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Cycling photography for March 2006

The Local East Coast Australian Time is 12:17 PM Thursday

Driedaagse van De Panne
Critérium International
Brabantse Pijl
E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
Milan-San Remo
Commonwealth Games
Dwars door Vlaanderen
Settimana Ciclistica Int. Coppi-Bartali
Tour de Normandie
San Dimas Stage Race
Classic Loire Atlantique
Nokere Koerse
Tirreno-Adriatico
Paris-Nice
Bendigo Madison

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Driedaagse van De Panne

Stage 4 - March 30: De Panne - De Panne ITT, 12 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) showed his good form by finishing second
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) was third in today's time trial - better than last year
• Sebastien Rosseler (Quick.Step) was the first non-Discovery rider in fourth
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) defended the jersey valiantly, but lost out to Hoste
• Frank Vandenbroucke (Unibet.com) produced a great ride to finish 9th
• Serguei Ivanov (T-Mobile) during his effort
• Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) struggles to get the TT over with
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) better known as a sprinter
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) was the first to beat VDB's time
• Slava Ekimov (Discovery Channel) wasn't at his best, but wasn't too far off the pace
• Jan Boven (Rabobank) was one of his team's three finishers
• Angel Castresana (Unibet.com) during his ride
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel) on the podium with the trophy
• Hoste throws the bouquet…
• The podium (L to R): Angel Castresana (sprints), Bernhard Eisel (points, 2nd overall), Leif Hoste (1st overall, mountains), and Luis Sanchez (3rd overall)

Stage 3 - March 30: De Panne - De Panne, 119 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• Rosseler leads De Jongh on the last lap
• Joaquin Rojas Gil (Liberty) in pursuit of the three leaders
• Steven de Jongh (Quick.Step) beats Claudio Corioni (Lampre-Fondital) to win stage 3
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) rolls in at the back after his crash on the last corner
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) did a ton of work today
• Winner Steven de Jongh on the podium

Stage 2 - March 29: Zottegem - Oostduinkerke, 227 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• No tilting at windmills today
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) chasing back on
• Wilfried Cretskens (Quick Step) keeps Boonen out of trouble
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) back in the mode
• Hey whassup? Luca Paolini looks for assistance
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) looking good
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the front group
• The front group after a peloton split
• Nico Mattan (Davitamon-Lotto) suffering
• Castresana, Renders and Capelle tried to get away late in the race
• Discovery Channel working hard in the peloton
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) beats Danilo Napolitano (LPR)
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) makes amends for yesterday
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) on the podium in the leader's jersey

Stage 1 - March 28: Middelkerke - Zottegem, 194 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) smiles at the start
• Frank Vandenbroucke (Unibet.com): Has Boonen shown the way forward with the mullet?
• The wind was a factor today
• These Belgians are crazy: But Eddy Merckx lives on
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) leads the break on the Berendries
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel) looking comfy
• Pippo Pozzato (Quick.Step) couldn't quite close the gap to the leaders
• Roberto Petito (Tenax) takes off on the Berendries with Luis Sanchez in tow
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) pacing the peloton
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) doing it a bit easier than Niko Eeckhout
• Seb Chavanel (Bouygues) hangs on
• Bram Schmitz (T-Mobile) suffers after being dropped
• The peloton very strung out
• Tom Steels (Davitamon-Lotto) rides in the peloton
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel, L) comes from behind to beat Bernhard Eisel in the sprint in Zottegem
• Cop that! Leif Hoste is happy with himself after beating two sprinters
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel) has dinner sorted out now
• Gert Steegmans (Davitamon-Lotto) leader of the sprints classification

Critérium International

Stage 3 - March 26: Charleville-Mezieres - Charleville-Mezieres, 8.3 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Ivan Basso (CSC) blazes around the town of Charleville-Mezieres en route to second place and overall victory.
• Surprise winner José Alberto Martinez (Agritubel) finished just one second ahead of Basso.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) shows off his winner's trophy.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) throws his winner's bouquet.
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) was only good enough for 12th place on the stage, but maintained his second position overall.
• Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) rode a great TT to finish third and maintain third overall.
• José Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse D'Epargne-Illes Balears) finished two seconds outside a podium place, placing fourth.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is still yet to receive his winner's trophy from last year's Vuelta a España.

Stage 2 - March 26: Les Vieilles Forges (Les Mazures) - Montherme, 101 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Ivan Basso's devilish grin emerges after winning the second stage of the Criterium International in Montherme.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) shows a rare turn of speed coming towards the line in Montherme.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) leads overnight leader Erik Dekker (Rabobank) and Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole).
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) seemingly in control, with Ivan Basso (CSC) glued on his wheel.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) looks behind to see his team-mate Frank Schleck (Team CSC).
• Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) attacks with four kilometres to go, and Ivan Basso (CSC) is right onto him.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) leads the race with Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) on his wheel.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) forces the pace in the lead group.
• The CSC duo of Jens Voigt and Carlos Sastre go with a two-pronged attack.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom, L) and Alberto Contador (Liberty Seguros) in the lead group.

Stage 1 - March 25: Sedan - Charleville-Mezieres, 192 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) wins the opening stage of the Criterium International in Mezieres.
• He's still got it, that wily Erik...
• Igor Astarloa (Barloworld) leads Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) and Erik Dekker (Rabobank).
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) looks behind him to see the suffering face of Ivan Basso (CSC).
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is forced to rejoin the peloton after a mechanical.
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) attacks with Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) on his wheel.
• Igor Astarloa (Barloworld, R) and Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) lead the breakaway group.
• Ivan Basso (CSC, L) and Floyd Landis (Phonak) chew the fat at the start.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) stretches his shoulders before the opening day's stage in beginning in Sedan.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is pushed back on his way by team manager John Lelange.
• The peloton on a rolling road towards Mezieres.
• A formidable sight - Team CSC motion their troops at the head of the peloton.
• It's a colourful sport, isn't it?
• Francesco Mancebo rides in his new team colours of AG2R.
• Team-mates Bobby Julich and Ivan Basso (CSC) ride alongside one another.

Dwars door Vlaanderen

Settimana Ciclistica Int. Coppi-Bartali

Stage 5 - March 25: Castellarono - Sassuolo, 163.6 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) and Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) break away on the final GPM, roughly seven kilometres from the finish.
• Race leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) riding hard up the GPM.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates after beating Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) in a sprint to the line.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on the podium, saluting the crowd after taking overall honours in the Settimana Ciclistica Int. Coppi-Bartali.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) leads Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) and three other breakaway companions.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) stamps on the pedals.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) leads Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic).
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is over the moon.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) with his arms aloft.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is given a pat on the bum by Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic).
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gets a kiss from his fiancee.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) tells reporters how he won the day.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is congratulated by Liquigas' Vincenzo Nibali, who took second overall.
• Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gives a hug to his young team-mate.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) on the podium as stage winner.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates with the bubbly.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) goes berko with the bubbly.

Stage 4 - March 24: Carpi - Finale Emilia, 184.4 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) repeats his win exactly 12 months ago in Finale Emilia.
• E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y, clap your hands...
• What the others saw of Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).
• The leaders of the various classifications on the podium.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) wins in Finale Emilia.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) is determined to get this clapping thing happening.
• A delighted Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).
• Race leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) one day away from overall victory in the Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale Coppi-Bartali.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) looks shattered.
• The stage podium - (L to R) Murilo Antonio Fischer (Naturino-Sapore Di Mare, 3rd), Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital, 1st) and Brett Lancaster (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare, 3rd).
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) receives some special treatment.
• There's Cadel Evans! G'day mate!
• And that's Michael Rogers (T-Mobile). G'day Mick!
• Murilo Antonio Fischer (Naturino-Sapore Di Mare) shortly after finishing third to stage winner Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bossoni (Team Tenax Salmilano) is sent on a stretcher to hospital.
• Paolo Bossoni (Team Tenax Salmilano) is hurting from his wounds.
• The peloton leave Carpi.
• The peloton leave Carpi.
• Blink and they're gone!
• Okay, blink a few times and they'll be gone...
• The peloton riding piano on the road to Finale Emilia.
• Race leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital, R) and team-mate Paolo Tiralongo share a laugh.
• It's Lampre's day as Danilo Napolitano wins in Finale Emilia.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) repeats his victory from one year ago.
• This is what the others saw of Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) has every reason to raise his arms.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital, L) trails in the wake of his team-mate and eventual stage winner Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital, R).

Stage 3 - March 23: Scandiano - Fiorano Modenese, 165.6 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Simoni and Ricco ride to the start
• Trying out a new wheel?
• The peloton in Coppi e Bartali
• It's a colourful scene
• Bella Italia
• Winding along through the Italian countryside
• Liquigas-Bianchi working hard
• Liquigas-Bianchi on cracked roads
• Liquigas-Bianchi on a climb
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) relaxed in the peloton
• Gorazd Stangelj (Lampre-Fondital) made the breakaway
• Paolo Tiralongo (Lampre-Fondital) pulls the bunch along at a hard tempo
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) in action
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) with Beppe Saronni
• Rafaele Illiano and Cunego fight it out
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) looking good
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) wins the stage

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) with Lele Sella
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) looking forward to it
• Liquigas-Bianchi in front
• The peloton strings out
• The peloton ascends
• Things are getting tough
• Przemyslaw Niemiec (Miche) out front
• Emanuele Sella (Panaria) forcing
• Emanuele Sella (Panaria) drives it
• That's a long zig-zag
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) stays out of trouble
• The peloton descends
• Cadel Evans in front of the Lampre train
• Pelizotti working hard
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) reflects on a close finish
• Descending
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) nestled in the Liquigas train
• Liquigas-Bianchi running out of men
• The group has thinned down
• Ricardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) looking better after his crash
• Ricardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) on his own
• Ricco and Cunego in front
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) working hard
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) puts the pressure on
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) wins the stage…by a lot
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) across the line
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) takes a breather
• Congrats from Tiralongo
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on the podium
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) puts on the jersey
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) the new leader
• The Kid is back
• Franco Ballerini with Cunego

Stage 2 - March 22: Cervia - Faenza, 199.3 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Stage 2 was wet
• Oliver Zaugg (Saunier Duval) can multitask
• Nibali corners on slick cobbles en route to victory
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) does one of the hardest things on a road bike: corner on wet cobbles
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) wins the second stage
• Nibali celebrates
• Thumbs up for Vincenzo Nibali
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) crashed during the stage
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) came in bloodied after a crash
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) in the leader's jersey

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) suffers in the peloton
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) stirring things up
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital)
• Cunego and Bettini battle it out
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) has victory in mind
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) alone in pursuit of the leaders
• Aliaksandr Kuchynski (Ceramica Flaminia) leads Nibali
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) and Aliaksandr Kuchynski (Ceramica Flaminia) ride together
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) wins the second stage
• Yeah! Vincenzo Nibali after winning
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) salutes in the leader's jersey
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) with several jerseys

Stage 1b - March 21: Misano - Misano TTT, 11.8 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Team CSC en route to victory
• T-Mobile led by World TT Champ Mick Rogers
• Gerolsteiner finished third
• AG2R Prevoyance almost matching
• Are we there yet? Liquigas-Bianchi
• Marco Pinotti on the front for Saunier Duval
• Fabrizio Guidi leads Phonak
• Quick.Step-Innergetic looking out for each other
• Cadel Evans leads Davitamon-Lotto
• Lampre-Fondital powering away
• Team CSC on the podium
• David Zabriskie really likes the leader's jersey

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• David Zabriskie leads the CSC train
• Saunier Duval-Prodir comes into view
• Saunier Duval-Prodir during its ride
• Liquigas-Bianchi stays close
• Liquigas-Bianchi in suffer mode
• Lampre-Fondital protecting leader Danilo Napolitano
• Brett Lancaster leads Panaria
• One rider from LPR forgot his booties…
• Phonak powers along
• Team Milram a picture in blue
• Tenax in TTT mode
• CSC on the podium

Stage 1a - March 21: Riccione-Riccione, 95.2 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) wins the first stage bunch sprint ahead of Elia Rigotto and Murilo Antonio Fischer
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) raises his arms in victory
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) winner of the first half stage
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) is a happy winner

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Paolo Bettini with Michael Rogers
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) wins the opening stage
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) raises his arms
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) celebrates
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) after his win
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) struggles with the cork
• Graziano Gasparre (Amore e Vita-McDonald's) in the leader's jersey
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) smiles with success

Tour de Normandie

Stage 8 - March 26: Bagnoles de l'Orne - Caen, 142 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• The 'Raboboys' at the start in Bagnoles de l'Orne
• Stéphane Petilleau (Bretagne-Jean Floch) at the head of the race
• Rabobank controlled the race all day to keep their man Reus in the lead
• The riders on the final lap of a soaked Tour de Normandie
• Love ya work, bro Kai Reus (Rabobank) says thanks to one of his teammates in the peloton
• Stéphane Petilleau (G.S.Bretagne-Jean Floc'h) wins the final stage in Caen
• Mikel Gaztanaga (Atom) took second in stage 8
• Stéphane Petilleau up close and personal
• Danny Pate (TIAA-CREF) at the finish
• Kai Reus wins the Tour de Normandie for the second time
• The podium (l-r): Alexander Khatuntsev, Kai Reus and Jos Van Emden
• Jos Van Emden and Kai Reus hang with Rabobank's sport director after the race

Stage 7 - March 25: St Hilaire du Harcouet - Bagnoles de l'Orne, 174 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• The big escape of the day with Maxime Mederel (Auber 93), Marcin SAPA (Knauff), Lasse Bochman (GLS) and Brad Huff (TIIA CREF).
• The attack of Maxime Mederel happened 40 kimometres before the finish
• Bochman tried to organize the pursuit.
• Rabobank lead the peloton with their man leading overall
• Another hard day with the rain coming down
• Maxime Mederel on the final lap
• Orbea give it a go on the final lap.
• Maxime Mederel (Auber 93) wins stage 7
• Maxime Mederel has to answer questions for TV
• Mederel is congratulated by sport director Stéphane Javalet
• Another hard day... when is this race going to end?
• Kai keeps the jersey in the safe hands of Rabobank
• Stéphane Javalet, Auber 93's sport director, is delighted with Maxime Mederel's win
• Maxime Mederel (Auber 93) on the podium
• I'm so tired... but today I think I've secured a win at the Tour de Normandie
• Brad Huff is smiling again in the sprinter's green jersey

Stage 6 - March 24: Domfront - St Hilaire du Harcouet, 84 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• It's raining, again this afternoon...how I love Normandy in the spring!
• Team Knauff made their presence felt in the bunch
• Niki Trepstra (Ubbink-Syntec) wins stage 6
• Another stage down... and aren't the boys happy about that!
• Niels Brouzes (Auber 93) is glad he brushed his teeth this morning
• Hey, what did you say? Niki Trepstra throws the evil eye look at someone
• Kai Reus finished the day in yellow again

Stage 5 - March 24: Flers-Domfront, 74 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• There were many demonstrations in France because a problem with the gouvernment. Here some students gather at the Tour of Normandy start to voice their concerns
• Martin Garrido supports the students
• Hey boy... another stage today for your team today?
• Some attacks went early on
• Jos Van Emden lost his leader's jersey today
• Emilien Benoit Berges tries to capture the stage win
• An attack with Franck Charrier (CC Nogent) near the end of the stage
• Jos Van Emden in the peloton.
• Kai Reus was back in Normandy and won stage 5
• It was a hard day for Krassimir Vasilev
• Good job, son...
• Damn this is cold
• Team TIAA-CREF had another tough day today
• TIAA-CREF's Brad Huff asks if anyone is up for a hot cup of cocoa...
• Hey man, I'm back at the top of the classification
• Kai Reus (Rabobank) is back in yellow

Stage 4 - March 23: Elbeuf - Flers, 201 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Most of the guys were doing it tough today
• David LeLay (G.S.Bretagne-Jean Floc'h) led one of the escapes of the day
• It wasn't a good day for TIAA-CREF's Brad Huff
• Cédric Hervé (G.S.Bretagne-Jean Floc'h)
• Jos Van Emden wins stage 4 in Flers - another big stage for Rabobank III
• A good stagefor Team GSL but no victory
• The peloton finished many minutes after the winner
• Jos Van Emden (Rabobank)
• Hey, where's his head? Jos Van Emden puts on the leader's yellow jersey
• Jos Van Emden (Rabobank) looking pleased with the leader's jersey
• Jos Van Emden (Rabobank) is the leader of the Tour of Normandie

Stage 3 - March 22: Aubevoye - Elbeuf, 74 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Brad Huff (TIAA-CREF) with the yellow jersey
• Cyclingnews made an appearance in Normandy!
• Team TIAA CREF at the head of the race
• Martin Maaskant (Rabobank) wins stage 3
• Brad Huff crashed 200 metres before the finish line
• Martin Maaskant (Rabobank) took a win on stage 3
• It was a difficult race in some tough conditions
• Another day in yellow for Brad Huff
• The stage 3 podium with Huff hiding from the cameras
• Brad Huff is happy but tomorrow is the hardest stage of the Tour de Normandie

Stage 2 - March 22: Forges les Eaux - Aubevoye, 81 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Jurgen Roelands (Bodysol) wins stage 2
• Bradley Huff (TIAA-CREF) finished amongst the action
• Jurgen Roelands (Bodysol) on the podium
• Brad Huff (TIAA-CREF) on the podium
• Huff's all smiles after stage 2
• Brad Huff in yellow... which suits him pretty well, actually!

Prologue - March 20: Colombelles ITT, 5,8 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Team TIIA CREF is back in Normandy
• Robert Bartko (German National team)
• Alexander Khatuntsev (Omnibike Dymamo Moscow) at the start.
• Vincent Cantero (CC Nogent Sur Oise)
• Kai Reus (Rabobank) concentrates at the start.
• Emilien Benoit-Berges (auber.93) ready to go
• Emilien Berges (Auber 93) takes third place.
• Kai Reus (Rabobank) wins the prologue
• The prodium - Rick Flens (Rabobank), Kai Reus (Rabobank) and Emilien Berges (Auber 93)

San Dimas Stage Race

Stage 3 - March 19: Incycle/Cannondale Classic, 90/55 minutes

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Images by

• Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) drives the break through the rain
• The top 3 on GC kept a close watch on each other.
• Grace Fleury (Lipton) smiles at the start while wearing the climbers jersey
• Race leader Kristin Armstrong (Lipton) poses on the start line with Flat Stanley
• Kristin Armstrong (Lipton) on cruise control
• Lisa Sweeney (CPT-Colnago) leads the break through the start finish area
• TEAm Lipton on the front of the field
• Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) holds onto a slim lead after her last lap attack
• Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) celebrates her stage win
• Mike Jones (Health Net) was bundled up over his climbers jersey
• Race leader Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) has his game face on at the start
• Toyota-United setting tempo on the front
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) kept his yellow jersey hidden under a rain cape
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) puts his head down while powering the break
• Gord Fraser and Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) spent most of the race off the front
• The breakaway riders set up for turn 1 as the pack comes into view at the far end of the finishing straight
• Mariano Friedrick leads the chase for Toyota-United
• Gord Fraser (Health Net pb Maxxis)
• Tim Johnson (Health Net pb Maxxis) tries to bridge up to the break with 4 laps to go
• Toyota-United chases the break with three laps to go
• With one lap to go the end was imminent for the break
• Juan Jose Haedo (Toyota-United) puts his head down and powers away to the stage win
• The effort and conditions of the race were apparent on Chris Baldwin's face

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

• Mari, put that cell phone away, the race is about to start.
• Laura Kroepsch (Team Lipton) helps race leader Kristin Armstrong with her mic.
• Good Friends.
• Old Friends.
• Jaqusijak Katarzyna (Polish National Team) and coach.
• The newly formed Sports Express Team.
• Women’s peloton on the first lap.
• Checking out the competition.
• Laura Kroepsch (TEAm Lipton) after the leader.
• Jittery Joes on the front.
• Karl Menzies (Health Net) leading the break.
• Karl Menzies (Health Net) working hard.
• Jose Haedo (Toyota-United) wins again.
• GC winner Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) on top of the podium

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Mari Holden is all smiles before the rain
• America’s Dairyland Best Young rider Natalie Klemko
• America’s Dairyland rider Natalie Klemko out of the saddle and show that MILK DOES A BODY GOOD as she powers the pedals
• Jennifer Reither (Bicycle Johns)
• Lisa Sweeney (Colorado Premier Training) leads Lara Kroepsch (Team Lipton) and Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) Larson went on to the win
• T-Mobile's Kim Baldwin wears the green jersey
• It’s the battle of the milk and tea racers - Lipton’s Grace Fleury leads the chase as America’s Dairyland riders Betsy Galenti and Natalie Klemko are right there as well
• Brent Bookwalter of the Priority Health Cycle team was in the break for a long time and finished 12 and best young rider
• The break about to get swallowed up in the last laps of the race
• Team Lipton’s Lara Kroepsch helps race leader Kristin Armstrong with her radio
• Polish riders Janik Karolina and Jagusiah Katarzynn with coach
• Kim Baldwin hams up for the camera as the other Jersey wearers look on. L-R Grace Fleury KOM (team Lipton), Kristin Armstrong Leaders (Team Lipton), Natalie Klemko Best Young rider (America’s Dairyland) and Baldwin points (T-Mobile)
• T-Mobile’s Mari Holden
• Marisa Asplund of the Colorado Premier Training Colnago – Sports Express Team
• Janik Karolina of the Polish team must feel right at home at today's race with all the rain and cold.
• Germany’s T-Mobile rider Cristina Becker
• Colorado Premier Training –Colnago- Sports Express team girls warm down after the race L-R Nicky Wangsgard, Jennifer Gersbach and Marisa Asplund
• Toyota-United’s Chris Wherry leads they way for his teammates
• Karl Menzies (Health-Net) leads Brent Brookwalter (Priority Health Cycle)

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Laura Downey (America's Dairyland) leans it over in a wet corner after the rain
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) leads the group into a wet turn as the rain starts again
• Stage winner, Jose Haedo (Toyota - United Pro) uses his brakes sparingly on the rainy course
• GC leader, Heath Blackgrove (Toyota - United Pro)

Stage 2 - March 18: San Dimas Hospital Road Race, 96/72 miles

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by

• Laura Downey (America's Dairyland) leads the women's field into the bottom of the climb
• TEAm Lipton patrols the front of the field
• The women's break ascends on the gentler slopes of the climb
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) looking resplendent in the leaders jersey
• The women's break spreads across the road on the climb
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) salutes stage winner and team mate Grace Fleury
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) celebrates with stage winner and team mate Grace Fleury
• Justin England (Toyota-United) leads the offensive on lap 2
• Health Net and Toyota-United control the front
• The men's break had the odds stacked for Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity
• Mike "So Pro" Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) had little time to enjoy the springtime greenery along the course
• Toyota-United Pro rode tempo on the front to keep GC leader Chris Baldwin out of trouble
• Peter Hatton (Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity) leads Chris Wherry (Toyota-United), Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) and team mate Philip Wong during their foray off the front of the field
• Tony Cruz leads his Toyota-United team as the set tempo on the front of the main field
• A Toyota-United rider looks over at eventual stage winner Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) as he moves up on the right side of the field.
• Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) spent almost the entire race off the front, much of it in solitary TT mode
• Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) passes the break of a lower category race while soling of the front of the pro men's field
• Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) keeps the pressure on as he climbs solo ahead of the pack
• As the laps counted down the Toyota-United team started to chase in earnest
• US PRO champ Chris Wherry leads the chase for Toyota-United
• Tim Johnson and Roman Kilun (Health Net pb Maxxis) go on the attack with 2 laps remaining.
• Stage winner Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) launches the decisive attack with just over 1 lap to go.
• Stage winner Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) powers away from the bunch with Trent Wilson (Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity) glued to his wheel
• Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) takes the stage win ahead of Glen Mitchell (Priority Health) and Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United)

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• The woman's race a few km after the start
• Kim Baldwin (T-Mobile) relaxed with a sharp eye at the front
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) - 1st in GC, 1st in sprint points & 1st for KOM
• Wayne Stetina (AMD) was very happy that the 45+ race was finished... especially since he was the first across the line!
• Grace Fleury outsprints her teammate and race leader Kristin Armstrong to win the race
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota - United Pro) sitting comfortably behind his teammates
• Karl Menzies (Health net pb Maxxis) wins the sprint in the men's pro race

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Maria Monica (McGuire) leads the pack up a hill early on
• Erin Alders (McGuire) and Moriah MacGregor (Dizzy Chicks) ead the way early on in the road race
• Laura Downey (America’s Dairyland) wants a bottle in the feed zone in front of the pack
• Las Vegas rider Hilary Crowley
• The women at the line. Grace Fleury grabs the win over race leader and teammate Armstrong
• Jagusiak Katarzyna of the Polish team is happy to be in so cal where it’s a bit warmer then in Poland
• The men’s pack from up high
• Jared Downing (VRC-MS Society) grabs an naughty ride up the hill.
• Tony Cruz and his Toyota-United team lead the way up the hill
• Toyota-United’s Tony Cruz goes for a bottle
• Health Net’s Mike Jones looks back to see if the pack is coming
• Drew Miller (Successfulliving.com) and Tommy Tommy of the (Priority Health cycling team) go past Raging Waters Park
• Karl Menzies of Health Net grabs the Win
• Race leader Kristin Armstrong (LIPTON) and Dotsie Bausch (Colavita) and the pack of women racers
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) shows off the Nat Champ Jersey as he gets ready to ride
• Toyota-United’s Tony Cruz gets ready to race and work for his team
• America’s Dairyland team comes to Calif to prove that Wisconsin is Dairyland

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

• The Pro women assemble at the staging area.
• Dotsie Bausch (ColavitaCooking Light) is ready to go.
• Kim Baldwin (T-Mobile) is trying to stay warm before the start.
• T-Mobile relaxing before the start.
• Laura Van Gilder (Team Lipton) smiles for the camera.
• Grace Fleury (Team Lipton) makes a last minute adjustment.
• Cindy Carroll (McGuire Cycling Team) is checking out the competition.
• Katherine Lambden (Team Lipton)
• Mavic
• The Moto brings the women's peloton into position.
• The women are on their own.
• The women's peloton heads for the first turn.
• The women don't seem to be in any hurry at the end of the first lap.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland) leads out the peloton.
• The first break of the day.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita/Cooking Light) leads the second group.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland) likes to be in front.
• Grace Fleury (Team Lipton) leads the break over the hill.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita/Cooking Light) still leads the peloton.
• In the shadow of Mavic.
• The peloton doesn't seem to be in any hurry with only three laps to go.
• They look tired don't they?
• Oh, I am getting close to your wheel.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland)
• Team Lipton has a team meeting after Grace Fleury takes the stage win.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) goes over their stage win.
• Stage winner Grace Fleury (Team Lipton)
• Laura Kroepsch (Team Lipton) is all smiles.
• The mens train on the first lap.
• Health Net takes control.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) in the break.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) still in the break.
• Health Nets gets a little too close and has to put on the breaks.
• The Toyota-United Pro train.
• Health Net tries another break.
• Toyota-United Pro takes control of the peloton.
• Toyota-United Pro takes control close-up.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) just waiting to pounce.
• Toyota- United Pro and Health Net go head-to-head.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) not only breaks from the whole peloton, but tries to break from Mavic too.

Images by Russ and Nancy Wright/www.abbiorca.com

• The women's 1/2/pro field on their first lap of the San Dimas Road Race.
• Cacti on the rolling California hills serve as a backdrop for the women's field.
• The decisive break included two T-Mobile and three Team Lipton riders
• Taitt Sato (McGuire Women's Cycling Team)
• Team Lipton rider Grace Fleury won the San Dimas Stage Two Road Race.
• TIAA CREF and AEG-Toshiba-JetNetwork represent at the front of the main pack.
• Maynard Hershon provides smiles and support from Mavic.
• An early break of Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro), Mike Jones (Health Net) and two Jittery Joe's riders.
• Antonio Cruz and a number of his Toyota-United Pro teammates lead the group.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) was on the early break and then was away solo for numerous laps.
• Sterling Magnell (Toyota-United Pro) with Chris Wherry and Antonio Cruz close at hand.
• Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) was the winner of Stage 2
• Sterling Magnell (Toyota-United Pro) and the Southern California scenery.
• Roman Kilun (Health Net pb Maxxis) smiles after participating in a break that sent Tim Johnson up the road.
• Juan Jose Haedo (Toyota-United Pro)
• Peter Stetina (TIAA-CREF) speeds downhill
• USPRO champion Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) is finding his feet early in the season
• Brian Lemke (Landis/Trek/VW)
• Eric Riggs (Lombardi) flies by on his Ridley.

Stage 1 - March 17: Glendora Chevrolet Time Trial, 3.8 miles

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Thurlow Rogers (Sonance) looking focused as he rounds a turn.
• Mari Holden (T-Mobile) gulping air as she climbs.
• Katherine Lamden (Team Lipton) calm and in control on her ascent.
• Lara Kroepsch (Team Lipton) out of the saddle and looking for more speed in the pouring rain.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) as comfortable as she can be considering the driving rain.
• Justin England (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team) not letting the rain bother him as he fly's up the hill.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team) plowing through the rain on the hill.
• Jakub Svedzinski (Polish National Team) riding in weather more commonly found in Europe this time of year.

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita) warms up before the start of her race.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita) poses for me before the start of her race.
• Kim Baldwin (T-Mobile) ready for the start of her time trial.
• Jagusiak Katarzyna (Poland) Ready to go.
• Jagusiak Katarzyna (Poland) is off on her time trial.
• The boys are back in town (Health Net)
• Tim Johnson (Health Net) is all smiles.
• The Health Net boys warm up in the rain.
• Mavic is there for support.
• Justin England (Toyota-United Pro) in the start house.
• Justin England (Toyota-United Pro) is off to the races.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) call to the start line.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) takes a last look over of the equipment.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) in the start house.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) fires up the motor.
• A Toyota-United Pro rider spooling up for his time trial.
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) take a couple of laps before the start of his time trial.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) gets some protection.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) sheds the rain gear.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) in the start house.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) on his way.
• Some people braved the heavy rains.

Images by

• Heath Blackgrove digs deep to complete the Toyota-United sweep of the top three spots
• Former US TT National Champ Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) powers his way into the leaders jersey.
• The skies had darkened and the rain thickened by the time defending champ Scott Moninger (Health Net) rode his way to 4th place.

Images by Russ and Nancy Wright/www.abbiorca.com

• VMG Racing rider 'enjoying' a bit of water
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro)
• This VMG rider is powering up the wet, steep hills outside San Dimas, California
• Peter Stetina (TIAA CREF) smiling in the rain
• Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada and Toyota-United Pro climb Glendora Mountain Road
• The conditions got wetter and colder at the end of the day for this Toyota-United Pro rider.
• Tim Johnson (HealthNet pb Maxxis)
• Frank Sarate (Socalcycling.com) halfway up the hill.

Classic Loire Atlantique

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Xavier Laureau from U Nantes-Atlantique was the first serious attacker with Thierry David
• The Jartazi team, with Dimitri Muravyev and Igor Abakoumov (and Tarmo Raudsepp in between them), did create a good breakaway
• Japanese team Vang missed the moves and chased hard
• Don't cry, Sergeï, you're the winner!
• Mathieu Drujon, Sergeï Kolesnikov and Noan Lelarge shared the final podium of Classic Loire-Atlantique

Images by Daniel Schamps

• The first appearance of the Colombian ATOM team in Europe
• Sergeï Kolesnikov (Omnibike) before the start
• The TIAA-CREF team at the start

Nokere Koerse

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• The early break
• Aart Vierhouten (Skil-Shimano)
• One of the Bouygues Telecom riders leads the break
• The race leaders - not looking too well organised.
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) solos away from the pack.
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) claims the win
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto)
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) enjoying his moment on the podium

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews

• Frank Vandenbroucke (Unibet.com) raced in Belgium for the first time this year
• Dimitri De Fauw enjoying the good weather
• Francesco Chicchi (Quick.Step) also enjoying the sunny weather.
• Theo Eltink (Rabobank)
• Kevin Hulsmans (Quick.Step) tries to jump across to the leaders
• The sprint for second place is won by Weylandt ahead of Hunt and Eichler
• Wouter Weylandt (Quickstep-Innergetic) looks happier than Roesems on the podium, Jeremy Hunt couldn't reach it

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