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Cycling photography for August 2008

National Mountain Bike Series (NMBS) Finals - Brianhead
Omloop Mandel - Leie - Schelde
Tour of the Murray River
Vuelta a España
Univest Grand Prix
Deutschland Tour
USA Pro championships
Tour of Ireland
MTB World Cup XC #8 & DH #6
Giro della Valle d'Aosta
TransWales
Regio Tour
GP Plouay
Trofeo Melinda
Coppa Bernocchi
Eneco Tour
Tre Valli Varesine
GP Capodarco
Marini Silvano Cappelli Sportivi
US PRO crit
TransRockies Challenge
Tour of Utah
Volta a Portugal
Olympic Games Beijing
Rochester Omnium
USA National Championships
MTB World Cup - Bromont
Profronde van Surhuisterveen
South African marathon MTB national championships
Adidas Slopestyle
Giro dell'Appennino
GP Nobili Rubinetterie
GP Industria & Artigianato - Carnaghese
GP P-Nivo
Poly-Normande
East Yorkshire Classic
Clásica San Sebastián
Hanes Park Criterium
Open de Suède Vargarda TTT
Profronde Heerlen
Tour of Elk Grove

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Omloop Mandel - Leie - Schelde

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Images by Stijn Vercaemer/www.CyclingView.be

• It's been a difficult race with some bad crashes.
• Dutch champion Jasper Ockeloen tries to get a way on top of the 'Kluisberg'.
• It's been a hard race with seven climbs and the last riders in the race were struggling on the famous Paterberg.
• Dutch champion Jasper Ockeloen tries to get away with the Belgian champion Arthur Vanoverberghe.
• Arthur Vanoverberghe (Koninklijke Balen B.C.) is the winner of this edition.
• Nicholas Vereecken, Jasper Ockeloen and Thomas Debraebandere sprinting for the second place.
• The podium: (l-r) Nicolas Vereecken, Arthur Vanoverberghe and Jasper Ockeloen.

Tour of the Murray River

Stage 13 - September 7: Merbein To Wentworth, 81.03km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• There was no time for the tour to buy some of the local produce on offer during stage thirteen from Merbein to Wentworth.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) was holding onto a nine second lead going into the penultimate stage of the tour.
• Praties William Clarke from Tasmania was in 24th place on the GC, 17.46 minutes behind the tour leader Leigh Howard.
• Nathan Wise (49) of the Cycle City Ballarat team was in 37th place on the GC heading into stage thirteen.
• Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) was in seventh place on the GC going into stage thirteen, just 56 seconds behind teammate Leigh Howard.
• David Pell (Savings and Loans) and Tim Decker (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) got the gap on the peloton which started a breakaway group at the half-way mark of the stage.
• Pell and Decker were joined by eight other riders who tried to open up a sizeable gap on the peloton during the 81km stage.
• The team of Jayco/VIS were on the front of the peloton and controlling the race for their tour leader Leigh Howard.
• It's yours mate: David Kemp (L) of the Virgin Blue Cycling team and Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) have staged a ding-dong battle for tour honours for most of the race and have been marking each other closely in the peloton.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) stretches the peloton out as they close in on the lead group nearing the finish in Wentworth.
• Leigh Howard (centre) of the Jayco/VIS team is closing in on his first major road-race victory.
• Tim Decker (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) was still trying to hold the peloton off as the lead group reached the outskirts of Wentworth.
• A classy win: Leigh Howard (right) of Jayco/VIS virtually seals his tour win with a thrilling stage win in Wentworth.
• Thirsty work: The riders of the Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River aren't the only ones needing a drink after the completion of stages on the tour.
• The stage thirteen podium (L-R): Kyle Marwood (2nd, Dixon Homes Cycling Team), Leigh Howard (1st,Jayco/VIS) and Bernard Sulzberger (3rd,Virgin Blue Cycling).
• David Pell (Savings and Loans) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider of the stage jersey.
• Leigh Howard holds a nine point lead in Tasco Inland Sprint Points competition over his Jayco/VIS teammate Sean Finning.
• Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard will take a 25 second lead into the final day of the tour in Mildura.

Stage 12 - September 7: Merbein, 33km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) gets across to the break and in the winning move on stage twelve in Merbein.
• The lead group open up a gap on the peloton during the 33km stage twelve criterium.
• Tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) was being closely marked by Virgin Blue Cycling's David Kemp.
• Luke Durbridge (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) was 27th overall on the tour going into stage twelve.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) in his WHK Criterium leaders jersey; Finning has won three stages of the tour so far.
• Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard from Geelong was defending a slender nine second lead on the tour going into the twelfth stage.
• Matthew Jensen (centre) of the Total Rush team out of the saddle during the stage twelve criterium in Merbein.
• Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) has been a willing worker for teammate David Kemp on the tour and finds himself in 13th place on the GC.
• Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) was in 17th place overall as the tour hit Merbein on the penultimate day of racing.
• The Geelong flyer: Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard is one of Australia's brightest talents in the sport - road or track.
• Luis Trueba (Swan Hill City Rural Council Pioneers) is on the improve and is ranked in the top twenty on GC.
• Hayden Brooks (Virgin Blue Cycling) was in 12th position overall on the tour heading into stage twelve.
• The peloton were under the pump to bridge the gap to the lead group closing in on the finish.
• Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) is determined to steal a stage win from the peloton.
• The peloton corner on the 1.1km circuit in Merbein, 15 minutes from Mildura in Victoria.
• Virgin Blue Cycling were on the front of the peloton in the concluding laps trying to bring back the lead group.
• Too good to be true: Petrol prices have sky-rocketed in Australia of late and the 86.7 cents a litre here were the good ole' days.
• Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) reaches for the sky as he wins stage twelve in Merbein.
• Kyle Marwood (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) brings home the peloton behind the lead group on stage twelve.
• Cadel Evan's profile with the Silence Lotto team in Europe has won him fans all over Australia including Merbein on the Tour of the Murray River.
• The stage twelve podium (L-R): Jamie Crass (2nd,NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) ,Malcolm Rudolph (1st,Team Budget Forklifts) and Brad Norton (3rd,Praties).
• Leigh Howard (right) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey as his Jayco/VIS teammate Sean Finning awaits his call-up to the podium.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) zips up his yellow jersey as the tour leader with two stages remaining.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) is now the leader of the Scody Cup Cycling Series with only the Tour of Tasmania remaining.

Stage 11 - September 6: Ouyen - Patchewollock - Ouyen, 86.5km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Tour of the Murray River construction crew try out some of the local bikes that were on show in Ouyen during their festival to celebrate the arrival of the tour.
• A lead group soon opened up after the start of stage eleven in Ouyen.
• The peloton roll through with little interest in bringing back the lead group in the early kilometres of stage eleven.
• The peloton make their way towards Patchewollock on the out-and-back course over 86.5km's from Ouyen.
• The tour convoy follows the peloton on a small rise during stage eleven.
• Anthony Bennett (Swan Hill Rural City Council Pioneers) found himself in the leading group on stage eleven.
• Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) was a member of the leading group that opened up a gap of two minutes on the peloton.
• The leaders pass the Patchewollock General Store at the half-way mark of stage eleven.
• Tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) was safely tucked away in the peloton.
• David Kemp was surrounded by his Virgin Blue Cycling teammates back in the peloton.
• Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) on the front of the lead group as they turned for home and the finish in Ouyen.
• The Virgin Blue Cycling team were driving the peloton towards the lead group in the run home to the finish.
• The Tour of the Murray River has been hopping into townships all along the Murray River for six days now.
• Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) escaped the peloton nearing the finish before puncturing and blowing his chances of a stage win.
• Riders try to sneak away from the peloton in the final twenty kilometres of the stage.
• The peloton pass through an intermediate sprint point with six kilometres to the finish.
• Tasmanian Nathan Clarke (Praties) takes out stage eleven of the tour in Ouyen.
• Praties team-support member Steve Price (holding wheels) and team-manager Andrew Christie-Johnson congratulate Nathan Clarke on his win as Tour Director John Craven (far left) looks on.
• Stage runner-up Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling) chats with tour commentator Lyndsay Hill on the podium in Ouyen.
• The stage eleven podium (L-R): Bernard Sulzberger (2nd,Virgin Blue Cycling), Nathan Clarke (1st,Praties) and Peter Johnstone (3rd,Australian Road Cycling).
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) tries on his Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey.
• Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) is the Tourism Victoria King of the Mountains leader after stage eleven.
• Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive riders jersey for stage eleven.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) puts on his yellow jersey in Ouyen.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) will take just a nine second lead over Virgin Blue Cycling's David Kemp into stage twelve.

Stage 10 - September 5: Ouyen, 36km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• It was Vanilla Slice day in Ouyen for Stage 10 and the Tour's jersey leaders sampled some of the delights (L-R): Malcolm Rudolph (King of the Mountains), Nathan Clarke (Criterium leader), Leigh Howard (Tour leader) and Glen O'Shea (Most Aggressive).
• The peloton head under the banner in Ouyen during the 36 km Stage 10.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Robert Lyte (NSWIS) opened up a gap on the peloton and there began the winning break.
• Nicholas Walker (Jayco/VIS) was in 22nd place overall heading into the 10th stage in Ouyen.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Robert Lyte (NSWIS) were joined by Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) and Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) in the lead group.
• The peloton corner into the home straight in Ouyen during Stage 10 of the tour.
• Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) drives the leading quartet on the 30 laps of a 1.2 km circuit in Ouyen.
• The leading four opened up a gap of around 30 seconds on the chasing peloton.
• The Jayco/VIS team drive the peloton in search of the leading four riders.
• James Langedyk (Jayco/VIS) will be working hard for his team-mate and tour leader Leigh Howard in the final two days of the race.
• Tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) corners around the streets of Ouyen on Stage 10.
• Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) is in 46th place overall on general classification heading into Stage 10.
• Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) shares a fine partnership with Leigh Howard on the track and is now working hard for him on the Tour of the Murray River.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) takes out Stage 10 in Ouyen from NSWIS rider Robert Lyte.
• The tour leader Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) brings home the peloton on Stage 10.
• Congratulations son: Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) is embraced by his mother after winning another stage of the Tour of the Murray River.
• Jobs done: Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) hands his helmet to his mother before stepping onto the podium in Ouyen.
• Stage 10 podium (L-R): Robert Lyte (NSWIS), Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club).
• Yeah, looks pretty goog to me: Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) receives his Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) has taken over the WHK Criterium Championship leaders jersey after 10 stages.
• Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive riders jersey of the stage.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) awaits his call up for the presentation of the yellow jersey in Ouyen.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) zips up his tour leader's yellow jersey in Ouyen.

Stage 9 - September 4: Euston, 52km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) contemplates a possible yellow jersey and the Tour lead on the startline in Euston for Stage 9.
• The Tour gets underway for the 52 km criterium in Euston on the fifth day of the Tour.
• The peloton move under the Scody Cup Cycling Series banner in Euston.
• Luis Trueba (Swan Hill Rural City Council Pioneers) leans into a corner in Euston.
• Matthew Jensen (Total Rush) was in a total rush during the Stage 9 criterium in Euston.
• William Alexander (Virgin Blue Cycling) corners in the 52 km criterium in Euston.
• The Stage 9 criterium was held over 40 laps of a 1.3 km circuit in Euston.
• Victorian Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) has been applying the pressure to Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling).
• Joel Pearson (Savings and Loans) is in the thick of the action on Stage 9.
• Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) tried to escape the peloton's clutches late into the Stage 9 criterium.
• The Tour is hotting up as it heads to it's conclusion in Mildura on Sunday.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) would relenquish his Tour leader's yellow jersey by the end of the day in Euston.
• Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) got clear of the peloton approaching the final laps of the race.
• The peloton head under the banner and in search of solo leader Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts).
• Four riders tried to bridge the gap to Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) in the final laps.
• Western Australian Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) will ride the up-coming Tour of Tasmania for his South Australia.com/AIS team.
• Adrian Hanson (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) look ahead to the solo leader Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) with a lap to go.
• Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) broke away from the field and held on to win the Stage 9 criterium in Euston.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) grabs second place ahead of Praties Nathan Clarke (far left).
• Team Budget Forklifts Manager Jeremy Betts congratulates Benjamin King on his great win in Euston.
• Stage 9 podium (L-R): Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS), Benjamin King (Team Budget Forklifts) and Nathan Clarke (Praties).
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey after nine stages.
• Nathan Clarke (Praties) is the WHK Criterium Championship leader; Clarke was un-aware that stage winner Benjamin King had broken clear towards the end.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) is the new leader of the Tour and slips on the yellow jersey.
• Taking them to the cleaners: Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard has snatched the Tour lead from Virgin Blue Cycling's David Kemp.

Stage 8 - September 4: Robinvale, 60km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Team Budget Forklifts Manager Jeremy Betts (right) adjusts Malcolm Rudolph's ear-piece for the team radio in Robinvale.
• The Tour of the Murray River would not be possible without the help of the Victorian and New South Wales police.
• The peloton makes its way along the streets of Robinvale during the Stage 8 criterium.
• The Tour speeds along the Murray River in Robinvale.
• The Tour was kicking goals when it sped past the Robinvale Australian Rules football ground.
• Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) was holding onto a narrow lead over Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard.
• Peter Milostic (Team Budget Forklifts) corners in the peloton during Stage 8 of the Tour in Robinvale.
• Will Tehan (Total Rush) was in 33rd place overall on general classification heading into the eighth stage.
• Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) was in 18th place overall, 11.45 minutes behind the Tour leader David Kemp going into the eighth stage.
• Weather conditions have been improving on the Tour as the first week of Spring goes by.
• The lead group gets the bell with the peloton closing.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) goes head-to-head with Praties' Nathan Clarke at the finish to Stage 8 in Robinvale.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) edges out Praties' Nathan Clarke to win Stage 8 in Robinvale.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) team brings home the peloton after failing to bring back the breakaway.
• Nathan Clarke (centre) of the Praties team can't believe a stage win went begging in Robinvale.
• Stage 8 podium (L-R): Nathan Clarke (Praties), Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) and Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team).
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) is the new Tasco Inland Sprint Points leader after eight stages.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the yellow jersey as the Tour of the Murray River leader after eight stages.

Stage 7 - September 3: Balranald, 63km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• A photo opportunity for a spectator in Balranald on stage seven of the Tour
• Riders corner in Balranald during the 63km kermesse
• The field corner into We Street on a 35 lap stage of a 1.8km circuit
• Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) corners in Balranald
• Tasmanian Nathan Clarke (Praties) leans into a bend during stage seven of the Tour
• Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) has had his fair share of falls in recent times but stayed upright in Balranald
• Mark Hooper (SRT Titans) leans into a bend back in the peloton
• Michael Matthews (ACTAS) leads Nicholas Walker (Jayco/VIS) and Luis Trueba (Swan Hill Rural City Council Pioneers) in a breakaway
• Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) struck some bad luck with a puncture but received a lap-out and rejoined the race soon after
• The leaders sprint under the banner after opening up a gap of forty seconds on the peloton
• Darren Rolfe leads his Virgin Blue Cycling teammates at the front of the chasing peloton
• Daniel Furmston (Praties) gives Savings and Loans David Pell a helping hand in the lead group
• Fans in Balranald were giving the Tour the thumbs-up as they watched stage seven of the Tour
• Well played: Great game Shirley, now lets watch the Tour of the Murray River
• The chasing peloton were closing the gap on the lead group in the concluding laps
• The attacks began in the lead group with two laps to go
• The peloton were beginning to realise they had left their run a little too late
• Michael Matthews (left) of the ACTAS team edges out Savings and Loans Joel Pearson to win a thriller in Balranald
• Leigh Howard (right) of the Jayco/VIS team brings home the peloton
• The stage seven podium (L-R): Joel Pearson (2nd,Savings and Loans), Michael Matthews (1st,ACTAS) and Malcolm Rudolph (3rd,Team Budget Forklifts)
• Malcolm Rudolph (right) will be hoping to take his good form and Team Budget Forklifts into the Herald Sun Tour in October
• Shaun McCarthy (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive riders jersey for stage seven
• Timothy Decker's son sports a trendy hair-style during the podium presentations in Balranald
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leaders jersey after seven stages
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) still holds a 24 second lead over Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard after seven stages
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) tries on his Tour leader's yellow jersey on the podium in Balranald in southern New South Wales

Stage 6 - September 2: Swan Hill - Manangatang, 88.4km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• The Tour leave Swan Hill bound for Manangatang on the 88.4km stage six.
• Nathan Clarke (Praties) leads the peloton on the straight roads out of Swan Hill.
• Air time: Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) gets airborne over a railway line on stage six.
• Luke Durbridge (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) wheel stands his way over a railway line on stage six.
• Bunny hopping on the Tour during stage six.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) will have Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard breathing down his neck for the remainder of the Tour.
• Cameron Hughes (Team Budget Forklifts) is the oldest rider in the Tour at 36 years of age.
• The peloton head towards Manangatang and in search of a leading group of riders up the road.
• The lead group had opened up a significant break on the peloton with thirty kilometres remaining.
• Victorian Brad Norton (Praties) was in the lead group and looking for a stage win for the Tasmanian based team.
• Seven riders had escaped the peloton's clutches and were powering towards Manangatang.
• Brendan Schultz (SRT Titans) and Matt Meisel-Dennis (ACTAS) were trying their best to bridge the gap to the leading seven.
• Charles Howlett (Cycle City Ballarat) has been on the improve since the Tour of Gippsland and was searching for another podium placing.
• Peter Ladd (Team Budget Forklifts) drives the lead group towards the finish.
• The lead group with ten kilometres to go and stretching the lead out to more than three minutes.
• Cameron Hughes and Team Budget Forklifts teammate Benjamin King (L) back in the peloton with teammate Peter Ladd in the lead group.
• The back of the race roll past some barren landscape heading into Manangatang.
• Counter lunches were on hold as spectators left their beers to watch the finish to stage six in Manangatang.
• Brad Norton (Praties) wins stage six of the Tour into the tiny township of Manangatang.
• Bittersweet day for Praties: Dylan Newell receives treatment for a fractured AC joint after teammate Brad Norton had won the stage.
• The stage six podium (L-R): David Pell (2nd,Savings and Loans), Brad Norton (1st,Praties) and Charles Howlett (3rd, Cycle City Ballarat).
• Malcolm Rudolph (Team Budget Forklifts) received the Tourism Victoria King of the Mountains jersey on stage six.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains the Tasco Inland Sprint Points leader after six stages.
• Still in yellow: David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) holds onto a 23 second lead over Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard after six stages.

Stage 5 - September 2: Swan Hill, 45km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Some divine intervention on the start line in Swan Hill for stage five of the Tour.
• Australian Road Cycling members (L-R): Patrick Lane, Peter Johnstone and Samuel Genge on the start line in Swan Hill.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) has a new set of wheels for the stage five criterium in Swan Hill.
• You guys ride and I'll run: Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling) after crashing during the stage five criterium in Swan Hill.
• Robert Lyte (NSWIS) corners in Swan Hill during the 45km criterium.
• Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) in action in Swan Hill.
• Sean Boyle (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) grimaces on the streets of Swan Hill.
• Adrian Hanson (Dixon Homes Cycling Team) leans into a bend in Swan Hill.
• Peter Milostic (Team Budget Forklifts) is one of the veterans of the National Road Series.
• Peter Johnstone (Australian Road Cycling) in action during stage five of the Tour.
• Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remained in the lead after stage five.
• Peter Smith (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) was bowling along during stage five in Swan Hill.
• Riders in the Tour of the Murray River corner on the streets of Swan Hill during stage five.
• Darren Rolfe leads Virgin Blue Cycling teammate Bernard Sulzberger into the home straight in Swan Hill.
• Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) has been an attacking rider so far during the Tour.
• Patrick Lane (Australian Road Cycling) accelerates out of a corner and into the home straight in Swan Hill.
• Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) tried to sneak away in the concluding laps.
• Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) drives the peloton after a lead group in the final two laps of the stage.
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) wins stage five whilst teammate Sean Finning contemplates a lost chance.
• The stage five podium (L-R): Sean Finning (2nd,Jayco/VIS), Leigh Howard (1st,Jayco/VIS) and David Pell (3rd,Savings and Loans).
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint leader's jersey after five stages.
• Michael Matthews (ACTAS) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider of the stage jersey.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) is 29 seconds ahead of Jayco/VIS's Leigh Howard after five stage.

Stage 4 - September 1: Kerang - Cohuna, 74.7km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• The race begins to fragment in strong winds early into the 74.7km stage four from Kerang to Cohuna.
• Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) was in no rush in the early kilometres of stage four.
• Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) was in the lead group and sitting in 16th place on the GC, 1.57 minutes behind his teammate and Tour leader David Kemp going into stage four.
• Richard Lang (NSWIS) was in 31st place on the GC heading into stage four.
• Riders at the back of the race found life difficult in the blustery conditions and lost contact with the two other groups around twenty-five kilometres into the stage.
• Cameron Peterson (Euston Bowling and Recreation Club) came in 36th position on stage four, three and a half minutes behind the winner Rohan Dennis.
• The improving Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) on his way to a podium finish in stage four of the Tour.
• Luke Durbridge (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) knuckles down into the wind on his way to 27th place on the stage and 27th overall.
• Michael Matthews (ACTAS) from New South Wales lies 23rd overall after four stages of the Tour .
• Vintage stuff that: Riders pass a vintage car on the road to Cohuna during stage four.
• Need a hand mate? …Buy a Ford next time .
• Rohan Dennis (NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) from South Australia rode a strong tail-wind into Cohuna and grabbed himself a stage win in the Tour of the Murray River.
• Awe head up Rolfey, there's always tomorrow: Stage winner Rohan Dennis looks around to see Virgin Blue Cycling's Darren Rolfe disappointed at a chance gone begging for a stage win.
• Michael Matthews (ACTAS) holds off Leigh Howard (L) of Jayco/VIS for fourth placing on the stage.
• Rohan Dennis is a recent gold and silver medallist at the Junior World Track Championships for the team's and individual pursuit respectively.
• The stage four podium (L-R): Darren Rolfe (2nd,Virgin Blue Cycling), Rohan Dennis (1st,NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out) and James Langedyk (3rd,Jayco/VIS).
• Tasco Inland Sprint leader David Kemp almost wipes out commentator Lyndsay Hill (L) trying his jersey on the podium in Cohuna.
• Victorian Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) accepts his MADEC Most Aggressive rider's jersey , Howard is earmarked for a spot on the Australian track team for the London Olympics of 2012.
• If my son wins this Tour he will be taking BOTH of us out to dinner: David Kemp's biggest fans, his mother Jan (right) and wife Tess like what they see.
• And here he is; The leader of the 2008 Tour of the Murray River, David Kemp, originally from Toowoomba in Queensland and now residing in Melbourne, Victoria.
• The BIG Cohuna: Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) will take a 37 second lead into stage five of the Tour.

Stage 3 - September 1: Kerang, 33km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Dylan Newell (Praties) leads Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) and Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) around Kerang in the leading break.
• Jamie Crass (left) of the NSWIS/RoadSafe Mildura/Decked Out team corners in the peloton during the 33km stage three criterium in Kerang.
• Dylan Newell (Praties) had a dirty day on the bike the day before and was looking to make amends with a solid showing in stage three.
• Craig McCartney (Savings and Loans) takes the leading trio around a bend on their winning break .
• The peloton corner in front of the Royal Hotel in Kerang.
• No Sunday stroll: Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) wasn't out for a lazy Sunday ride during his winning move to get into the lead break on stage three.
• Darren Rolfe (Virgin Blue Cycling) in the middle of a team train on stage three.
• The leading trio had opened up a handy break but it was beginning to close in the concluding laps.
• The Virgin Blue Cycling team were on the front of the peloton with their Tour leader in yellow, David Kemp, in tow.
• Patrick Lane (Australian Road Cycling) back in the peloton giving chase to the leaders.
• Craig Gibbs (Cycle City Ballarat) in action during the 33km stage three criterium around the streets of Kerang in Victoria.
• No anchoves or olives thanks: Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) puts his order in for a post-stage snack.
• Finning, Newell and McCartney receive plenty of support from local school-children heading towards the finish.
• Dylan Newell (Praties) takes out an intermediate sprint in the final laps of the stage.
• Abram Manion (Team Budget Forklifts) drives the peloton towards the leading trio.
• The improving Damien Turner (Team Budget Forklifts) takes his turn at the front in the peloton's attempt to bring back the leading trio.
• Sean Finning (Jayco/VIS) takes out the stage three criterium in Kerang…and well done to our flag waver.
• The bunch roll home after letting three riders pinch the stage in Kerang.
• You still owe me five: Former Australian scratchman Rick Martin (L) shares a joke with fellow Tasmanian Bernard Sulzberger who was looking for a high-five after the stage.
• The stage three podium (L-R): Dylan Newell (2nd, Praties), Sean Finning (1st, Jayco/VIS) and Craig McCartney (3rd, Savings and Loans).
• You ARE going to shout me dinner: Tour leader David Kemp receives post-race instructions from his wife Tess after stage three.
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) remains in the Tasco Inland Sprint leader's jersey after three stages.
• Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling) is the WHK Criterium Championship leader after the third stage.
• Victorian Dylan Newell (Praties) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider of the stage.

Stage 2 - August 31: Moama - Barham, 112.9km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Mates on the track and mates on the road: Glen O'Shea (L) and Leigh Howard of the Jayco/VIS team on the front of the peloton in stage two
• The peloton set out from Echuca in atrocious conditions bound for Barham on the 112.9km second stage
• Aren't you supposed to be in the peloton: A rider (at left) comes to grief on the slippery roads in the early kilometres of stage two
• Chaos on the road to Barham as a fall brings down several riders who needed medical attention and spares
• Medical assistance for Jay Callaghan (left) as neutral spares attend to other fallen riders
• The heads of state rolled to the front after the crash as the road surface became hazardous during heavy rains
• A serious split in the field had developed and the stage winner was likely to come from the lead group
• Leigh Howard (centre) was receiving great support from his Jayco/VIS teammates in the heavy rain
• Tour leader David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) was rugged-up and ready for the cold and wet during stage two
• The rains had passed but the next storm was never too far away as the lead group headed towards Barham
• Malcolm Rudolph (Budget Forklifts) is stamping himself as an emerging rider on the series after good performances in Gippsland and Ballarat
• Cameron Hughes (Budget Forklifts) is and experienced rider and always a willing worker in a breakaway
• Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) attacks the lead group beneath stormy skies during the second stage
• Off-road: The lead group hit road-works during the 112.9km stage two from Echuca to Barham
• The lead group edge closer to the finish in Barham and although the rain had cleared strong winds were still in play
• Somewhere over the rainbow…You'll find the lead group in stage two of the Tour of the Murray River
• David Kemp (L) of the Virgin Blue Cycling team edges out Jayco/VIS's Glen O'Shea to take the double on the first day of the Tour
• A hard day at the office: Jayco/VIS's Glen O'Shea worked hard to finish second at was releived to get to the finish in Barham
• Rewarded for his efforts: Glen O'Shea (Jayco/VIS) was awarded the MADEC Most Aggressive rider's jersey for stage two
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) in the Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River leader's yellow jersey after two stages

Stage 1 - August 31: Echuca, 25.5km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

• Riders make their way up the home straight in Echuca during the 25.5km stage one criterium
• Damien Turner (Budget Forklifts) looks like he is feeling the strain of a fast paced criterium
• The peloton give chase to runaway leader David Kemp at the half-way mark of the stage
• The field make their way beneath the Murray River Gums that tower over them in Echuca
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) took the rest of the field on in his quest to win stage one of the Tour
• Ashley Baines (Cycle City Ballarat) corners in Echuca on the 850m circuit
• Jonathan Lovelock (Jayco/VIS) goes in search of the solo leader David Kemp in the concluding laps
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) takes a careful approach to a bend that claimed several riders in the greasy conditions
• The field were closing but Kemp was keen to get a stage win on the board early
• The peloton in pursuit of Kemp with two laps to go
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) punches the air to claim the first stage of the Tour in Echuca
• Leigh Howard (Jayco/VIS) brings home the peloton ahead of Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling)
• Virgin Blue Cycling teammates David Kemp (L) and Bernard Sulzberger share a joke on the podium after claiming 1st and 3rd respectively
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) is the Tasco Inland Sprint Championship leader after the first stage
• David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) stepped straight into the WHK Criterium Championship leader's jersey
• Kemp also claimed the MADEC Most Aggressive rider's jersey after his solo break on stage one
• And another one for goodluck…David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) is the Timbercorp Tour leader after the opening stage in Echuca
• Keeping warm - and colourful: David Kemp (Virgin Blue Cycling) with all his Tour leader's jerseys on after the opening stage

MTB World Cup XC #8 & DH #6

Race 7 - August 31: Elite men downhill,

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Sam Hill (Aus) had the crowd reved up during his semi final run.
• Greg Minnaar (RSA) in the semis.
• Nathan Rennie (Aus) was looking strong in the semis.
• Filip Polc (SVK) heads towards Triple Treat.
• It's a long way down to the finish.
• Aussie Aussie Aussie.
• Andrew Mills (Aus) was looking pretty stylish during the finals.
• Sam Hill (Aus) would have been disapointed today.
• Gee Atherton (GBr) finished in third place.
• Fabien Barel (Fra) managed fourth place.
• Nathan Rennie (Aus) was looking good taking the lead after his run.
• Greg Minnaar (RSA) was to fast though and took the win by four seconds.
• A massive crowd stayed for the presentation.
• The vocal crowd, loving every minute of it.
• Santa Cruz Syndicate are the leading team, and made the most of it.
• Nathan Rennie (Aus) on the podium, getting plenty of local support.
• Greg Minnaar (RSA) standing tall and proud.
• The mens place getters.
• Greg Minnaar (RSA) in the overall leaders jersey.

Race 6 - August 31: Elite women downhill,

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Rachel Atherton (GBr) was exhausted after her semi final run.
• There were plenty of fans showing their support on the course.
• Fionn Griffiths (GBr) finished in fourth place.
• Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) made thrid place just over four seconds behind.
• Rachel Atherton (GBr) made it a one two for Great Britain.
• Tracy Moseley (GBr) powered to a win.
• Tracy Moseley (GBr) on the podium.
• The womens place getters.
• Down she goes.
• Rachel Atherton (GBr) in the UCI leaders jersey.

Race 5 - August 30: Elite men 4X,

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Leigh Darrell won the small final.
• Jared Graves showing the form that took him to first place.
• Sam Willoughby had a great ride taking second place.
• Luke Madill rode to third place.
• Sam Willoughby being interviewed after the final.
• Jared Graves relaxing after taking the win.
• Jared Graves had a bit of fun during the anthem.
• Jared Graves on the podium.

Race 4 - August 30: Elite women 4X,

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• There was a huge crowd despite the rain.
• Caroline Buchanan on her way to blitzing the field in the Women's Four Cross.
• Caroline Buchanan salutes the crowd on the podium.
• Caroline Buchanan became emotional as the large crowd helped her sing the national anthem.
• Caroline Buchanan was a crowd favourite.

Race 3 - August 30: Elite men cross country,

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• The men started at a cracking pace.
• Florian Vogel (Sui) was first into the technical section on the second lap.
• Ralph Naef (Sui) takes the A line.
• Chris Jongewaard (Aus) rode hard to try keep contact with the front runners.
• Adam Craig (USA) finished in lucky thirteenth.
• Filip Meirhaeghe (Bel) lost a tyre and to go for a leisurely jog.
• Ralph Naef (Sui) pushing hard.
• Marco Fontana (Ita) was in hot pursuit.
• Christoph Sauser (Sui) eventually finished in 11th place.
• Lachlan Norris (Aus) finished third in the under 23 division.
• Geoff Kabush (Can) finished in third.
• Chris Jongewaard (Aus) had some true blue support.
• Rudi Van Houts (Ned) working hard up the climb.
• Jose Antonio Ramos (Esp) made it a one two for the Multivan Merida Biking Team.
• Todd Wells (USA) shows the strain at the start of the last lap.
• Ralph Naef (Sui) takes the win.
• Ralph Naef (Sui) talks to the media straight after the race.
• Ralph Naef (Sui) on the podium.
• The men's placings.

Race 2 - August 30: Elite women cross country,

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) and Mary McConneloug (USA) lead the riders out of the start.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) heads up the climb, with a strong lead.
• Rosara Joseph (NZL) had a great race finishing in second.
• Mary McConneloug (USA) just before the technical section.
• Blaza Klemencic (Slo) finished a credible sixth.
• Australian Tory Thomas got plenty of support from the locals.
• Jodie Willett (Aus) shows the strain of the climb.
• Kylie Webb (Aus) descends down the tricky section.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) had a lonely ride out front.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) in action on the climb.
• Catharine Pendrel (Can) finished in third place.
• Rosara Joseph (NZL) found it quicker to run up certain sections.
• Tereza Hurikova (Cze) was the quickest in the Under 23 division and fourth overall.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) on the smooth back section.
• Rosara Joseph (NZL) approaching the lap bell.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) celebrates a great win as she crosses the finish line.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) with a big smile after a big effort.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) talks top the media.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) says cheers.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) salutes the crowd on the podium.
• Irina Kalentieva (Rus) tops the women's podium.

Giro della Valle d'Aosta

Stage 6 - August 31: Ville le Grand - Ville le Grand, 88.6 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Simone Ponzi (Zalf) takes the sprint.
• The group passes through time.
• Michele Gaia (U.C. Bergamasca 1902 Colpack De Nard) wins the race overall of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.
• Michele Gaia (U.C. Bergamasca 1902 Colpack De Nard) rides in the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.
• Riders cover the final climb of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.

Stage 3 - August 28: Valtournenche - Bard, 138.33 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Arrival of Mattia Pozzo (Team Tata) inside the fortress of Bard.
• Support for the team in the feed-zone
• Angelo Pagani (Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin), with under 23 classification's jersey, during the last climb.
• A passage of the bunch near Bard's fortress.
• The leader Enrico Zen (Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin) with his team-mates in Filmop.
• Daniele Ratto (U.C. Bergamasca 1902 Colpack De Nardi) with the Gpm's leader jersey.
• Enrico Zen (Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin), leader of the general classification, concentrated on the last climb.
• Rafael Infantino Abreu (G.S. Tecninox Podenzano Juvenes Steriltom) going up the final climb.

Stage 2 - August 27: Arvier - Breuil Cervinia, 134.12 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Valle d'Aosta and its surroundings
• Riders hit the ramps of stage two.
• Italian Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) powering clear.
• Adriano Malori (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) sets up for day's winner and team-mate, Enrico Zen.
• Italian Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) wins stage two.
• Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) takes the win and the overall lead.
• Italian Enrico Zen (Filmop Sorelle Ramonda Parolin) rewarded after winning the stage and taking the overall.

Stage 1 - August 26: Pollein - Cogne, 114.56 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Anatoliy Pakhtusov (Pagnoncelli) takes the stage with a brilliant solo ride.
• Pakhtusov won by over a minute over his closest competitors.
• Federico Bontorin (Zalf Désirée Fior) fought hard to come in third.
• The peloton passes a castle in a very scenic stage.
• Cristiano Colombo (Palazzago Elledent) out of the saddle on a hilly stage 1.
• Gert Dockx (Beveren 2000 Quick Step) rides for the Quick Step feeder team and is dreaming to be in the main squad one day.
• Anatoliy Pakhtusov attacked and stormed away on the uphills.
• The podium from left to right with Edoardo Girardi (Tecninox Podenzano, second), winner Anatoliy Pakhtusov (Pagnoncelli) and Federico Bontorin (Zalf Désirée Fior).

TransWales

Stage 7 - August 23: Strata Florida to White House Farm in Builth Wells (linking stage), 83.5km

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Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk

• Crossing the Llyn Brianne reservoir dam near Llanwrtyd Wells.”
• USE Solo Men’s category winner Frans Claes (Connection Granville) finishes in an overall time of 45:26:25.”
• Riders heading their way to the fantastic Afon Doethie descent.”
• 2500m of climbing saw wrung the last ounce of energy from many riders legs.”
• What Mountain Bike magazine’s Merida Bikes TransWales competition winners Gareth Taylor and Lewis Collins at the end of a very long but inspiring event.”
• Riders were welcomed home by loved ones and friends, a finisher jersey, ice cool beverages, and a deserved pat on the back.”
• Gore Bike Wear Male Team podium with Ifan Richards & Chris Purt (Revolution Bikes RT) in first in a time of 45:37:21; Ben Jones & Andy Jones (Clee Cycles / KCNC) in second in a time of 45:44:22; and James Cooper & Rick Fielder (Army Cycling Union) in 45:45:32.”

Stage 6 - August 22: Nantyrarian (special stage) & Nantyrarian to Strata Florida (linking stage), 68.5km

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Images by Matt Skinner

• The final descent of the day dropped down a stunning mountain valley.
• A snaking, rocky section of trail on the final descent was one to savour.
• Another river crossing to negotiate and one last climb out to bring an end to the penultimate day.
• Stunning scenery has been a major part of the riding experience on the Merida Bikes TransWales.
• Sweeping through the change over area before heading up the Leg Buster climb.
• The final descent at Nant-y-Arian is a peach of flowing singletrack to be savoured.
• More water.
• What Mountain Bike magazine's competition winner Gareth Taylor nails it on a descent.
• What Mountain Bike magazine's competition winner Gareth Taylor grinning and loving it.
• What Mountain Bike magazine's competition winners Gareth Taylor and Lewis Collins and ready for more.

Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk

• Nant-y-Arian provided the venue for a fitting finale to the competitive part of the Merida Bikes TransWales, with a blend of natural trail, big climbs and swooping singletrack.”
• Woods singletrack on the special stage kept riders on their toes.”
• Windfarms out on the hills keep the riders company.”

Stage 5 - August 21: Cli-machx trail (Corris) (special stage) & Climax Trail to Ponterwyd (linking stage), 55.5km

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Images by Matt Skinner

• The Climachx special stage was fast and furious with a tough climb and an awesome singletrack descent to finish.
• The final section of the Climachx descent with berms and fast swooping singletrack saw trains of riders pushing each other all the to the line.
• The weather was - predictably enough - a little wet at times, with water flowing down the trail in many places.
• The trail whipped and rolled
• The rocky drovers trail that brought riders towards
• Getting there inch by inch and pedal stroke by pedal stroke.

Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk

• Andy Barlow (Whyte Bikes) sprints up the first climb of the Climachx special stage He finished in fourth place.
• Crossing the Afon (River) Hengwm in full waist-deep flow was a cautious business.

Stage 4 - August 20: Tregaron to Machynlleth (linking stage) , 82km

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Images by Matt Skinner

• The weather and cloud rolled in and out all day, at times hiding vast canvasses of countryside in cloud.
• The route took riders along ancient tracks.
• Descent followed climb, before wiggling back up again to repeat.
• The wet conditions made the rock slippery in places made traction a gamble on the more technical pitches.
• It was a long, hard stage but the views were more than worth it by themselves.
• The riders set off from Tregaron at 9am with the last rider rolling in to Machynlleth at just after 5pm.
• It's water. It's wet. It's in the way.

Images by Jon Brooke/www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk

• As riders dropped off the tops the landscape became more rolling.
• There was still plenty of mud to be sliced through.
• Brooding skies and riders ready for the off.

Regio Tour

Stage 5 - August 24: Teningen - Vogsburg, 166.7km

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Images by Florian und Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de

• Gerolsteiner may be running out of a sponsor but they won't be running out of fans, as Markus Fothen can testify.
• Björn Schröder enjoyed the yellow sun as well as the yellow jersey.
• The rider had to wait a bit for the start as some team cars (with riders) were stuck in a traffic jam.
• The early break with Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank) in the orange jersey, who ended up winning the mountain points.
• Miguel Rubiano Chávez (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan) was leading the mountains competition but missed the break.
• Ardila Cano in the break over the picturesque roads.
• The German U23 National Team raced hard and showed their potential.
• Phillip Ries (l) is a young talent who didn't even know he was going to be racing until a day before the start.
• The vineyards provided a scenic backdrop but Schröder had his eyes set on his competitors.
• Markus Fothen won the stage with a late surge.
• The podium (l-r) with Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo, second), Markus Fothen (Gerolsteiner, first) and Björn Schröder (Team Milram)
• Young rider winner Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
• Björn Schröder smiled because of his overall win or maybe because of the kisses or maybe both.
• Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank) won the climber's jersey and was equally happy.
• Schröder tested the beer of the sponsor and gave it a thumbs up.
• Four smiles on the podium.

Images by Robin Haake

• Bert de Waele tried to attack with one lap to go.
• But the peloton was close behind and De Waele caught soon thereafter.
• Kuota-Senges was leading the bunch into the final 16 kilometres.
• Fothen digs deep to win the stage.
• Fothen checks back to see how big his gap was.
• The gap was big enough to celebrate
• Markus Fothen wins the final stage into Vogtsburg.
• The fight for second between yellow and green as Björn Schröder (r) has to let Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo, left) finish ahead.
• The teams with the youngsters Atlas-Romer Hausbäckerei (yellow) and Mapei-Heizomat fought all the way to the line.
• Paul Martens heads the wrong way as he is already done.
• ... while others still came in.
• Oliver Zaugg (r) did a lot of work for the team and gave his best to put Fothen into yellow, but Milram defended well.
• Manuel Vázquez in the finish.
• Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) during his post-race interview with Cyclingnews.
• Fothen's legs after the day's efforts.
• Schröder was exhausted after the finish.
• Does Nico Schneider smile about the win or the 50 euro?
• Schröder also got to taste the local wine with the assistance of the wine princess of Baden, Eva Müller.
• The wine had to rest while the cup was presented to Schröder.
• Fothen comes back onto the podium ready to get more wine.
• Fothen also received a sun after all the wine from Baden is treated well by the sun, as the commercial goes...
• Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) was all smiles despite receiving sparkling mineral water instead of wine. That's what you get for winning the young rider competition...
• Schröder gets congratulated by Jörg Pippig who finished the very first Regio Tour in 1985 and is one of the sponsors.
• Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank) tastes the German wine.
• Schröder in yellow received beer from the main sponsor, Rothaus.
• Manuel Vázquez (Contentpolis-Murcia) finished third
• Smiling for the toothpaste commercial are (l-r) Markus Fothen (Gerolsteiner), Björn Schröder (Team Milram) and Manuel Vázquez (Contentpolis-Murcia).
• Rabobank won the teams classification with (l-r) Pieter Weening, Mauricio Ardila Cano, Paul Martens and Theo Eltink (Rabobank). Missing are Grischa Niermann and Australian William Walker.

Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Oliver Zaugg (Gerolsteiner) is checking to see if he can already see the break.
• Gerolsteiner applied the pressure in the break to make Milram work behind.
• The bunch led by Milram was about a minute behind with two laps to go.
• The German U23 National Team helped out with the chase.
• Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) wore green but he was second in that competition. Schröder was busy wearing yellow.
• Timo Albiez (Stegcomputer) trying to survive the last lap.
• Fothen takes the win after a late attack.
• Simon Geschke worked hard for the team to be able to celebrate the overall win with his captain, Schröder.
• Pieter Weening enjoys an 'Apfelsaftschorle' a favourite after sports drink of half Apple juice and half sparkling mineral water.
• Fothen with his stuffed sun in the back pocket.

Stage 4 - August 23: Gundelfingen (ITT), 14.2km

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Images by Florian und Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de

• Dmitri Nikandrov (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan) was the most serious looking of the day
• Björn Papstein enjoyed the country roads outside Freiburg and was the complete opposite to Nikandrov.
• Andreas Henig (Atlas Romer Hausbäckerei was the surprise of the day, despite his U23 German TT champ credential. Henig finished second.
• Grischa Niermann during his winning ride
• Markus Fothen had a strong ride and moved to third place overall.
• Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) really wanted to win but a third place is nothing to be ashamed of.
• Matteo Montaguti (LPR Brakes) was second in the young rider classification but got to wear the jersey as Rubiano wore the mountain jersey. Kunitski took over the young rider jersey after the stage.
• Björn Schröder decided that yellow looks better than green, so he stormed into the overall lead. But he was atop the points classification as well.
• Mountain leader Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez found the TT to be hard and acknowledged that "it is not my specialty."
• Manuel Váquez (Contentpolis-Murcia) did a great ride into 10th place and only dropped to second in GC by seven seconds.

Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• The young Dominik Klemme won stage 2 and is concentrating before the start of his time trial.
• Klemme takes off and finishes
• This clock indicates it is time trial time
• Mauricio Ardila Cano (Rabobank)
• Paul Martens signs in under the guidance of the sign-in lady in the Fassa Bortolo jersey.
• Andrei Kunitski (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) concentrates before the stage.
• Paul Martens takes a deep breath before taking off.
• Björn Schröder had a great ride to finish only three seconds behind the winner.
• The Chaperones were understaffed but in good spirits.
• Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez in the mountains jersey is trying to see if there is any uphill ahead.
• Manuel Vazquez Hueso makes sure his computer is adjusted correctly.
• Björn Glasner had a decent ride but dropped a bit in the overall rankings
• Kunitski wanted to win but had to settle for third.
• Johannes Fröhlinger (Gerolsteiner) also had to go to the doping control.

Stage 3 - August 22: Schopfheim-Wehr, 174.1km

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Images by Vincent Didelot

• Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone), before the start of the stage.
• Matteo Montaguti (LPR Brakes Ballan) is in the fourth place in general classification before the start.
• The start in Schopfeim.
• The riders leave for this third stage.
• Manuel Vasquez, the yellow jersey, in the group behind Bjorn Schröder, the green jersey.
• The group in the Schopfeim’s lap.
• The first group with Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez (Centri Della Calzatura).
• The group in Wehr.
• Tigran Korkotyan (StegComputer).
• Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez in the lead of the race.
• Luca Paolini wins…No? The winner is Robert Retscke (Mapei Heizomat)…
• The podium of this stage.
• Björn Schröder, the leader of the green jersey.
• Manuel Vasquez,the leader of the yellow jersey.
• Manuel Vasquez continues to spray the overall champagne.

Stage 1 - August 20: Schliengen - Bad Bellingen, 155.5km

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Images by Contentpolis Murcia

• Manuel Vazquez Hueso (Contentpolis - Murcia ) is in the centre of the podium as the winner of stage. On the left runner up Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan) and Björn Schröder (Milram)

Images by Vincent Didelot

• The winner Manuel Vazquez Hueso (Contentpolis-Murcia) receives a welcomed cheeky gift after winning the first stage.
• Manuel Calvente (Contentpolis Murcia) before the start of the stage.
• Björn Thurau (Elk Haus Simplon), the son of the German champion Didi Thurau.
• Grischa Niermann (Rabobank), winner of the Regio Tour 1999 signs autographs.
• Dominik Klemme (3C Gruppe) is the German Champion U23.
• Bert De Waele (Landbouwkrediet-Tonnisteiner), before the start of the stage.
• Diego Milan Jimenez and Dario Andriotto are in full tactical discussion.
• The riders leave for this first stage.
• The riders cross the town of Schliengen.
• Sebastian Hans (Mapei Heizomat) in the climb of the Blauen.
• The group in the climb of the Blauen.
• Manuel Vasquez (Contentpolis Murcia) wins the first stage.
• A happy Vazquez takes the stage
• Miguel Angel Rubiano, the leader of the young riders.
• Bjorn Schröder, the leader of the green jersey.
• Manuel Vasquez, the leader of the climb jersey.
• Manuel Vasquez with the yellow jersey.

17th Trofeo Melinda - 1.1

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) wins the 17th Trofeo Melinda.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) gets his win after taking second in the Coppa Agostoni and Tre Valli Varesine earlier in the week.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) celebrates his win.
• The 17th Trofeo Melinda podium Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone), Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) and Mauro Finetto (CSF Group Navigare.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas)
• Bertagnolli had plenty of room to celebrate as Stefano Garzelli could not get on terms.
• Bertagnolli was quite happy to finally get his win after coming so close earlier in the week.
• A very nice trophy for Leonardo Bertagnolli.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Italian Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) celebrates his victory.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) crosses the line as Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo) accepts he will only take second place.

Coppa Bernocchi

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) powers up the hill
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) may not have the Euro ProTour lead anymore, but he is always dangerous.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) was hoping for a small group to arrive where he could use his speed.
• Linus Gerdemann (Columbia) is back in action after a long injury period.
• The peloton struggles up the hill
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) on the tough course.
• Di Luca out of the saddle
• Pozzato grinds his way up to the top
• Garzelli fought hard for a win today.
• Di Luca in the comfort of the bunch
• Garzelli makes his move for a solo win
• Ballan feels the pressure applied by Garzelli
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) hits the front
• The bunch was too slow and not allowed to race the last lap.
• The group ahead of the peloton that was allowed to finish the race.
• The others should have given it more gas.
• Steve Cummings (Barloworld) prevails out of the three-man break
• Cummings takes his biggest win
• Cummings beat Luca Celli and Vladislav Borisov
• Cummings put in a strong sprint
• Celli leads the break ahead of Cummings and Borisov .
• Celli finished second
• Cummings wins the sprint

88th Tre Valli Varesine

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego is sufficiently healed from his crash in the Tour.
• Paolo Bettini lost the Olympics and is now targetting to at least defend his rainbow jersey.
• Danilo Di Luca keeps an eye on the competition.
• Liquigas took control to set up a sprint
• Filippo Simeoni (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce) in the Italian national champ jersey.
• The fierce sprint to the line of the group of 17.
• Santo Anzà celebrates already as his team-mate Francesco Ginanni is about to win.
• Francesco Ginanni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) wins the small-group sprint.
• Ginanni ecstatic and a scream of joy on his lips.
• Francesco Ginanni with a big win and a big grin
• Ginanni takes it.
• A strong sprint by the tattooed Italian.
• Savio is happy with his bearded protégé.
• Francesco Ginanni with his manager Savio after taking the win
• Ginanni was tired after the race but undoubtedly happy.
• Ginanni happy on the podium
• Ginanni with the trophy
• The tall cup was handled easily by the Italian.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) finished second
• A happy Damiano Cunego (Lampre) celebrates third
• The podium (l-r) with Bertagnolli, Ginanni and Cunego.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas) was a happy man after his second place.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) looks to be set for the remainder of the season.

37th Gran Premio Capodarco - 1.2

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Peter Kennaugh (Great Britain) took the solo victory ahead of Simon Clarke (Australia).
• Podium fun for Simon Clarke (Australia) and winner Peter Kennaugh (Great Britain) while Dmitry Sokolov (Russia) tries to stay out of the way.

Marini Silvano Cappelli Sportivi

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Anton Sintsov takes the win
• Sintsov in the centre is flanked by runner-up Egor Silin (Russia, left) and third place Blaz Furdi (Sava Kranj).

TransRockies Challenge

Stage 7 - August 16: Blairmore to Fernie, 79km

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Images by Dan Hudson/TransRockies Challenge

• Riders enjoy track by a scenic lake.
• Women's leaders Carey Lowery and Lisa Randall
• Andreas Hestler and Chris Sheppard won a stage after a week of racing.
• Marzio Deho and Johnny Cattaneo won the overall in the men's category.
• Open men's podium
• Mixed winners Wendy Simms and Norm Thibault after their finish on the final day.
• Jon Gould and Ryon Butterfield won the Open Men's 80+ category.
• Congratulations were in order for all who finished.
• Open mixed leaders Wendy Simms and Norm Thibault grind through Stage 7 toward the finish.
• Moira-Ann Handford and Andrew Handford won the Mixed 80+ category.
• Italians Marzio Deho and Johnny Cattaneo won the TransRockies.
• Carey Lowery and Lisa Randall exhange a hug after their win.
• Carey Lowery and Lisa Randall won the women's category.
• Chris Sheppard and Andreas Hestler broke through for a win in stage 7.
• Trevor Linden
• Marzio Deho and Johnny Cattaneo cross the line celebrating their win.
• Trevor Linden and his team-mate finish at the end of the TransRockies.
• Retired pro hockey star and avid mountain biker Trevor Linden (410) rides through the Crowsnest Pass region.

Stage 6 - August 15: Elkford to Blairmore (Crowsnest Pass), 102.5km

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Images by Dan Hudson/TransRockies Challenge

• Overall leaders Johnny Cattaneo (left) and Marzio Deho climb toward the Continental Divide on Racehorse Pass.
• Riders begin the 20km descent of Racehorse Pass.
• Riders are dwarfed by the moonscape of the High Rockies.
• The scenery in the Kootenay Rockies is good enough to distract riders from the pain of the TransRockies.

Stage 5 - August 14: Whiteswan Lake to Elkford, 88km

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Images by Dan Hudson/TransRockies Challenge

• Women's leaders Lisa Randall & Carey Lowery in stage five.
• The camping villages as night falls.
• Birkeland Bus Buster's Oyvind Vaagland Reiten and Olav Birkeland came all the way from Norway.

Stage 4 - August 13: Nipika Resort to Whiteswan Lake, 110km

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Images by Dan Hudson/TransRockies Challenge

• Night time in the TransRockies race.
• Rides get going in the fourth stage
• A rider negotiates a water passage
• Start: riders line up to begin day four.
• A good atmosphere at the TransRockies stage finish in Whiteswan Lake.
• Here we go... Riders make their way through a river on the way to stage four finish in Whiteswan Lake.
• Easier going than the rivers.
• The splendour of British Columbia provides a back drop for some tough racing.
• The pits
• Night time in the TransRockies Challenge.

Tour of Utah

Stage 5 - August 17: Tooele - Tooele (ITT), 19.3km/12mi

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Jeff Louder (BMC) claimed third place on the stage, giving him the overall victory.
• Victor Hugo Pena (Rock Racing) comes through in fine form.
• Ben Day (Toyota United) had a good ride today to finish just over 29 seconds back.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) was fastest on today's short course at 13'50".
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis-Maxxis) puts in a good time at the Miller Motorsports Park.
• Tyler Wren (The Fan Sports Network) was one of several riders making up a composite team this week.
• Tom Danielson (Garmin-Chipotle) came in a strong fourth today.
• Brad White (Successful Living) rode strong all week and cinched the lead in the sprint competition.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle), who took the yellow jersey on Stage 1, finished up 11th for the stage.
• Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) grits it out to the end.
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet-Maxxis)
• Peter Stetina (Garmin-Chipotle) rides in to keep the lead as the top young rider.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) had a good week of racing, despite coming off of several recent injuries.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) may have been feeling his hard ride yesterday up to Snowbird.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) rounded out today's top 10.
• Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) kept his fitness from the Olympic Games this week and went home with the KOM jersey.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) makes his way around the flat track and into the win.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) passes by, going as hard as he can to keep the overall.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) gets the finish.
• BMC took home the team prize for all of its hard efforts.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) in first, Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) second and Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) third.

Stage 4 - August 16: Deer Valley - Snowbird, 159km/98.1mi

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Riders wait at the base of Park City for the long day ahead.
• Right away a break tries to form.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) leads the break that would eventually get him off by himself.
• The break starts to get organized on the first little climb.
• The peloton tackles the climb with Park City off in the distance.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) stays tucked in behind best young rider teammate Peter Stetina.
• Garmin-Chipotle spent the day on the front again to keep things under control.
• The dramatic scenery started early in the day.
• Brad White (Successful Living) moves up to the front of the break to do some work.
• Brad White (Successful Living) gets tucked in on one of todays fast descents.
• The rest of the bunch makes its way down the wide open descent.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) decides it's time to go it alone.
• The break turns into the mountains and makes it's way up towards the famous Sundance resort.
• Brad White (Successful Living) sets the tempo on the climb.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) had no time to stop and enjoy the scenery.
• The break had no idea of the picturesque scene behind them.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) still going steady on the climb.
• The chase starts to close in on the solo rider up the road.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) showed experience counts as he hit the ground but hopped right back up and kept going.
• Will Frischkorn (Garmin-Chipotle) takes it carefully through the super tight switchback.
• Victor Hugo Pena and Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) tackle the next KOM of the day.
• Garmin-Chipotle leads the field on the way up to the KOM.
• Big mountain views today on stage 4.
• Riders descend back down towards Salt Lake City before heading back up to Snowbird.
• Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) attacks once the bunch hits the base of the climb.
• Riders try to cover the move that has gone up the road.
• Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) stays out for a little ride by himself.
• The road gets steeper as the finish gets closer.
• The front group separates on the climb up from the valley.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) sits in a safe spot biding his time.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) launches an attack to bridge up to Glen Chadwick.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) and Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) are the first riders to react to the attack.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) makes contact with Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1).
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) comes to the front to put the pressure on.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) makes his way to the front of the chase group to pick up the pace.
• Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) tries hard to keep contact with Blake Caldwell.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) gets away and receives some support from fans..
• Jeff Louder (BMC) puts his head down knowing the finish is getting close.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) takes the epic stage 4 to Snowbird.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) comes in second, 13 seconds behind winner Jeff Louder.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) shows the pain of the last couple miles as he crosses the line.
• Brad White (Successful Living) takes home another Sinclair dino for keeping hold of the sprint jersey.
• The Louders were all smiles on the podium after todays big win.
• Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) held onto the climbers jersey after todays hard effort.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) goes into the last stage retaining the lead.

Stage 3 - August 15: Salt Lake City, 90' of 1.6km/1mi circuit

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) looking happy to be on the line with his yellow jersey.
• The rest of the bunch gets ready to go.
• And they're off.
• Garmin-Chipotle got right to the front and took control.
• Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) will be looking for a good today tomorrow in the mountains.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) sat up front and out of trouble.
• Passing by the old depot station on the back side of the course.
• Ben Day (Toyota United) spent a long time off the front by himself.
• The sun begins to set on the late evening crit.
• Ben Day (Toyota United) gets some help with his breakaway attempt.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) making it lok easy in the turns.
• Tight quarters in turn four.
• The bunch heads through the start-finish with 6 laps to go.
• Fans were thick along the front side of the course.
• Todays stage was on the north side of Salt Lake close to the foothills.
• Danny Pate (Garmin-Chipotle) leads the team with three laps to go.
• Ricardo Escula (Successful Living) looks back to see where Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) is as they approach the line.
• Ricardo Escula (Successful Living) gets it without problems.
• Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) goes into stage four with the climbers jersey.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) holds onto his yellow jersey for another day.

Stage 2 - August 14: Odgen - Salt Lake City, 137km/84.6mi

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• The pace was steady today even heading onto the first climb.
• Riders tackle the first KOM after leaving the town of Ogden in the valley below.
• A group goes off the front early on the climb.
• James Mattis (California Giant Berry Farms) is the newly crowned elite national champ on the climb.
• Peter Stetina (Garmin-Chipotle) leads a group on the climb.
• Brad White (Successful Living) riding in his sprint leader jersey leads the next group coming up.
• The peloton gets shattered as the climb gets steeper.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) was holding his own for not being considered a climber.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) gets focused on the fast, windy descent.
• Jeremy Vennell (Bissell) tucked in on the descent.
• Toyota United works to bring the bunch back together after things shattered on the climb.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) tried earlier in the day to get off the front.
• The bunch starts to come back together after a lot of chasing.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) went on the attack.
• Brad White (Successful Living) launches a solo attack on the way to the second KOM.
• Riders scramble to cover the moves up the road.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) goes to the front again.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) pushed the pace and got the whole bunch strung out.
• Single file heading up one of the days epic climbs.
• No rest all the way to the top.
• Todays stage went right through the heart of Utah’s mountain country.
• Danny Pate (Garmin-Chipotle) gets off the front with a little group.
• The start of the main breakaway group.
• A little bit of flat roads gave the break a chance to keep the speeds high.
• Heading back into the mountains.
• Riders head up and past one of the reservoirs along the route today.
• Victor Hugo Pena (Rock Racing) passes by one of the reservoirs.
• Will Frischkorn (Garmin-Chipotle) gets on the front to keep things in control for the team.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) sitting comfortably up in the break.
• Darren Lill (BMC) was the other rider that got away.
• Darren Lill (BMC) was the only other rider to hang with Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) today.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) leads on the way to the last KOM for the stage.
• Riders pass by another big reservoir as we get closer to Salt Lake City.
• Darren Lill (BMC) and Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) crest the last KOM.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) works on the front to minimize the time gap to the leaders.
• Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) takes over the lead work.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) leads in Darren Lill (BMC) in for the sprint.
• Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) takes the win.
• The stage 2 podium with Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle) first, Darren Lill (BMC) second and Jeff Louder (BMC) in third.

Stage 1 - August 13: Nephi - Nephi, 162km/101.8mi

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• The bunch heads into the canyon straight out of town.
• Still together as it gets a little steeper.
• Things get strung out as the break splinters off the front.
• The breakaway starts to get up the road.
• Exiting the canyon, the race reaches a plateau.
• Brad White (Successful Living) made his way into the break.
• The peloton rolls through the grassy hills outside of Fairmont.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) settles in for the long day.
• A little bit of attacking is going on in the break.
• A chase group comes up better never quite made it.
• Brad White (Successful Living) gets on the front to power the break.
• The Ride Clean team tries to send someone up the road.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) leads the peloton.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissel) leans into a turn partway through the day.
• Things get a little more serious and the field starts to get back some time on the break.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) comes up to do his share in the break.
• Freddy Rodriguez (Rock Racing) spending some time back in the bunch.
• The peloton starts to slow down as they learn the mistake of the break.
• The break works to get back in front of the bunch.
• Riders didn't seem to mind the mid-race stop at all.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) seemed to be pretty content in the bunch after his recent win in China.
• The front of the bunch still seems to be going hard though not bringing back the break.
• Brad White (Successful Living) takes home more of todays sprint points.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) gets back on the front line.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) sat on the front setting tempo.
• The Garmin team stayed close to the front to cover any moves.
• A few clouds started to move in later on the day.
• Danny Pate (Garmin-Chipotle) says hi.
• Brad White (Successful Living) continues as clouds begin to loom in the valley.
• The Garmin-Chipotle organises and finds the front of the bunch.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) heads back to the front of the break.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) leads the break.
• Hm, a bike race… don't see one of those everyday.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) on the front to get more points.
• Most teams were represented on the front of the field.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) comes back up to take control over the chase.
• Nice rolly hills before we get into the mountains tomorrow.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) keeps the pressure on the break as they descend back towards the finish.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) takes the big win.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) autographs a jersey for some fans .
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) explains how it all happened.
• The final podium with Brad White (Successful Living ) 3rd, Sheldon Deeny (Fan Sports Network) 2nd and Jason Donald 1st.
• Jason Donald (Garmin-Chipotle) was proud to wear the leaders jersey heading into the rest of the week.

Volta a Portugal

Prologue - August 13: Portimão - Portimão , 6.4km

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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.com

• José Angel Gomez Marchante (Scott - American Beef) is chased by his team car.
• Juan Jose Cobo Acebo (Scott - American Beef) finished 38 seconds back.
• Belgium's Kevin Ista (Agritubel) gave his all.
• Lucas Euser (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30) was outside the top 100.
• Mathieu Heijboer (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) cracked the top 50 with his ride.
• Italian Maurizio Biondo (Ceramica Flaminia Bossini Doce) had the 30th fastest time.
• Mikhaylo Khalilov (Ceramica Flaminia Bossini Doce) was 33 seconds off the pace.
• Nuno Ribeiro (Liberty Seguros) finished down in 91st spot.
• Pedro Hermida (Centro Ciclismo de Loulé) lost nearly a minute on the stage.
• Ricardo Martins (Ceramica Flaminia Bossini Doce) took 40th spot with his ride.
• Ricardo Mestre (Palmeiras Resort - Tavira) came in at 28 seconds.
• Spain's Ruben Plaza (Benfica) was on a charge, and took victory as a result.
• Koldo Gil Perez posted the 29th quickest time for his Liberty Seguros squad.
• Célio Cristiano Sousa (Madeinox - Boavista) was 27 seconds behind.
• Portugal's Tiago Machado (Madeinox - Boavista) was the fourth quickest Under 23 rider.
• Tyler Farrar (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30) joined team-mate Steven Cozza in the top five.
• Alexis Rodriguez Hernandez (Fercase - Rota dos Móveis) is chased by the team's Renault.
• Andre Cardoso (Fercase - Rota dos Móveis) was more than a minute behind.
• Carlos Manuel Pinho Olivera (Barbot - Siper) was 44 seconds behind.
• Célio Cristiano Sousa (Madeinox - Boavista) finished 27 seconds behind.
• Candido Joaquim Venda Moreira Barbosa (Benfica) took 51st spot.
• Italian Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) was 35 seconds back.
• Daryl Impey (Barloworld) only dropped 29 seconds on the stage.
• David Bernabeu Armengol (Barbot - Siper) was 35th on the opening stage.
• David Blanco Rodiguez (Palmeiras Resort - Tavira) finished just 11 seconds back in sixth place.
• Spain's Didac Ortega is followed closely by his Barbot - Siper team car.
• Félix Rafael Cardenas Ravalo (Barloworld) took 72nd.
• Portugal's Filipe Cardoso posted Liberty Seguros' second quickest time, putting him in 17th.
• Francisco Mancebo Perez (Fercase - Rota dos Móveis) could only manage 88th spot.
• Francisco Jose Pacheco Torres (Barbot - Siper) was 27th on the opening stage, 25 seconds back.
• Argentina's Martin Garrido Mayorga (Palmeiras Resort - Tavira) took eighth spot with his run, 14 seconds behind.
• Hector Guerra Garcia (Liberty Seguros) took second spot, two seconds behind stage winner Ruben Plaza (Benfica).
• Hugo Sabido (Barloworld) was the top Portuguese rider in 13th spot.
• Joaquim Andrade (Fercase - Rota dos Móveis) claimed 50th spot.
• Joaquim Gregorio (Centro Ciclismo de Loulé) gave it everything, but was in the bottom third of riders.
• José Azevedo (Benfica) took 54th spot.
• Spain's Ruben Plaza (Benfica) gets ready to recieve his flowers and trophy.
• Ruben Plaza (Benfica) celebrates his stage win.
• After winning the prologue in Portimão Ruben Plaza (Benfica) wears the 70th Volta a Portugal yellow leader's jersey heading into Stage 1.

Teams presentation

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Images by João Dias

• Karpin Galicia lines up
• Contenpolis Murcia and Extremadura Ciclismo Solidário after being presented to the média.
• Ferase Rota dos Móveis looked seriously ready
• Liberty Seguros is now a smaller scale team
• Benfica riders Cândido Barbosa and José Azevedo pose for a picture.
• Lampre riders relax in the sun.
• Barbot Siper riders in front of their truck.
• CC Loulé riders are all smiles
• Jorge Piedade (CC Loulé) and Ramon Troncoso (Karpin Galicia)
• CC Loulé riders
• Joaquim Gregório (CC Loulé) is back after a bad crash on the 3rd of August
• Ricardo Martins (Ceramica Flaminia)
• Hector Guerra (Liberty Seguros)
• Vítor Rodrigues and Rui Sousa (Liberty Seguros)
• David Vaz and Vergílio Santos (Fercase Rotas dos Móveis)
• Paco Mancebo (Fercase Rotas dos Móveis) with his daughter
• Pre-race interviews
• Madeinox Boavista
• Barloword's Hugo Sabido
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista)
• Ceramica Flaminia wait for their turn.
• Luis Pinheiro, Sérgio Sousa and Nelson Rocha (Madeinox Boavista)
• Madeinox Boavista riders line up with their public relations manager Mr. Emídio Pinto.
• The crowd at volta a Portugal presentation
• Benfica sits in the last row but that will change with the race starting.
• Benfica looks on.
• Madeinox Boavista await their turn
• Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista) will hold the orange jersey (U23) at the start
• Candido Barbosa (Benfica) will start in yellow tomorow as Xavier Tonto (La MSS Póvoa) is not on the race

Rochester Omnium

Stage 2 - August 9: Rochester Twilight Criterium, 120 min

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Images by Kirsten Robbins/Cyclingnews.com

• Stage winner Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) with Alessandro Bazzana (Successful Living) and Charles Dionne (Successful Living) (l&r).
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) tops the GC podium with Ryan Roth (Team R.A.C.E. Pro) and Luis Amaran Romero (Colavita Sutter Home) (l&r).

USA National Championships

Day 5 - August 10: Elite/U23, 17-18 men road races, 166/111 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• 17-18 pack chases after a lone breakaway rider.
• The junior 17-18 category raced hard for national glory.
• Austin Arguello (CMG) powers away.
• Nic Bax (Hot Tubes) breaks from the break.
• Nic Bax (Hot Tubes) on his solo ride.
• Put the hammer down
• Evan Huffman won the junior 17-18 race
• It was hot out there
• The racing was furious
• Daniel Holloway (VMG/FELT)
• When riders get tired they like to ruin perfectly good photos by sticking out their tongues
• The chase leaves the pack
• The four-man chase
• Not much left of the pack
• Kirk Carlsen (VMG/Felt)
• Phillip Gaimon (Fiordifrutta) & Peter Stetina (Garmin/Chipotle)
• Phillip Gaimon (Fiordifrutta)
• Kirk Carlsen (VMG/Felt)
• Peter Stetina (Garmin/Chipotle) & Tom Peterson (Garmin/Chipotle)
• Phillip Gaimon (Fiordifrutta) in the aero position.
• It was a lopsided U23 finish with Chipotle all over the place.
• Andrew Carlsen is the new U23 champ with Peterson taking third and Stetina taking second.
• Elite race action
• James Mattis (Cal Giant)
• Thurlow Rogers (Amgen) still can hurt a lot of people.
• Water was important in Irvine

Day 4 - August 9: Elite/U23 women, Junior women road races, Elite/U23, 17-18 men heats, 129/83/55 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Mara Abbot (Team Columbia) takes a tight turn.
• Emily Zell (ValueAct Capital) finished nearly a minute behind.
• Alison Powers (Colavita/Sutter Home) looks for her people in the feed zone.
• The pace was hot at the front of the elite women's race.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) couldn't match Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) in the sprint.
• Brooke Miller (TIBCO) wins the elite woman's sprint finish.
• Brooke Miller (TIBCO) is very happy with her win.
• Woman's 17-18 field gets under way.
• Antonia Musto (Priority Health U23) on the climb in the 17-18 race.
• Anna Young (Americas Dairyland) takes the 17-18 win.

Images by John Holderness/www.CyclingNutz.com

• The Police and elite women racers do their best to prepare for the 7:00 AM start time.
• The ladies find ways to keep the nerves at bay before the start of their 80 mile USA Cycling Elite National Championship race.
• Women's U23 podium (L-R): Ally Stacher (Bobs-Bicycles.com), Amy Dombroski (Webcor Builders), Kacey Manderfield (Verducci/Breakaway), Lindsay Myers (Dewar's Racing Team) and Arielle Filiberti.
• Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) adjusts her new Stars and Stripes jersey as Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Katharine Carroll (Aaron's Professional Women) look on.
• Elite women's podium (L-R): Jen Mcrae (Team Advil-ChapStick), Katharine Carroll (Aaron's), Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO), Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Hilary Billington (Veloforma).

Day 3 - August 8: Junior road races, 56/24/16 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Robin Eckmann (5280) still cornering hard.
• Race winner Lachlan Morton (Rak) leads the break through a turn.
• Anders Newbury (Hot Tubes)
• Anders Newbury (Hot Tubes), Lachlan Morton (Rak) and Alex Battles-Wood (Power Train).
• Yannick Eckmann (5280)
• Alex Battles-Wood (Power Train)
• Lachlan Morton (Rak) attacks hard with half a lap to go.
• Lawson Craddock (Northwest Cycling Club) leads the chase to bring back the attack.
• Coryn Rivera (Kahala LaGrange) dominated the women's 15-16 race.

Day 2 - August 7: U23, Junior criteriums, 60/50/25 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Beatriz Rodriguez (SC Velo) women's U23 winner.
• Kacey Manderfield (Verducci/Breakaway) early in the race.
• The woman's U23 field get racing.
• The Metro Volkswagon Team driving the pace near the end of the women's U23 race.
• Sinead Miller (UMP Cycling Performance) wins the Junior Women 17-18 race.
• Gavin Mannion (Hot Tubes) shows his aggressive cornering style.
• Danny Finneran (Team Rock) with Gavin Mannion (Hot Tubes) close behind.
• Time Trial Champion Peter Stetina (Garmin/Chipotle) attempts to go off the front.
• Near the end it was all Garmin/Chipotle at the front.
• Jake Keough (Kelly Benefit) starts celebrating a bit too soon, the photo finish camera showed that the race was actually won by Justin Williams (Rock Racing).

Day 1 - August 6: Time trials, 35/20/10 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Andy Jacques-Maynes (California Giant Berry Farms/) on his way to third place.
• Jonathan Chodroff (CRCA / EMPIRE CYCLING TEAM) is the new men's TT champ.
• Mike Olheiser (Memphis motorwerks/Carve) finished second
• Andy Jacques-Maynes (California Giant Berry Farms/)
• Christina Ruiter (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) obtained third place.
• Mara Abbott (Team Columbia) was the big favourite but got beaten by a minute and a half.
• Amy Dombroski (Webcor Builders) powers through Southern California and third place in the U23 race.
• Shannon Koch (Metro Volkswagen Cycling Team) goes aero to get second in the U23 race.
• Rebecca Much (Webcor Builders) won the U23 competition.
• Christina Ruiter (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) finished third and the effort showed on her face.
• Alison Powers (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooki) was the surprise winner and it wasn't even close.
• Mara Abbott (Team Columbia) tried everything but today it was in vain.
• Peter Stetina (Garmin/Chipotle) took out the U23 title riding in the good ol' slipstream outfit.
• Bobby Sweeting (TOSHIBA-Santo) was second in the U23 event.
• Taylor Shelden (Team Rio Grande) sweated his way to third in the place where it never rains.

Profronde van Surhuisterveen - NE

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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) showed his team colours in the Netherlands.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) in the mountains jersey from the Tour.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) in action.
• Erik Zabel (Milram) said good bye to second places with a win in Surhuisterveen.
• Erik Zabel (Milram) looked serious about getting the win.
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) is an honorary Dutchman.
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) takes a turn on the bricks.
• Jurgen Van de Walle (Quick Step) poses for a picture.
• Kenny Van Hummel (Skil Shimano) rides the pavers.
• Koos Moerenhout (Rabobank)
• Maarten Den Bakker (Skil Shimano) shows the latest in Euro hair trends.
• Marco Bos (Jo Piels)
• Martijn Maaskant (Garmin-Chipotle)
• The podium: Pieter Weening (Rabobank), Erik Zabel (Milram) and Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) and various others.
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) has had a rocky road with his team as of late.
• Kirsten Wild used the AA drink of her sponsor to full effect.
• Wild soloed away for a nice win.
• The podium with winner Kirsten Wild in the middle and Moniek Rotmensen in the Zebra outfit of RT Ton v Bemmelen/Odysis. Rotmensen got third, while runner-up Vera Koedooder (Lotto-Belisol Ladiesteam) is on the right.
• Former Dutch champion Sissy van Alebeek (RT Ton v Bemmelen/Odysis) during the hot race action.
• Adriene Snijder (Flexpoint) leads a break
• Andrea Bosman aims at the rider in front of her.
• Josephine Groenveld (DSB Bank) enjoyed the warm day

South African marathon MTB National Championships

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Images by Theo Grobler

• Men's podium: Melt Swanepoel (second), Kevin Evans (first) and Mannie Heymans (third)
• Women's podium: Hanlie Booyens (second), Yolande Speedy (first) and Tania Raats (third)

Adidas Slopestyle

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Images by Markus Greber / Adidas Slopestyle

• The podium
• Timo Pritzel flips the Macho Drop

Giro dell'Appennino

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Italian Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni) wins the 69th Giro dell'Appennino.
• Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni) points to his jersey after the win.
• Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni), winner of stage 11 in the Giro d'Italia, tops the day over Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) and Chris Froome (Barloworld) (l & r).
• Italy's Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni) with the winnings.
• Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni) takes victory in the 69th Giro dell'Appennino.
• Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni) points to the sponsor.
• Winning: Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni)
• Alessandro Bertolini (Diquigiovanni) with Team Manager Gianni Savio.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni) makes his return to racing after serving time for Operación Puerto.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni) with new boss, Team Manager Gianni Savio.
• Domenico Pozzovivo (CSF Group Navigare)
• Italian Champ Filippo Simeoni (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce)

GP Nobili Rubinetterie

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) takes the win ahead of Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes - Ballan).
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) celebrates.
• The podium(l-r): Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes - Ballan), Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) & Bruno Rizzi (NGC Medical -OTC Indus.Porte).

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) beat Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes) in a close sprint.
• Cheula continues a good showing by Barloworld

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Italy's Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) tops the day in the 11th GP Nobili Rubinetterie.
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld), 29, on top with Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes) and Bruno Rizzi (NGC Medical-OTC Industria Porte) (l & r).
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) enjoys the win.
• Italian Champ Filippo Simeoni (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce)
• Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes) and Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) sprint for the win in the 11th GP Nobili Rubinetterie.
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) (r) nips Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes) for the win.
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) celebrates his win over Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes).
• Italian Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) satisfied.
• 2007 Giro d'Italia Champ Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) heads the race home for fourth.

GP Industria & Artigianato - Carnaghese

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni), 22, wins his first professional race.
• Italy's Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni) awarded
• Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni) tops the podium with Matteo Montaguti (LPR Brakes) and Christian Pfannberger (Barloworld) (l & r).
• On top: Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni) after the GP Industria & Artigianato - Carnaghese. Matteo Montaguti (LPR Brakes) and Christian Pfannberger (Barloworld) (l & r).
• Giorgio Saronni (Lampre) is the son of Lampre's head, Giuseppe Saronni.
• Neo-pro Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni), 22, makes his winning debut in the 37th GP Industria & Artigianato - Carnaghese.
• Italian Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni) wins
• Matteo Montaguti (LPR Brakes) claims second.
• Austrian Champ Christian Pfannberger (Barloworld) finishes third
• Italy's Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)

GP P-Nivo

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Images by Tamás Takács

• Hungarian champ Zoltán Madaras (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) signs in.
• The riders line up
• The P-Nivó team car
• The peloton strung out...
• Escape duo Gergely Ivanics (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) and Dominico Loria (Team Katay) on the way to the win.
• Gergely Ivanics (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) wins the day.
• Gergely Ivanics (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) gives thanks to his team-mates.
• Gergely Ivanics (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) tops the podium with Ivan Stevic (National Team Serbia) and Dominico Loria (Team Katay), l & r.
• Hungarian Gergely Ivanics (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) tops the podium with Ivan Stevic (National Team Serbia) and Dominico Loria (Team Katay), l & r.
• P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec took control of the race early on.
• The peloton was small when the decisive attacks came.
• Zoltán Madaras (P-Nivó Betonexpressz 2000 Corratec) drinks some wing-building Red Bull.
• Passing through the finish area
• The bunch passes through the Hungarian country side.
• It was a bit of a lopsided podium with all three riding for P-Nivó.

Poly-Normande

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Images by Fabrice Lambert  

• Fans brave the rain to congratulate Arnaud Gerard on his win.
• Arnaud Gérard gets hugs from Martial Gayant - there was plenty of love to go around for Gerard's win.
• Arnaud Gérard gets a hug from coach Jean Luc Hamonet
• Arnaud Gérard is congratulated by his dad after winning the Poly Normande.
• Arnaud Gérard, Jérôme Pineau and Sandy Casar pull a group away.
• Arnaud Gérard (Francaise des Jeux) had time to post it after beating Pineau in the sprint.
• The sprint was won easily by Gerard
• Arnaud Gérard rode well in the pouring rain.
• Arnaud Gérard takes the win and Jerome Pineau the lead in the French cup thanks to the breakaway.
• Arnaud Gérard gives the skies a punch as it pours down upon his victory.
• The climb of the Pigeonnière
• Clément Mahé (France)
• Cyril Gautier (Bretagne Armor Lux)
• David Le Lay (Agritubel) wound up second in the French cup after Poly Normande.
• David Le Lay (Agritubel) and Yohan Le Boulanger head up the climb.
• David Le Lay
• Frédéric Guesdon (FdJ) in a small group.
• Guillaume Malle (France) puts in an effort.
• The peloton was still dry on the early laps.
• Jean Luc Hamonet and Arnaud Gérard celebrate in the rain after the finish.
• La Pigeonnière
• Maxime Hardy looking like the pace is a bit too much.
• Mickaël Chérel (FdJ) closes a gap as the racing heats up.
• French champ Nicolas Vogondy was well protected by his Agritubel team.
• The peloton makes its way to the line of the first lap.
• There were lots of fans on hand to cheer the riders on their second lap.
• The peloton heads out for another lap as the skies darken.
• The final podium: Sandy Casar, Arnaud Gérard, Jérôme Pineau
• Romain Hardy shows the strain.
• Yann Pivois and Guillaume Blot

East Yorkshire Classic Road Race - NE

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

• The riders enjoy some English summer on the Vale of York
• The break rides over the Yorkshire Wolds
• The bunch strung out in pursuit of the leaders
• Pennyfarthings not recommended on the Nunburnholme climb
• Rob Sharman leads the way on the Nunburnholme climb
• Russell with his trophy... gonna need a bigger mantle piece at home
• Tom Murray goes on the attack before they reached the hard stuff
• Graham Briggs digs in
• British road race champion Rob Hayles tries to reach the leaders
• In the big ring on the Yorkshire Wolds
• The leaders on the Nunburnholme climb
• Matt Stephens always has company on his back wheel
• Matt Stephens leads the chase group in Beverley
• Dean Downing attacks with a lap to go with brother Russ in pursuit
• Dale Appleby leaves his group in pursuit of the leaders
• Downing edges House in the sprint
• Victory for Russ Downing
• Delighted Downing
• Downing's done it
• Malcolm Elliott a few grey hairs but still a fast finisher
• The damage has been done at the back of the race on the Wolds
• House leads the break
• Hayles goes again to find the leaders
• The happy Pinarello boys
• The podium best U23 Pete Williams, Kristian House, Russell Downing, Dean Downing
• Downing laps up the applause
• Ben Greenwood rides shotgun on the front
• Downing looking good
• Downing - happy winner
• Dean Downing gets third

Hanes Park Criterium

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Images by Emory Ball/Cyclingnews.com

• The women set off in the baking heat.
• Tonya Lail of BMW-Bianchi.
• What's our gap?
• Tina Pic moving up the inside.
• Christy Blakely (BMW Bianchi) through turn four.
• Colavita looked determined to make up for yesterday and worked to keep it together.
• Iona Wynter drives it into the closing laps.
• A massive pile up with one to go left half the pack on the ground.
• The sprint starts and Tina Pic comes off Brooke Miller's wheel.
• Here comes the line.
• And its Brooke Miller!
• Scotty Weiss douses himself with cold water on the start line.
• John Hamblen takes off at the gun.
• One of the many breakaways of the race.
• Davide Frattini drives the pace.
• Chris Harkey puts the power down and tries to get away.
• Time Pro Cycling' Thomas Soladay gets clear.
• A small break tries to get across.
• The field spreads wide looking for the next bridging attempt.
• SRAM provided neutral support ... and a helpful push.
• David Guttenplan gets some company including team-mate John Hamblen.
• The pace and the heat shows.
• Another rider tries to get across.
• Hopkins of Team Inferno.
• At late race attack from Adam Bergman.
• Ted King counters with what was to be the race winning move.
• King was joined by Johathan Cantwell.
• Mark Hekman tries to bring the two back.
• King makes it easy for the judges to score the win.
• OH YEAH!
• King looks a bit tired after his effort.
• Champers!
• The Podium

Profronde van Heerlen

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Images by Elmar Krings

• Ben Berden relies on the power of tattoos.
• Dutch champ Lars Boom is fully concentrated as he storms along the course.
• Mark Cavendish and Lars Boom checked out the course in a car first.
• Cavendish rounds the course
• Cavendish has all the necessary ingredients for riding crits to win.
• Dutch rider Stefan Cohnen felt at home in Heerlen.
• The Columbia team Knaven/Cavendish gets interviewed before the start.
• Bjorn Cornelissen rides for the Cyclingnews team on his home soil.
• The procession at the start gave the spectators one last chance to see the racers in slow motion.
• Servais Knaven (Columbia) goes through a turn on the tight course.
• Knaven pulled a break which constantly formed and reformed.
• Martijn Maaskant takes a turn on sort of cobbles.
• Rabobank wished CSC would have been as nice to them in the Tour, while Miss Superlativo smiles on.
• Quick Step gets interviewed before the start with De Jongh (l) and Steegmans the only reps for the Belgian team.
• Rabobank certainly had the numbers today.
• Fränk Schleck explains how riding in yellow feels.
• Schleck rounds a turn
• Schlecks bike pays tribute to his captain Carlos Sastre winning the Tour de France.
• Gert Steegmans pulls through the turn close to the finish.
• Terpstra in his element
• Wim Vansevenant (Silence-Lotto) secured last place in the Tour and gets extra invites to the post-Tour crits this way.
• Boom is a brilliant time trialler and as such knows a bit about breaking away in a crit, too.
• Cav, Schleck and Boom broke away from the rest earlier in the day – well, it was already late in the day, but earlier in the race...
• Steven De Jongh (Quick Step) enjoyed the fast racing.
• Martijn Maaskant (Garmin Chipotle - H30) pulls a three-man break.
• The podium with winner Cavendish flanked by Gert Steegmans (left) and Bram Tanking (right)
• Riders relax before the start.
• Cav and Steegmans shook hands after they battled it out on the road.
• It was still sunny and bright at the start.
• Niki Terpstra (Team Milram) is asked if he ever thought about not attacking.
• The trophy for the winner and Cav approved
• Fränk Schleck won the Leiderprijs of 5,000 euro.
• Cavendish with the trophy

Tour of Elk Grove

Stage 2 - August 3: Real time sports bar & grill stage 2 criterium, 80km

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Like my new jersey?' Yeah, looks to be my size…' David Vellieux (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast) and race leader Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) share a moment of cordiality before racing.
• Pretty much the opposite ends of the size spectrum. Former race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissell) gives the new race leader a pat on the back.
• Many factors led to a small field, but the racing was still fast.
• The break begins to form.
• Stagiarie Dan Halloway (Garmin-Chipotle) finds it difficult to bridge the gap with Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) in tow.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) sits comfortably in the field.
• Hilton's brother Johnny chases with the whole team.
• Michael Grabinger (Successfulliving.com) shakes his fist as he takes the $2,000 half-race prize.
• An injured but high-spirited Chris Horner (Astana) uses his non-broken collarbone arm to pull a raffle ticket for a free kid's bike.
• Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) did a lot of work for his best mate Hilton Clarke.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) with fingers ready on the brakes, negotiates one of the 180-degree turns.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) made the main break, and was one of the last caught.
• Dan Timmerman (Team RACE) was strong enough to bridge to the break, and snatched-up a few primes.
• Garrett Peltonen (Bissell) was the danger rider in the break, and Brian Buchholz (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast) took all the sprints.
• The Toyota-United chase burned a lot of matches.
• Bryce Mead (Jelly Belly) rode in the break, but gets an early reprive from officials after being dropped.
• One lap to go with Jelly Belly taking over the lead-out.
• Jelly Belly drove the final lap but other teams came around.
• Some sprinting usual suspects, Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) and Freddie Rodriguez (Rock Racing), move up.
• On the line, Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) watches as David Vellieux (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast) takes the overall win.
• Brad Huff (Jelly Belly) is back to winning but it was too close to post-up.

Stage 1 - August 2: Citi mens stage 2, 150km

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Some contenders, including race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissell) , seek some shade before the start.
• Johnny Clarke (Toyota-United) gets the lead-out up to speed for his brother Hilton.
• Toyota-United still with control as other teams make manoeuvres.
• Both Johnny Clarke and Ben Day, Aussie team-mates of Hilton, burning all their matches.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) skirted around the final turn crash and beats David Vellieux (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast) on the line.
• Chris Horner (Astana) is treated following a crash at the Tour of Elk Grove near Chicago.

Prologue - August 1: Elk Grove Village Bank prologue time trial, 4.5mi

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) stormed his way to the fastest time, the second one out of the blocks.
• David Veilleux (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast) had a strong ride last week and finished fifth today.
• You don't have to go to France to get pretty flowers and cyclists.
• Local boy Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast) was one of three team-mates in the top ten.
• Mark Batty (Team RACE) powers to the finish.
• Scott Zwizanski (Bissell) sprints to the line.
• Dan Halloway (Garmin-Chipotle) is racing here alone and as a stagiarie.
• Richard England (Bissell) is a former Australian crit champion and will be good for the next two stages.
• Zirbel and his manager wait the long wait as the other 53 riders finish.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) is back from winning in China, but won't be going there to defend his Olympic title.
• Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits Strategies) is more at home when there is a pack around him sprinting.
• Ryan Roth (Team RACE) was just beaten by his team-mate Francois Parisien.
• Chris Horner (Astana) is back on his way to the Vuelta.
• Freddie Rodriguez (Rock Racing) is another sprinter that will be ready to go in the next two stages.
• Francois Parisien (Team RACE) held second for a while until Horner came through, but still finished third.
• Ben Day (Toyota-United) had a bad one breaking his stem on the start ramp.

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