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Cycling photography for December 2008

Azencross Loenhout
Noordzeecross
Superprestige #6 - Diegem
Cyclo-Cross World Cup, Zolder
Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals
Team Katusha presented
Colnago Christmas party
'Cross WC, Nommay
Scheldecross
Zürich Six Days
Vuelta Ciclista a Costa Rica
Tour of South China Sea
Australian MTB Series #3 - Geelong
Challenge de la France Cycliste #3
GvA Trophy - GP Rouwmoer
Track World Cup Cali
Giro d'Italia presentation
US Cyclo-cross Championships
Ciclocross del Ponte
USGP of Cyclocross #5 - Portland Cup
USGP of Cyclocross #6 - Portland Cup
NBX Gp of Cross - Warwick
Astana press conference
Liquigas training camp
Astana training camp
Columbia training camp

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

Azencross Loenhout

Race 4 - December 30: Elite Men,

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Niels Albert made his return to racing in Loenhout after taking a month off due to a ruptured spleen.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Tönissteiner) over the washboard section at the Gazet van Antwerpen Trofee round in Loenhout.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea) was on hot form in Loenhout.
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb) races in Loenhout, Belgium.
• Belgian Bart Wellens (Fidea)
• Bart Wellens (Fidea)
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea) gained ground on the pump track.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea)
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) on the pump track section.
• Kevin Pauwels (Fidea)
• Over the difficult washboard section, Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb)
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb)
• American Champion Ryan Trebon of Team Kona pulled out of the race with back pains.
• Roger Hammond (Great Britain) getting in some cross training in Loenhout.
• Briton Ian Field
• Fans watch the lead group in Loenhout, Belgium.
• Niels Albert (Palmans) and Radomir Simunek (Palmans)
• David Willemsens (Revor)
• Bart Wellens (Fidea) and Erwin Vervecken (Fidea)
• Thijs Al (Ned) went on to finish sixth
• Bart Wellens (Fidea) suffered on the cold course, but finished fourth.
• Lars Boom (Rabobank) on the attack before being caught and then crashing out.
• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea)
• Belgian Champion Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Tönissteiner) manages the washboard section at the Gazet van Antwerpen Trofee in Loenhout.
• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea) and Bart Wellens (Fidea)
• Roger Hammond (Great Britain) took part in the GvA trophy in Loenhout.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea) looks pretty happy with himself for winning the race in Loenhout.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea) takes the sprint ahead of Sven Nys.
• The elite men's podium Sven Nys (2nd), Zdenek Stybar (1st) and Radomir Simunek (3rd)

Race 3 - December 30: Women,

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Hanka Kupfernagel (left) with Katie Compton, Daphny Van den Brand chasing behind Marianne Vos (right).
• Briton Gabriella Day
• British Champion Helen Wyman on the washboard.
• Rachel Lloyd (Cal Giant Berry) leads the group with Vos, Van den Brand, Kupfernagel and Compton
• Daphny van den Brand (ZZPR.nl-Destil-Merida) takes the win.
• Daphny Van den Brand (ZZPR.nl) takes her first win in Belgium since November.
• Loenhout winner Daphny van den Brand (ZZPR.nl-Destil-Merida) at the end of a cold day of racing.
• American Katherine Compton (Spike) finishes second.
• Marianne Vos (DSB Bank)
• Canadian Wendy Simms (Kona) lost positions in the final lap.
• Sue Butler (Monavie-Cannondale) and Katherine Compton (Spike)
• Sue Butler (Monavie-Cannondale) and Katherine Compton (Spike) speak after the race.
• Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized) recalls her race.

Race 2 - December 30: Under 23,

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Ondrej Bambula (Cyklo Team Budvar Tábor) looks back to Pawel Szczepaniak. USA's Daniel Summerhill (Clif Bar), far right.
• Ondrej Bambula (Cyklo Team Budvar Tábor) and Pawel Szczepaniak
• Philipp Walsleben (Palmans - Cras) heads the race in Loenhout
• France's Arnaud Jouffroy (Vendée U Pays de la Loire)
• Szczepaniak Kacper
• Belgium's Kenneth Van Compernolle (Sunweb Projob Cycling)
• Briton David Fletcher
• Robert Gavenda (Fidea Cycling Team)
• Robert Gavenda (Fidea Cycling Team)
• Vincent Bastiaens finishes first in the Azencross - Gazet van Antwerpen Trofee cyclo-cross in Loenhout.
• Sprint for second place in the Gazet van Antwerpen round in Loenhout.
• Poland's Pawel Szczepaniak finishing second in the Azencross Under 23 race in Loenhout.
• Belgian Vincent Bastiaens celebrates as winner on the U23 podium. Pawel Szczepaniak and Marcel Meisen finished second and third.
• Vincent Bastiaens in action on his way to a win at the Azencross.

Race 1 - December 30: Juniors,

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Dylan Van Baarle celebrates in the junior men's race.
• Dylan Van Baarle wins ahead of Wietse Bosmans and Gerry Druyts.
• Dylan Van Baarle (first), Wietse Bosmans (second), and Gerry Druyts (third) occupied the junior men's podium in the Azencross.
• Junior men's podium with Dutchmen Dylan Van Baarle, Dutchman Wietse Bosmans and Belgian Gerry Druyts.

Noordzeecross

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Sven Nys on the way to victory.
• Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) took out his anger about his missed doping control and possible imminent suspension with a great performance in Middelkerke.
• Sven Nys was in control from the beginning.
• Sven Nys glides through the sand on his way to the win.
• Sven Nys on the rampage in Middelkerke.
• Ryan Trebon with a bloody knee after crashing early in the race.
• Plenty of fans were on hand for the mid-week race over the holidays.
• Jamey Driscoll (Cannondale) had his race spoiled by a crash.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) had little trouble with the win.
• Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) spent most of the day chasing only to get caught and out-sprinted at the end.
• Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas)
• Thijs Al (BeOne-Chain Reaction Cycles)
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team)
• Jan Verstraeten (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team)
• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea Cycling Team)
• Erwin Vervecken (Fidea Cycling Team)
• David Willemsens (Revor Cycling Team)
• US champion Ryan Trebon (Kona) finished 15th after crashing.
• Kamil Ausbuher (Exe Jeans)
• Cold, dry conditions resulted in a fast course in Middelkerke.
• Nys takes the descent in Middelkerke.
• Belgian Champion Sven Nys powered to the win in Middelkerke.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) had a large gap over second placed Thijs Al.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) takes win number 11 for the season.
• Thijs Al (BeOne-Chain Reaction Cycles) takes a well deserved second place.

Superprestige #6 - Diegem

Race 4 - December 28: Elite Men,

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Images by Cyclingnews

• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) on his way to win the Sixth Round of the Superprestige.
• Czech Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) wins the Sixth Round of the Superprestige under lights Sunday night in Diegem, Belgium.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) celebrates his win in the Sixth Round of the Superprestige.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) tops the podium with Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) and Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Tönissteiner), l & r.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) runs through the sand under the lights in Diegem.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) makes his way through the barriers.
• World champion Lars Boom (Rabobank) clears the barriers.
• Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) runs through the barriers in Diegem.
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb Projob) tops the stairs ahead of Sven Nys.
• Martin Bina carries his bike up the section of stairs.
• Jan Verstraeten (Sunweb Projob) labors up the section of stairs.
• Lars Boom (Rabobank) tops the section of stairs.
• Jonathan Page runs the stairs on his way to a 28th place finish in Diegem.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) shows off his Ridley as he crosses the finish line in first place.
• Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) crosses the finish line in second place and closes the gap to Sven Nys in the overall Superprestige standings.
• Belgian champion Sven Nys crosses the finish line in third place.
• Thijs Al looks frustrated with his fourth place finish in Diegem.
• Sven Nys salutes the crowd from the podium.
• Zdenek Stybar runs through the sand pit.
• Rob Peeters (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) shoulders his bike through the sand.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) runs the barriers on his way to his first victory of the season.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) broke out the Lightweight wheels for the fast Diegem circuit.
• World champion Lars Boom makes his way through the barriers in Diegem.
• Swiss champion Christian Huele runs through the barriers on his way to 11th place.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) shows perfect barrier running technique.
• Thijs Al negotiates the barriers.
• Martin Bina (l) and Bart Wellens fly through the section of barriers.
• Jempy Drucker (Fidea Cycling Team) runs the barriers.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) runs the stairs on his way to a third place finish.
• Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb) puts his long legs to good use running the stairs.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) is about to remount after running the stairs.
• Kevin Pauwels (Fidea Cycling Team) on his way to a seventh place finish in Diegem.
• Martin Bina runs the stairs.

Race 3 - December 28: Under 23,

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Images by Cyclingnews

• Philipp Walsleben (Palmans Cras) rides on the frozen terrain in Diegem.
• Vincent Bastaens (Fidea Cycling Team) rides to an 11th place finish in the U23 Superprestige event in Diegem.
• Philipp Walsleben (Palmans Cras) won the U23 race in Diegem and remains undefeated in the Superprestige series.

Images by Niels De Wit/www.nielsdewit.be

• Arnaud Jouffroy took a super start at the U23' men race.
• Nobody wanted to close the gap.
• In the second lap they joined Arnaud Jouffroy. Mitchell Huenders at the front.
• Arnaud Jouffroy attacked several times, but would finish in second.
• Mitchell Huenders tried it in the last lap, but his attack finished with 200 meters to go.
• Daniel Summerhill finished in 14th place.

Race 2 - December 28: Juniors,

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Images by Niels De Wit/www.nielsdewit.be

• The juniors at the start.
• Wietse Bosman took a good start.
• David van der Poel took a good start, but had some troubles later.
• Lars Van Der Haar in front of his teammate Tijmen Eising.
• Tijmen Eising
• Tijmen Eising jumps
• Van Der Haar and Wietse Bosman, who rode for the second place.

Team Katusha presented

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Team Katusha presented at Itera headquarters in Moscow.
• Team Katusha in the cold of Moscow's Red Square.
• Filippo Pozzato in Moscow.
• Italy's Filippo Pozzato in Red Square.
• Filippo Pozzato
• Gert Steegmans in Moscow for the Team Katusha presentation.
• Filippo Pozzato and Gert Steegmans, l-r, in Moscow's Red Square.
• Andrei Tchmil and Filippo Pozzato at the Team Katusha presentation in Moscow.
• Italy's Filippo Pozzato warms up in Moscow.
• Filippo Pozzato, new rider for Team Katusha in 2009, in the snow at a presentation in Moscow.
• Filippo Pozzato and Danilo Napolitano, l-r, in Moscow's Red Square miss the warmth of Italy.
• The 2009 Team Katusha line up in Moscow's Red Square.
• Team Katusha's Stefano Feltrin, Andrei Tchmil and Omar Piscina, l-r
• Filippo Pozzato with the flag of Russia, the base country of Team Katusha.
• Filippo Pozzato points towards a shopping centre in the Red Square.
• The Kremlin.
• Moscow at night.
• Gert Steegmans
• Gert Steegmans trying to warm up the best way he can while posing for photos in Moscow's Red Square.
• Filippo Pozzato
• Italian Filippo Pozzato.
• Italian sprinter Danilo Napolitano
• Red Square at night.
• Team Katusha girls at the presentation in Moscow.
• Directeur Sportif Dmitriy Konyshev
• Italian Danilo Napolitano with company.
• Andrei Tchmil and Filippo Pozzato
• Filippo Pozzato on the airplane to Moscow.
• Antonio Colom
• Angelo Zomegnan, Pietro Santini and Filippo Pozzato, l-r
• Serguei Ivanov
• Filippo Pozzato and Vladimir Karpets
• Antonio Colom welcomed at the Team Katusha presentation.
• Pietro Santini, DS Serge Parsani, Monica Santini with Team Katusha hostesses.
• Andrei Tchmil on the phone.
• Gert Steegmans
• General Manager Stefano Feltrin in Red Square
• Team Katusha welcomes fans to its presentation in Moscow.

Colnago Christmas party

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Ernesto Colnago and his wife Saturday at their annual Christmas party.
• Father Don Mazzi in front of Ernesto Colnago and his wife.
• Father Don Mazzi speaks.
• Ernesto Colnago with Fiorenzo Magni and Giovanni Trapattoni, r-l
• Ernesto Colnago with Giuseppe Saronni, former professional and head of Team Lampre, l-r.

Scheldecross

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Hanka Kupfernagel (Itera) solo.
• Marianne Vos (Team DSB Bank) in pursuit.
• German Hanka Kupfernagel (Itera) wins the Scheldecross.
• A win for World Champion Hanka Kupfernagel (Itera)
• Hanka Kupfernagel (Itera) tops the podium with Marianne Vos and Sanne Cant, l & r.
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) leads with Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) chasing.
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) rides with Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) on his wheel.
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles)
• Dutchman Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) takes the win in the Scheldecross.
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) wins the Scheldecross.
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles)
• Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) gets a good look at the Antwerp city centre.
• World Champion Lars Boom (Rabobank)
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) on the podium.
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) tops the podium with Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) and Radomír Šimunek (Palmans - Cras).
• Thijs Al (Chain Reaction Cycles) with Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team) and Radomír Šimunek (Palmans - Cras), l & r, on the podium for Scheldecross.

Images by Niels De Wit/www.nielsdewit.be

• The women's start.
• Hanka Kupfernagel and Marianne Vos made a gap early.
• Marianne Vos shows some grinta.
• Belgian Sanne Cant took the third place.
• In the last lap Kupfernagel rode away from Vos.
• Vos made a mistake in the sand.
• Kupfernagel takes the win before Vos.
• Klaas Vantornout took the best start in the men's race.
• But Thijs Al rode up to Vantornout.
• Molly Cameron was also in Antwerpen
• Thijs Al took his second victory of the season.

Images by Tom De Meyer/www.CyclingView.be

• Zdenek Stybar looks ready to tackle another cold cyclo-cross.
• Lars Boom warms up
• Thijs Al (l) and Klaas Vantornout do some pre-race scouting.
• The racers are eager to get going.
• Klaas Vantornout powers on
• Thijs Al had a good start and kept it up.
• Richard Groenendaal can still put the hurt on the favourites.
• Lars Boom checks out his position on the bike and approves.
• Zdenek Stybar takes a turn in style.
• The women are as eager to hit the road and the trails.
• Kupfernagel races out of the blocks pretty fast.
• Marianne Vos keeps the pressure on
• Hanka Kupfernagel rode another great race
• After the first lap there were already large gaps. Vos and Kupfernagel were up ahead.
• Daphny Van den Brand was struggling a bit today
• Hanka Kupfernagel had a commanding lead and started celebrating early.
• The podium (l-r): Marianne Vos (second), Hanka Kupfernagel (winner) and Sanne Cant (third).

Zürich Six Days

Day 6 - December 16:

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Images by Six Days Zürich

• Podium (L-R): Leon van Bon / Kenny de Ketele (ewz), Franco Marvulli / Juan Llaneras (Skoda), winners Bruno Risi / Danny Stam (Möbel Märki-Skoda), Alexander Aeschbach / Leif Lampater (Price) and Alex Rasmussen / Michael Morkov (Hobi Bau)

Vuelta Ciclista a Costa Rica

Stage 1 - December 14: Tres Ríos (TTT), 13km

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Images by Javier Jara

• Marcos Salas (Dos Pinos - Coopenae) during the team time trial.

Tour of South China Sea

Stage 6 - December 19: Zhongshan circuit race,

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Images by Wong Ho-fai

• Doha Asian Games Gold medalist Cheung King-wai of Hong Kong.
• Stage 6 was starting with furious attacks immediately.
• The peloton passes some monuments during stage 6.

Images by Eva Ng

• Hong Kong youngster Ko Siu-wai leads the peloton.
• Kudentsov wins the sprint.

Stage 5 - December 18: Guangzhou circuit race,

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Images by Evis Chu

• Ham Po Wong (Hong Kong Pro Cycling) before the start.
• The Guangzhou circuit race on stage five.
• Sergey Kudensov (Team Sports Club Macau) thinks he got it.
• Gang Xu (Hong Kong HSS) gets the yellow jersey of race leader.

Images by Eva Ng

• Chan Chun-hing (Hong Kong) in action on stage five.
• The stage five podium Kam Po Wong (Hong Kong), Sergey Kudentsov (Team Sports Club Macau) and Xitao Ji (China)
• Sergey Kudensov (Team Sports Club Macau) takes the sprint on stage five.

Images by Frederick Chan

• The sprint on stage five came to a photo finish between Kudensov and Ji.

Images by Wong Ho-Fai

• Yeung Ying-hon (Hong Kong)
• Chan Chun-hing (Hong Kong) leads the peloton on stage five.

Stage 4 - December 17: Foshan circuit race,

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Images by Charlie Issendorf

• Girls on bikes.
• A KraftGenie rider rolls to the start.
• The KraftGenie team gets ready.
• Media interest is high.
• The Start point was a tad hazy.
• The Yellow Jersey holder - Xu Gung.
• Chau Dor Ming (SCAA Cycling) looks good today.
• Cheung Chun Woh (SCAA Cycling Team) zips along.
• Fitzgerald Michael was happy in the young rider's leader jersey.
• HSBC Rider Cheung King Wai.
• The peloton headed over the bridges at blistering speeds.
• The peloton was strung out early on.
• The U23 Leader Michael Fitzgerald.
• Amrun Akmal (MNCF) kept the points jersey.
• Amrun Akmal (MNCF) is happy with his performance.
• Xu Gang defend the GC leader title after stage 4.
• Xu Gang was in pink as best Chinese rider at same time.
• The winner of stage four

Images by Eva Ng

• Race leader Xu Gang removes his arm warmers.

Images by

• Race leader Gang Xu (Chinese National Team) chilling out before the start of stage four
• Miss Zhuhai joins the fun ride before stage four Foshan circuit race

Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International

• The start of stage four, the Foshan circuit race
• Teh cavalcade of team cars during stage four
• Guo Hui (Chinese National Team) gases it out the front of the field
• A Team Stegcomputer-CKT-Cogeas rider passes the line during an intermediate sprint
• Gang Xu (Chinese National Team) kept the yellow jersey after stage four

Stage 3 - December 16: Dongguan circuit race,

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Images by Eva Ng

• A strong attack by China's JI Cheng in yellow, who wanted to make sure to keep the leader's jersey.
• China's JI Cheng leads the race overall and the peloton on this occasion.
• Xu Gang (front) took the yellow jersey
• Zhang Li of Guangdong Team won stage 3.
• But it was XU Gang who took the yellow jersey after stage 3.

Images by Wong Ho-fai

• Defending champion Tang Wang-yip.
• Hong Kong youngster Ko Siu-wai.
• Hong Kong youngster Yeung Ying-hon.
• Xu Gang interviewed by CCTV. after stage 3.
• Kam-po Wong launches an attack.
• Kam-po Wong racing flat out.
• A break works to keep its lead over a chasing peloton.
• The peloton races under a hazy sky.

Images by Charlie Issendorf

• Blanco Alberto finished third
• A mad dash to the line.
• The pace was hot in the end.
• Cheung King Wang of the HSBC Hong Kong Team is powerful
• An early breakaway that was doomed.
• The final Sprint for the breakaway group.
• Gifts kept the fans happy.
• Ji Cheng of the Chinese National Team was riding in yellow.
• Kam Po Wong of the HSBC Hong Kong Team .
• The Peloton passes the government building.
• The peloton flies by.
• Speeding up.
• The pink & orange jersey work together.
• Wong is a super star in China.
• Xu Gang gets the yellow Jersey.
• Xu Gang is the big winner today.

Stage 2 - December 15: Shenzhen circuit race,

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Images by Eva Ng

• Ji Cheng interviewed by GDTV before start of stage 2.
• Ji Cheng took a picture with a representative the sponsor of the orange jersey, HSBC.
• Young riders of the HSBC Hong Kong team get ready for stage 2.
• Cheung King Wai of HSBC Hong Kong team was four seconds behind the leader and welcomes a new day in the orange jersey.
• Stage 2 departed from Shenzhen, China.
• Doha Asian Games champion Cheung King-wai of Hong Kong keeps the pace up high.
• Doha Asian Games champion Cheung King-wai of Hong Kong leads JI Cheng.
• Hong Kong's Wong Kam-po.
• China's JI Cheng is still in yellow.
• The top three of the stage on the podium.
• The podium of the second stage.

Stage 1 - December 14: Hong Kong circuit race, 80.5km

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Images by Charlie Issendorf

• The 2006 winner, Wu Kin Sun was looking good on the first stage
• The bunch rolled along with 10 laps to go despite a break up the road
• A four-rider break formed with two laps to go
• The speed increased as the laps remaining decreased and the field chased the break
• Malaysia's Akmal Amrun (MNCF Cycling) took the sprinter's jersey
• The Champion Systems Bici squad will be looking to assert itself
• Alberto Blanco (Kraftgenie Cycling / Champion System Racing)
• The Kraftgenie Cycling / Champion System Racing crew stuck together on stage 1
• The peloton chases hard in pursuit of the break
• American rider Brian B. Butts (Kraftgenie Cycling / Champion System Racing) stays safe in the pack
• The break of three went away early in the stage
• The sprint for the win was won by Ji Cheng
• The HSBC Hong Kong Team poses before the start
• Chinese rider Ji Cheng in the leading Chinese rider's jersey
• Ji Cheng (China National Team) was on top of GC after stage 1
• Ji Cheng won the stage in the centre of Hong Kong
• HSBC Hong Kong rider Kam Po Wong is an experienced contender
• Kraftgenie Cycling / Champion System Racing chases hard to try and get one of its boys up the front
• The peloton was strung out in what was a pretty quick stage
• Heading over one of the bridges in Hong Kong
• The field ramped up the velocity in pursuit of those ahead of it
• The SCAA crew is all smiles before the start
• Chau Dor Ming of the SCAA Cycling Team
• Ho Kum Tong (SCAA) looking good during the stage
• Several breakaways went during the 80km stage
• Riders come through to do their turn at the front
• The various winners of categories during the first stage
• Former track world champ, Kam Po Wong kept out of trouble during day one

Images by Eva Ng

• The stage 1 podium.
• The peloton passes through Shatin which is the base of the HSBC Hong Kong team.
• The tour departs from Hong Kong.

Challenge de la France Cycliste #3

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Images by Fabrice Lambert

• Anthony Colas rides through the mud
• Arnaud Labbé shoulders his bike and runs up the hill.
• Arnaud Labbé under the watchful eyes of the French spectators
• Christophe Morel storms up the hill.
• David Bonhomme relatively clean early in the race.
• David Derepas of Groupe Gobert looked shouldered the workload well.
• David Pagnier shows his running skills
• Florian Le Corre of Super Sport 35 was eager to get rolling again.
• Florian Le Corre was virtually racing at home.
• Françis Mourey was OK to get his French champ jersey dirty as long as he could get another win.
• Jean Eudes Demaret looked a bit tired after several laps on the deep parcours.
• Jonathan Lopez ahead of Aurélien Duval
• Julien Belgy elegantly jumps the hurdles
• Julien Belgy elegantly runs the hills
• Julien Roussel thought he signed up for a cycling race...
• Lionel Genthon of VS Romanais Péageois storms over the hurdles
• Ludovic Dubau runs up
• Ludovic Dubau leads the bunch through the deep mud.
• Ludovic Dubau moves on
• Ludovic Merlier Normandie 20ème
• Nicolas Bazin shoulders the bike
• Sandy Casar also tested the 'cross waters
• Steve Chainel on the slippery slope
• Françis Mourey wins the race
• Julien Roussel celebrated his third place like a win.
• Aurélien Duval beats Steve Chainel for fifth place.
• The elite podium in Quelneuc with winner Françis Mourey in the centre, runner-up Jonathan Lopez (V.C.La Pomme Marseille) on the left and Julien Roussel (CR Normandie) in third.
• Arnaud Jouffroy (Vendée U) did the unthinkable and won all three rounds of the Challenge in the U23 category.
• Arnaud Jouffroy (Vendée U) during his attack in the early part of the race.
• Arnaud Jouffroy had enough time to carry his bike over the line.
• Fabien Taillefer was very active in Quelneuc. He will race for VC Roubaix soon.
• Matthieu Boulo (l) was doing most of the pacework but was bettered by Jouffroy in the end.
• Matthieu Boulo rode from the front
• Romain Lejeune had Jouffroy on his wheel
• Matthieu Boulo (l) was doing most of the pacework but was bettered by Jouffroy in the end. At the finish they were all friends again.
• The podium (l-r) Matthieu Boulo (l, second), Arnaud Jouffroy and Clément Bourgoin (CR Rhône Alpes).
• Camille Darcel seems to have fun out on the course.
• Caroline Mani powers along.
• Christelle Ferrier Bruneau runs up the hill
• Christelle Ferrier Bruneau takes a left turn in the mud.
• Julie Bresset was the revelation in the women's race.
• Maryline Salvetat arrives exhausted
• Maryline Salvetat had bad luck in the beginning of the race.
• Maryline Salvetat unclips in the turn
• Maureen Guichardot with the most visible outfit for the day.
• Nadia Triquet blasts through the fields
• Nadia Triquet finished third. Chapeau.
• Nadia Triquet takes the hurdles.
• Nadia Triquet trying to stay upright
• Pauline Ferrand Prevot in the tricky lefthander
• Christelle Ferrier Bruneau wins the race
• The podium of the women (l-r) Maryline Salvetat (VSLL Castres, second), winner Christel Ferrier Bruneau (Béziers-Méditerranée Cyclo) and Nadia Triquet Claude (CR Lorraine).

GvA Trophy - GP Rouwmoer

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Philipp Walsleben (Palmans Cras) on his way to victory in the U23 race.
• Vincent Bastaens (Fidea) in action during the U23 race.
• Philipp Walsleben (Palmans Cras) celebrates his win in the U23 race.
• Philipp Walsleben (Palmans Cras) finishes first in the U23 race.
• Jim Aernouts , Philipp Walsleben and Kenneth Van Compernolle (l-r) top the podium of the U23 event at Essen.
• Zdenek Stybar leads Sven Nys on a frigid day in Essen, Belgium.
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb) powers through a section of mud.
• Lars Boom (Rabobank) in the mud at Essen on his way to a 9th place finish.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) negotiates a section of mud on the Essen circuit. Wellens recovered from a crash to finish in sixth place.
• Dieter Vanthourenhout (Palmans) handles a section of mud at the Essen venue.
• Bart Aernouts (Rabobank) powers through the mud on his way to a fourth place finish.
• Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks) finished tenth place in Essen.
• Sven Nys, champion of Belgium, rides to victory in the fourth round of the GvA series.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) leads Zdenek Stybar over the sand.
• Sven Nys holds a slight lead over Zdenek Stybar.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) leads World Champion Lars Boom (Rabobank) over the bridge.
• Sven Nys crosses the bridge safely while riding to victory.
• Sven Nys celebrates his hard-fought victory over Zdenek Stybar.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) passes beneath a Flag of Flanders archway on the finishing stretch.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) finishes alone in first after dropping Zdenek Stybar on the last lap.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) crosses the finish line in second place 11 seconds behind Sven Nys.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) , Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) and Thijs Al (AA Drink - BeOne) (l-r) on the podium for the fourth round of the GvA series.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) on the podium with Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) and Thijs Al (AA Drink - BeOne).
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet- Tonissteiner) leads Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) through the sand.
• Bart Aernouts (Rabobank) in action on his way to a strong 4th place finish.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea) crashed early and ultimately finished in 6th place.

Images by Niels De Wit/www.nielsdewit.be

• The GVA Trofee
• Stef Boden powers along.
• Jasper Ockeloen is very concentrated.
• Kevin Eeckhout runs up the stairs.
• Ramon Sinkeldam concentrates to stay upright
• Philipp Walsleben & Tom Meeusen lead the race
• Mitchell Huenders chases hard
• Philipp Walsleben is dominating this year's U23 races.
• Kenneth van Compernolle is a tough challenger to Walsleben.
• Philipp Walsleben takes the win
• The Podium with Walsleben in the familiar centre position, while teammate Aernouts (l) got second and Van Compernolle third.
• The juniors gave it all
• On the fast course the juniors had an exciting race.
• There were less crashes than usual
• The junior's podium.

USGP of Cyclocross #5 - Portland Cup

Race 4 - December 6: Elite Men

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Tim Johnson was back in action for the USGP finale in Portland
• Danny Sumerhill looking strong round this corner
• Ryan Trebon and Jeremy Powers made up two of the leading three riders, with Johnson the other man out front
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale) leads Ryan Trebon (Kona) and Tim Johnson through some tight turns
• Justin Robinson (Cal Giant)
• Ryan Trebon (Kona)
• Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing)
• Ryan Trebon (Kona)
• Danny Summerhill (Cliff Bar)
• Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing) flies down a slick mud sloop
• Born Selander (Ridley) took third in the under 23
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale) Ryan Trebon (Kona) and Tim Johnson
• Danny Summerhill (Cliff Bar) won the u23
• Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing) rode a good race
• Mitchell Peterson (MonavieCannondale.com) leads his group near the end of the race.

Race 3 - December 6: Elite Women

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Katerina Nash (Luna) quickly finds the fastest line is through the middle
• Wendy Simms (Kona) is not far behind
• Georgia Gould (Luna) makes a mess
• Rachel Lloyd (Cal Giant)
• Katerina Nash (Luna) with Wendy Simms (Kona) on her tail
• Meredith Miller (Cal Giant)
• A view of the course's difficulties.
• Amy Dombroski (Velo Bella) starting to feel the pain
• Susan Butler (MonavieCannondale.com)
• Georgia Gould (Luna) holds onto the overall leaders jersey
• The women start in a flurry of faces and bikes
• The impressive leading trio of Katerina Nash, Rachel Lloyd and Georgia Gould
• Katerina Nash takes the win after an old-fashioned fight in the womens' race

Images by Tim Gasperak/www.gasperak.com

• Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry Farms) leads the women's pack through the motocross "woop de woops" during day one in Portland. Lloyd finished third place on the day.
• Canadian national champion Wendy Simms (Kona) negotiates the mud ahead of Katerina Nash (Luna Chix) and Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry Farms) during day one.
• Eventual race winner Katerina Nash (Luna Chix) leads Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry Farms) through the barriers.
• Amy Dombrowski (Velo Bella) runs through the barriers.
• Race winner Katerina Nash (Luna Chix) was strong throughout the first day, taking advantage of her stellar skills through the sticky mud.
• Crank Brothers USGP of Cyclocross series leader Georgia Gould (Luna Chix) finished second at the first day of racing in Portland.
• Canadian national champion Wendy Simms (Kona) was still recovering from sickness and travel after several World Cup races in Europe. Simms finished fourth.
• Barbara Howe (unattached) negotiates the mud hole on the last lap.
• Hometown favourite Sue Butler (Mona-Vie) out-sprints Canadian national champion Wendy Simms (Kona) for fourth place.

Race 2 - December 6: Juniors

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Gavin Mannion (Hot Tubes) ahead of Robin Eckmann (Team 5280).
• Zach McDonald (Classic Cycles) makes easy work of the barriers on is way to an impressive victory.
• Chris Wallace (Kccx / Verge) really gives it his all
• Madison Chilenski (Team Oregon)
• Gabe Watson (Rad Racing)
• Chris Wallace (Kccx / Verge) a little bloody after a fall
• Eric Emsky (Rad Racing) glides over the barriers
• Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes)

USGP of Cyclocross #6 - Portland Cup

Race 4 - December 7: Elite Men

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale)
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale)
• Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing)
• Ryan Trebon (Kona)
• Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale) trying hard to win again.
• Danny Summerhill (Cliff Bar)
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale) finished an eventual fourth.
• Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing)
• Chance Noble (Cal Giant)
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) negotiates the course on the way to victory
• Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing)
• Todd Wells (GT)
• Troy Wells (Clff Bar)
• Mitchell Peterson (MonavieCannondale.com)
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld/ Cannondale)
• Born Selander (Ridley)
• The Under 23 podium topped by Nicholas Weighall (Rad Racing).
• Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) finished the race in third, coming off the back of a win the day before
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) was riding for pride and a shot at the series title
• The elite mens' podium (l-r): Ryan Trebon, Tim Johnson and Todd Wells

Images by Tim Gasperak/www.gasperak.com

• Todd Wells (Team GT) started strong and here leads Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale), Ryan Trebon (Kona) and Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) through the wet mud pit. The four men would stay out in front of the pack all day.
• Todd Wells (Team GT) leads Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) through the wet mud pit. Wells finished second on the day.
• Portland fans live for nasty weather, and the crowds on the course were much heavier than the sunny, first day of racing.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) rounds the turn of the off-camber downhill section as US national champion Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) chases from behind.
• The colourful Portland fans were out in droves this rainy Sunday.
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) runs through the slippery off-camber downhill section that provided much entertainment for the Portland crowd.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) rode many of the muddy sections that his competitors chose to run.
• Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) finished fourth on the day.
• US national champion Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) worked hard for his third place finish, ultimately taking the series win.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) wins in commanding style and makes up for the difficult first day of racing.
• High fives as series winner Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) greets his fans at the finish of the elite men's race.
• Series winner Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com/ Cannondale) was all smiles at the finish.

Race 3 - December 7: Elite Women

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Katerina Nash (Luna)
• Amy Dombroski (Velo Bella)
• Meredith Miller (Cal Giant)
• Katerina Nash (Luna)
• Rachel Lloyd (Cal Giant)
• Georgia Gould (Luna)
• Meredith Miller (Cal Giant) smiles after a hard day out.
• Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry) was up against it all weekend
• Czech rider Katerina Nash (Luna) performed brilliantly in Sunday's race
• The elite womens' podium (l-r): Rachel Lloyd, Katerina Nash and Georgia Gould

Images by Tim Gasperak/www.gasperak.com

• Katerina Nash (Luna) lead from the beginning of the race and never relinquished her lead.
• Georgia Gould (Luna) looked strong during the entire race, and finished second on the day.
• Wendy Simms (Kona) finished fifth on the day.
• Barbara Howe (unattached) powers through the wet, muddy conditions.
• Hometown favourite Sue Butler (Mona Vie/Cannondale) was a figure of concentration all race long, finishing third on the day.
• Rachel Lloyd (California Giant Berry Farms) started strong and finished fourth on the day.
• Georgia Gould (Luna) runs up the off-cambre S-curve in the middle of the course.
• Katerina Nash (Luna) won the elite women's race in commanding style.
• After the storm... Canadian national champion Wendy Simms (Kona) and Georgia Gould (Luna Chix) were all smiles while cheering for the elite men.

Race 2 - December 7: Juniors

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Junior champion Zach McDonald assumes his position at the head of the race
• Zach McDonald wins the junior race and the USGP series

NBX Gp of Cross - Warwick

Race 2 - December 6: Elite men,

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Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net

• F.C.F: Fanatic Cyclocross Fans
• The men's start was led by Derrick St. John (Stevens)
• Derrick St. John (Stevens) gets the hole shot
• Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart/Van Dessel) running the barriers in second place
• Jamie Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld.com/Cannondale) on the beach run-up leading the race
• Justin Spinelli (Richard Sachs/RGM) running up from the beach
• Steve Tilford (Trek) leading a group of racers on the run-up
• Adam Snyder (3-D Racing) was the only racer to ride both the beach and the run-up
• Racers running in deep sand on the beach
• Nick Keough (Jittery Joe's) leads the chase group over a small rise
• Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart/Van Dessel) leading Justin Spinelli
• Matt White (Bikereg.com/Joe's Garage) riding in fifth place
• Justin Spinelli (Richard Sachs/RGM) flying over the barriers
• Jamie Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld.com/Cannondale) attacking the barriers
• Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart/Van Dessel) running the barriers in second place
• Todd Wheelden (Portland Velo)
• Justin Spinelli (Richard Sach/RGM) leads the chase group on the pavement
• Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart) and Justin Spinelli approach the barriers
• Derrick St. John (Stevens) rode a very agressive race
• Steve Tilford (Trek) knows his way around a cyclocross course
• Jamey Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld.com/Cannondale) wins the race and clinches the New England Championship
• Nick Keough (Jittery Joes) wins the sprint for second place over Adam Myerson
• Nick Keough (Jittery Joes) recovering from the sprint
• The men's podium (l-r): Nick Keough (Jittery Joes) second, Jamey Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld.com/Cannondale) first, Adam Myerson (Cycle-Smart) third

Race 1 - December 6: Elite women,

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Images by Paul Weiss/www.paulweiss.biz

• Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs) hangs in there
• Ah yes, 'cross fans will go for any type of costume!
• The tall barriers were a good challenge for the ladies...
• Kathy Sarvary (Spin Arts-Mid State Cycling) looked strong when running
• The powerful Laura Van Gilder took the barriers well

Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net

• Natasha Elliot (EMB Sornono/Stevens)
• The Visitor's Center offered warmth and food
• Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM) gets the hole shot
• Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM) leading over the barriers
• Natasha Elliot (EMB Sornono/Stevens) leading Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental)
• Laura Van Gilder running up a steep hill in second place
• Anna Milkowski (Velo Bella) runs the beach
• Cris Rothfuss (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental) running the beach in 5th place
• Susan Maclean (Gearworks/Spinarts) leading a group of riders on the beach
• November day on the sound
• Natasha Elliot (EMD Sorono) leading Laura Van Gilder through deep sand
• Natasha Elliot (EMD Sorono) running the beach
• Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental) running in 3rd place
• Anna Milkowski (Velo Bella) running the beach in 4th place
• Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) running in deep sand behind Milkowski
• Natasha Elliot (EMD Sorono) leading Laura Van Gilder up a steep sandy pitch
• Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) heading for the steep run-up
• Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs) pushing her bike through the sand
• Anna McLoon (Harvard) running with her bike
• Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental) racing in third place on the pavement
• Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) on the pavement chasing Annis
• Laura Van Gilder (C3 Solay) wins the sprint over Natasha Elliot

Astana press conference

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Images by Pete Goding Photography/www.petegodingphotography.com

• Levi Leipheimer looked relaxed with most of the pressure on his teammates.
• Alberto Contador was a popular subject for reporters questions.
• Lance Armstrong takes a photo of the assembled press.
• Photographers have Armstrong in focus along with Alberto Contador, Johan Bruyneel and team spokesman Philippe Maertens.
• Lance Armstrong wears the Livestrong brand wherever he goes.
• The press was out in numbers for the Team Astana press conference, mainly due to the presence of one Lance Armstrong.
• Lance Armstrong says he feels OK "for an old guy".
• Lance Armstrong
• The assembled press dwarfs the riders in sharp contrast to last year's press conference
• Armstrong, Contador and Bruyneel react to reporters' questions.
• A serious moment for Alberto Contador.
• Lance Armstrong tells the press he'll ride for the strongest man in the Tour.
• 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador
• The cameraman films Contador as he answers reporters' questions.
• Andreas Klöden
• Andreas Klöden and Levi Leipheimer answer questions with Johan Bruyneel looking on.
• Johan Bruyneel looking quite happy with the way things are going.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel are back together like in the old days.
• A smile for the camera as the media interest was a lot more than last season.
• It's the Astana camp but Livestrong will undoubtedly benefit in 2009.
• Armstrong admitted to have to deal with annoying questions isn't his favourite thing to do, but "you just deal with it and move on."
• Armstrong shoots back to get his memory pictures from the media representatives.
• Armstrong documents the Astana conference.
• Mr. Livestrong is confident for 2009.
• Armstrong spent over an hour answering all questions.
• Armstrong and Contador have no trouble with each other and demonstrated with a hand shake.
• Most teams would be jealous to have just one of those two in the line-up.
• Armstrong is prepared to ride for the strongest and obey the laws of cycling.
• Contador has only one goal for 2009 and that is the Tour de France.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Lance Armstrong with the then popular helmet in the 1992 Tour of Ireland.
• Lance Armstrong puts his shades in his back pocket to get to work.

Liquigas training camp

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Ivan Basso gets in some 'snow miles' during his a Liquigas training camp
• Ivan Basso showed he's no snow bunny when he took a Cannondale MTB machine in the white stuff
• Basso's no Simoni when it comes to off-road skills
• Basso gets back on his steed after another brief off in the snow
• Franco Pellizotti trains in Bibione, Italy, with Daniele Bennati, Ivan Basso, Roman Kreuziger and Vincenzo Nibali, r-l.
• Daniele Bennati has fun in the snow.
• Bennati all warmed up back in the hotel.
• Sprinter Bennati on the mountain bike.
• Bennati shows he knows how to handle a bike.
• Basso is looking forward to race in the peloton again.
• Vincenzo Nibali was rather cold and is looking forward to the first races in Spain.
• Basso tests the icy waters.
• Noè was transferred back to his childhood.
• Liquigas is obviously getting along pretty well.
• Attacks were quickly responded to as serious training was also part of the camp.
• Claudio Corioni launches a snow attack against Ivan Santaromita.
• The 2009 Liquigas team
• Riding uphill is extra tough when you add lots of snow.
• Ivan Basso uses snow shoes to get down.
• The racing was fierce to show the others that the off-season wasn't just spent eating.
• Roman Kreuziger gets a push from the 'fans'.
• That was the way to go (down)!
• The workouts were a lot of fun for everyone.
• Basso snow-shoed his way to the finish.
• Andrea Noè was well-prepared for the snow activities.
• Claudio Corioni was looking in vain for a ski lift.
• Corioni preferred the way down.
• Kreuziger gets help.
• Zaugg has a laugh as his teammates race up the hill.
• The mountain time trial was slippery and pushes were appreciated.
• Kjell Carlström looks elegant on skis.
• Carlström on the slopes.
• Vincenzo Nibali ends the descent on an elegant power slide.
• Bennati on his one for fits all.
• Daniel Oss on the mountain bike.
• Fabio Sabatini slides down.
• The training was fierce in the more intense moments.
• But there was time to relax and smile for the cameras.
• Ivan Santaromita did well but couldn't qualify for the winter Olympics.
• Daniele Bennati (r) and company rode up while the skiers preferred to take the lift.
• Bennati felt well on the MTB.
• Attack by Bennati! The Italian stormed out of the switch back
• Noè tries to keep control of himself.
• Vincenzo Nibali lost the control and crashed into the snow bank.

Astana training camp

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Images by AFP Photo

• Spaniard and triple Grand Tour winner, Alberto Contador, at the Astana training camp in Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong ready for a training ride on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• USA's Lance Armstrong during a training ride with Astana teammates.
• Lance Armstrong looks on at the start of a training ride with Team Astana.
• Lance Armstrong rides with Astana teammates Janez Brajkovic, José Luis Rubiera and Alberto Contador, l-r.
• Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in Tenerife, Spain, for a team training camp.
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer on a training ride at the Team Astana camp.
• Team Astana on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong trains during his first team camp after announcing his comeback to cycling.
• USA's Lance Armstrong with Janez Brajkovic.
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer lead. Yaroslav Popovych rides behind the seven-time Tour de France winner.
• Taking note: Lance Armstrong points out during a training ride on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Texan Lance Armstrong heads out for the waves of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong takes surfing lessons as part of a team bonding exercise..

Images by Pete Goding Photography/www.petegodingphotography.com

• Alberto Contador gives the thumbs up after a training ride with his Astana teammates.
• Alberto Contador amidst the press at the Astana training camp in Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong's got a map so he and his Astana teammates don't get lost on Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer ride at the front of the Astana team paceline.
• Lance Armstrong definitely worked hard during the Astana team training rides.
• Lance Armstrong leads his Astana teammates down a sinuous descent on Tenerife.
• Astana climbs the hills in Tenerife during its first training camp for the 2009 season.
• Exposure for Livestrong is guaranteed even if Armstrong doesn't win the next Tour de France.
• The Astana training camp resembles one of the many races the team dominated in 2008.
• Alberto Contador is back on the bike after taking a timeout for a minor surgery.

Columbia training camp

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Pete Goding Photography/www.petegodingphotography.com

• Levi Leipheimer looked relaxed with most of the pressure on his teammates.
• Alberto Contador was a popular subject for reporters questions.
• Lance Armstrong takes a photo of the assembled press.
• Photographers have Armstrong in focus along with Alberto Contador, Johan Bruyneel and team spokesman Philippe Maertens.
• Lance Armstrong wears the Livestrong brand wherever he goes.
• The press was out in numbers for the Team Astana press conference, mainly due to the presence of one Lance Armstrong.
• Lance Armstrong says he feels OK "for an old guy".
• Lance Armstrong
• The assembled press dwarfs the riders in sharp contrast to last year's press conference
• Armstrong, Contador and Bruyneel react to reporters' questions.
• A serious moment for Alberto Contador.
• Lance Armstrong tells the press he'll ride for the strongest man in the Tour.
• 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador
• The cameraman films Contador as he answers reporters' questions.
• Andreas Klöden
• Andreas Klöden and Levi Leipheimer answer questions with Johan Bruyneel looking on.
• Johan Bruyneel looking quite happy with the way things are going.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel are back together like in the old days.
• A smile for the camera as the media interest was a lot more than last season.
• It's the Astana camp but Livestrong will undoubtedly benefit in 2009.
• Armstrong admitted to have to deal with annoying questions isn't his favourite thing to do, but "you just deal with it and move on."
• Armstrong shoots back to get his memory pictures from the media representatives.
• Armstrong documents the Astana conference.
• Mr. Livestrong is confident for 2009.
• Armstrong spent over an hour answering all questions.
• Armstrong and Contador have no trouble with each other and demonstrated with a hand shake.
• Most teams would be jealous to have just one of those two in the line-up.
• Armstrong is prepared to ride for the strongest and obey the laws of cycling.
• Contador has only one goal for 2009 and that is the Tour de France.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Lance Armstrong with the then popular helmet in the 1992 Tour of Ireland.
• Lance Armstrong puts his shades in his back pocket to get to work.

Columbia training camp

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Images by Daniel Benson/Cyclingnews

• Scott is the new bicycle sponsor of Team Columbia for the 2009 season.
• A bevy of brand new Scott Addict bikes are lined up and ready to ride.
• George Hincapie discusses Team Columbia's training camp in Mallorca, Spain.
• George Hincapie about to depart on a Team Columbia training ride.
• Brian Holm talks to Team Columbia riders prior to a training ride on Mallorca.
• Mark Renshaw joins Team Columbia after a three-year stint with Crédit Agricole.
• Mark Cavendish adjusts his handlebars.
• Team Columbia riders bundle up for a training ride in Mallorca, Spain.
• Mark Cavendish's Scott Addict is ready to roll.
• A fleet of brand new Scott Addict bikes await Team Columbia riders.
• Mark Cavendish hops on his new Scott Addict.
• Mark Cavendish looks eager to head out on a training ride with his Team Columbia teammates.
• Mark Cavendish loads up on food prior to a Team Columbia training ride.
• Mark Cavendish and Team Columbia teammates confer before a training ride on the island of Mallorca.
• Mark Cavendish about to roll out on a Team Columbia training ride in Mallorca, Spain.
• Maxime Monfort tries out a new bike.
• Kim Kirchen tlkas with the mechancis
• Mechanics prepare the 2009 bikes.
• Thomas Lövkvist seems to have the wrong sized bike.

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