul start.
• Ken Ford digs deep for the 'sprint finish' with Ian Blackie behind in the mist.
• Ian Blackie comes in second after a monumental fight for the Masters crown.
• Thomas Sandner completes his fourth Baw Baw Classic with an all-too familiar Mt Baw Baw welcome.
• Chris Fry receives the perpetual trophy from Baw Baw Shire Mayor Ruth McDonald.
• A grade winners - Nigel Dunstone (5th), Matt Lloyd (2nd), Chris Fry (1st), Ryan Moody (3rd) and Peter Pape (4th).
• Women's champion Cristine Foster.
• Ken Ford checks the spelling on the Ken Ford Perpetual Trophy, an emotional moment.

Week In, Weak Out Dirt Crit Series #5

Images by Ray Chan

• Kristjan Snorrason (FGP- Kona), the man behind Full Gas Promotions.
• Chris Lopez tackling 'the sand trap'; Lopez finished in fifth place in A Grade.
• B Grade Winner, Craig Depaola (Flemington Cycles), is presented with his SRAM prizes by Snozza and Karl, with the gang enjoying the beverages on hand.
• Rowan Lamont, seventh in A Grade, about to hit 'the sand trap'.

Athens Twilight Criterium

Images by Beth Seliga/www.3catsphoto.com

• TIAA-CREF rider Ang Sheldrake looks excited before the race start.
• Tension mounts waiting for the start of the crit.
• The Twilight always is a raucous party in Athens, Georgia! Many racers say this is their favorite crit of the year.
• Ang Sheldrake shows the young guys aren’t going to let anyone push them around in the corners.
• Racing is always fast and furious at Athens, the fastest thing besides NASCAR in the south!
• Racers corner three-deep in the turns around the course.
• TIAA-CREF rider Andrew Manart keeps his focus during the race.
• Brice Jones (Health Net) rode strongly to win the TIAA-CREF Twilight Crit.
• Brice Jones (Health Net) shows the strain of leaving the field behind en route to victory.

Images by Emory Ball

• Lap one - and a Colavita launches an attack on the left.
• A Colavita Olive Oil rider off the front solo.
• Genesis Scuba is quick to react as Laura Van Gilder bridges up to the break away.
• A Victory Brewing rider bridging up.
• Back in the field the action is less intense as the gap to the break continues to grow.
• At last the speed picks up as the break is brought back and a series of counter attacks begin.
• Active all race long Genesis Scuba's Candice Blickem attacks.
• Colavita Olive Oil and Victory Brewing chasing.
• Laura Van Gilder launches another move quickly covered by Victory Brewing.
• Van Gilder in the break.
• Genesis Scuba's Candice Blickem in a familar mode - on the attack.
• Laura Weislo (Spin Cycle/Duke Sports Medicine) takes turn four at high speed.
• Final laps and Genesis can be seen massing at the front of the pack.
• Colavita's Tracy Sproule moving up through the turn three.
• Magen Long powers her way to the front.
• Colavita takes over pace making and keeps the field together for their sprinter.
• Genesis Scuba keeps the speed high.
• Melissa Sanborn of Wells Fargo tags onto the Victory train inside two laps to go.
• Laura Van Gilder brings Tina Mayola Pic to the front on the inside as the Colavita train forms on the outside.
• National Crit Champ Tina Mayola Pic of Genesis Scuba.
• Almost bell lap and everyone is searching for the right wheel.
• Heading into one to go and Colavita Olive Oil is leading out but Tina Mayola is second wheel.
• Laura Van Gilder moving into place to lead out the last lap for eventual winner Tina Mayola Pic.
• Victory Brewing and Genesis Scuba shoulder to shoulder in last corners.

Giro dell'Appennino

Images by Olympia Photo

• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) wins a four man sprint to take the 65th Giro dell'Appennino

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) puts the pressure on in the Giro dell'Appennino
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) in action
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) crosses the summit of the Bocchetta climb in the lead
• Figueras leads the chase group behind Cunego at the summit of the Bocchetta climb
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) on the podium
• The podium (L to R): Giuliano Figueras (2nd), Damiano Cunego (1st) and Rinaldo Nocentini (3rd)

Contre la montre pour le coeur

Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cycle Sports Japan

• The boys from the Walloon region start first
• An old pair rode on a tandem before the main event
• Local rider Christophe Brandt (Lotto-Domo)
• Thierry Marichal (Lotto-Domo) and Hemroulle won the race
• Ex-rider and ex-director Jean-Luc Vandenbroucke is the only user of the old casquette
• 'King' Eddy wore a Lotto-Domo jersey
• And how do you feel about riding with your father, Axel?
• Piotr Wadecki (Lotto-Domo) talks with Eddy Merckx.
• Axel and Eddy Merckx on the start line
• The Merckx pair ride in Liege with Jean-Francois Pescheux looking on
• Frank Vandenbroucke (Fassa Bortolo) at the start
• Try and relax on Sunday like today, Frank!
• Frank Vandenbroucke rode with Braillard
• And final pair was...
• All the pro riders signed at T-shirt at the start for charity

Giro del Trentino

Stage 1 - April 20: Arco - Marcena di Rumo val di Non, 168.5 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Saeco leader Gilberto Simoni enjoyed the sunshine and put in a solid performance in stage 1
• Young Damiano Cunego (Saeco) took charge in the closing kilometres of stage 1
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) wins stage 1 of the Giro del Trentino

Stage 2 - April 21: Livo Val di Non - Roncone, 171.5 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) repeats his stage 1 victory just one day later
• The Trentino scenery is hard to match as the field climbs the Passo Campiglio
• Gilberto Simoni (centre) finds his climbing legs are back
• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) finished second behind teammate Cunego

Stage 3 - April 22: Roncone Breguzzo - Fiavè, 165 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Juan Miguel Mercado "rocks the baby" as he dedicates his stage win to his 3 month old daughter

Stage 4 - April 23: Terme di Comano - Arco, 168.8 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Jan Svorada (Lampre) claims victory in the last stage of the Giro del Trentino
• A happy Jan Svorada on the podium after winning the final stage
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) with his overall winner's trophy
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) is lifted in the air by his teammates after winning the Giro del Trentino

Tour de Vendée

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Joseba Beloki (Brioches La Boulangere) was a guest star at the Tour de Vendée but abandoned after only 40km into the race.
• By far the most popular team in Vendée is La Boulangère.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) gave the journalists the answers they were looking for.
• The podium - (L to R) Jaan Kirsipuu (Ag2r, 2nd), Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole, 1st) and Sébastien Hinault (Credit Agricole, 3rd).
• Another trophy for Thor, who has already clocked four wins this year.
• A warm welcome for Thor Hushovd at the home of La Boulangère.

Copperopolis road race

Images by Russ and Nancy Wright/AbbiOrca.com

• The masters 35+ 1/2/3 Pack
• Rough roads are a trademark of this race
• The bunch rides through the California countryside
• The finishing sprint
• World MTB Champ Filip Meirhaeghe wins the 1/2/pro race
• Pro 1/2 pack
• The Women 1/2 pack on the first lap led by eventual winner Katheryn Curi (Rona) and Kristin Caldwell (Morgan Stanley) who got 3rd
• The effort shows as riders tackle yet another climb
• Cynthia Carroll (Dewar's) second in Women 1/2/Pro

Veenendaal-Veenendaal

Images by DCP-Bert Geerts

• Haven't you got any techno?' , asks a T-Mobile rider. 'This dudelsack stuff just doesn't do it for me'
• Time to eat
• The leading group looking somewhat disorganised
• The lead group crossing the finish line with around 14 km to go
• Aart Vierhouten (Lotto-Domo) attacks hard in Veenendaal-Veenendaal
• Simone Cadaumro (De Nardi) wins Veenendaal-Veenendaal. Robbie McEwen wins the sprint for second.
• Wouter Van Mechelen (Vlaanderen-T Interim) feels the pain
• Jo Planckaert (MrBookmaker) looks as though he needs a cold beer
• Hans Dekkers (Rabobank)
• Simone Cadaumro (De Nardi) happy after his win
• Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) was again denied victory for the second time in three days
• The podium (L to R): Robbie McEwen (2nd), Simone Cadamuro (1st) and Jo Planckaert (3rd)

GP de Denain

Image by Daniel Schamps

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) claims victory in the GP de Denain

Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cycle Sports Japan

• The Polish Action team was popular
• The Comnet-Senges boys hang out before the start
• Team Cyclingnews.com is presented in Denain
• The start of the GP de Denain in Raismes
• Brad McGee (FDJeux.com) leads Eelke Van Der Wal (BankGiroLoterij), Thor Hushovd (CA), Mark Scanlon (Ag2r), Franck Pencole and Jean-Michel Tessier (Oktos) on the finishing circuit
• Mark Scanlon (Ag2r) received a nice trophy for second place
• Nico Sijmens (Landbouwkrediet) on the podium after finishing third
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) on the podium after his victory
• Thor's sweet moment on the podium

Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/www.actiefotos.be

• The start in Antwerp: The sign says it all, thanking the Museeuw family
• Nico Mattan (Bodysol) and Andy Cappelle (Jacques) attack after 73 km
• Nico Mattan (Bodysol) leads Andy Cappelle (Jacques) in their great escape
• Roger Hammond (MrBookmaker.com) on the cobbles, next to Johan Vansummeren (Bodysol, R)
• Tom Boonen (C) wins but Robbie McEwen (L) doth protest, believing Boonen deviated from his line in the sprint. The jury didn't agree.
• Tom Boonen (R) congratulated by his teammate after the win
• A happy Tom Boonen is flanked by a grumpy Robbie McEwen (2nd) and an indifferent Simone Cadamuro (3rd)
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) is now the man
• Johan Museeuw (Quick.Step-Davitamon) with a retirement momento

Images by Quick.Step-Davitamon

• Bedankt Johan! Thousands of people were out to bid the Lion of Flanders farewell in Schoten

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews.com

• It was chaos at the finish in Schoten
• Museeuw answered countless questions from he media after the race
• Johan Museeuw was relaxed and calm at his final press conference

Rund um Köln

Images by Elmar Krings

• A huge crowd turned out - the Rund um Koln is always popular
• A bird's eye view of the riverside finish
• Here comes the peloton
• Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) rides near the front
• Riders jockey for position
• The podium - Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner), Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) and Kirk Obee (Navigators)
• Erik Zabel talks to the press after his win
• A win for Zabel and good results for Hondo and Obee

For more photos, e.g. Ronde van Drenthe, Novilon Internationale Damesronde van Drenthe, Track World Cup Round 3, Briek Schotte's funeral, GP Pino Cerami, Gent-Wevelgem, The Adventure Travel Company Boomerang, Australian national MTB series 5, Circuit de la Sarthe, Croatia-Giant GP Istria, Archer International Grand Prix, Little 500 Individual Time Trials, GP de la Ville de Rennes, Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Hel van het Mergelland, Tour of the Southern Grampians, Victorian criterium championships, Route Adélie, World Cup Qualifier, Driedaagse van de Panne, Primavera Rosa, Columbia University Grant's Tomb Criterium, Brabantse Pijl, GP Feminas Castilla y Leon , Critérium International, E3 Prijs Vlaanderen, and Tour de Normandie please consult our archives