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Cycling photography for May

Tour du Grand Montreal
Montreal World Cup
Tour of Somerville
CSC Invitational
Canada Cup XC #2
MTB World Cup, Houffalize
Tour of Belgium
Captech Classic
FBD Insurance Rás
Canada Cup XC #1
Tour of Connecticut
Volta a Catalunya
Tour of Japan
Excel Sports Boulder Stage Race
Tour de Picardie
Tour de L'Aude Feminin
Rheinland-Pfalz Rundfahrt
MTB World Cup XC #
Castilla y Leon
Lincoln International GP
Cat's Hill Classic
Four Days of Dunkirk
Tour de Romandie
International UNIQA Classic
Souvenir Magali Pache Lausanne
Groote Mei Prijs Hoboken
American Velodrome Challenge
Mario Cipollini's press conference
Roswell criterium
Rund um den Henninger Turm
Giro di Toscana

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Tour du Grand Montreal

Stage 1a - May 30: Lachine ITT, 2.8 km

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Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Genevieve Jeanson rode strongly and finished 2nd overall
• Judith Arndt (Equipe Nurnberger) sets off to post the 6th fastest time
• Edita Pucinskaite (Nobili Rubinetterie) waiting for her turn to burn
• Kylie Case (Canadian National Team) gets out of the saddle to push hard
• Lyne Bessette concentrating hard on home turf
• Barbara Howe (Velo Bella) with a position that looks awfully uncomfortable
• Nichole Wangsgard (Subway) looks straight ahead
• Olivia Gollan (Equipe Nurnberger) grits her teeth but finished lower down the order
• Team SATS' Rachel Heal looks focussed
• Olga Slyusareva (Nobili Rubinetterie) looking composed early on the course
• Lynn Gaggioli (Monex) rode well to take 16th on the day
• Joelle Numainville was the last rider set off on the course today
• Nice nails Daniella! Daniella Fusar Poli (Nobili Rubinetterie) before the start
• Warm up time for the Velo Bella girls
• Marie-Pierre Bedard was the first rider to head out on the course today
• Patricia Schwager (Quark) working very hard on her way to 52nd
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Nobili Rubinetterie) looks relaxed out of the saddle
• Nurnberger Worker bee Madeleine Lindberg with a smooth style at speed
• Sigrid Corneo (Nobili Rubinetterie)
• Thorburn (Webcor) sets off taking the win in this race against the clock
• Sue Palmer-Kormar (Colavita/Cooking Light) finished almost 14 seconds down
• Anke Wichmann (Equipe Nurnberger) pushes hard to finish mid-pack by the finish
• Quark's Grace Fleury looks pretty happy to be in Montreal
• The women's podium: Geneviève Jeanson, Christine Thorburn, Grace Fleury
• Thorburn salutes in the leader's jersey
• Magan Long (ACDA-Rona) still nursing a sore wrist

Stage 1b - May 30: Petite Italie criterium, 50km

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Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Grace Fleury (Quark) before the start of the criterium
• Melissa Holt (Team SATS) is ready to race
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) sitting on the startline in the leader's jersey
• Annette Beutler (Quark) gets going
• Tara Ross (Diet Cheerwine) sitting comfortably in the bunch
• Hiroko Shimada (Velo Bella) gets out of the saddle
• Early in the Little Italy criterium
• Magen Long (ACDA-Rona) goes for it off the front
• Gessica Turato (Safi-Pasta) looking relaxed
• Olivia Gollan (Equipe Nurnberger) gets up and out
• The main bunch
• Edita Pucinskaite (Nobili Rubinetterie) corners through one of the tight parts of the course
• Maria Luisa Calle Williams (Colombian National Team)
• Subway leads the way
• Subway riders were prominent today
• Rachel Heal looks straight ahead as she corners
• Holt and Kiesanowski go through this corner together
• Lyne Bessette (Ellicyle Sport) puts in the big ones
• Betina Hold (Webcor) leads the chase
• It's helter skelter as the chase makes it's way forward
• Judith Arndt leads teammate Oenone Wood as Equipe Nurnberger pushes for the result
• Petra Rossner, Equipe Nurnberger's DS
• Daniella Fusar Poli mugs it up for the camera
• And she's mighty proud of those nails!
• Kiwi fast woman Joanne Kiesanowski before the start of the race
• Hey, you've gotta look good!
• Team Nobili Rubinetterie-Menikini Cogeas with DS Walter Ricci Petitoni
• Carmen D’Aluisio was in a race for media and directors before the girls took off
• Oenone Wood (l) and Olivia Gollan (r) Equipe Nurnberger's Aussie contingent
• Rachel Heal (Team SATS) before the race started
• The girls hit Little Italy for the second stage of day one
• Judith Arndt has a chuckle as they set out for the criterium
• Magen Long attacks the field early in the race
• French rider Marielle Aunave (Mixed team espoirs Laval) starts to push herself
• Genevieve Jeanson, fresh from her World Cup win wears the number 1 bib
• Marielle Aunave and Oenone Wood mix it up round the corner
• Anke Wichmann (Equipe Nurnberger) leans into the corner
• Kelly Benjamin and Edita Pucinskaite take a turn near the front
• It's pretty tight racing through the streets of LIttle Italy
• Cathrine Walberg (ACDA-Rona) looks for position in the pack
• Anke Wichmann and Judith Arndt, two of the Nurnberger ladies
• Oenone Wood (Equipe Nurnberger) takes victory
• The top three: Joanne Kiesanowski, Oenone Wood and Rochelle Gilmore

Stage 2 - May 31: Rigaud road race, 120.2km

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Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Erinne Willock (Webcor) took 6th today's stage and sits 7th overall
• Thorburn (Webcor), Wood (Nurnberger), Rasmussen (Team S.A.T.S) battle each other up the hill
• Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) nears the top of this tough climb
• Patricia Schwager (Quark) ended the day in 13th spot
• Grace Fleury (Quark) hangs tough on the climb
• Lynn Gaggioli (Biovail) looks composed heading up this part of the course
• Nurnberger's Oenone Wood on the top spot again
• Honestly officer, it wasn't me...
• Judith Arndt clocks in for another day at the office
• Marielle Aunave (Basis) signs in
• The pack heads steadily along through the countryside around Montreal
• Velo Bella lead the pack
• The main pack heads into a turn
• Early on in the stage the pack stayed together
• Jeanson goes for the KOM from Gaggioli and Sigrid Corneo
• Stefanie Graeter (Webcor) looks pretty happy up the climb
• Jacqueline Mourao (Ellicyle) gets out of the saddle up the climb
• Audrey Lemieux (Quark) shows us that heading up the climb hurts
• Daniella Fusar Poli (Nobili Rubinetterie) doesn't look too comfortable going up the climb
• Rochelle Gilmore (Pasta Zara-Safi) climbs strongly
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) chases hard
• Genevieve Jeanson (ACDA-Rona) gets a bottle from her dad
• Genevieve Jeanson (ACDA-Rona) heads up the climb on her way to third
• Oenone Wood (Nurnberger) makes it to the line first again
• Wood takes another stage victory
• The prolific Oenone Wood (Nurnberger) now lies in second on GC
• A happy Wood is a good Wood is a happy team
• Oenone Wood gets some gravel rash from an earlier incident
• Nurnberger DS Petra Rossner and Wood talk turkey after the stage finish

Stage 3 - June 1: Terrebonne circuit race, 80km

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Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Annette Beutler (Quark) early in the race
• Three of the break - Erinne Willock (Webcor), Dorte Lohse Rasmussen (Team S.A.T.S) and Annette Beutler (Quark)
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) is marked by Anke Wichmann (Nurnberger)
• Team RONA chasing the break the break to try and protect team and race leader Genevieve Jeanson.
• Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) in the pack on a hot afternoon
• Melodie Metzger and Hiroko Shimada (Velo Bella) lead the peloton through a turn
• The break consolidates its escape
• Melissa Holt and Rachel Heal (SATS) try and stay cool in the heat
• Caroline Montminy (Quebec) rolls down teh road, deep in the pack
• Lynn Gaggioli (Biovail) and Grace Fleury (Quark) lead the peloton
• Annette Beutler (Quark) in the evening sunshine
• Annette Beutler (Quark) working hard to stay away from the bunch.
• Sima Trapp (Subway) rides in the chasing bunch.
• Betina Hold (Webcor) was one of many riders policing the bunch to protect the breakaway.
• Rachel Heal (SATS) leads the pack
• Elisa Gagnon (Quebec) rides in the pack.
• Stefanie Graeter (Webcor) rides at the front of the chasing bunch, keeping an eye on Jeanson.
• The bunch passes through the streets of Terrebonne
• Marielle Aunave (Mixed team/Espoirs Laval) looks to be enjoying the sunshine.
• Riders try and rest before the climb
• Oenone Wood (Nurnberger) in the break. Wood finished second and is the new leader of the tour.
• Audrey Lemieux (Quark) watches Christine Thorburn (Webcor)
• The peloton comes back into town
• The 4 riders in the break quickly built a commanding lead.
• The breakaway riders work together to maintain their lead.
• The break away pounds toward the finish in the evening twilight.
• The podium - Oenone Wood (Nurnberger), Annette Beutler (Quark), and Dorte Lohse Rasmussen (Team S.A.T.S)
• Oenone Wood (Nurnberger) celebrates on the podium with her three new jerseys.

Stage 4 - June 2: Mont-St-Hilaire, 114.55km

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Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• An early break tried to get away but was recaptured.
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) leads the chase
• The pack rolls through.
• Audrey Lemieux (Quark) grabs a bottle in teh feed zone.
• Marielle Aunave (Mixed team espoirs Laval) hits the ground hard in the feed zone after hitting someone who stepped out.
• Daniella Fusar Poli (Nobili Rubinetterie) leads out the sprint
• Daniella Fusar Poli (Nobili Rubinetterie) takes a big win
• It's only a flesh wound - Erinne Willock (Webcor) will need stitches for this one.
• Melissa Holt (SATS) was very happy with 5th. Come to think of it, when is Ms Holt not happy?
• Daniella Fusar Poli and team manager Walter Ricci Petition are quite excited about the result.
• Fusar Poli, Petition and Edita Pucinskaite celebrate
• The Nobili team celebrates - Fusar Poli, Petition and Pucinskaite are very happy, as you'd expect.
• That's gotta hurt - Erinne Willock (Webcor) went down hard but finished.
• Stage winner Daniella Fusar Poli (Nobili Rubinetterie) goes for the win the 'biggest podium grin' contest too
• The podium - Melissa Holt (Team S.A.T.S), Daniella Fusar Poli (Nobili Rubinetterie) and Melissa Sanborn (Subway)
• Oenone Wood (Nurnberger) celebrates her overall victory.
• The overall top three - Annette Beutler (Quark), Oenone Wood (Équipe Nurnberger Versicherung) and Dorte Lohse Rasmussen (Team S.A.T.S)
• Oenone Wood and proud team manager Petra Rossner. They came to win, and they did.
• Tour winner Oenone Wood gives a post-race interview.
• The team who put it all together - the organisers of the tour and the World Cup

Montreal World Cup

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Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Waiting to start
• They're off!
• Nicole Wangsgard (Subway)
• Linda Serup
• Regina Schleicher (Equipe Nurnberger) goes up
• Linda Serup goes off the front of the pack
• Team Quark pre race posing
• Barbara Howe and the Velo Bella girls warm up
• Can you help with my number? The Diet Cheerwine team get ready to race
• Team Safi before the start
• Team Nobili are presented
• Team Buitenpoort are presented including pre-race World Cup leader Suzanne Ljungskog
• The Webcor ladies look relaxed
• Team RONA will have a winner in their midst before the day is out
• Gilmore, Serup and Gagnon
• Judith Arndt in the pack
• Madeleine Lindberg (Équipe Nurnberger)
• Suzanne Ljungskog (Buitenpoort-Flexpoint)
• World Cup promotor Daniel Manidal gives the thumbs up
• Leigh Hobson (Diet Cheerwine)
• Subway performed well today
• Amber Neben and Genevieve Jeanson
• Neben and Jeanson go at it
• Amber Neben (Buitenpoort-Flexpoint)
• Christine Thornburn (Webcor)
• Olivia Gollan (Equipe Nurnberger)
• Eventual winner Genevieve Jeanson
• Rachel Heal (Team S.A.T.S)
• Genevieve Jeanson worked hard for the win today
• Daniella Fusar Poli
• Time for a drink for Melissa Holt
• Jeanson at the line takes the win
• Genevieve Jeanson seals victory
• Oenone Wood (Equipe Nurnberger) new World Cup leader
• Wood, Jeanson and Melchers-Van Poppel the top 3 in Montreal
• Jeanson rides down the hill to see her mom

Tour of Somerville

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) comes up with the goods in Somerville
• A delighted Laura Van Gilder (Quark) celebrates victory in this traditional race
• The men line up waiting for the start
• Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joe's) corners mid pack
• Cameron Holland (Snow Vallery/Seal-On) takes a turn
• Crowds were out in scenic downtown Summervile to watch the racing in the sun
• Marty Nothstein (Navigators) tried hard to make to the break
• Gustavo Artacho (Colovita/Sutter Home) goes after the front group
• Ouch!
• A break forms halfway through the race
• The bunch gets strung out on the back side
• Eric Saunders (McGuire/Langdale) did a huge amount of work today
• The break that stayed away
• One lap to go for the field
• Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) meets the press after his win
• The podium: Stefan Stienweg (Texas Roadhouse Cycling), Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) and Jason Allen (McGuire/Langdale)
• The women take off
• The women take a hard left
• The women ride past one of the old churches along the course.
• Lipton riders were aggressive all day
• Velobella leads a small attack.
• Ashley Kimmet (Colovita/Sutter Home) tries to get away.
• Anna Milkowski makes another attack for Team Lipton

Images by Zui Hanafusa/www.miyashojicycling.org

• The Star Spangled Banner
• The Junior field was moving as fast as the 3/4 field today
• Peter Salon (Cuevas) trying to break free with his teammate
• Shane Kline (TEAM Fuji) aware of the others trying to break free
• Shane Kline (TEAM Fuji) wins the Junior race.
• Riders came from Florida, Puerto Rico, and even California
• The various masters fields got a good run today
• Marcos Gratereaux (CRCA/MIYASHOJI.COM) broke away and stayed ahead, taking a few primes
• Last year's 35+ winner Juan Pimentel (CRCA/MIYASHOJI.COM) had a wheel problem with four laps to go
• ...with one lap to go Sebastian Potok (Watchung Wheelmen) had a gap and held on
• Sebastian Potok (Watchung Wheelmen) gets his hands up after taking victory in Cat 3
• Early in the Cat 2 race Ramon Benitez (Artemis) sets a furious tempo and creates a break, which lasted for a while
• At times the group bunched when no one was ahead, but the rest of the time it was single file
• Everybody took a turn at the front
• Dirk's sportsbaseonline.com ran a smooth pre-reg at the race. The lines never built up
• Fiordifrutta set themselves up for a win in Cat 2
• The hammer was down all day
• Johannes Huseby (Fiordifrutta) winning the bunch sprint in the Cat 2 race
• Ashley Kimmet (Colavita) sits comfortably
• Ina Tutenberg (T-Mobile) hits the gas and has been in good form lately
• Sarah Uhl (Quark) keeping an eye out on the front
• T-Mobile, Quark, Lipton and Victory were very active at the front
• Laura Van Gilder peeking her head to see whats happening up at the front
• Lauren Franges (Victory Brewing) keeping the pace up as she is ready for any attacks
• Kristen Lasasso (Lipton) shortly after the beginning launched a break with Lisa Gilette (CTS) which lasted a handful of laps
• Megan Esmonde (Colavita-Cooking Light) covered the front and kept the field together as hard as she could for her teammates
• Everyone was in the drops
• T-Mobile's high speed connection
• Quark and T-Mobile smothered the front of the pack
• Laura Van Gilder (Quark Cycling Team) took the win as she popped out like a bolt of thunder through the stormy clouds
• Stefan Steinweg (Texas Roadhouse Cycling) made a move early in the race which was reflected in the finish
• Rahasiti Bahati (McGuire/Langdale) was sitting nicely waiting for the groups to merge
• It was a quality men's pro field
• Stefan Steinweg (Texas Roadhouse Cycling) drove the group till he intiated the break
• High speeds and single file for most of the day
• Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) sitting pretty in the break
• Eric Saunders (McGuire/Langdale) did his best to set up his sprinters and keep the field together. He later chased and took 10th
• Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) raising the roof with the chase right behind for the finish
• Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) floats in to claim victory with a few seconds to spare
• Guillaume Nelessen (Northwestern Morgage) after soloing his own break to finish 9th
• Kyle Wamsley (Snow Valley) Tour of Somerville 2005 winner

CSC Invitational

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The men get under way at the CSC Invitational.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) gets up close and personal.
• John Lieswyn (Healthnet/Maxxis) works to get a gap.
• Tyler Farrar (Healthnet/Maxxis) leads third place finisher Ivan Stevic (Aerospace Engineering).
• The peloton winds through one of the tight turns in downtown Arlington.
• Aaron Olson (Colovita/Sutter Home) hammers out of a turn.
• Gord Fraser (Healthnet/Maxxis) hangs back today to help out teammate and winner Ivan Dominguez.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) tries to get away solo but brings Ivan Dominguez (Healthnet/Maxxis) with him.
• Kirk O'Bee (Navigators) keeps his head down to power the break.
• A crash with 1 to go splits up the field.
• Ivan Dominguez (Health Net/Maxxis) gets it over the line to win ahead of Kirk O'Bee (Navigators)
• Ina Teutenburg (T-Mobile) goes solo again.
• Ashley Kimmet (Colavita/Cooking Light) works at the front.
• The women wind through Arlington.
• Amy Moore (Victory Brewing) lays into a corner.
• Iona Wynter (Quark) rides at the front to help winner and teammate Laura Van Gilder.
• Laura Van Gilder (Quark) leads Ina Teutenburg (T-Mobile).
• Laura Van Gilder (Quark) powers her way to victory
• The women's podium with Laura Van Gilder (Quark) in first, Ina Teutenburg (T-Mobile) second and NIcole Freedman (Ford/Basis) third.

Images by Sabine Sunderland

• CSC and HealthNet always at the front
• Bobby Julich (CSC) in action
• Bobby Julich (CSC) and John Lieswyn (HealthNet/Maxxis) on the front
• The peloton strung out down the back
• CSC in command
• CSC leads the bunch
• Taking a good line
• Tight racing
• Kirk O'Bee (Navigators) leads the break into a corner
• The peloton gives chase
• The Navigators cluster together
• Winner Ivan Dominguez (Health Net) explains how he did it
• Kirk O'Bee (Navigators) happy with second
• Third place getter Ivan Stevic interviewed post-race
• Bobby Julich (CSC) interviewed post-race
• The full podium (L to R): Bobby Julich (4th), Kirk O'Bee (2nd), Ivan Dominguez (1st), Ivan Stevic (3rd), and Rahsaan Bahati (5th)
• The men's podium (L to R): Kirk O'Bee (2nd), Ivan Dominguez (1st), and Ivan Stevic (3rd)
• Bobby Julich (CSC) signs autographs

Canada Cup XC #2

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Images by Marek Lazarski/www.lazarskiphoto.com

• Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis) - very relaxed at the start
• The men's start
• Andrew Watson (Gears Racing) had a bad day and finished 12th
• Benoît Simard (Équipe Perigny) does 'focused'
• Derek Zandstra (3 Rox Racing) working hard in the mud.
• Federau leads Toulouse early in the race
• Guido Visser (Sportif Bromont) on the way to fourth
• Jamie Lamb (CyclesSmith) rode a solid race to finish on the under-23 podium and eighth overall.
• Kris Sneddon (Kona LesGets Factory Team) in the series leader jersey after round one.
• Martin Lazarski (Rocky Mountain) battles a tech problem.
• Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis) looking strong mid-race.
• Matthew Hadley (Radical Edge), 27th
• Peter Wedge (Kona), 9th
• Ricky Federau (Gears Racing) took the last podium spot
• Roddi Lega (Norco Factory Team), 23rd
• Simard and Federau battle for podium places.
• Sneddon, Lazarski and Wedge play 'follow the leader'
• Thomas Skinner (Giant Bicycle) on the way to 28th
• Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis) waves to the crowd as he claims the win
• The men's podium - Benoît Simard (Équipe Perigny), Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis), and Kris Sneddon (Kona LesGets Factory Team)
• The under-23 podium - Frederic Bussieres (Mountain/Business Objects), Martin Lazarski (Rocky Mountain), and Jamie Lamb (CyclesSmith)
• The women get off to a fast start.
• Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing) on the way to seventh place
• Emily Batty (Gears Racing) is a junior racer mixing it in women's elite.
• Catharine Pendrel (The Bike Barn) looking determined on her way to third
• Jaqueline Mourad (Scott/Redbull/Exceed) on the way to a strong win.
• Jean-Ann McKirdy (Rocky Mountain)
• Melanie McQuaid (Indépendant) en route to fifth
• Madelaine Bate (Terrascape Racing) didn't finish, perhaps because of the mud-surfing evidenced here.
• Sue Trimble (Gears Racing) plugs through the mud
• Mical Dyck (Terrascape Racing) on the way to second.
• Jaqueline Mourad takes the win
• The women's podium - Mical Dyck (Terrascape Racing), Jaqueline Mourad (Scott/Redbull/Exceed), Catharine Pendrel (The Bike Barn) and Jean-Ann McKirdy (Rocky Mountain)

MTB World Cup, Houffalize

Men's race

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• The start with Julien Absalon (Bianchi Agos) at the front of a 192 strong men's field
• Roel Paulissen (Giant) suffering in the heat.
• José Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida) also suffering on his way to third place.
• Julien Absalon hangs onto the overall World Cup lead
• Sid Taberlay (Specialized) did not have a good day
• Marco Bui (Full Dynamix) third time "lucky"
• YES! - Marco Bui takes a well-deserved victory
• Christoph Sauser (Siemens Cannondale) takes the number one plate to second place.

Women's race

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• The start of the women's race with Ginn-Rita Dahle (Multivan-Merida) and Alison Sydor (Rocky Mountain Business Objects) at the front
• Margarita Fullana (K2-Zero Rh) faded after a strong early showing
• Alison Sydor demonstrated that she is still a force to be reckoned with.
• Mary McConneloug (Seven) was the top rider from teh USA in 5th
• Kiara Bisaro (Gears Racing) on her way to a finish just outside the top 10
• Sabine Spitz (Specialized) feeling on top again
• Gunn-Rita Dahle looking cool and composed in the lead.
• Marie-Hélène Premont keeping hydrated
• Alison Sydor working hard on the way to eighth place.
• Gunn-Rita Dahle scores yet another World Cup win

FBD Tour of Belgium

Stage 3b - May 27: Buggenhout - Londerzeel ITT, 15km

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Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/actiefotos.be

• Belgium rider Johan Verstrepen (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago)
• Dimitri De Fauw (Quickstep) from Belgium
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon - Lotto) on his way to 3rd place
• John Gadret (Jartazi Granville Team) showing the pain
• Danilo Napolitano (Team LPR) much prefers sprinting
• Dominique Cornu (Bodysol- Win for Life - Jong Vlaanderen) put in a good ride to take 5th place
• Emilien Benoit Bergès (R.A.G.T Semences) took 6th in the time trial
• José Antonio Pecharroman Fabian (Quickstep) grits his teeth
• Jef Peeters (Chocolade Jacques - T Interim) looks down at his pedals turning
• Mikhaylo Khalilov (Team LPR) in the yellow sprinters jersey
• Nico Eeckhout (Chocolade Jacques - T Interim) became Boonen's rabbit
• Nico Mattan (Davitamon - Lotto) in another time and place
• Niels Scheuneman (Rabobank) on the home stretch
• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua & Sapone - Adria Mobil) took the winby seven seconds
• Rudi Kemna leads the Shimano team
• Steven De Neef (Bodysol- Win for Life - Jong Vlaanderen)
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) Seven seconds away but keeps the back leaders jersey
• Young Laurens Ten Dam (Shimano - Memory Corp) has a great ride into 7th place

Captech Classic

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The men get ready for the Captech Classic
• Riders get underway in downtown Richmond
• Jonathan Page (Colavita Sutter Home) hammers out of turn 2
• Stefano Barberi and Chad Hartley (TIAA-CREF) work to catch the break
• Riders hang in the pack
• Two young fans watch the race after the sun goes down
• Siro Camponogara (Navigators) leads Ben Jacques-Maynes (Sierra Nevada/Kodak Gallery)
• Karl Menzies (Endeavor) hammers through the night to get the break in check
• Gustavo Artacho (Colavita Sutter Home) blazes by
• Jackson Stewart (Sierra Nevada/Kodak Gallery)
• Mike Jones (Healthnet/Maxxis) spends some time solo
• Mike Jones (Healthnet/Maxxis) leads eventual race winner Vassili Davidenko (Navigators)
• Clemente Cavliere (Team Aerospace) tries his turn off the front
• Karl Menzies (Endeavour) leads a group past the start/finish crowds
• Emile Abraham (Monex) takes his turn at the front
• Vassili Davidenko (Navigators) race winner, sits second man with two to go
• The podium with Vassili Davidenko (Navigators) 1st, Karl Menzies (Endeavour) 2nd and Mark McCormack (Colavita Sutter Home)
• The ladies race gets underway
• Lynn Gagiolli (Monex) leads a small break from the main group
• The women crest the hill at the KOM turn
• The group passes one of the scenic churches downtown
• City racing at it's finest
• Ina Yoko-Teutenburg (T-Mobile) spent much of the day off the front
• Laura VanGilder (Quark) tries to bring back the break
• Rebecca Much (T-Mobile) on her way to the KOM
• The pace was high all race
• The peleton gets strung out
• Another T-Mobile led split in the group with two laps to go
• Ina Yoko-Teutenburg (T-Mobile) punches the air after notching up another win
• The women's podium: Lara Kroepsh, Ina Yoko Teutenberg and Nicole Freedman

FBD Insurance Rás

Stage 3 - May 24: Tubbercurry - Lisdoonvarna, 156 km

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Images by INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

• Members of the Meath MJ Donnelly team wear black armbands as the race observes a minute's silence in memory of the five schoolgirls killed in yesterday's accident in Meath.
• Race leader Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) on the road to Lisdoonvarna.
• Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) wins the stage into Lisdoonvarna.

Stages 1 - 7 photo gallery

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Images by INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

• Medical staff pick up the pieces after a crash on Stage 1.
• Race doctor Dr.Phil Brady helps Morgan Fox of the Dublin Murphy and Gunn team after he crashed.
• A bird's eye view of the main peloton on the road to Emyvale.
• Roger Aiken of the Co. Louth team wins Stage 1.
• As the race observes a minute's silence before the start of Stage 3, members of the Meath MJ Donnelly team wear black armbands in memory of the five schoolgirls killed in Monday's road accident in Meath.
• A cyclist on the Meath MJ Donnelly team wears a black armband in memory of the five schoolgirls killed in Monday's road accident in Meath.
• Adrian Hedderman of the Dublin Murphy and Gunn team gets a massage before the race start in Tubbercurry on day 2.
• Race leader Chris Newton on the road to Lisdoonvarna.
• The race heads up the Corkscrew on the way to Lisdoonvarna.
• Chris Newton wins Stage 3 into Lisdoonvarna.
• Scotland's Duncan Urquart has a close brush with a hedge on the way to Templemore.
• The peloton on the road to Templemore.
• Race leader Chris Newtons' team-mates control the race from the front to maintain their hold on the yellow jersey.
• Malcolm Elliott wins Stage 4 from Chris Newton (L).
• Eugene Moriarty of the Meath Cycleways team and Vincent Gleeson of the Tipperary Dan Morrissey team give a talk to primary schoolchildren in Lisdoonvarna about cycling.
• Race leader Chris Newton rides at the front of the main bunch heading towards Abbeyleix on Stage 5.
• The race heads up the Butts in County Carlow.
• Morten Hegrebrand of the Norwegian team leads Chris Newton in the climb up the Butts on Stage 5.
• Morten Christiansen of the Norwegian team wins Stage 5.
• Ireland's Brian Keane leading an early break on Stage 6.
• Paudi O'Brien looks for a new bike after coming a cropper.
• The race on the road through Bunclody.
• The cannons in Gorey as the race passes through the town.
• Race leader Chris Newton wins his third stage of the race finishing in Rathdrum.
• Ireland's Stephen Gallagher leads the race up Slieveman on Stage 7.
• Race leader Chris Newton shadowed by his closest rival for the yellow jersey, Malcolm Elliott (in green).
• The leaders head up the Sally Gap.
• Morten Hegreberg of the Norwegian team wins Stage 7.

Stage 8 - May 29: Phoenix Park Circuit, 50 km

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Images by INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

• A view from the bushes of the final stage held in Phoenix Park.
• Race leader Chris Newton in yellow shadowed by his closest rival, Malcolm Elliott.
• Bill Moore (Meath MJ Donnelly) wins the final stage in the Phoenix park, while overall winner Chris Newton celebrates in the background.
• Ras winner Chris Newton with Miss FBD Roberta Rowat and Philip Fitzsimons, CEO of FBD Insurance.

Canada Cup XC #1

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Images by Marek Lazarski

• Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Business Objects) looking very perky before the start
• Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Business Objects) led from the start to the finish
• Catherine Pendrel (The Bike Barn) on the way to sixth place
• Mical Dyck (Terrascape Racing) chased Premont but still ended up six minutes down
• Jacqueline Mourao (Scott) - all the way from Brazil
• Martina Feldmann (FACT) heading for fourth place
• Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Business Objects) is getting used to this winning thing.
• The women's podium - Mical Dyck (Terrascape Racing), Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Business Objects), Jacqueline Mourao (Scott)
• Kris Sneddon (Kona - Les Gets) ready for the off
• Zacharie Labbe - rugged up for the cool Spring weather.
• Roland Green (Kona - Les Gets) was to DNF after two punctures.
• Roddi Lega on one of the Bromont course's many sharp climbs
• Peter Wedge (Kona - Les Gets) on the way to third, two and a half minutes behind team-mate Sneddon.
• Michael Garrigan (Hardwood Hills) looking focused
• Martin Lazarski (Rocky Mountain Business Objects) turns off the chairlift road
• Kris Sneddon (Kona - Les Gets) broke away in the final laps to take the win.
• Derek Zandstra (3 Rox Racing) suffered a puncture that put him out of contention for the win.
• Andrew Watson (Gears Racing) en route to eighth place
• Andrew Kyle (Sugoi/Giant) finished seventh
• Adam Morka (Hardwood Hills) was ninth
• Kris Sneddon (Kona - Les Gets) - pretty pleased with his win.
• The men's podiu - Martin Lazarski (Rocky Mountain Business Objects), Kris Sneddon (Kona - Les Gets), Peter Wedge (Kona - Les Gets)

Tour of Connecticut

Stage 1 - May 20: New Haven criterium, 40 miles

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Defending champ and New England native Mark McCormack (Colvita Olive Oil/Sutter Home) should be used to the colder spring weather here - or maybe he's just going for the Ivy League sweater-over-the-shoulder look.
• Tim Johnson (Jittery Joe's/Kalahari) also a New England boy, makes sure his jersey is zipped-up all the way for the cool temperatures. Ah, spring in New England.
• When did they show up? Marty Nothstein (Navigators Insurance) warms his hands while waiting for the start.
• New Haven's Green played host to the criterium first stage of the Tour of Connecticut.
• Breakaway starter Eric Saunders (McGuire-Langdale) gets into position early in the race.
• Geoff Kabush (Jittery Joe's/Kalahari) might attribute his 2005 success on the mountain bike to his less-than-aerodynamic sideburns - we will see if it has the same effect on the road .
• Colvita Olive Oil/Sutter Home controlled a lot of the race with multiple riders on the front.
• Jonny Sundt (Jittery Joe's/Kalahari) looks over to see Marty Nothstein (Navigators Insurance) hot on his wheel.
• Timmy Duggan (TIAA/CREF) sparked a lot of action by riding off the front today.
• Only one crash occurred today, but luckily didn't result in any major injuries.
• Ryan McKenzie (Subway/Express) grabbed the first two arm-warmers he could find today.
• New pro team Snow Valley p/b Seal-on stays in the mix thanks to Russ Langley.
• With less than ten laps to go Cesar Grajales (Navigators Insurance), usually a climber, rides on the front for his team with Colvita Olive Oil/Sutter Home moving up on the outside.
• Can you hear me now? Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home masses on the front and calls for more reinforcements into the final laps.
• Three laps to go and it's all Colvita Olive Oil/Sutter Home and Navigators Insurance.
• Mark McCormack leads teammate Juan Jose Haedo (Colvita Olive Oil/Sutter Home) as Oleg Grichkine fights his way through to bring sprinter Vasilli Davidenko (Navigators Insurance) to the front.
• Vassily Davidenko (Navigators Insurance) wins by a wheel ahead of Haedo and Sebastian Alexandre (Colvita Olive Oil/Sutter Home).
• Uhh, does this mean I have to climb tomorrow? Juan Jose Haedo finds himself in a rare position for a sprinter - leading the KOM competition.

Images by Beth Seliga/

• Fans lined the streets of the Tour of Connecticut Criterium on Friday evening.
• Chris Baldwin and the Navigators train provided the perfect leadout.
• ... And Davidenko claimed the win!
• The course was a small flat loop around the green.
• A little TV time.
• Stage 1 podium.
• Navigators lead through a corner with less than 10 to go.
• Colavita-Sutter Home spent a bit of time up front too.
• Jeff Louder.
• Timmy Duggan was TIAA-CREF's most agressive rider, spending a fair amount of time upfront, too.
• A crash on the far side of the course occurred mid way through the race butno major injuries were reported.
• Bryan Smith (TIAA-CREF).
• Michael "Micro" Lange looks strong.
• Bryan Smith looks focused.
• The Colavita guys chat while they wait for the race start.
• Race promoter John Eustice does double duty and announces the race as well.
• Timmy Duggan looks confident as he is called to the line.
• Race sponsor TIAA-CREF presented the Mayor of New Haven with a autographed TIAA-CREF jersey to commemerate the event.
• Sierra Nevada/Kodakgallery.com pulls through a corner.
• Recent Ft. Lewis graduate Dan Bowman (TIAA-CREF) corners quickly.

Stage 2 - May 21: Waterbury circuit race, 62 miles

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• He does it all folks! Race director John Eustice takes a moment to switch hats and becomes TV anchorman to interview race leader Vasilli Davidenko before the stage.
• Really guys, I just found 'em! T IAA/CREF's Stefano Barberi sports some (as they say in New England) 'wicked-light' Lightweight wheels, thanks to sponsorship help from Javelin's Scott Warren.
• The fans and colors were out for the start of stage two.
• Tim Duggan (TIAA/CREF) looks to see where the rest of the field is while early casualties of a tough climbing course look on.
• Duggan gets as low as he can go for the descent back into town.
• Along on the front, Duggan has nothing to look at but the road.
• Out of the saddle on the climb, the young rider for the developmental TIAA/CREF team focuses on the road ahead.
• Hey, is anyone going to come up here and give me a hand? Duggan looks back down the climb to see where the chaser is.
• Todd Wells (CVC) joins Duggan at the KOM, but it was too little, too late for the pair, thanks to the Navigators.
• The final four Baldwin, Perras, Frattini and Daivdenko.
• Mark McCormack (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home), shadowed by Mark Walters (Navigators Insurance) radios on after instigating the final break.
• Chris Baldwin (Navigators Insurance) sets a fast tempo as the break heads out for the final lap.
• Vasilli Davidenko (Navigators Insurance) easily takes the sprint finish ahead of a visibly frustrated Davide Frattini (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home).
• Frattini, Davidenko and Baldwin on the podium for stage two.

Images by Beth Seliga/

• Jean Sebastien Maheau (Volkswagen-TREK) prays that he finishes with the best young rider jersey.
• How many laps to go??
• Geoff Kabush wonders where the mountain bikes are?
• Will the TIAA-CREF rider please stand up.
• What day is my wedding?
• Davidenko gets ready to defect from the peloton.
• Russ Langley (Snow Valley pb Seal-On) with a fluid pedaling motion.
• Hey George do these look familar?
• Where is everybody???
• Lance, how do you like my socks?
• Juan Jose Haedo (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) looking
• Navigators ensuring that their rider wins the race.
• The break drives ahead.
• Navigators sailing up the climb.
• Bag Pipes
• Whats going on here?
• And here we go...
• Lucas Euser eventual U23 jersey wearer.
• Mike Lange banking on a good finish.
• Last years winner Jeff Louder had a quiet day in the field today.
• Navigators happy that their ship came in.
• Doug Ellis, Yale Alumni presents Lucas with a Festina watch.

Stage 3 - May 22: Torrington-Torrington, 137 miles

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Images by Beth Seliga/

• Tim Johnson (Jittery Joe's) , wired to go up the road.
• The attacks were numerous...
• Alejandro Acton was the main instigator.
• And there goes Alejandro again - this time with Craig Lewis.
• But this was the break that stuck.
• After an incident with a musette, Bruno Langlois returned to the field and left Smith and Alejandro alone in the break.
• Oops. Sorry, Bruno.
• TIAA-CREF mechanic, Kevin Grove ensures that Smith stays away for the KOM title.
• Bryan Smith soloing to the last KOM.
• Am I there yet?
• After Bryan Smith's solo effort Todd Wells and Mark McCormack make the winning move.
• Eagerly anticipating the finish.
• Navigators trying to right the ship...
• ...but in the end they were sunk by Mark McCormack.
• The Podium - Todd Wells (Capital Velo), Mark McCormack (Colavita) and Juan Jose Haedo (Colavita)
• All the leaders' jerseys.
• Bryan Smith, in the KOM jersey.

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Rain greeted the racers at the start of stage three in Torrington, Connecticut.
• Clear plastic was the fashion of the day for just about everyone.
• The early break of three -- Alejandro Acton (North Atlantic Velo-Pedros), Bruno Langlois (Jittery Joe's-Kalahari) and Bryan Smith (TIAA/CREF).
• The trio arrive at the first feed zone intact and with about thirty seconds on the field.
• The wet conditions meant normally simple tasks were a challenge.
• Bryan Smith (TIAA/CREF) attempts to discard his feed bag but the wind and strap catches his hand, causing the bag to fly backwards toward Bruno Langlois (Jittery Joes-Kalahari).
• Smith's feed bag gets caught in Langlois' front wheel shredding to pieces and jamming the Jittery Joe's-Kalahari rider's front wheel.
• With a bit of luck and skillful bike handling Langlois keeps it upright while Smith tries to apologize.
• After some help from Mavic Neutral Support Langlois gets underway again --though with such a small gap to the field the other two riders had to push on, leaving the French-Canadian dangling in no-man's land. And thanks to the fine folks of Mavic for giving us a ride this weekend!
• Sprint leader Sebastian Alexandre (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) stays comfortable near the front of the peloton.
• Down to two riders, Smith and Acton power ahead, increasing their lead to more than two minutes.
• As the roads begin to seriously tilt upwards (with some sections easily 18% grade) Smith rides comfortably in the lead with Acton, understandably tired from four attempts at a breakaway earlier in the day, hangs on.
• On the first KOM Acton finally pops and Smith decides to go it alone.
• We've all been there. The short but wicked-steep (said in a New England accent) sections of the climbs are too much for some tired legs.
• Alone at last -- Smith winds his way through northern Connecticut while stopped motorists see what all the fuss is about.
• We're pretty sure Smith isn't going to violate this ordinance -- though his legs must feel like they weigh at least ten tons.
• More winding roads as Smith gets out of the saddle as he sees the KOM jersey in sight.
• On his way to a KOM jersey Smith gets a professional hand-up from veteran racer-turned stunt car driver Jonathan Vaughters.
• Into the finishing circuits Mark McCormack (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) attacks the field in a final attempt to make up the fifty-five second gap between him and race leader Vasilli Davidenko. Mountain biker and cyclocross crossover Todd Wells (Capital Velo) joins
• Jeff Louder (Navigators Insurance) leads his team captain and race leader Vasilli Davidenko around the ten-laps of finishing circuits, while teammate Oleg Grichkine waits for his turn on the front.
• GT mountain biker Todd Wells (Capital Velo) takes a turn a the front, trying to push the gap to over a minute, insuring one of the two will take the yellow jersey away from Davidenko.
• Into the final lap, Oleg Grichkine (Navigators Insurance) drives it hard as the team watches their fifty-five second lead vanish in a matter of minutes. Mark McCormack's teammates begin to pounce as the best young rider Lucas Euser (Webcor Builders) stays near the front to protect his jersey.
• Down the final 500 meters the road racing veteran Mark McCormack (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) easily takes the sprint away from Todd Wells (Capital Velo) -- though second place overall is quite a showing for the mountain biking specialist.
• After a look back at Davidenko Juan Jose Haedo (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) already knows in his mind that teammate Mark McCormack has enough to take the final yellow jersey.
• Stage three podium (l to r) - Todd Wells (Capital Velo), Mark McCormack (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) and Juan Jose Haedo (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home).
• Final GC (l to r) - Todd Wells (Capital Velo), Marck McCormack (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home) and Vasilli Davidenko (Navigators Insurance).
• Final classification winners -- KOM: Bryan Smith (TIAA/CREF), GC: Mark McCormak (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home), Best Young Rider: Lucas Euser (Webcor Builders) and Best Sprinter: Sebastian Alexandre (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home).

Volta a Catalunya

Stage 1 - May 16: Salou-Salou TTT, 20,1 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) warms up for the TTT
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) leads the T-Mobile team
• Cofidis riding hard during the TTT
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) practices his disco moves
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) happy to be back racing again
• Phonak was the winning team in the TTT
• Miguel A. M. Perdiguero (Phonak) took the first leader's jersey

Stage 2 - May 17: Cambrils-Cambrils, 186,8 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is still a larger-than-life character to his many fans.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) waits for the start of the second stage in Cambrils.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in a sombre mood before the start.
• The peloton rides near Montbrio del Camp village along the Cambrils circuit.
• The peloton rides past a nuclear power station during the second stage of the race.
• The peloton is all T-Mobile at the front.
• The peloton winds its way through the Catalunyan countryside.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Liquigas-Bianchi) is kissed by a model. Sort of.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Liquigas-Bianchi) continues the team's good run, with his team-mate Danilo Di Luca leading the Giro d'Italia.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Liquigas-Bianchi) lets loose with the champagne.

Stage 3 - May 18: Salou-La Granada, 157,8 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton rides past Bara's arch in Taragona
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides in the pack
• The peloton winds its way through the Spanish countryside.
• Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) celebrates after winning the third stage
• Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) raises the trophy on the podium after winning stage 3

Stage 4 - May 19: Perafort-Estació d'esquí de Pal-Arinsal (Andorra), 237,7 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) has a laugh before the start of the stage in Perafort.
• "Yeah, me winning the Tour again is pretty funny, I guess!"
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) checks everything's AOk with his bike.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) wins the fourth stage at the Pal ski station in Arinsal, Andorra.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) holds his stage winner's trophy up high.

Images by Saunier Duval-Prodir

• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) en route to his - and the team's - first victory of 2005.

Stage 5 - May 20: Sornàs (Andorra)-Estació d'esquí d'Ordino-Arcalís (Andorra) ITT, 17,1 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in TT mode
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) not bothered by the snow
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looks to see what's up ahead. A bloody big mountain, that's what.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rode up at a measured pace to finish 30th
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in the aero position
• Miguel A. M. Perdiguero (Phonak) is cheered on by fans
• Santiago Botero (Phonak) pushes himself
• Race leader Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) during his TT
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) improved his GC position by finishing second in the stage
• Inigo Cuesta (Saunier Duval-Prodir) en route to victory
• Inigo Cuesta (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gets the bubbly going

Stage 6 - May 21: Llívia-Pallejà, 198,7 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Who's hiding there? Why, it's Jan Ullrich!
• The peloton en route to Pallejà during the sixth stage.
• The peloton round a hairpin bend.
• Santiago Botero (Phonak) soldiers on to eighth on the stage, despite a nasty fall.
• Bram de Groot (Rabobank) was also the victim of a crash, and ended up breaking his left forearm.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is slowly but surely working his way back to top form.
• The peloton at speed.
• Yeeeah! 25 year-old Frenchman Anthony Charteau (Bouygues Telecom) takes the first win of his professional career in superb fashion, winning the sixth stage in a solo breakaway.
• Stage winner Anthony Charteau (Bouygues Telecom) makes a fist of it.
• Anthony Charteau (Bouygues Telecom) is a very happy man.
• Anthony Charteau (Bouygues Telecom) goes bananas with the bubbly.

Stage 7 - May 22: Pallejà-Barcelona (Sants), 113,1 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) signs an autograph before the start in Pallejà.
• The peloton en route to the race's final destination in Barcelona.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides safely in the bunch.
• Eventual winner Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is coming back to form after a solid Spring Classics campaign.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) wins the final stage ahead of American Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) and Miguel A.M. Perdiguero (Phonak).
• Oooh, my very own lizard... cool!
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) holds his lizard up high.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) lets loose with the champagne, careful not to wet his newly-acquired amphibian friend.
• The final podium - (L to R) Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir, 2nd), Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel, 1st) and David Moncoutie (Cofidis, 3rd).
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) holds up a rather sizeable winner's trophy.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) gets the spray thing happening.

Tour of Japan

Stage 1 - May 15: Senboku Circuit Sakai City (Osaka), 140.8km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• Supporters of the Fukushima brothers get ready for the race.
• The Fukushima brothers Koji (middle) and Shinichi (right) are the most popular in the Tour of Japan.
• The Australian national team at the start of the first stage
• The peloton goes up a hill in Osaka city.
• Small Japanese spectators watch the race for the first time.
• The crowd waits for a dramatic sprint at the finish.
• Australian Mathew Goss (left) takes the first stage, with his teammate Nicholas Sanderson in second.
• '"We did it!" Mathew Goss (left) and Nicholas Sanderson (right).
• Mathew Goss gets the green leader's jersey.
• Mathew Goss also gets the blue points jersey.

Stage 2 - May 16: Todaiji Temple - Nunome Dam Circuit, Nara, 146.2km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• The Australian national team enjoys the old city before the start in Nara.
• Matteo Carrara (Barloworld) knows Japanese style prayer at Todaiji temple.
• Kam Po Wong (Purapharm) pats a deer before the start.
• Leader Mathew Goss (Australian national team) at the start in Nara.
• The Fukushima brothers' mum is her sons' No.1 supporter
• John Lee Augustyn (Konica-Minolta) works hard in the break at the first part of the race.
• Assan Bazayev (Capec) leads the break.
• The Australian national team controls the peloton.
• Kazakh Andrey Mizrov (Capec) stays in the peloton with Matteo Carrara (left).
• David McKenzie (Wismilak) wins the second stage in Nara.
• David McKenzie (Wismilak) talks with Brian Stephens, Australian team manager, after the finish.
• David McKenzie (Wismilak) gets the green leader's jersey.
• Assan Bazayev (Capec) smiles wearing the blue points jersey
• David Plaza (Barloworld) receives the red mountain jersey from a Japanese priest of the Todaiji temple.

Stage 5 - May 21: Japan Cycle Sports Center - Japan Cycle Sports Center, Izu, 130.35km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• Koji Fukushima (Bridgestone) givea his autograph to a boy.
• Matteo Carrara (Barloworld) talks with his ex-teammate Hidenori Nodera (Shimano) before the start.
• Japanese champion Yasutaka Tashiro (Bridgestone) leads a break on the highway.
• Cloud hides the figure of Mount Fuji.
• Barloworld protects their leader Felix Cardenas on the mountain.
• Green jersey Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) with John-Lee Augustyn (Konica-Minolta) on the mountain.
• Watch out! John-Lee Augustyn (Konica-Minolta) almost crashes next to the race leader Felix Cardenas (Barloworld).
• John-Lee Augustyn (Konica-Minolta) doesn't fall but comes to a halt, while Andrey Mizurov (Capec) smiles behind him.
• Christopher Bradford (Wismilak) struggles on the mountain.
• Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) crosses the line solo to take the win.
• David McKenzie (Wismilak) can't move after the finish.
• Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) keeps his green leader's jersey.
• Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) dominates the prize-giving ceremony.
• Never enough - Felix 'the mountain cat' Cardenas wants a kiss, too!

Stage 6 - May 22: Hibiya city - Ooi Wharf Circuit Tokyo, 138.5km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• Simon Clarke (Australian National Team) takes a picture with a boy on the morning.
• The riders relax before the start in Tokyo.
• Fredrik Johansson (Konica-Minolta) smiles with a Kimono-clad lady.
• James Meadley (Australian National Team) talks with Phillip Thuaux (Wismilak) before the start.
• The jerseys at the start - Felix Cardenas (Barloworld), Andrey Mizurov (Capec) and Matteo Carrara (Barloworld).
• The final stage starts in Hibiya city, Tokyo.
• Simon Clarke (Australian National Team) takes a part in a breakaway.
• The peloton always controlled by Team Barloworld.
• Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) concentrates on victory.
• Nicholas Sanderson (Australian National Team) beats Assan Bazayev (Capec) in the bunch sprint.
• Crash! Australians Simon Clarke and James Meadley are involved in a pile-up just before the finish.
• The crowds praise Simon Clarke (Australian National Team) who finishes after the crash.
• The Australian National Team after the finish.
• Crash victim James Meadley (Australian National Team) celebrates with stage winner Nicholas Sanderson.
• The final stage winner Nicholas Sanderson (Australian National Team).
• Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) takes the red mountains jersey.
• Kazakh team Capec takes the teams classification.
• Felix Cardenas (Barloworld), overall winner of the 9th Tour of Japan.

Excel Sports Boulder Stage Race

Stage 1 - May 13: Morgul-Bismark Time Trial, 11.2km

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Images by Rob Karman/www.excelsports.com

• Chris Baldwin (Navigators) en route to a smashing victory in Pro-1-2 Men
• Phil Zajicek (Navigators) blazing through for 2nd place in Pro-1-2 Men
• Ned Overend (Specialized) shows the youngsters how its done
• Maatje Benassi (ExcelSports.com) did awesome for 3rd place in the Pro-1-2 women's race with no TT bars
• Former Pro Jim Copeland (ExcelSports.com) dominated the masters 35+ race

Stage 2 - May 14: Boulder-Roubaix Road Race, 68km/122.4km

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Images by Rob Karman/www.excelsportsboulder.com

• Mari Holden (T-Mobile) in the white Leaders Jersey
• Mike Janelle (Tokyo Joe's) , Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) and Ian McGreggor (TIAA-CREF) off the front
• Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) leads the field on lap one before setting off for a long day in the break.
• Home team rider Billy Masterson (ExcelSports.com) flatted in the first corner before chasing for 7 and a half laps to rejoin the pack
• Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) and Dan Schmatz (SeaSilver) take off on their own
• Ian McGreggor (TIAA-CREF) makes his move to bridge the gap
• Charlie Hayes (ExcelSports.com) tries a solo attack in the Master's 35plus race
• Former pro rider and Saturn team director Jim Copeland (ExcelSports.com) in the white Leaders Jersey for the 35plus men
• Pro Women's GC leader Mari Holden (T-Mobile) is followed by eventual stage winner Kim Anderson (Colavita Olive Oil - Cooking Light)
• Ann Trombley (ExcelSports.com) chases solo after a flat tire to retain her 2nd place overall
• Mike Janelle (Tokyo Joe's) , Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) and Ian McGreggor (TIAA-CREF)
• Ian McGreggor (TIAA-CREF) made an important move up on GC by getting into the break
• Chris Baldwin (Navigators) was without team mates for this Leaders Jersey defense after Phil Zajicek crashed out
• Mike Janelle (Tokyo Joe's) , Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) and Ian McGreggor (TIAA-CREF) animated the race
• Race leader Mari Holden (T-Mobile) almost goes down in the last turn
• Alex Coelho (Monsoon) sits in second wheel over the last climb before taking the stage victory in the Cat 3 men's race
• With 1 lap to go the Pro-1-2 men's lead trio rides through lapped traffic
• GC Leader Chris Baldwin (Navigators) is at the front of the chase with one lap to go
• Paul Esposti (HART Racing) wins the stage ahead of the confused trio of Mike Janelle (Tokyo Joe's), Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) and Ian McGreggor (TIAA-CREF)

Stage 3 - May 15: Sunshine Canyon Hill Climb, 14.4km

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Images by Rob Karman/www.excelsportsboulder.com

• Chris Baldwin (Navigators) powers up the climb for the stage win
• Andy Bajadali (Vitamin Cottage) kept Baldwin within sight to take over the race lead
• Mtn Bike legend Ned Overend (Specialized) was still going strong with a 6th place stage finish
• There were some serious cow bell ringers on hand
• Ann Trombley (ExcelSports.com) flew up the climb and into the leaders jersey
• Tyler Hamilton was out offering encouragement to all the riders racing past his front door
• Race sponsor Bruce Hodgkins (ExcelSports.com) had a great ride to win the 45 plus division with a time that would have won the 35 plus race!

Stage 4 - May 15: North Boulder Park Criterium, 40/60mins

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Images by Rob Karman/www.excelsportsboulder.com

• Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) worked hard for his team
• Ian McGreggor puts his head down with 4 to go as TylerHamilton cheers him on from the announcers stand
• With 3 to go it was Chris Baldwin on the front with race leader Andy Bajadali on his wheel
• As soon as he could tell the win was in the bag, Dan Schmatz started celebrating his friend Peter Loponto's victory
• Loponto and Schmatz go 1-2
• The women's final GC podium. L-R Mari Holden (T-Mobile), Ann Trombley (Excelsports.com), and Kerry Barnholt (Subaru-Gary Fisher)
• Andy Bajadali (Vitamin Cottage) and Chris Baldwin (Navigators) atop the final men's GC podium
• Jilayne Lovejoy and Maatje Benassi (ExcelSports.com) rode in support of 2 time race winner Ann Trombley
• Former TT World Champ Mari Holden (T-Mobile) goes on the attack when she saw race leader Ann Trombley (ExcelSports.com) in difficulty
• Catherine Powers (TDS Schwalbe) and Brooke Ourada (T-Mobile) escaped the peloton and stayed away to the end
• Mari Holden (T-Mobile) and her shadow, Ann Trombley (ExcelSports.com)
• Ann Trombley (ExcelSports.com) won the race for the second year in a row
• All three Excel women rode well together to represent the race sponsor
• Catherine Powers (TDS-Schwalbe) leads Brooke Ourada (T-Mobile)
• National powerhouse T-Mobile and the local ExcelSports.com teams went head to head this weekend
• Andy Bajadali (Vitamin Cottage) looks happy and relaxed in the leaders jersey at the start
• Andy Bajadali and Chuck Coyle (Vitamin Cottage) play to the crowd as the announcers talk them up at the start
• There was a good crowd out to watch the races
• Peter Loponto tries a solo break early on and easily breaks the speed limit along the back side of the course
• One of the course features is an s-turn chicane
• Tyler Hamilton was on hand in his new hometown and agreed to a short interview during the pro men's race
• Tyler Hamilton addresses the crowd
• The Vitamin Cottage train controlled the race for overall winner Andy Bajadali

Tour de L'Aude Feminin

Prologue - May 13: Gruissan-Gruissan ITT, 3.9 km

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Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Trine Hansen (Team S.A.T.S) finished well down the order today
• Madeleine Sandig (German National Team) looks focussed
• Lorian Graham (Australian Womens Team) looks relaxed warming up
• Sara Carrigan (Van Bemmelen AA Drink) with a smile for the camera
• Trixi Worrack (Equipe Nurnberger) looks sleek and switched on
• Daphny Vandenbrandt and Adrie Visser letting the big cheese hang out before the start
• Christiane Soeder (Mixed Univega Pct/Ar) took out the prologue
• Larissa Kleinmann (German National Team)
• Karin Thurig (Mixed Univega Pct/Ar) made it a team 1-2 in the prologue, taking second place
• Amy Gillett (Australian Womens Team) took third in the prologue
• Alexis Rhodes (Australian Womens Team) grabbed teh Best Young Rider jersey
• Karin Thurig and Amy Gillett looked pleased with their performances

Stage 2 - May 15: Rieux Minervois-Rieux Minervois, 112 Km

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Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Modesta Vzesniauskaite very pretty in pink
• Svetlana "La Bouba" Boubnenkova keeps the blue jersey
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Nobili Rubinetterie)
• Oenone Wood (Equipe Nurnberger) took the yellow jersey
• Dorte Rasmussen (Team S.A.T.S) won the stage
• Lyne Bessette (Canadian National Team)
• Eneritz Itturiaga (Spanish National Team)
• The Start in Rieux-Minervois
• Meredith Miller (Team S.A.T.S)
• Robyn Wong (New Zealand National Team)
• Anita Valen (Vlaanderen Capri Sonne)
• Magali Finot-Laivier (French National Team)
• Natalie Bates (Van Bemmelen Aa Drink) happy before the start
• Maribel Moreno (Spanish National Team) looks pretty relaxed

Stage 3a - May 16: Bram-Bram, 45 km

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Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Wood wins the sprint in Bram
• Oenone Wood stays in yellow
• Oenone Wood pursued by Loes Gunnewijk (Mixed Vrienden-Therme)
• Modesta Vzesniauskaite (Nobili Rubinetterie)
• Svetlana Boubnenkova (Mixed P.M.B. Fenixs)
• Svetlana Boubnenkova, Volha Hayeva and Yulia Martissova on the podium after the morning stage
• Joanne Kiesanowski (New Zealand National Team) keeps the red jersey

Stage 3b - May 16: Bram-Fanjeaux, 46 km

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Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Oenone Wood (Equipe Nurnberger) looks satisfied
• Theresa Senff (Van Bemmelen Aa Drink) looks pretty pleased
• It was this much... Olga Slioussareva and Amy Gillett
• Meredith Miller (Team S.A.T.S)
• Sara Carrigan owns the white jersey and some lovely flowers
• Amber Neben (Buitenpoort Flexpoint) the tour's new leader
• The closing chase group: Christiane Soeder, Erinne Willock, Modesta Vzesniauskaite and Anita Valen
• The sprint for third in Fanjeaux with Boubnenkova, Armstrong, Worrack, Melchers and Ljungskog...
• Elisabeth Chevanne-Brunel (Team Pruneaux D'agen)
• Amber Neben (Buitenpoort Flexpoint) clearly wins Stage 3b in Fanjeaux
• Oxana Kostenko (Russian National Team) at the start of stage 3b

Stage 5 - May 18: Castelnaudary-Castelnaudary ITT, 28 km

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Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Irina Zemlyanskaya (Russian National Team) ready for the off.
• Louise Yaxley (Australian National Team) waits for the start.
• Chantal Beltman (Mixed Vrienden-Therme) was mid-pack in 60th
• Sylvie Riedle (Team Pruneaux D'agen) rides in the stage 5 time trial.
• Magali Le Floch (French national team) on the way to 31st.
• Tina Mayolo (USA National Team) waits for her start.
• Christiane Soeder (Mixed Univega Pct/Ar) on the way to a solid third place
• Trixi Worrack (Nurnberger Versicherung) on the way to seventh
• Karin Thürig (Mixed Univega Pct/Ar) would be the fastest today by almost a minute.
• Theresa Senff (Van Bemmelen Aa Drink) rides to 15th place.
• Madeleine Sandig (German National Team) on the way to a top-ten placing.

Images by

• Karin Thürig (Mixed Univega Pct/Ar) smiles enigmatically on thepodium

Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Karin Thürig (Mixed Univega Pct/Ar) looking happy on the podium after winning the stage and taking the leader jersey

Stage 9 - May 22: Axat - Station De Ski Mijanes-Donezan, 101 km

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Images by Philip Volle/http://velopalmares.free.fr

• Trixi Worrack (Nurnberger) looks shattered
• Amber Neben (Buitenpoort Flexpoint) crosses in yellow to finish in yellow
• Kristin Armstrong (USA National Team) did it very tough today
• Kristin Armstrong (USA National Team) finishes, looking drained as she finishes third
• Anita Valen (Vlaanderen Capri Sonne) finished fourth on stage 9
• Theresa Senff (Van Bemmelen Aa Drink) finished fifth on stage 9
• Svetlana Boubnenkova (Mixed P.M.B. Fenixs)
• Lyne Bessette (Canadian National Team) worked hard to finish eighth
• Erinne Willock (Canadian National Team) looks ready for a shower and bed!
• Mirjam Melchers (Buitenpoort Flexpoint) glad to be done with that stage
• Dorte Rasmussen (Team S.A.T.S.)
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Nobili Rubinetterie) took out the sprints classification
• Amber Neben (Buitenpoort Flexpoint) overall winner - and a happy one!
• Svetlana Boubnenkova (Mixed P.M.B. Fenixs) took the mountains jersey
• Theresa Senff (Van Bemmelen Aa Drink) was best young rider
• Oenone Wood (Nurnberger) held on for a comfortable points jersey win

Tour de Picardie

Stage 1 - May 13: Montdidier - Fère-en-Tardenois, 178 km

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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Gert Steegmans (Davitamon-Lotto) winner of stage 1 in the Tour of Picardy
• Gert Steegmans (Davitamon-Lotto) received the yellow jersey from Nelly Thévenet, the daughter of the 1975 Tour de France winner
• Jérémy Roy (FDJ) was the most agressive rider of course

Stage 2 - May 14: Château Thierry - Clermont, 192 km

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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Gert Steegmans (Davitamon-Lotto) was a happy yellow jersey before crashing with 2km to go
• A confident Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) at the start
• Brad McGee (FDJ) is fit but suffered a saddle sore
• Bernhard Eisel (FDJ) at the start with Ian McLeod, was well placed (4th) in the final sprint again
• Many attacks on wet roads: that was stage 2 before a bunch sprint
• Tom Boonen initiated some excitement in Clermont
• A new taste of yellow for Tom Boonen
• Always green... Tom Boonen
• The best young rider is of course....Tom Boonen
• The most agressive rider is Stéphane Bergès

Int. Rheinland-Pfalz Rundfahrt

Stage 1 - May 11: Koblenz - Bad Marienberg, 158 km

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Images by Mani Wollner/www.foto-grafik-satz.de

• Here we go!
• It was a lousy cold day
• Ryan Cox (Barloworld) signs in
• Gather round the sign in tree
• Rudolf Scharping chairman of the German bikers, making some noise
• Fabian Wegmann (Team Gerolsteiner) started late
• Jef Peeters (Chocolade Jaques) attacked right befor the first sprint
• ...and gave the sign to attack
• Anybody hungry?
• It's not always easy to find your way!
• ...and then I'll simply lift off
• Cory Sweet (Team ComNet Senges) tried an escape with one local lap to go
• Michael Rich (Team Gerolsteiner) the German power-machine started chasing Sweet
• Sweet was caught with 200m to go
• Stefan Schumacher (Shimano-Team) wins in front of Samuel Dumoulin (AG2R) and Fabian Wegmann
• The sun came out and Christian Knees (Team Wiesenhof) just felt fine
• Stefan Schumacher
• Fabian Wegmann gets the Sprinter's jersey Roger Beuchat (Barloworld) the climbers jersey
• Fabian Wegmann certainly likes those time-bonifications!
• A present for me?

Stage 4a - May 14: Speyer - Landau, 85,7 km

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Images by Mani Wollner/www.foto-grafik-satz.de

• Shimano and Gerolsteiner tried to control the race when climbing Kalmit Mountain
• Pieter Mertens (Chocolade Jacques-T Interim) and Maxime Montfort (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) rode the escape of the day
• Nein, danke... we are here for the bikerace!
• Mertens and Montfort ...will they be chased down by the peloton?
• They might make it...
• ...and they did!
• Stefan Schumacher in the yellow jersey coming in with the peloton
• It was a short, sharp stage...
• ...but a tough day to race
• The podium Maxime Montfort (3rd), Pieter Mertens (1st) and Christoph von Kleinsorgen (2nd)

Stage 4b - May 14: Landau ITT, 25km

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Images by Mani Wollner/www.foto-grafik-satz.de

• Alain van Katwijk (Shimano-Team) had a relaxed afternoon - just like many other riders
• It's easy: just go down there
• And avoid a fall!
• Rodney Green (Team Barloworld)
• Christophe Oriol (Ag2r Prevoyance)
• The "Deutsche Weinstrasse" - a great landscape!
• Hey you cranks, turn faster!
• Robert Retschke (Team ComNet-Senges)
• Steffen Weigold (Team Lamonta) cruising across the green
• Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner) posted the best time until Schumacher
• Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r Prevoyance) powering across the finish line
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) rode a very good time trial
• Stefan Schumacher (Team Shimano) didn't know he was such a good time trialist
• Michael Rich congratulates Stefan Schumacher
• The podium (l-r) Michael Rich (2nd), Stefan Schumacher (1st) and Fabian Wegmann (3rd)
• André Greipel (Team Wiesenhof) in the sprinters jersey, Stefan Schumacher in yellow and Roger Beuchat (Team Barloworld) in the mountains jersey

Stage 5 - May 15: Kaiserslautern - Koblenz, 191 km

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Images by Mani Wollner/www.foto-grafik-satz.de

• The leading group of 10 riders climbing the tour's last mountain
• Simon Gerrans (Ag2r Prevoyance) followed by Christoph von Kleinsorgen (Team Lamonta)
• Naturino-Sapore di Mare attacks...
• ...but Stefan Schumacher (Shimano-Memory Corp) is sitting right in his wheel
• Christophe Oriol (Ag2r Prevoyance)
• Alain van Katwijk (Shimano-Memory Corp)
• Marco Bos (Shimano-Memory Corp)
• escaped with 3km to go
• And celebrates his biggest victory so far
• Björn Schröder (Wiesenhof) takes second, Simon Gerrans third
• Last years overall winner Björn Glasner with Christoph von Kleinsorgen
• Stefan Schumacher successfully defends his yellow jersey
• Stage winner Christoph von Kleinsorgen
• The final podium: Greipel (Wiesenhof - sprinter's), Rich (Gerolsteiner - 2nd overall), Schumacher, Wegmann (Gerolsteiner - 3rd overall), Beuchat (Barloworld - mountains)

MTB World Cup XC # 2

Men

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Roel Paulissen (Giant) gets a move on.
• Christoph Sauser (Siemens Cannondale) powers up the early climb
• José Hermida (Multivan Merida) - the local favourite would not (quite) disappoint
• Sid Taberley (Specialized) & Nino Schurter get in some cyclocross practice.
• Julien Absalon (Bianchi Agos) takes yet another World Cup
• Jérome Chevallier made an early attempt
• Sir Bart Brentjens (Giant) showing evidence of a crash
• The men's podium - Roel Paulissen (Giant), José Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida), Julien Absalon (Bianchi Agos), Christoph Sauser (Siemens Cannondale), Marco Bui (Ita)

Women

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Alison Sydor (Rocky Mountain Business Objects) still recovering from iIlness and racing the Marathon World Cup.
• Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida) took the front on the second lap of a course that suited her.
• Kelli Emett was one of several US women who'd made the trip over to Spain.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) hopes to compete in both road and MTB at the 2006 Commonwealth Games
• Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida) - very happy to be back on top of her game.
• The women's podium - Irina Kalentieva (Multivan Merida), Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Business Objects), Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida), Sabine Spitz (Specialized), Lene Byberg (Multivan Merida)

GP Feminas Castilla y Leon

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Images by David Garcia

• The main pack crosses a Quixotic village
• Joane Somarriba (Bizkaia-Panda Software) post race
• Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) took second today
• The main bunch pass through the 'Sunny Park'
• Working hard through the Parque Sol
• It's back down the rise in the Parque Sol
• The pointy end of the field head up this gentle incline
• Round six of the women'sWorld Cup was a tough one
• Pushing hard up the hill
• A Van Bemmelen-AA Drink rider checks behind as she attacks up the climb
• Where is the horse and cart?
• The main pack hit the second climb together
• Luisa Tamanini (Team Bianchi Alivert) looking comfortable up the climb
• The starting area
• The riders head off
• The Junta de Castilla y Leon set to go
• Judith Arndt in second wheel heading into the final sprint

Lincoln International GP

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Images by Gerry McManus/www.gerrymcmanus.co.uk

• The peloton at pace through the older part of Lincoln.
• The peloton winds through the narrow old streets of Lincoln City.
• The peloton are strung out as they get over the top of the Michaelgate climb.
• Riders reaching the top of the cobbled climb in Lincoln.
• Need to get there quick? Motorcycle rider Dave can get you there on time.
• Time to take in a few rays for some of the spectators.
• Eventual third placegetter Malcolm Elliott leads his group on the Michaelgate Climb.
• No podium place for John Tanner following his win in the Archer GP in April.
• Matthew Stephens outnumbered by the bigger teams.
• Flying visit for Discovery's Roger Hammond.
• Paul Manning (Recycling.co.uk/MG) paces himself on the Michaelgate Climb.
• Follow the leader - Paul Manning (recycling.co.uk/MG) finds the smooth gutter on the cobbled climb.
• British champion Roger Hammond (Discovery Channel).
• The pressure is on for Yanto Barker (DFL) as he drives the break.
• Dean Downing (recycling.co.uk) moves to the front to keep the break moving.
• Brotherly love - Dean Downing (recycling.co.uk) moves to the front, taking over from brother Russell.
• Yanto Barker (DFL) shares the workload in the break.
• Yanto Barker (DFL) hits the front to keep the break going.
• The break complete the lap under the shadow of Lincoln Castle.
• Riders break through the pain barrier on the cobbled climb of Michaelgate.
• Team time trial for one team trying to get back into contention with the leaders
• Dean Downing puts the pressure on the cobbled climb to Michaelgate.
• Great support for the unlucky Yanto Barker (DFL) throughout the event.
• Thoroughbred - Malcolm Elliott (Pinarello) leads Paul Manning (recycling.co.uk), who is many years his junior.
• No return to the podium this year for Matt Stephens (SigmaSport RT).
• Victory for Russell Downing as he takes the checkered flag in Castle Square.
• Double delight - Dean Downing crosses the line to take second spot.
• Dean Downing punches the air as he takes second place behind his brother Russell.
• Double Downing works wonders - Dean and Russell at the finish.
• Age no problem - Malcolm Elliott takes the applause in front of Lincoln Cathedral.
• The winners podium by Lincoln Cathedral.
• Double delight - the Downing Brothers hug after the race.
• Race organiser Ian Emmerson (OBE) waves hello to the crowd, but could he be saying good-bye, as rumours abound that this was the last time the event will be run.
• The Downing brothers in Castle Square by Lincoln Cathedral.

Cat's Hill Classic

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Images by Rob O'Dea/onetrak@comcast.net

• Defending Champion, Ben Jacques-Maynes (Kodak Galery/Sierra Nevada) makes the turn on to Cat's Hill for the first lap
• Early on, Jacques-Maynes looked like he would repeat his victory
• Jackson Stewart (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) opened the first real break in the pack early
• Josh Snead (RHVilla.com) takes an early pull for the chase group up the viscious 23% grade Cat's Hill
• Erik Saunders (McGuire) tried hard all day to play spoiler to his old teammates, but just didn't have the power
• At mid-race, Jacques-Maynes held the lead and looked strong. . .
• . . . Only to be reeled in on the next lap.
• Atop the climb, Glen Mitchell (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) makes the move that breakes the pack for the final time
• Webcor & McGuire tried relentlessly to slow Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada
• With 4 laps to go Mitchell launched teammate Stewart off the front at the base of the climb
• With 1 lap to go Stewart was happy to take second wheel
• Stewart led out the final sprint and carried a 2-length lead. . .
• . . . across the line and brought home the victory!!!
• Jackson Steward sports the winner's jersey and shares the podium with his friends from McGuire and Webcor
• Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club is proud to have former members take the top two spots!
• Mel Metzger (Vello Bella) attacked early leader Kat Curi of Webcor.
• . . . and stayed glued to her wheel for several laps
• A few laps later it looked like Metzger had Curi on the ropes
• Metzger continued to look comfortable despite Curi's hard effort
• Webcor pulled it back together and appeared ready to ride away with the race
• Why is Barbarella smiling at the back of the pack with 8 laps to go? Wait until you see the next picture. . .
• Barb Howe (Velo Bella) launched a vicious attack, dropping the field and catching Webcor on the hill
• No other riders could hang with the blistering pace Howe & Thorbern set
• 3 to go and Howe leads onto the climb again
• With 2 to go the pack had the two leaders in their sights. . .
• 1 to go and Thorburn goes full gas!
• Barb Howe blazes past the start/finish with 1 to go and the pack closing fast
• Thorbern solos across the line victorious!
• Webcor 1 & 2 as the field nipped Barb Howe (7th) within sight of the line!

Images by Garrett Lau/www.pbase.com/garrettlau

• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) wins after a solo breakaway.
• Seven-time winner Karen Brems (Webcor) wins the sprint for second.
• Men's pack climbs Cat's Hill's 23% grade.
• Aaron Beardsley (McGuire) pushes his bike up Cat's Hill.
• Steve Cozza (Discovery Channel) leads an early break.
• Gavin Chilcott (Dewars) who won in 1985, leads the pack.
• Jackson Stewart (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) leads the break.
• Jackson Stewart (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) still leads.
• Jackson Stewart (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) wins, Zach Walker (McGuire) takes second.
• The podium - Zach Walker (McGuire) 2nd, Jackson Stewart (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) 1st, Ben Haldeman (Webcor) 3rd, celebrate with wine from Testarossa Vineyards.
• Jackson Stewart and Zach Walker former teammates in the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club, congratulate each other at their hometown race.

Four Days of Dunkirk

Stage 1 - May 4: Dunkirk - Marcq-en-Baroeul, 153,7 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in a break during the first stage
• Jimmy Casper (L) could not quite hold off Thor Hushovd
• Norwegian champ Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) wins the first stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) pulls on the pink leader's jersey
• Don't drop it! Thor Hushovd on the podium with his gear

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) interviewed post-stage
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) gets ready with a towel and a coke
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) after a bit of a clean up

Stage 2 - May 5: Marcq-en-Baroeul - Lens, 204,1 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (Cofidis) makes it hard
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) on the cobbles with Jeremy Hunt (MrBookmaker)
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) hammers along the cobbles, next to Fred Rodriguez and Jeremy Hunt
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) beats Tomas Vaitkus (Ag2r) to win stage 2
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) celebrates his victory
• Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) happy in pink

Stage 3 - May 6: Liévin - Sangatte Cap Blanc Nez, 193,6 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton rides during stage 3
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) leads the break
• Linus Gerdemann (CSC) follows his teammate Andy Schleck
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) wins the third stage on Cap Blanc Nez
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) kisses his jersey as he crosses the line
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) is a happy chappy on the podium
• Linus Gerdemann (CSC) gets a couple of podium kisses
• Linus Gerdemann (CSC) is the new leader

Stage 4 - May 7: Boulogne sur Mer - Boulogne sur Mer, 173,4 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• CSC leads the peloton during stage 4
• A rare patch of sun in Boulogne-sur-Mer
• CSC worked hard to protect Gerdemann's lead
• Christophe Moreau (CA) surveys the damage
• Christophe Moreau (CA) makes it hard, with Linus Gerdemann on his wheel
• Vladimir Efimkin (Barloworld-Valsir) wins the fourth stage in Boulogne-sur-Mer
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) finishes second in the stage and takes the leader's jersey
• Vladimir Efimkin (Barloworld-Valsir) stands on the podium, avec bouquet
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) gets a podium kiss

Stage 5 - May 8: Bourbourg - Dunkirk, 165,5 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) rides in the peloton during the final stage
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) salutes from the podium as the final winner of the Four Days of Dunkirk
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) puts on the pink jersey as the final winner
• Winner Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues Telecom) on the podium with his trophy

International UNIQA Classic

Prologue - May 2: St Pölten - St Pölten, 8 km ITT

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Images by Marketa Navratilova/Cor Vos/www.corvospro.com

• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) put in a strong performance to win the opening TT
• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) on the podium in the leader's jersey
• Friedrich Berein (Team Apo Sport Linz) was the best placed Austrian rider in 12th
• Friedrich Berein (Team Apo Sport Linz) with his Best Austrian Rider jersey
• Friedrich Berein (Team Apo Sport Linz) enjoying the podium
• Thomas Liese (Akud Arnolds Sicherheit) on the podium after finishing second. He has some big prizes, too.
• Third place getter Andriy Grivko (Domina Vacanze)
• Patrick Riedesser (Team Apo Sport Linz) finished in the top 20
• Austrian TT champ Harald Morscher (Volksbank) had a relatively poor ride to finish 55th
• Filippo Simeoni (Naturino) rode well to end 7th

Stage 1 - May 3: St. Pölten - Traismauer, 185km

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Images by Marketa Navratilova/Cor Vos/www.corvospro.com

• Acqua e Sapone set the tempo for Sosenka
• Hans-Peter Obwaller (Sava) leads Przemyslaw Niemec (Miche) during their breakaway
• The peloton rides past Melk
• Sosenka well placed in the peloton
• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) rides in the leader's jersey
• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) is a big lad
• The sprint was taken out by Brazilian Murilo Fischer (5th from L)
• Murilo Fischer (Naturino) gets a big podium kiss
• Werner Riebenbauer (Team Apo Sport Linz) scored some podium time for finishing second
• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) is still the leader

Stage 2 - May 4: Traismauer - Gresten, 168km

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Images by Marketa Navratilova/Cor Vos/www.corvospro.com

• Murillo Fischer (Naturino, L) and race leader Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) ride in the rain during stage 2
• Ondrej Sosenka (Acqua e Sapone) had to do some chasing work
• Australian Adam Hansen (Simplon Elk Haus) drives a breakaway
• Oh boy, this is fun says Gerhard Trampusch
• The descent from Wastl am Wald. Sigh.
• The descent from Gschaid. Another sigh.
• Murillo Fischer (Naturino) wins his second stage in a row
• Murillo Fischer (Naturino) now in the leader's jersey
• Gerhard Trampusch is the best Austrian rider after stage 2

Stage 3 - May 5: Gresten - Linz, 157km

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Images by Marketa Navratilova/Cor Vos/www.corvospro.com

• Bram de Groot (Rabobank) in action during stage 3
• Fischer (yellow) gets some help during the stage
• The Naturino boys work hard to save Fischer's lead
• Strung out in the Austrian countryside
• Ahh…
• Liquigas and Domina working hard
• M.C. Escher eat your heart out
• Kjell Carlstrom (Liquigas-Bianchi) wins the final stage
• Murillo Fischer (Naturino) in the peloton
• Jorg Ludewig (Domina) was unassailable in the mountains jersey
• Bram de Groot (Rabobank) won the UNIQA classic by less than a second
• Watch the beard! Says best Austrian, Gerhard Trampusch
• Rabobank was the winning team, and scored enough Austrian sausage to last them at least a week

Souvenir Magali Pache Lausanne

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Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews

• Edita Pucinskaite (Nobili Rubinetterie-Menikini) gets ready for take-off.
• Defending champion Oenone Wood (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) looking composed.
• Karin Thürig (Univega Pro Cycling Team) showed why she's the world champion in this discipline, winning the 2nd Souvenir Magali Pache Lausanne.
• Natalie Bates (Van Bemmelen-AA Drink) finished some two and half minutes off Thürig's winning time.
• Christian Söder (Univega Pro Cycling Team) finished 14 second behind her team-mate and race winner Karin Thürig to take second place.
• Oenone Wood (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) had a tough time out on the course today.
• Amy Gillett (Australian Institute of Sport) wasn't doing it easy, either.
• French champion Edwidge Pitel managed to score a top five finish.
• Say cheese. Ok, bad joke.
• Nicole Brändli (Team Bigla) comes in for third place.
• Kathryn Watt (USC Chririo Forno D'Asolo) finished in seventh place.
• Priska Doppmann (Univega Pro Cycling Team) finished just outside the podium in fourth place.
• Olympic road champion Sara Carrigan (Van Bemmelen-AA Drink) just made the top 10.
• Edita Pucinskaite (Nobili Rubinetterie-Menikini) ended up in seventh place.
• Karin Thürig (Univega Pro Cycling Team) comes in to take the race-winning time of 30 minutes and 30 seconds.
• Oenone Wood (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) could only manage sixth place today.

Groote Mei Prijs Hoboken

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Images by Chris Fry

• Hamish Haynes (Cyclingnews.Com) takes the win ahead of Jean Zen (VC Roubaix Lille) and Nicky Cocquyt (TW Classic All Bikes)
• Hamish Haynes gives a post-victory interview
• The podium - Jean Zen (VC Roubaix Lille, 2nd), Hamish Haynes (Cyclingnews.Com, 1st) and Nicky Cocquyt (TW Classic All Bikes, 3rd)
• Hamish Haynes poses for photographers with flowers, trophy and other booty
• Hamish Haynes returns to the bosom of his team

American Velodrome Challenge

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Sarah Hammer lets it all hang out in the 500.
• Daniel Holloway held nothing back in the 4k - his effort won him the race by 0.23 of a second
• Angelo Martorelo being held by Coach Mark Whitehead at the start of his first sprint heat which he easily won.
• TC Valentine makes his move.
• Chris Henderson turned a 1:11.72 in the kilo, a time that should have won if it was not for the blistering 1:10.18 by Anthony Galvan
• Anthony Galvan all concentration for his 1:10.18 Kilo. Very fast for San Diego
• Eric Hollenbeck spent a lot of time off the front in the points race securing second place
• Tyler Ofstead & Mike Garret racked up enough in the points race to earn a win for Garret and a third for Ofstead.
• Matt Mosby caught everybody with their pants down early in the scratch race opening an insurmountable gap while the other contenders just watched each other.
• Sarah Hammer & Lisa Heffernan dominated the woman's scratch races placing first & second respectively in both races.
• Sarah Hammer keeps a close eye on her competition.
• Team sprint winners - (left to right) Anthony Galvan, Timo Budarz & Greg Howe were tight and fast before entering turn 2.

Mario Cipollini's retirement press conference

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mario Cipollini says his final goodbye in Milan
• Mario Cipollini and Liquigas Sport's president Paolo Dal Lago

Images by Christine Krueger/www.cyclingimages.com

• Mario Cipollini looks pretty happy despite saying goodbye to a long career at the top of cycling.
• Cipo and Cipo - Mario Cipollini poses in front of a poster of him doing what he'll be best remembered for: winning a sprint.
• With Felice Gimondi - the Biachi boss has supplied Cipollini's team's bikes this year and is an old friend and influence.
• Thinking about the future perhaps?
• Joking with reporters at the press conference
• Chatting with the announcer at his retirement press conference
• Not the comfy chair

Roswell criterium

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Images by Doug Gravino/www.southeasterncycling.com

• Candice Blickem (Quark Cycling Team) speeds to breakway victory at the Roswell Historic Criterium
• The women's podium - Sarah Uhl, Candice Blickem, and Shannon Hutchinson (L to R, 2nd, 1st, 3rd) share the podium.
• Erik Saunders (McGuire-Langdale) lines up at the start of the Roswell Historic Criterium
• Vassilli Davidenko (Navigators Insurance) waits for the starting whistle.
• Frank Dierking (ADB Cycle Club) shows off his speed.
• Aussie Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joes - Kalahari) accelerates towards his 4th place finish.
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) takes the win while Sebastian Alexandre (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Ivan Dominguez (Health Net) battle for 2nd.
• Gord Fraser's mother came down from Canada to watch her famous son win in Georgia.
• Gord Frasier (Health Net pb Maxxis) gets interviewed by announcer extraordinaire Dave Towle after winning the 2005 Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium.
• The men's podium - Ivan Dominguez (Health Net), Gord Frasier (Health Net), and Sebastian Alexandre (Colativa/Sutter Home) (L to R, 3rd, 1st, 2nd) celebrate their victory.

Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com

• Tracey Grimshaw (Travelgirl) on the starting line.
• Jenn Green (Travelgirl) smiles before the pain starts.
• A huge women's field started the Pro race.
• An America's Dairyland rider takes an early flyer off of the front.
• Olympian Iona wynter (Forum Cycling) chases down a break while a Quark rider marks her.
• Candice Blickem (Quark) celebrates the win. She was off the front for over half of the race.
• The women's podium - Sarah Uhl (Quark), Candace Blickem (Quark), and Shannon Huchison (L5 Flyers/Aaron Corporate Rents) celebrate their podium spots.
• Greg Henderson (Health Net p/b Maxxis) stayed in Georgia for a week to contest several NRC crits.
• Gord Frasier (Health Net p/b Maxxis) ponders something on the starting line.
• Former pro Tim Henry (AG Edwards-Nalley) still competes with the best of them while finishing up his university degree.
• The Pro Men's field ready to roll.

For more photos, e.g. Athens Twilight Criterium, Trophée des Grimpeurs, CSC Classic, GP Herning, GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Tour of the Gila, Ruban Granitier Breton, MTB World Cup 1, Flèche Wallonne, Fleche Wallonne Women , Tour de Georgia, Giro del Trentino, Lance Armstrong announces retirement, Tro Bro Leon, Amstel Gold Race, Paris-Roubaix, Sea Otter Road, Sea Otter XC, Tour du Finistère, Morgan Hill Grand Prix, Jacksonville Cycling Classic , Beechworth Six Hours In The Saddle, Tour du Loir-et-Cher , Grote Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen, Boston Beanpot Classic, MTB - GP Provincia di Lucca , Garrett Lemire GP, GP Pino Cerami, Internationale Damesronde van Drenthe, Tour of Puerto Rico, Circuit de la Sarthe , Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen, Route Adélie, Redlands Classic, and Driedaagse van De Panne-Koksijde please consult our archives.