Photos archive   Videos - Interviews and Action    Cyclingnews Reader's Pics of 2004

Cycling photography for February - Part I

Tour of Murrieta
Sluitingsprijs Oostmalle
Sunshine Cup #1
Classic Haribo
Superprestige #8, Vorselaar
Tour du Haut Var
Valley of the Sun
Volta ao Algarve
National XC Series #5
Ruta del Sol
Trofeo Laigueglia
G.P. Internacional Costa Azul
Tour Méditerranéen
Challenge Illes Balears
Copenhagen Six
Revolution #7
Davitamon-Lotto presentation
Tour de Langkawi
Cyclo-Cross World Championships
GP Costa degli Etruschi
Superprestige #7, Hoogstraten
Miche presentation
Illes Balears presentation
Australian Madison championships
Euskaltel-Euskadi presentation
Etoile de Bessèges
GP d'Ouverture La Marseillaise
Tour of Qatar
Doha International Grand Prix

Copyright notice: The photo's that appear here are all subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced in any form anywhere else without the owner's permission. Copies, either print or electronic, of the photographs can be requested by contacting the photographer in most cases, as email or website addresses are usually provided with the images. The exceptions are AFP photos, which are not available for individual sale.

Tour of Murrieta

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• The women's field at the start of the criterium
• Dotsie Cowden during a lull in the action during the women's criterium
• Ryan McKenzie still looks good after the rain during the criterium
• Josh Webster still dripping from the rain in the criterium
• Curtis Gunn, fast as a bullet - 25 seconds faster than the next rider
• Dotsie Cowden on her way to a victory in the time trial
• Julia Whiteside was second in the time trial
• Thurlow Rogers may be racing as an old timer (over 40), but his time trial time would have placed him 3 in the Pro race.
• Chris Walker gives it his all in the time trial
• Thurlow Rogers on his way to second place in the Masters 40+ time trial
• Weather conditions at the road race were less than ideal. Welcome to sunny southern California!

Sluitingsprijs Oostmalle

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

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

• Sven Nys' supporters come in all shapes and sizes, including hat
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) waits eagerly on the start line
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) gives it full gas
• Joachim Parbo (Cycling Aarhus) was the sole Danish competitor
• Joachim Parbo (Cycling Aarhus) struggles in the sand
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) finishes the season in style
• The podium Sven Vanthourenhout (3rd), Sven Nys (1st), and Davy Commeyne (2nd)
• World Champion Hanka Kupfernagel before the women's race
• Hanka Kupfernagel en route to victory

Sunshine Cup #1

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by David Elmfeldt/www.elmfeldt.com

• The start of the men's race
• There's a mountain biker in them thar hills
• Fredrik Kessiakoff (Siemens/Cannondale) was the eventual winner of the men's race
• Emil Lindgren (Bianchi/Agos) was second on the day
• Roel Paulissen (Belgium) on his way to third
• Ivonne Kraft wants a piece of the action
• Fredrik Kessiakoff (Siemens/Cannondale) gets the winner's trophy
• Emil Lindgren (Bianchi/Agos) accepts his trophy for finishing second
• The men's podium: Emil Lindgren (2nd), Fredrik Kessiakoff (1st) and Roel Paulissen (3rd)
• The full men's podium with Calle Friberg (4th, L) and Manuel Fumic (5th, R) rounding out the top 5

Classic Haribo

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Gorik Gardeyn (MrBookmaker-SportsTech) wins the sprint ahead of Lilian Jegou (FDJ) and Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-Caffita)
• Gorik Gardeyn (MrBookmaker-SportsTech) celebrates his victory
• Gorik Gardeyn (MrBookmaker-SportsTech) with his trophy

Superprestige #8, Vorselaar

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Luc Claeseen/www.actiefotos.be

• World champion Sven Nys (Rabobank) flies along the path to victory.
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) is most definitely the man of the moment in world cyclocross.
• The podium - (L to R) Bart Wellens (Fidea Cyclocrossteam, 2nd), Sven Nys (Rabobank, 1st) and Richard Groenendaal (Rabobank, 3rd).

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

• Sven Nys (Rabobank) feeling the cold?
• The start
• Joachim Parbo (Cycling Aarhus) in the mud
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) the rainbow man
• Joachim Parbo (Cycling Aarhus) has nowhere to go
• Nys leads Groenendaal and Vanthourenhout
• Joachim Parbo (Cycling Aarhus) gets a bike change
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) is under there somewhere
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) wins in the mud
• The Superprestige podium - (L to R) Richard Groenendaal (Rabobank, 2nd), Sven Nys (Rabobank, 1st) and Sven Vanthourenhout (Rabobank, 3rd)
• The U23 podium: Jan Soetens (2nd), Niels Albert (1st) and Radomír Simunek Jr. (3rd)

Tour du Haut Var

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) outsprints Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua & Sapone) and Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis) to take the win.
• Yeeesssss! Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) is visibly excited.
• Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) enjoy's the winner's spoils on the podium.
• The podium - (L to R) Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis, 3rd), Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux, 1st) and Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua & Sapone, 2nd).

Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.fr.st

• A small obstruction had to be cleared from the course before the race could start
• The first escape of the race climbs through the hills of thr haut Var
• The escape - a roadkill's eye view.
• Chasing the break - Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step), Patrice Halgand (Credit Agricole) and Michael Rogers (Quick.Step)
• Jérôme Pineau (Bouygues Telecom) leads Arnaud Labbe (Auber.93) in the Côte of Montauroux.
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) works for his leader Davide Rebellin.
• Jérémy Roy (Française des Jeux) leads the escape with Arnaud Labbe (Auber.93) and Jérôme Pineau (Bouygues Telecom).
• The peloton in hot pursuit
• Bram Tankink (Quick Step) in the "Tuillières"
• Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) launches an attack.
• Working hard on a climb - Frédéric Finot, Christophe Detilloux (La Francaises des Jeux) and Davide Bramati (Quick.Step)
• Christophe Edaleine (Cofidis) and Didier Rous (Bouygues Telecom)
• An emotional moment for La Francaises des Jeux managers Jean Cyril Robin and Marc Madiot as Philippe Gilbert wins.
• Marc Madiot and Philippe Gilbert enjoy the moment
• A very happy winner
• The podium - Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone, 3rd), Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux, 1st), Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua & Sapone - Adria Mobil, 2nd)

Valley of the Sun

Stage 1 - February 18: Trek Time Trial, 19 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile) was back racing today after taking year break from racing.
• Kori Sheehafer new to the T-Mobile team for this year, came in a respectable 7th place.
• Shannon Koch of the Team LaSport takes off for an unusually wet ride through the desert.
• Mari Holden will be one to watch again this year after having surgery for a circulation problem over the winter.
• Kat Patterson, from Henderson, Nevada held her form well despite the rainy weather.
• Gabriella Gonzalez-Ferrat just made it out before the heavier rain started.
• Kimberly Baldwin stayed focused on the white line and came in second place for the day.
• Genevieve Jeanson was back on the scene today and riding in her usual speedy fashion.
• Juliane Mortello makes a pass over Velo Bella's Jennifer Chapman.
• Jessica Martin represented the Desert Foxes out of Tucson, AZ in today’s wet time trial.
• Betsy Bloom-Galenti had a great ride to come in fourth place.
• Rebecca Anderson came all the way from Wisconsin to ride through Arizona's open range.
• Brian Lemke, race promoter kept his head down so that he could get back and course marshal.
• Corey Steinbrecher puts in a good ride for the U23 National Team.
• Tyler Farrar rounded out the pro, 1 top ten.
• Carlos Vargas kept Team Monex in the GC hunt with a ninth place finish.
• Sterling Magnell keeps it rolling through the heavy rain.
• Todd Cornelius came all way from Indianapolis to ride in the "sunny" weather.
• Tyler Farrar rides in to a top 10 finish.
• John Murphy squints to keep the driving rain out of his eyes while still finishing well within the first 20.
• Who needs aero bars anyway?
• Roberto Gaggioli (Monex) is back in the racing action after a short break last year.
• It was a long lonely road at today’s time trial.
• Dirk Friel, cycling coach extraordinaire shows good form on the TT bike.
• Jamiel Danesh has no problem getting on top of those pedals.
• Camero Brenneman riding for Kahala-La Grange giving it all he's got.

Stage 2 - February 19: Landis Cyclery Road Race, 143/92 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• An early break gets a gap on the men’s pro, 1 field.
• John Murphy, eventual race winner, knows early on he’s having a good day.
• Team Monex leads the chase.
• Again Team Monex sets all their riders on the front.
• Austin King third place today, stays focused during the steady rain.
• John Murphy sneaks around the side of second placed Tyler Farrar and third placed Austin King.
• John Murphy takes the win.
• The T-Mobile team controls the front of the pack at the base of the climb.
• Genevieve Jeanson, second place today sits comfortably in the group.
• Ina Teutenberg bested the field today with her usual powerful sprint.
• T-Mobile rode in control for most of the race.
• The front group winds up for the sprint with Teutenberg leading.
• ...And Teutenberg takes the win.

Stage 3 - February 20: Orpheum Lofts State Capitol Criterium, 70/40 min

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• US National Team U23 riders got a chance to mix it up with some heavy hitters this weekend.
• Ryan Blickem (Health Maxx) rode consistently all weekend to hold onto his GC lead and the overall win.
• The field makes its way through one of the S turns.
• The group chases.
• Camero Brenneman riding for the newly formed Kahala-La Grange team eases through a turn.
• Carlos Vargas and Ryan Roth make a breakaway attempt.
• Bart Torre holds to the outside line.
• Austin King leads the group on another chase.
• Ian Stanford focuses on the line ahead.
• Peter Andersen lays into a corner.
• Now that's some concentration.
• Tyler Farrar (Health Net) was flying throughout the day.
• Woooosh!
• Team Endeavor leads the last lap.
• Tyler Farrar (Health Net) rocks the field for the win.
• The women's race gets under way.
• Genevieve Jeanson rode hard to keep the T-Mobile team in check throughout the race.
• Candice Blickem stays near the front to cover any moves.
• Candice Blickem and Mari Holden make a break for it.
• Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile), today's winner gets away by herself early in the race.
• Kristi Scheffenacker having a good time midway through the race.
• Mari Holden sits on Genevieve Jeanson's wheel as she chases a break.
• Brooke Blackwelder sits mid pack on her way to eighth place in the sprint.
• Teresa Holmgren held on to her GC lead today and won the cat. 3 women's overall.
• The group begins to wind up for the sprint.
• Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile) takes the sprint again today over second placed Magen Long and third placed Genevieve Jeanson.

Volta ao Algarve

Stage 1 - February 16: Albufeira-Albufeira, 140 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by João Dias

• Duja Tavira rider Juan Olmo
• Claudio Faria (Madeinox A.R. Canelas) and Pedro Cardoso (Milaneza Maia)
• Claudio Faria (Madeinox A.R. Canelas)
• Bruno Neves (Madeinox A.R. Canelas)
• Bastian Giling (T-Mobile)
• Luis Sarreira (Riberalves - Goldnutrition)
• Rui Lavarinhas (Riberalves - Goldnutrition)
• Ricardo Costa (Riberalves - Goldnutrition)
• Sergio Ribeiro (Barbot Pascoal)
• Rui Pinto (Barbot Pascoal)
• Alberto Benito (Barbot Pascoal)
• Cesar Pinto (Imoholding - Loulé)
• Rui Madeira (Imohoding Loulé)
• José Azevedo (Discovery Channel)
• José Rodrigues (Paredes - Rota dos Móveis)
• Krassimir Vasilev (Duja - Tavira)
• Daniel Petrov (Duja - Tavira)
• The Landbouwkrediet Colnago team before the start
• The riders before the start
• The first K.O.M. of the day won by Duja's Pedro Martins, Eelke van Der Wal was second.
• The peloton passing Barranco do Velho.
• The peloton passing Barranco do Velho.
• Shimano Rider Eelke Van der Wal getting resdy to win the Picota climb
• Duja's Pedro Martins
• The peloton on the Picota climb
• The policeman is pointing the way the peloton should go
• The peloton right after Picota
• The peloton right after Picota
• Bernhard Kohl (T-Mobile) having problems with his bike after a fall
• The peloton 12 km from the end of the stage
• Marco Morais after the end of today's stage
• Rabobank on the way home

Stage 3 - February 18: Vila Do Bispo Lagos, 200 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by João Dias

• Boavista rider André Vital with two fans
• Boavista's Hugo Vitor and Pedro Soeiro
• L.A. Liberty's Candido Barbosa
• Paredes Rider Hugo Sabido and his father
• Bastiaan Giling and Mr. Costa PPDB Member (CyM 4)
• Bernhard Kohl and Mr. Costa
• FDJeux.com's Jussi Veikkanen
• The stage start in Vila do Bispo
• Luis Pinheiro and Jussi Veikkanen on the second cat. climb of Foia
• Hugo Sabido Fabian Wegmann and José Luis Rubiera
• The peloton led by Discovery's Benjamin Noval
• Madeinox's Claudio Faria in the peloton
• Ribeiralves-Goldnutrition's Joaquim Andrade
• Barbot's Fernando Sousa
• Davitamon's Tom Steels crossing Foia
• Another group at Foia
• Sérgio Ribeiro comes up Foia
• Shimano's Eelke Van Der Wal right after the Foia climb
• A group left behind trying to catch back onto the peloton
• Luis Pinheiro two minutes ahead, just before last climb of the day
• The peloton led by Davitamon, chasing Luis Pinheiro
• Winding up for the final sprint
• The final srint at Lagos
• The final srint at Lagos was won by Milaneza Maia's Alexei Markov (not in the photo)

Stage 4 - February 19: Castro Marin -Tavira, 155 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by João Dias

• Imoholding's César Pinto and Marco Morais.
• Danail Petrov (Milaneza) with Krassimir Vassilev (Duja - Tavira).
• Carlos Carneiro (Madeinox-A.R. Canel) and José Luis Rubiera (Discovery).
• Baden Cooke (FdJeux) before the start.
• ASC riders José Martins and Pedro Hermida.
• Riders leave the start in Castro Marim.
• A good way to climb the mountain.
• Shimano riders praticing in Sta. Catarina da Fonte.
• The first group approaching the first mountain prime.
• The first group approaching the first mountain prime.
• Discovery DS Johan Bruyneel looks a little lost...
• Alexei Markov (Milaneza-Maia) and Guennadi Mikhailov (Discovery Channel) seem very relaxed at the front of the peloton.
• The four-man breakaway passing São Brás de Alportel.
• The chase group passes the same spot, around two minutes later.
• The peloton looking like they've got things under control.
• Hugo Sabido (Paredes) leads the breakaway.
• The second group pass through Vilharinhos.
• A policeman straightens up his bike after he overcooks a corner.
• The peloton led by Duja Tavira riders.
• The peloton relax a little before the inevitable sprint finish.
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise Des Jeux) just after taking the fourth stage in Tavira.
• The winner even had time to collect his prizes and watch the peloton come in, half an hour down.
• HEY MUM! GOING WELL. CU SOON. Jussi Veikkanen does a bit of SMS-ing.
• The FDJ team car.
• Algarve's almond trees at the turn of spring.

Stage 5 - February 20: Lagoa-Alto De Malhao, 165 km

Australian National MTB XC Series #5

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Chris Fox/www.photosbychris.com.au

• Brent Miller
• Aiden Lefmann
• Harrison Morgan
• Dylan Cooper
• Hamish Elliot and Aiden Lefmann (Cannondale) , part of the prominent Cannondale team
• Dylan Cooper was strong once again
• Perren Delacour
• Matthew Fleming looked strong
• Brent Miller
• James Williamson
• Dylan Cooper on his way to winning Round 5
• Brent Miller
• Rebecca McConnell
• Maria Papadopolous
• Nikki Fisher
• Donna Hamlin
• Erica Oldfield
• Nikki Fisher
• Maria Papadopolous doing it tough
• Sharon Heap
• Jacqui Clynes

Trofeo Laigueglia

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Andrea Noe (Liquigas) sets the pace for an attack by Pellizotti
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) puts the power down
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) with Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua e Sapone)
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) attacks the break
• Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) with Franco Pellizotti at the key moment
• Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) in pursuit of the two leaders, with Tiralongo on his wheel
• Paolo Tiralongo (Panaria) working hard
• Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua & Sapone - Adria Mobil) on the front of a breakaway group
• Dario Frigo and Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) combined well to make the break stay clear
• Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) drives the breakaway
• Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) beats Pellizotti and Tiralongo to win the 42nd Trofeo Laigueglia
• Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) celebrates his victory
• Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) on the podium after his victory
• The podium (L to R): Franco Pellizotti (2nd), Kim Kirchen (1st) and Paolo Tiralongo (3rd)

Vuelta Andalucía (Ruta Ciclista del Sol)

Stage 1 - February 13: Benalmádena - Comares, 150.5 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Ed Tarwinski

• The sun shone as teams were presented for the start
• Axel Merckx and the Lotto Davitamon guys prepare for the start
• The weather improved considerably for the start
• Anyone for a spare Gios or eight?
• Johan Vansummeren (Davitamon Lotto) finished third on stage one
• Camille Bouquet (Mrbookmaker.Com-Sports Tech) finished 9th
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) finished in the top 20 on stage one
• The hills are stunning until you have to climb them
• A hive of activity and colour before the start of the Ruta del Sol
• It was tough early season work in Andalucia
• Oscar Sevilla in T-Mobile pink - very nice
• José Luis Martínez Jiménez (Communidad Valenciana) doing it tough
• The tape is cut as the race starts
• Saunier Duval worked hard on home turf
• The Lotto Davitamon team car looks almost as fast as their riders in 2005
• Andrus Aug (Fassa Bortolo) takes it easy on a downhill stretch
• Carlos García Quesada (Communidad Valenciana) gets his butt on film
• What...? I've gotta do it again tomorrow? You must be kidding this early in the season!
• Francisco Cabello Luque (Communidad Valenciana) looked strong, finishing second
• Back to bike racing fellas for the local constabulary

Vuelta Andalucía (Ruta Ciclista del Sol)

Stage 5 - February 17: Sevilla - Chiclana de la Frontera, 154 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Ed Tarwinski

• Part of the official convoy?
• Erik Zabel plans his route to the bakery
• You´re throwing 'em out?
• George Hincapie chats with the locals
• A little bit slower than the others
• The peloton climbs
• Oscar "BabyFace" Sevilla
• World Champion Oscar Freire
• Carlos Castaño Panadero (Andalucia-Paul Versan) looking strong
• Carlos Castaño Panadero (Andalucia-Paul Versan) heads up the climb
• Communidada Valenciana leads the way up the climb
• We gotta get these bikes out before sunset...
• Discovery Channel ready for business in Andalucia
• Anyone for a Dogma?

G.P. Internacional Costa Azul

Stage 1 - February 10: Setubal - Setubal, 163.2 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Costinha/www.cyclolusitano.com

• Riders roll out in the Portuguese february sunshine.
• Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) on the podium as winner of the first stage
• The podium - Bernhard Eisel (La Francaise Des Jeux) and Fred Rodriguez share the spoils

Stage 2 - February 11: Seixal - Seixal , 159.5 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Costinha/www.cyclolusitano.com

• Barbot's team car - very colorful
• The ascent of the Serra De Arrábida which was won by Ruben Plaza (Communidad Valenciana)
• The peloton tackles one of the area's many climbs
• Ruben Plaza (Communidad Valenciana) wins the second stage
• Ruben Plaza puts up with the traditional congratulations
• Bernhard Eisel (La Francaise Des Jeux) and Ruben Plaza get into a bubbly fight on the podium

Stage 3 - February 12: Sines - Sines , 158.7 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Costinha/www.cyclolusitano.com

• Are you talking to me? Rui Sousa (Liberty) at the start of the stage
• La Francaise des Jeux pose before the start
• Comunidad Valenciana relax before the stage
• Comunidad Valenciana in control
• Daniel Petrov wins the Coll Alto da Cruz
• Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana) in yellow

Tour Méditerranéen

Stage 1 - February 9: San Remo (Italy) - Menton, 130 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Jens Voigt (CSC) wins the first stage of the Tour of Med
• JP Nazon (Ag2r) beats Erik Dekker to take second in the stage
• Jens Voigt (CSC) is presented with his flowers and yellow jersey

Images by Emmanuel Isnard

• Chris Baldwin (Navigators)
• David Boucher (MrBookmaker.com-Sportstech)
• Gilles Canouet (Agritubel)
• Francesco Casagrande (Naturino)
• Nicolas Crosbie (Agritubel)
• Team CSC is all smiles
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank)
• Cyril Dessel (Ag2r)
• Domina Vacanze certainly looks colourful
• Jimmy Engoulvent (Cofidis)
• Giairo Ermeti (Miche)
• Mauro Facci (Fassa Bortolo)
• Gian Matteo Fagnini (Naturino)
• Robert Forster Gerolsteiner)
• Vladimir Gusev (CSC)
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner)
• Jeremy Hunt (MrBookmaker.com-Sportstech)
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
• Team Liquigas-Bianchi) is presented
• Nicola Loda (Liquigas-Bianchi)
• Damien Monier (Cofidis)
• Pasquale Muto (Miche)
• Przemyslaw Niemec (Miche)
• Tomasz Nose (Phonak)
• Luca Paolini (Quick.Step)
• Laurent Paumier (MrBookmaker.com-Sportstech)
• Francesco Planckaert (MrBookmaker.com-Sportstech)
• Matthe Pronk (MrBookmaker.com-Sportstech)
• The Rabobank team is presented
• Denis Robin (Agritubel)
• Sebastian Rosseler (Quick.Step)
• Nicki Sorensen (CSC)
• Bram Tankink (Quick.Step)
• Matthew White (Cofidis)
• Stefano Zanini (Quick.Step)

Stage 2 - February 10: Villeneuve-Loubet - Bormes-les-Mimosas, 131 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Philippe Gilbert (La Francaise des Jeux, left) dukes it out with Franck Schleck (CSC) and Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo)
• Philippe Gilbert waves from the podium
• Philippe Gilbert is presented with his flowers and traditional congratulations

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Philippe Gilbert (La Francaise des Jeux) claims victory in stage 2
• Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) rolls in to the finish
• Jens Voigt (CSC) retains the overall leader jersey
• Philippe Gilbert (La Francaise des Jeux) smiles from the podium

Images by Emmanuel Isnard

• Alexandr Arekeev (Acqua & Sapone) looks serious at the start
• Paolo Bossoni (Fassa Bortolo) - "Are you talkin' ta me?"
• Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) heads for the start line
• Seweryn Kohut (Miche) ready to roll
• Nicola Loda (Liquigas-Bianchi) ready to go
• Ian McLeod (La Francaise des Jeux) at the beginning of a good day for the team
• Lénaïc Olivier (Agritubel) ready to start
• Ciaran Power (Navigators) at the start of stage 2
• Armando Rupa (Miche) poses in front of his team's bus
• Alessandro Vanotti (Domina Vacanze) starts the day with a big smile
• Phil Zajicek (Navigators) - happy to be here

Stage 3 - February 11: La Garde - Toulon, 134 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Voigt takes command of the group on Mont Faron
• Jens Voigt (CSC) leads Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) up Mont Faron
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas-Bianchi) en route to third place
• Jens Voigt (CSC) wins on Mont Faron
• The peloton ascends Mont Faron
• Liquigas-Bianchi leads the pack on Mont Faron
• No time to look at the view - as the peloton gets a glimpse of the Med on the ascent of Mont Faron
• The peloton fills the road as it ascends the single lane up Mont Faron
• Przemislaw Niemec (Team Miche) can feel David Moncoutié (Cofidis) breathing down his neck
• David Moncoutié (Cofidis) working hard to stay in contention
• Frank Schleck (CSC) has Thomas Lövkvist (La Française des Jeux) in his sights
• Frank Schleck (CSC) turned in another strong ride to finish fourth
• Laurent Brochard (Bouygues Telecom) finished with the leaders in seventh
• Sergei Gonchar (Domina Vacanze) on the way to the top
• Mirko Celestino (Domina Vacanze) shows the strain
• Bobby Julich (Team CSC) on the way to 26th
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) climbs in the Netherlands national jersey
• Francesco Casagrande (Naturino)
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) was over three minutes down
• Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) toiled up Mont Faron to finish 75th

Images by Tim De Waele/CSC

• Frank Schleck (CSC) in the best young rider's jersey
• Jens Voigt (CSC) commences hostilities on Mont Faron
• Jens Voigt (CSC) puts the hurt on David Moncoutie (Cofidis) and the rest

Stage 4 - February 12: Bouc-Bel-Air - Berre l'Etang TTT, 36 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Team CSC waves from the podium
• RAGT Semences is expected to issue a press release claiming that not coming last is almost a victory
• Navigators punched above their weight to finish eleventh
• Naturino-Sapore di Mare finished last, over six minutes adrift
• Domina Vacanze grit their teeth toward fifth place
• Liquigas-Bianchi - fine runners-up to the CSC machine
• Thor Hushovd leads Crédit Agricole to sixth place
• Acqua e Sapone on the way to 18th
• Agritubel battles toward 16th place
• MrBookmaker.com-SportsTech struggle to stay tidy
• Phonak's green, white and yellow makes them one of the more striking TTT combons
• Cofidis left the time trial bikes at home for this one
• AG2R catch a few moments' sunshine in the TTT
• Quick Step working hard in the TTT
• Bouygues Telecom finished a solid mid-pack tenth
• Gerolsteiner might have hoped for better than 13th
• Rabobank - traditionally strong in the TTT, the Dutch team was third
• La Française des Jeux were just off the podium in fourth
• The Miche team finished 14th in the TTT
• Fassa Bortolo on the way to eighth in the TTT, 1:30 down.
• Team CSC goes full gas in the TTT
• Team CSC - led by Bobby Julich, looking keen, mean and lean in the TTT
• Jen Voigt (CSC) remains in the lead after his team won the time trial

Stage 5 - February 13: Cabriès - Marseille, 122 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Robert Hunter (Phonak) takes the final stage of the Tour Méditerranéen, ahead of Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) and Fabio Sacchi (Fassa Bortolo)
• YESSSS! Robert Hunter (Phonak) claims victory
• The overall top three - Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas-Bianchi, 3rd); Jens Voigt (CSC, 1st); and Franck Schleck (Team CSC, 2nd)
• Jens Voigt (Team CSC) on the podium as overall winner of the 2005 Tour Méditerranéen

Images by Mark P. Hazelton

• Robert Hunter (Phonak, L) and Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner, R) contest the finale.
• Robert Hunter (Phonak) waves from the podium
• Robert Hunter (Phonak) is obviously looking forward to playing L'échappée Infernale
• Jens Voigt (Team CSC) is helped with the final leader jersey
• Franck Schleck (Team CSC) was best young rider as well as second overall.
• Przemislaw Niemec (Team Miche) wrestles with the champagne for king of the mountains
• Franco Pelizotti (Liquigas-Bianchi) on the podium after finishing third overall
• Jens Voigt (Team CSC) is interviewed after his win

Challenge Illes Balears

Stage 1 - February 6: Palma-Palma (Trofeo Mallorca), 82.5 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Franklin Tello/Franklin Tello Photography

• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quickstep) ready to take part in today’s start of the Mallorca Challenge
• The olympic champion, Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) always in great spirits and looking forward to more success in 2005
• The World Champion, Oscar Freire (Rabobank) sharing his thoughts on his goals this new season, and the World’s in Madrid
• 2004’s revelation Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) told the crowds how happy he is to be racing on Spanish soil, and with a Spanish team
• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) will be looking to score his first win of the season in this Mallorca Challenge
• Alejandro Valverde shares a few words with teammate and Mallorca’s own, Toni Tauler, before today’s start
• The start line of today’s stage was a rainbow of colours with teams ranging from the National selection of Spain, to Holland’s Rabobank
• As a tribute to Illes Balears team - racing on home soil - the peloton made them line up in front at today’s start
• As the sun started to come out the temperatures started rising and the peloton started getting faster as they looped around Palma de Mallorca
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quickstep) giving his all to not lose contact with the breakaway
• The peloton races around an old tower near the port of Palma de Mallorca
• Sergi Escobar (Illes Balears) - olympic medalist on the track at Athens - giving a long pull that would allow the rest of the peloton to catch the breakaway
• Steffen Wesemann (T-Mobile) surrounded by a couple of guys from the Spanish National Track team
• The World Champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank) was the clear winner on a fast finish in Palma de Mallorca
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) seemed very pleased and ready to take on more success this season
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) showing his new Mallorca Trophie
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) being presented the Gran Prize for today’s finish

Images by AFP Photo

• Another high-speed early-season dash
• The peloton speeds through the streets of Mallorca
• All the colours of the peloton rainbow were on display in the Mallorca sunshine

Images by Mario Stiehl/www.world-of-cycling.com

• Palm trees - if it's February, we must be in Mallorca
• Local boys lead out - the Iles Balears teams on the front of the peloton
• The peloton spreads out at the start of the race
• The peloton passes in front of the harbour
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) rides in the bunch
• Oscar Freire wins the first stage ahead of Isaac Galvez and Vicente Reynes (both Illes Balears)
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) on the podium with the trophy and cheque for stage 1

Stage 2 - February 7: Port d'Alcudia-Port d'Alcudia (Trofeo Alcudia), 163.2 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Franklin Tello/Franklin Tello Photography

• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) happy to be in Mallorca.
• Isaac Galvez (Illes Balears) was determined to go for the win again today
• The peloton rolls out of Port d'Alcudia for a 163km loop back to where it started.
• A Rabobank rider leads the peloton up the first climb
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) rides alongside his team car
• Oscar Freire and his lucky jersey
• Er, Oscar - I'm not sure you're supposed to follow the team car quite that close...
• Toni Tauler (Illes Balears) consults with his team manager during the breakaway
• Toni Tauler rides alongside his team car
• Oscar Freire and Roberto Laiseka chat as the peloton rolls along
• T-Mobile and Kaiku riders add a big splash of pink to the peloton
• The eight-man escape stayed away for almost 120km
• The breakaway hammers through the fields
• Toni Tauler - the local hope in the break
• Karsten Kroon (L) and Matt Hayman represented Rabobank in the breakaway
• The break lasted until ten kilometres from the finish before being swept up by the peloton
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) wins his second stage in as many days, ahead of Isaac Galvez (Illes Balears). Rainbow curse? What rainbow curse?
• Oscar Freire is very happy to be on the podium again - and the podium girls look pretty pleased to have him there too!

Images by Mario Stiehl/www.world-of-cycling.com

• The peloton climbs out of Port d'Alcudia
• The peloton chases the break in the Spring sunshine
• Oscar Freire claims his second victory in the Challenge Illes Balears
• Oscar Freire accepts the trophy

Stage 3 - February 8: Pollenca-Mirador des Colomer (Trofeo Manacor), 165.4 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Franklin Tello/Franklin Tello Photography

• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) was in good spirits at today’s start, and sharing his words on today’s wet forecast.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) attacked in the first kilometres of the stage, only to be reeled in by the peloton shortly after.
• Sergi Escobar (Illes Balears) - an Olympian and a favourite of the Balearic fans.
• Spanish Continental team Kaiku attacked in one of the biggest mountains today, and held the lead of the race for a while.
• Mallorca’s own Toni Colom (Illes Balears) - winner of last year’s series - got away from the peloton, setting the scene for teammate Alejandro Valverde.
• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) claims the win his team has been looking for all week
• Steven De Jongh (Rabobank) finishes in third place
• It was a good day for the Illes Balears team despite the weather
• Vicente Reynés (Illes Balears) rolls in after a very damp day on the bike
• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) on the podium as winner of the stage and overall leader

Stage 4 - February 9: Soller-Port de Soller (Trofeo Soller), 150.6 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Franklin Tello/Franklin Tello Photography

• Alejandro Valverde of team Illes Balears is showing great early season form, and is a very charismatic crowd favourits.
• Tony Colom (Illes Balears) - the winner of last year’s edition, in good spirits for the start of the stage
• Alejandro Valverde signs a few autographs for his Mallorcan fans
• Javier Benítez (Relax-Fuenlabrada) broke away from the peloton right after the first climb of the day.
• Team Illes Balears controls the breakaway as they pass one of Mallorca’s famous windmills
• Pablo Lastras (Illes Balears) focused on keeping Alejandro Valverde safe in the head of the peloton
• The early breakaway - Stephan Schreck (T-Mobile), Adrián Palomares (Kaiku), Rubén Pérez (Orbea) and Anttón Luengo (Eukaltel-Euskadi) stayed away for the first quarter of the race
• Illes Balears keeps control of the breakaway while the weather keeps changing between patches of sun, and heavy rain clouds.
• The peloton goes through the streets of Pollensa
• The breakaway starts the long climb to the top of Coll de Sa Batalla
• Stephan Schreck (T-Mobile) and Anttón Luengo (Eukaltel-Euskadi) can’t hold on to the pace of Adrián Palomares (Kaiku) and Rubén Pérez (Orbea)
• A few sheep pasturing, as the breakaway realizes that the peloton will catch them soon
• Rubén Pérez (Orbea) gives it one more go, and breaks free from the breakaway
• Anttón Luengo (Eukaltel-Euskadi) and Adrián Palomares (Kaiku) try to chase, but the long day in the mountain starts to get to them
• Rubén Pérez (Orbea) keeps increasing his small lead over the breakaway
• Team Illes Balears keeps up the pressureand works hard to control the race
• Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) keeps a watchful eye near the front of the race. It will be a fast descent into Port de Sóller, and if he can make it up the mountain fast enough, he might have a good chance at the finish
• Xabier Zandio and Aitor Osa of Illes Balears share a joke before the second climb of the day
• Mallorca’s own Toni Tauler grabs a feed bag along with the hungry peloton
• The breakaway together again before being swallowed by the peloton
• Comunidad Valenciana share the work with Illes Balears. Here is Javier Pascual Llorente taking a long pull up front.
• Angel Casero and José Luis Martínez (Comunidad Valenciana) along with Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears)
• The front of the peloton - Comunidad Valenciana, and Illes Balears
• The peloton climbs through the streets of Selva, Mallorca
• Illes Balears leading the peloton through the mountains, with Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) sitting at the back
• Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) can’t hold on anymore and gets dropped by the Illes Balears led peloton
• Illes Balears start to put the hammer down, as they approach the top of the second last climb of the day
• Alejandro Valverde having an excellent day, and very pleased with the work of his new team
• The peloton climbs the final mountain of the day leaving behind one of the largest lakes in Mallorca, at an altitude of over 700 metres
• Aitor Pérez Arrieta (Spiuk) tries to get away on the last climb, but he would eventually be absorbed by the peloton again
• Team Illes Balears is finally in front again, setting the stage for Alejandro Valverde, to make it a double after yesterday’s win
• Alejandro Valverde takes the stage and adds another victory for 2005
• Valverde was very happy with the way Illes Balears controlled the race today
• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) takes the Trofeo de Sóller, and stamps his signature in this year’s edition of the Mallorca Challenge
• Valverde shares the love on the podium, after a hard earned day of victory, crossing four 2nd category climbs
• Port de Soller - another town that has witnessed a great day of racing.

Images by AFP Photo

• Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) checks his bike
• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) wins the fourth stage of the Challenge Illes Balears
• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) salutes from the podium

Stage 5 - February 10: Magalluf-Palmanova (Trofeo Calvia), 148.3 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Franklin Tello/Franklin Tello Photography

• Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) heads to the sign in area, before the start of the race, on a very sunny day
• Toni Colom (Illes Balears) is looking forward to giving his all in the final stage of the Mallorca Challenge
• The race starts and the riders head to km zero, where the attacks are sure to begin shortly
• Torsten Hiekmann (T-Mobile) kisses his lucky necklace and wishes for a fast and safe race
• Alejandro Valverde is sure to win the overall Mallorca Challenge, if he can keep himself out of trouble today
• After the breakaway finally forms today, team Illes Balears starts to work hard to keep it within control, and set the stage once again for a team win
• Roberto Laiseka (Eukaltel-Euskadi) gets off the saddle to keep the pace that Illes Balears is setting up the Col de Soller
• The team cars and the race caravan follows closely behind
• The breakaway starts to lose ground as they climb the Col de Claret (2nd category climb)
• Team Illes Balears is only seconds behind them, but they give it all as they climb
• Aitor Alonso (Spanish Track Team) sits between the breakaway and the peloton
• The Illes Balears led peloton climbs the Col de Soller
• Gorka Anttón (Eukaltel-Euskadi) gets dropped by the peloton
• Jesus Pérez (Spiuk) was very active in the attacks in the beginning of the race, but can’t keep the pace that Illes Balears is setting
• After a successful attack by Toni Colom in the final kilometres, he took the stage for Illes Balears
• Alejandro Valverde made it in safely to take the general classification of the Mallorca Challenge
• Rabobank tried hard to chase and catch Toni Colom, so that Oscar Freire could take the sprint, but Illes Balears proved much too strong today
• Sergi Escobar (Illes Balears) brings the rest of the peloton into the finish
• Alejandro Valverde takes the Mallorca Challenge - and gives his new team a very successful start of the season, on home ground
• Toni Colom put the finishing touches for an excellent week of racing in Mallorca
• Alejandro Valverde and Toni Colom - the men of the day today in Mallorca
• Alejandro Valverde and Toni Colom are joined by Mallorcan Toni Tauler who did a great job for the team this week
• The organization behind the Mallorca Challenge - These are the people who made it all possible for the riders to have a great start to the season

Copenhagen Six

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by CyclingWorld.dk

• Jimmi Madsen and Jakob Piil celebrate - well, Piil does; Madsen seems to have dozed off. It's a long six days...

Images by Jesper Johannesen/Feltet.dk

• Michael Smith Larsen - paired with Jens Erik Madsen - the duo finished last. From there, you can only get better!
• Martin Liska finished mid-pack with team-mate Jozef Zabka
• Italy's Marco Villa is alwaysa crowd favourite at the Sixes
• Lars H Thomsen - another local rider, he was paired with Gerd Dörich
• Kurt Betschart - the Swiss Madison expert was unlucky not to finish better than fifth
• Jimmi Madsen looking chipper
• Jimmi Madsen ponders
• Jimmi Madsen - thoughtful
• Frank Høj and Franz Stocher (Aut) salute the crowd
• Danny Stam does his impression of an apprehended homeboy.
• Legendary Australian Six-day rider Danny Clark may have retired long ago, but just can't keep away!
• Bruno Risi and Kurt Betschart between races
• Alex Rasmussen and Michael Berling after winning the under 23 cup
• Marc Hester/Michael Mørkøv - under 23 runners up
• The serious action in Ballerup Arena
• Jimmi Madsen after the win
• Jakob Piil interviewed after his victory
• Michael Sandstød contemplates his last race
• Michael Sandstød rides through a tunnel of bikes
• Michael Sandstød happy that it's all over
• Michael Sandstød gives his farewell speech
• Michael Sandstød exits, stage left

Images by Some Bloke/www.webaddress.com

• Michael Sandstød gets a big hug

Revolution #7

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Larry Hickmott

• Jan Van Eijden (Germany) head down - keeps his eye on Gregory Bauge (France) as the former World Champion heads for victory in the Invitation Sprint event.
• Arnaud Tournant (France) of France and Chris Hoy (Great Britain) - Silver and Gold in the Kilometre at the Athens Olympics, clash shoulder to shoulder in the Invitation Keirin event won by Ross Edgar (Great Britain, VC St Raphael).
• Chris Hoy on his way to victory in the 500 metre Time Trial challenge match with Arnaud Tournant (France).
• Arnaud Tournant (France) looking to get revenge for his defeat in the Athens Olympic Kilometre, was unable to beat the World and Olympic champion Chris Hoy but did taste victory in the Team Sprint later that evening.
• The Great Britain and French teams line up for the presentation after the final event, the Team Sprint Challenge match. L to R: Jason Queally, Ross Edgar, Chris Hoy, Amy, Francois Pervis, Paula, Gregory Bauge and in front being the great showman that he is, Arnaud Tournant.
• Gregory Bauge leads the French team off to as they race away to a win in the Team Sprint Challenge. Bauge was joined by Arnaud Tournant and Francois Pervis.
• Chris Hoy who had a busy night, leads Jason Queally and Ross Edgar of the British team in the Team Sprint as they attempt to beat the French in the final event of the evening. Alas for the big crowd, it wasn't to be and the French came away with the final victory of the evening.
• Ross Edgar wins the Invitation Keirin event ahead of Chris Hoy and Jan Van Eijden of Germany.
• Jan Van Eijden, the popular and entertaining German rider seems rather pleased with victory in the Invitation Sprint or is it the lovely Paula who's presenting the flowers?
• Triple Olympic medallist from Athens Bradley Wiggins signs autographs from a crowd of people eager to get his signature on posters and programs featuring the Olympic champion.
• The meeting was all but sold out with only two tickets left as the racing commenced in what has proved to be a very successful series for the Manchester Velodrome and British Cycling.
• Andy Tennant beats Jack Hibberd in the One Mile Dash for future star riders who had their chance to race to a capacity crowd.
• Jon Tindley who had a successful Comonwealth Youth Games in Australia not so long ago, leads the field in the Girls Future Stars Scratch race.
• World Pursuit Champion Sergio Escobar Roure (Illes Balears) wins the Invitation Points Race to show that despite a lot of road work, he has plenty of speed. The Spanish rider is set for a busy season, defending his world crown and riding the Tour of Italy, one of his team's targets.
• World Junior Scratch race champion, Geraint Thomas tried hard to win races with many attacks off the front to show off those rainbow stripes but was unable to cross the line first. He's now off to Sydney with the British team for the World Track Cup there.
• Sergio Escobar Roure (Illes Balears) one of the special guest riders who the large crowd came to see and he didn't dissapoint, winning the Points race. His events include the Tour of Majorca.
• British Junior champion Ben Swift almost took the Points race off World Pursuit champion Sergio Escobar Roure (Illes Balears), scoring the same amount of points but losing the race on countback.
• Once a points winner in the Tour of Spain and still one of the top road riders in the UK, Malcolm Elliot (Pinarello RT) was in fine form as he prepares for the 2005 road season where he says he intends to be more selective about the events he rides.

Davitamon-Lotto presentation

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• Three flying Dutchmen - Aart Vierhouten, Leon van Bon, and Koos Moerenhout.
• Axel Merckx talks about his 2005 plans.
• Cadel Evans, the team's big - and only - GC hope.
• Nico Mattan, one of a handful of Classics specialists on the team.
• Peter van Petegem, Davitamon's 35 year-old Classics specialist.
• Sprinter Robbie McEwen, enjoying one of the benefits of being on a Belgian team.
• Tom Steels will be looking for more sprint victories this year.

GP Costa degli Etruschi

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Take it to the bridge!
• Dean Podgornik (Tenax) launched a solo attack that gained 10 minutes, but was reeled in.
• Riders climb a tree-lined lane.
• The GP Costa degli Etruschi takes in glorious rural roads.
• The peloton passes along scenic roads.
• Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) rugged up against the late winter chill.
• Gilberto Simoni (Lampre-Caffita) rides on the front of the peloton.
• The Acqua e Sapone team leads the peloton.
• Fassa Bortolo leads the peloton, ready to deliver their man Petacchi to the line.
• Alessandro Petacchi claims the win from Luciano Pagliarini (Liquigas-Bianchi, left)
• Alessandro Petacchi wins his first race of the season.
• Alessandro Petacchi knows he's got it.
• Alessandro Petacchi celebrates his win.
• Alessandro Petacchi holds aloft the glass trophy.
• The podium - Luciano Pagliarini (Liquigas-Bianchi, 2nd), Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, 1st) and Francesco Chicchi (Fassa Bortolo, 3rd).
• Alessandro Petacchi on the podium.
• Alessandro Petacchi gets a big congratulations.

Superprestige #7, Hoogstraten

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• World champion Sven Nys (Rabobank) carries his bike in the Hoogstraten Superprestige. Despite finishing seventh, Nys retains the series lead.
• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea Cyclocrossteam) claims the win at Hoogstraten.

Images by Delphine Page/www.cycling-photos.net

• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea) on the first lap.
• Enrico Franzoi (Lampre-Caffita) feeling good on the first lap.
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) shows off his new world champion jersey
• Tim Van Nuffel (Saey-Deschacht) gets a bit sideways in the sandy descent
• French rider David Derepas thinks that this descent is dangerous.
• Tom Vannoppen (Palmans-Sapim) takes a spill
• A tangle of Barts - Wellens (Fidea) falls with Aernouts
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Rabobank) was having a good day.
• Sven Nys (Rabobank) seemed to be in some difficulties near the end of the race after a crash
• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea) wins ahead of Sven Vanthourenhout (Rabobank).
• The podium - (L to R) Sven Vanthourenhout (Rabobank, 2nd), Erwin Vervecken (Fidea Cyclocrossteam) and Davy Commeyne (Palmans-Sapim, 3rd)

Miche presentation

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fabrizio Sterpos/viaroma100.net

• Team Miche for 2005
• A group photo of the Miche team
• The team bikes and mystery rider
• Manager Marco Tozzi with journalist Antonio Mannori
• Team manager Giuseppe Tognaccini with journalist Antonio Mannori

Illes Balears presentation

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Illes Balears

• Alejandro Valverde and Paco Mancebo
• Vladimir Karpets (R ) always stands out from the crowd
• Welcome to Illes Balears. Please enjoy your stay.
• The finishing touches are put to the team car
• The team bus will be easy to spot
• The team jersey

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/franklintellophoto.com

• The Illes Balears team is presented in Palma de Mallorca
• Alejandro Valverde and Francesco Mancebo are two of the team's top GC riders
• Valverde with Mancebo and friend
• Are these new recruits?
• The Illes Balears team car is a nice shade of rainbow

Australian Madison championships

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by CJ Farquharson/www.VeloPhoto.net

• Laurie Naughton working hard during an Elimination race early in the evening
• Briana James leads Jessica Lane and Livia Gluchowska in the 10 lap motorpace
• Eventual winner Hannah Bush looks for the line ahead of the bunch in the motorpace
• Jeremy McLay takes pace in the Flying Lap record attempt
• It hurts - but it was also a winner : 13.849seconds (64.987km/h)
• Junior men - Ricky Peoples and Leigh Howard go for broke off the front of their elimination race
• The line behind the derny in the Keirin heat
• Another Keirin heat - team pursuit world champion Stephen Wooldridge peers over the pacer's shoulder
• A big bunch started in the Jefferson Ford Elimination race
• The Bayside Bandidos in yellow watch the start of the women's keirin.....
• ... and enjoy the action in the Madison Championship
• Mike Friedman launches Josh Kerkhof (USA)
• Gui Nelessen & Bobby Lea - the US pursuit specialists were popular in the Australian Madison
• VIS riders Sean Finning and Richard England came third
• Silver medals went to Nic Sanderson and Simon Clarke
• Tim Decker leads the bunch
• The pace is hurting - check out the grimaces
• The NSWIS pair of Chrises - Sutton and Pascoe took the race honours and the Australian title
• Desperate for the changeover
• Tasmanians Darren Young & Matt Goss were in contention until the penultimate sprint
• Sutton and Young - Champions acknowledging the crowd
• Chris Sutton & Chris Young look relieved as well as happy!

Euskaltel-Euskadi presentation

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Martin Hardie/Cyclingnews.com

• Team director Julian Gorospe interviewed in front of the Euskaltel-Euskadi team
• Aitor Gonzalez interviewed while Iban Mayo watches
• Haimar Zubeldia looking happy, as usual
• The Silloniz brothers local celebrity Mikel Gotzorri
• Aitor Silloniz has orange shoes to match the team colours
• Unai Etxebarria thinking

Etoile de Bessèges

Stage 1 - February 2: Marseille - Marseille Luminy, 126.2 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Freddy Bichot (La Francaise des Jeux) wins the first stage of the Etoile de Besseges
• Freddy Bichot (La Francaise des Jeux) in the leader's jersey

Images by Régis Garnier/velofotopro.fr.st

• Maxime Monfort (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago)
• Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom)
• Ludovic Capelle (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago)
• Chrstophe Edaleine helps his teammate, Jimmy Casper
• "A cup of coffee?"
• The peloton leaves Marseille

Stage 3 - February 4: Branoux - La Grand'Combe, 143.3 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Jens Voigt (CSC) is followed by Johan Coenen (MrBookmaker.com)
• Jens Voigt (CSC) wins the third stage of the Etoile de Besseges

Stage 4 - February 5: Casino Les Fumades - Casino Les Fumades, 152.3 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Tom Steels (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the fourth stage ahead of Saulius Ruskys (Agritubel) and Jaan Kirsipuu (Crédit Agricole)
• Tom Steels smiles on the podium with the stage trophy
• Tom Steels waves to the crowd after his stage win

Stage 5 - February 6: Gagnières - Bessèges, 148.5 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Freddy Bichot (La Francaises des Jeux) admires the trophy for overall winner of the Etoile de Bessèges
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) crosses the line ahead of Jaan Kirsipuu (Credit Agricole)
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) celebrates his victory

GP d'Ouverture La Marseillaise

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Life's a beach - the peloton rides along the Marsailles seafront.
• Nicki Sörensen (CSC) wins the GP d'Ouverture La Marseillaise, claiming the first victory of the European season.
• Nicki Sörensen (CSC) with the trophy

Images by Régis Garnier/velofotopro.fr.st

• A new job for Scott Sunderland as a directeur sportif for CSC.
• Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis) at the start.
• Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole)
• Vladimir Gussev (CSC), who was eventually second.
• Peter Van Petegem (Davitamon-Lotto)
• New colours for Jan Kirsipuu (Credit Agricole)
• Philippe Gilbert (FDJ) waits for the start...
• Henk Vogels (Davitamon-Lotto) looks cheerful for his first race in Europe.
• Nicki Sorensen (CSC) wins the Grand Prix La Marseillaise.
• Wim Van Huffel (Davitamon-Lotto) looks disapointed after being in a two man break that was sent the wrong way at the finish.
• Nicki Sorensen (CSC) the first winner in Europe for 2005.

Tour of Qatar

Stage 1 - January 31: Al Khor Corniche - Doha Hyatt Plaza, 143 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) is served tea
• Three Bouygues Telecom riders: Romy Martias, Anthony Charteau and Christophe Kern drinking tea
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) is served tea
• Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) waits for the start of stage 1
• Cruising along in Qatar
• Chiyin Leung (Marco Polo) on his own, complete with race banana
• Riders in the desert during stage 1
• Riders through the palm trees during stage 1
• Riders in the desert during stage 1
• A camel seems fascinated by the action
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) beats Mario Cipollini (C) to win stage 1
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) raises his arms in triumph after winning stage 1
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the golden leader's jersey, with trophy
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) receives a trophy after winning stage 1

Stage 2 - February 1: Camel Race Track - Qatar Olympic Committee, 167,5 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton passes some palm trees - a big improvement on wintry Europe!
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step, in yellow) and the peloton pass a mosque
• The peloton hits the road in stage 2 of the Tour of Qatar
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step, in yellow) rides near the front in stage 2
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) feels the heat
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) and Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) working hard in the sunshine
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step, right) outsprints Fabrizio Guidi (CSC, centre) and RobbieMcEwen (Davitamon-Lotto)
• Tom Boonen celebrates his second stage win and yellow jersey from the podium
• "Think this will get me to the top of the Alps even quicker this year?" Er, probably not, Thomas...

Stage 3 - February 2: Al Wakra - Al Khor Corniche, 194 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton rolls out in the neutral zone
• The peloton rides past the seaside during stage 3
• A Qatari spectator watches the action
• Cycling in the desert: Stage 3 of the Tour of Qatar
• Lloyd Mondory (Ag2r) sits in the desert after crashing
• Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) was hurt in a crash
• Race leader Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) gets into the action during stage 3
• Five members of CSC drop leader Tom Boonen for good, assisted by Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) and Marcus Ljungqvist (Liquigas-Bianchi)
• Lars Michaelsen and Matti Breschel (CSC) finish first and second in the third stage
• Lars Michaelsen (CSC) in gold after stage 3

Stage 4 - February 3: Al Zubarah - Doha Landmark, 169 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Riders cast long shadows as the stage gets underway in the winter sunshine.
• Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) - perhaps planning the finale's winning move.
• Lars Michaelsen (Team CSC) rides in the yellow jersey which he retained after stage 4.
• The peloton passes some bovine spectators.
• A medieval fort provides the backdrop to a thoroughly modern race.
• Mario Cipollini just edges out Tom Boonen (Quick STep) on the line.
• Mario Cipollini claims victory over Tom Boonen (Quick Step) and Aart Vierhouten (Davitamon-Lotto)
• Mario Cipollini is congratulated on the podium by the president of the Qatar Cycling Federation, Sheikh Khaled bin Ali Al-Thani.

Stage 5 - February 4: Sealine Beach Resort - Doha Corniche, 153 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Life's a beach for race leader Lars Michaelsen (Team CSC)
• Here be camels!
• Riders enjoy the scenery on their last day in Qatar.
• The peloton approaches a small detour
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) outsprints Alexandre Usov (Ag2R)
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) claims victory in the final stage of the Tour of Qatar
• Lars Michaelsen (Team CSC) with the trophy for overall victory in the Tour of Qatar

Doha International Grand Prix

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• A Qatari man peaks with Iraqi cyclist Mihsen Reauf (Aljazeera sport Channel) before the start
• French sports minister Jean-Francois Lamour on hand at the start
• The Bouygues Telecom team is greeted by French sports minister Jean-Francois Lamour
• Are turbans mandatory?
• Radhwan Al-Moraqab (Al Jazeera Sport Channel) attacks
• Mario Cipollini (Liquigas-Bianchi) in action. He eventually finished 5th.
• A spectator watches the action
• The peloton in the Doha International Grand Prix
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) leads the peloton in the Doha International Grand Prix
• Robert Hunter (Phonak) beats Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) and Lars Michaelsen (CSC) to win the Doha International Grand Prix
• Tom Boonen and Robert Hunter congratulate each other on the podium
• The podium (L ro R): Lars Michaelsen (3rd), Robert Hunter (1st) and Tom Boonen (2nd)
• Robert Hunter (Phonak) accepts his winner's trophy

Images by Francis Cerny/Nikon Camera

• Team Marco Polo training in Qatar
• Allan Wolhuter and Todd McKean from the Marco Polo Cycling Team driving to the race circuit. They will be car number 1 in the peloton.
• Riders before the start Robert Hunter, Mario Cipollini, Fuyu Li, a CSC rider and Fred Rodriguez on the start line
• Cipollini, Fuyu and a CSC rider before the start
• The peloton and some Arabic men watching it, really excited about the speed.
• The complete peloton lined out

For more photos, e.g. LPR presentation, Cofidis presentation, Chocolade Jacques-T Interim presentation, Naturino-Sapore di Mare presentation, Ag2r presentation, La Francaise des Jeux presentation, Liquigas presentation, Tour of Wellington, Six Days of Stuttgart, RAGT Semences presentation, T-Mobile presentation, Domina Vacanze presentation, Giro Presentation, Cross World Cup #10, Canberra Tour de Dirt, Fassa Bortolo team presentation, Gerolsteiner team presentation, Discovery Channel Training, Queensland Elite Track Championships and Australian Open Road Championships please consult our archives