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Cycling photography for January 2009

Cyclo-cross World Championships
Australian National Mountain Bike Championships
South African National Marathon Series - Barberton
New Zealand North Island Downhill Cup
Indoor Cross Country Challenge
Cervélo Test Team training camp
Armstrong launches cancer campaign in Australia
Tour Down Under
Tour de San Luis
World Cup 'cross Roubaix
Track World Cup Beijing
Centrumcross Surhuisterveen
Great Britain Cyclo-cross championships
South African National Cup Series #1
Dutch Cyclo-cross championships
Irish Cyclo-cross championships
Italian Cyclo-cross championships
French Cyclo-cross championships
Cofidis presentation
Cervélo presentation
Rotterdam Six Days
Vuelta a Tachira
Australian Open Road Championships
Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Vlaamse Witloof Veldrit Tervuren
Grote Prijs Sven Nys
Tour de Vineyards

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Parkcross Maldegem

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Images by AFP Photo

• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) was on hand to show of his new rainbow banded jersey.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) got back to his winning ways.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) receives a gift at the start.
• Niels Albert , Philipp Walsleben and Sven Nys (l-r) at the start.
• Niels Albert's girlfriend Ellen was at the race to cheer for the new world champion.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) adjusts his sunglasses on the start line.
• Bart Wellens leads Thijs Al and Gerben de Knegt up a climb.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) leads Richard Groenendaal (AA Drink Cycling Team).
• Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb - Projob) churns through the sand.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) finished on the podium in 3rd place.
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb - Projob) finished in 2nd place, one second behind Nys.
• Sven Nys is urged on by fans as he muscles through the sand.
• Belgian Champion Sven Nys prepares to hop on his Colnago after clearing the barriers.
• Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb - Projob) puts his long legs to good use in the barrier section.
• Kevin Pauwels (Fidea Cycling Team) on his way to a 4th place finish.
• Kenneth Van Compernolle (Sunweb - Projob) finished in 14th place.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) races for the first time since earning his rainbow-striped jersey.
• Philipp Walsleben (BKCP - Power Plus) finished 12th, four days after winning the U23 world championship.
• Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) leads Sven Vanthourenhout and Sven Nys.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) leads Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb-Projob) through the barriers.
• Bart Aernouts (Rabobank) flies over the barriers on his way to an 11th place finish.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) tackles a section of barriers.
• Sven Nys in action.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) powers through the sand.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) looks back to make sure no one will sneak by in the closing meters.
• A familiar gesture for Belgian national champion Sven Nys.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) wins in Maldegem.
• World Champion Niels Albert finished in 10th place.

South African National Marathon Series - Barberton

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Images by MTN National Marathon Series

• South African Under 23 road race champion Jacques Janse van Rensburg leads the front group up a climb early on in the elite men's ultra marathon.
• Max Knox conserved his energy early on, putting him in a position to go for the win in the latter stages.
• Max Knox confirmed his endurance capabilities by winning the first ever Ultra-marathon in the MTN National Mountain Bike Series.
• Brandon Stewart, who was later disqualified, leads the front group along a mist-shrouded hillside in the company of (from left) Jacques Janse van Rensburg, Burry Stander and Max Knox.
• Yolande de Villiers had reason to smile after returning from a long injury layoff to win the women's race comfortably.

New Zealand North Island Downhill Cup Round 3

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Images by Bike NZ

• Brook McDonald negotiates a challenging track during the elite men's race.

Indoor Cross Country Challenge

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Images by Brad Wilhelm

• A rider tears it up over some features in the indoor park.
• Lindsey Bishop does her time trial.
• Judy Freeman, Emily Batty, Catherine Pendrel, Melissa Thomas, Lindsey Bishop Brad Wilhelm

Images by Logan Beyhl

• Amateur podium

Cervélo Test Team training camp

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Blue skies, white walls, olive tree. The day brought mild weather and thoughts of summer.
• 2008 Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre, sitting at the back of the group.
• Sastre seemed some way off his top form, but it's a long way until his targets.
• The Cervélo Test Team during the training ride.
• The group was out for a total of five hours, one of which was on the time trial machines.
• Carlos Sastre rolls along.
• Teammate Martin Reimer, under blue skies.
• Andreas Klier and Simon Gerrans are aiming big in 2008
• Tour de France stage winner Thor Hushovd.
• Thor Hushovd has a very strong lead-out this year, which he will believe is stronger than that of his rivals.
• Hayden Roulston, Heinrich Haussler and Xavier Florencio, r-l, towards the end of the ride.
• Irish rider Philp Deignan and Thor Hushovd, r-l, both coming from French teams.
• Thor Hushovd was with Credit Agricole while Deignan raced with Ag2r.
• Dominique Rollin leads Sastre.
• Carlos Sastre has been praised by his teammates for being very down to earth and helpful to younger riders.
• The group travels along a quiet country road.
• Heinrich Haussler and Hayden Roulston lead the group.
• Ted King and Ignatas Konovalovas, r-l, get to know each other.
• Riders head through a small Portuguese town.
• The weather was far better than that of earlier in the week, making for a more enjoyable day in the saddle.
• Joaquín Novoa and Oscar Pujol, r-l, are two of the Spaniards on the team.
• Dominique Rollin is said to be in good form.
• Thor Hushovd is aiming for a strong showing in the Classics.
• Thor Hushovd in the centre of Jeremy Hunt and Hayden Roulsten, l & r. They are nearing the end of the first part of their training ride.
• Once back to the team hotel, the riders switched to these TT bikes and headed out for another hour.
• The riders were enthusing about the bikes, several saying they were faster than what they had been riding with other teams.
• Carlos Sastre rolls in to the hotel.
• Spaniard Carlos Sastre fiddled around with his bike computer...
• Carlos Sastre.
• Spain's Carlos Sastre has improved as a time trialist, as evidenced by his Tour-winning performance last July.
• Carlos Sastre was followed by plenty of cameras today. His life has changed somewhat since winning the Tour.
• Irish rider Philip Deignan, well rested and looking forward to a good season.
• Philip Deignan is likely to ride the Giro d'Italia and, depending on how that goes, may ride his first Tour.
• Thor Hushovd refuels prior to the TT training.
• Norwegian Thor Hushovd has won stages and the green Jersey at the Tour de France.
• Briton Roger Hammond has moved from Columbia to Cervélo. He's aiming for the Classics once again.
• Roger Hammond finished third in the Paris-Roubaix; it remains his career highlight.
• Briton Jeremy Hunt will be of great assistance to Hushovd when it comes to the closing stages.
• Daniel Lloyd comes to the squad from the An Post M. Donnelly Sean Kelly team.
• Daniel Lloyd seems pleased with things thus far.
• Carlos Sastre waits for the start of the time trial session.
• Spain's Carlos Sastre was in a relaxed mood, being as calm as ever.
• The riders wait with their TT bikes.
• Oscar Pujol was enjoying the sun.
• The media and riders mingle outside the team hotel.

Armstrong launches cancer campaign in Australia

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

• Lance Armstrong speaks to a crowd at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia.
• USA's Lance Armstrong at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia to speak about cancer awareness.
• Lance Armstrong in Australia for the Tour Down Under and to spread the awareness of cancer.
• Lance Armstrong, 37, a day after racing in the Cancer Council Classic launches Livestrong Foundation's Global Cancer Campaign.
• American Lance Armstrong after he launched the Livestrong Foundation's Global Cancer Campaign in Australia.

Tour de San Luis

Stage 7 - January 25: San Luis - San Luis, 167.1 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Argentina's Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank) on top of the sprint in stage seven.
• Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank) wins in the Tour de San Luis.
• Argentinean Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank) wins stage seven of the Tour de San Luis.
• Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank) pumps his fist after winning stage seven of the Tour de San Luis.
• Argentina's Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank) wins the final stage of the Tour de San Luis.
• Celebrations at the end of the Tour de San Luis.
• Argentina's Alfredo Lucero called to the stage.
• Alfredo Lucero awarded for the overall win in the Tour de San Luis.
• Alfredo Lucero after winning the Tour de San Luis.
• Alfredo 'El Flaco' Lucero crowned as the winner of the third annual Tour de San Luis
• Argentina's Alfredo Lucero crowned as the winner of the third annual Tour de San Luis

Stage 6 - January 24: Potrero De Los Funes (Circuit), 121 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Andriy Grivko (ISD)
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)
• Riders line up for the start stage six of the Tour de San Luis.
• Alessandro Proni (LPR)
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) in the feed zone.
• Ricardo Serrano (Fuji)
• Stage six of the Tour de San Luis.
• Fans wave the national flag
• Fans were out in large numbers.
• Riders take on water.
• An Argentinean fan
• A clear and hot day on the Formula One race track.
• Riders started on the new Formula One race track in Alfredo Lucero (Team Argentina).
• Stage six of the Tour de San Luis races along.
• Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank)
• Jorge Giacinti of Team Argentina.
• Argentinean fans out for stage six of the Tour de San Luis.
• Liquigas riders pass the feed zone.
• Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) leads
• Stage six was held on the new Formula One racetrack.
• Race leader Alfredo Lucero (Team Argentina)
• Luis Amaran (Colavita-Sutter Home) races towards his win.
• Cuba's Luis Amaran (Colavita-Sutter Home) wins stage six of the Tour de San Luis.
• Cuban Luis Amaran (Colavita-Sutter Home) wins stage six of the Tour de San Luis.
• Cuban Luis Amaran (Colavita-Sutter Home) takes Tour de San Luis stage six.
• Alessandro Proni (LPR) finishes the stage.
• Riders exhausted after a hot day of racing in the Tour de San Luis.
• Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank)
• Kjell Carlström (Liquigas) finishes stage six.
• Fans gather around Alfredo Lucero (Team Argentina).
• Alfredo Lucero (Team Argentina) keeps the overall lead in the Tour de San Luis.
• Alfredo Lucero (Team Argentina) celebrates his overall lead after stage six.

Images by Federico Blanco-Lanzi

• Alfredo Lucero in th eleader's jersey
• Luis Amaran (Colavita Sutter Home, centre) won ahed of Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank, left) and Manuel Belletti (Diquigiovanni)

Stage 5 - January 23: San Francisco Del Mote De Oro - Merlo (Mirador), 204.8 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Xavier Tondo (Andalucía-Cajasur) wins the fifth stage of the Tour de San Luis.
• Xavier Tondo (Andalucía-Cajasur) wins the stage.
• Argentinean Alfredo Lucero preserves the race lead.
• Jackson Rodriguez (Diquigiovanni) arrives.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) finishes in sixth for the day.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) comes to the finish line.
• Italy's Ivan Basso (Liquigas) exhausted after his effort in stage five of the Tour de San Luis.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) finds early season form in Argentina.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Bikes loaded for the trip back down the mountains in stage five of the Tour de San Luis.

Images by Pablo Cersosimo Photography

• The bunch enjoys the weather in Argentina
• Basso enjoyed the sun shine as well.
• Liquigas was one of the talked-about ProTour teams.
• The three-man break that took off on the final climb
• Mountains is attack time
• Xavier Tondo (Andalucía - Cajasur) takes the win atop the final climb in Merlo.

Stage 4 - January 22: San Luis - La Carolina, 159 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank) took the sprint for second.
• Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni) takes the win with a last minute solo attack.
• An ESPN helicopter lost control and crashed but fortunately the occupants were not seriously injured.
• Riders rolling in after the finish see the wreckage of an ESPN helicopter.
• A bit of quick work with the fire extinguisher keeps the situation from getting worse.
• Riders were shocked to see a helicopter crash after the finish line.
• The long, gradual climb was not hard enough to shed the sprinters.
• It was a lovely day in Argentina.
• The wreckages of the helicopter
• The peloton all together.
• Franciso Martinez (Andalucia-Cayasur) rolled up his sleeves to maximize his tanning.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) had a peaceful day.
• The Argentina-A team protect the lead of Alfredo Lucero.
• The big blue sky in Argentina.
• Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank) leads the peloton home.
• The ESPN helicopter before its untimely demise.
• A member of the Cuban team
• Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni) takes the win
• The helicopter crash drew a little attention away from the bike race going on.
• Riders assemble at the start of stage four.
• The Diquigiovanni teammates Serpa and Gavazzi shared the podium on stage four.
• The stage four podium Brechsel, Serpa and Gavazzi.
• A rider from Andalucia-Cayasur on the attack.
• Dmytro Grabovsky (ISD) has a mechanical during stage four.
• Riccardo Serrano (Fuji Servetto)

Images by Pablo Cersosimo Photography

• The bunch rolls over a bridge
• Liquigas in the bunch
• It was a nice day at the lake
• The bunch rides on windy roads
• Maximiliano Badde of the Argentinean National team is almost in the dirt...
• Attack the bunch when they rid piano!
• The break with rolls along with (l-r) Andy Guptill, Alessandro Vanotti and Martin Garrido.
• Vanotti gets good training on the front.
• Xavier Tondo makes his move
• The break on the lake.

Stage 3 - January 21: San Luis - San Luis (ITT), 19.8 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Ivan Basso back in time trial action
• Basso sprinted to ninth place in the race against the clock.
• Basso was visibly happy with his performance.
• Basso gets aero.
• Dmytro Grabovsky of ISD after the race.
• Alfredo Lucero took over the race lead and is now ahead by almost two minutes.
• Jorge Giacinti is in third place in the general classification after the time trial.
• Basso sweated after the effort in the heat.
• Jorge Giacinti won the time trial.
• Winner Jorge Giacinti after the race.
• Dmytro Grabovsky takes off for the lone effort of pain.
• Basso pedals through Argentina at an elevated pace.
• Lasse Bøchman (Saxo Bank) finishes his race.
• Dmytro Grabovsky during his effort against the clock.
• Lucas Haedo lost his race lead on stage three.
• Haedo's teammate Davide Frattini took things easy as he is expected for work duties over the next few days
• Alessandro Proni (ISD) looks for the finish line.
• Ricardo Serrano did the best he could to imitate a time trial bar.
• Time trial specialist Brian Vandborg hasn't put in his high gear for the season yet.
• David De La Fuente would rather be racing up some mountain.
• Murilo Fischer of Brazil also opted to ride without the time trial bars.

Images by Pablo Cersosimo Photography

• Andry Grivko (ISD) close to the line.
• Grivko finished fifth and was 22 seconds slower than the winner.
• Jesus Rosendo Prado inches closer to the finish line.
• Jackson Rodriguez powers home
• Carlos José Ochoa in the time trial
• The start house was a good place to get away form the sun.
• But once off it was relentless heat
• Stage 1 winner Mattia Gavazzi on his way.
• Gavazzi has sprinter's muscles which aren't necessarily good for time trialing...
• Kjell Carlström from Finland also found the heat very different than a summer at home.
• David De La Fuente likes to go solo in the mountains but less so in a time trial.
• Carlström along the Southamerican highway.
• Murilo Fischer on the drops.
• Brian Vandborg is admired by a spectator on a faster machine.
• Tom Zirbel finished second
• Bissel was happy with today's race.
• Basso gave it all until the line.
• Basso fighted and ended the day in ninth.

Stage 2 - January 20: San Luis/La Toma - Mirador Del Potrero, 174.4 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Basso checks out the weather before the start and realises that shades will be good while long sleeves won't be.
• Haedo takes a breather in a break where everyone did their share at the front.
• Haedo leads a cooling-off Lucero and Prado.
• Liquigas at the front
• The tour is in Argentina alright.
• Liquigas in the bunch
• The peloton rides through pretty Argentina.
• The peloton followed the break in respectful distance and was concerned about staying cool.
• With the mountains at the end the field strung out on the lead-up to the climb.
• The break of the day powers up the final climb.
• Carlos Ochoa (Diquigiovanni) attacks the final climb hard and finishes fourth.
• Lucas Sebastian Haedo wins the stage after the three-man break survived the day.
• Haedo is proud of his leader's jersey and happy that he gets to share the moment with his father.
• The break filled the podium with (l-r) second-placed Nazaret Prado (Brazil), winner Lucas Sebastian Haedo and third-placed Alfredo Lucero (Argentina A).
• Gabriel Curucet is the president of the Argentinean cycling federation and congratulates the winner.

Images by Pablo Cersosimo Photography

• The colourful peloton against the scenic backdrop of San Luis.
• The Liquigas team is getting in some solid early season training.
• The peloton was sluggish in the heat.
• Andy Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) reaches for a drink while riding in the breakaway.
• José Antonio Carrasco (Andalucia-Cajasur)
• Jesus Rosendo (Andalucia-Cajasur) leads the peloton.
• The eight-man breakaway went early in the second stage.
• The peloton chugs away up the climb, with many riders conserving energy in the hot conditions.
• The late-race break with Sebastian Haedo (Colavita-Sutter Home), Alfredo Lucero (Argentina-A) and Nazaret Prado (Scott-Brazil)
• Sebastian Haedo (Colavita) won the stage from the breakaway and took over the lead in the GC, mountains and sprint classifications.

Stage 1 - January 19: San Luis - Villa Mercedes, 168.4 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Oscar Gatto gets ready for the first stage.
• Ivan Basso starts the day like he is used from home, with reading La Gazzetta dello Sport.
• Giovanni Lombardi (r) with Marco Villa at the start.
• The riders didn't have to pay
• Liquigas takes in the sun in Argentina.
• Alessandro Proni (ISD) pedals along.
• Mattia Gavazzi was the fastest guy on a day when it seemed he could even match motorbikes.
• Ricardo Serrano (Fuji-Servetto) during stage 1.
• The pace in the beginning allowed everyone to get used to racing again.
• Ivan Basso is back in the peloton.
• Vincenzo Nibali gets his first race for the year under his belt.
• The peloton .rides through Argentina
• Team ISD gets ready for the first official race outing.
• Basso enjoys his Cannondale.
• ISD is eager to hit the road.
• It was warm, but some managed to get shade.
• Fuji-Servetto is sort of the successor tam to Saunier Duval.
• Billboards acknowledge the peloton.
• Gavazzi launched the sprint which then moved to one side of the road.
• The sprint on the tight finishing straight.
• JJ Haedo keeps his balance by leaning on Gavazzi.
• Gavazzi had barely enough space to lift his arms.
• Gavazzi lifts his arms
• Sometimes sprints do look like Keirin.
• The tight sprint between Gavazzi and Haedo where the Argentinean on the left ran out of room.
• Mattia Gavazzi wins the sprint and Juan José Haedo's efforts to wrap his head around didn't help.
• JJ Haedo after his close loss.
• Gavazzi (c) smiles while the Haedos look on.
• The podium with the top three.

Images by Federico Blanco-Lanzi

• The day's winner Gavazzi of Italy enjoys the spot at the top.
• The podium from left to right with second-placed Juan José Haedo, winner Mattia Gavazzi and Lucas Sebastian Haedo in third.

Pre-race training ride

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) rides with this teammates.
• Andriy Grivko leads Team ISD.
• Ivan Basso, Alessandro Vanotti and Kjell Carlström (Liquigas), l-r, on in Argentina.
• Ricardo Serrano (ISD)
• Andriy Grivko (ISD) smiles.
• Oscar Gatto (ISD) in Argentina.
• Teams train on the roads of the Tour de San Luis.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) on a training ride before the Tour de San Luis in Argentina.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)
• Team Fuji-Servetto
• Ricardo Serrano of Team Fuji-Servetto, 2nd l.
• Dmitry Grabovskiy (ISD) gives the thumbs up.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) riding in Argentina with his teammates.
• Oscar Gatto (ISD) relaxes
• Giovanni Lombardi and Ivan Basso (Liquigas).
• Ivan Dominguez (Fuji)
• Andriy Grivko and Leonardo Scarselli (ISD)
• Alessandro Proni (ISD)
• Vincenzo Nibali and Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Vincenzo Nibali and Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Team ISD train before the Tour de San Luis stage race.
• Argentina: riders train before the Tour de San Luis.
• Davide Frattini with his Colavita-Sutter Home teammates.
• Kjell Carlström (Liquigas), r, before a training ride.
• Matti Breschel (CSC Saxo Bank)
• ISD's Oscar Gatto, Andriy Grivko and Dmitry Grabovskiy, l-r.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) looking down to his bars before riding in Argentina.
• Italian Ivan Basso (Liquigas) looks at his glasses.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) with his teammates before a terrain ride in Argentina.
• Dmitry Grabovskiy (ISD)
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen (CSC Saxo Bank)
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) tries out new handlebars.
• Rough terrain in Argentina.
• Davide Frattini with his Colavita-Sutter Home teammates.

Centrumcross Surhuisterveen

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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• The elite men's podium (l-r): Thijs Al, Lars Boom and Gerben de Knegt.
• Ben Berden (Revor-Jartazi) finished the race in 11th place.
• Lars Boom and Richard Groenendaal battle early in the race. Boom won, while Groenendaal finished fourth.
• Boy Van Poppel rides alone, although it wasn't his day in Surhuisterveen
• Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) finished in 15th.
• Lars Boom was strong all day which is a good sign heading into the world championships.
• Way ahead of anyone else was Lars Boom, who went on to win the race.
• Lars Boom (Rabobank) put in the big ones on home turf.
• A dominant Lars Boom took out the 15th Centrumcross Surhuisterveen.
• Two Dutchmen battling at home. Lars Boom and Richard Groenendaal fighting for the premier placings.
• Italian Marco Bianco performed well, taking 12th.
• Fresh from taking second in the Czech national champs was Radomír Šimunek, who finished sixth in Surhuisterveen
• Richard Groenendaal (AA Drink) is still popular in Holland, and has been on the scene for a long time.
• With another Belgian championship under his belt Sven Nys was out of contention for the podium and finished 10th.
• Thijs Al jumps his way to a podium spot.

Great Britain Cyclo-cross Championships

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Images by Joolze Dymond

• Jody Crawforth (Arctic - Premier RT) was strong on all sections of the course, and it showed.
• Jody Crawforth wins a national title ahead of a quality field after a tough race.
• The elite men's field heads up the steps, which proved decisive in the finale.
• The men tackle the hurdles.
• Roger Hammond looked strong as usual and featured in the closing stages of the race.
• I know the weather's a bit bleak in the UK, but surely it's not THIS grey!
• Riders head off the pavement and back into the slightly thawed dirt section.
• The elite men's podium (l-r): Roger Hammond (third), Jody Crawforth (first) and Paul Oldham (second).
• Under the Union Jack the field explodes as a national title is at stake.
• Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) was a standout performer and took silver as a result.
• Talented junior Ruby Miller indicated she's a face for the future, with a spirited fourth place against the senior women.
• Suzanne Clarke (Science in Sport - Trek) was a little ambivalent about her performance after the finish.
• The elite women's podium (l-r): Gabriella Day (second), Helen Wyman (first) and Suzanne Clarke (third)
• Helen Wyman leads up the steps and did so for the entire race.
• Wyman had time to celebrate as she clinched a fourth national title.
• Helen Wyman wins in Bradford to make it four straight.

Images by Andrew Kennedy/www.kennedyimages.co.uk

• Defending champion Roger Hammond (Cervelo Test Team) warms up in GB team kit.
• Nick Craig (Scott UK) looks relaxed on the start line.
• In-form Jody Crawforth (Artic Premier RT) gets himself into the zone at the start.
• an Bibby (SIS) was hoping for a podium finish at today's championship.
• Rob Jebb (Wheelbase) seven-time winner of the classic Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross was probably disappointed that the circuit had stayed hard overnight, he would have preferred wet and muddy conditions.
• Cervelo Test Team professional Roger Hammond started the race in a plain kit.
• Jody Crawforth and Ian Bibby lead the race towards the stepped section.
• Massive crowds lined the the circuit around Peel Park, Bradford.
• Seasoned cross rider Nick Craig (Scott UK) lost contact with the leaders.
• Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) created a 10 second lead at the race's midway point.
• Oldham was then joined by Jody Crawforth.
• Roger Hammond battles to make contact with the two leaders.
• MTB rider Annie Simpson was spotted in the crowd keeping out the cold and wind.
• Jody Crawforth takes control of the race and Hammond has difficulty holding his wheel.
• BBC TV commentator Hugh Porter kept the crowds entertained with his banter and headgear.
• A delighted Jody Crawforth claims his first British Cyclo-cross Championship.
• Paul Oldham is happy to get the silver medal.
• A clearly disappointed Roger Hammond had to settle for 3rd place.
• The champ enjoys his moment in the spotlight.
• Jody Crawforth nearly got lost in his championship jersey.

Images by Richard Asquith/www.flamingphotography.co.uk

• Ian Field was the first to attack and opened up a sizable gap on the first lap.
• Chasing group (l-r) with Jody Crawforth as well as Ian Bibby, Stuart Wearmouth and Paul Oldham.
• Rob Jebb and Nick Craig on one of the few flatter sections.
• Jody Crawforth
• Robb Jebb (Wheelbase/Gore Bike Wear).
• Paul Oldham takes his turn at the front of the leading group.
• Ian Bibby
• Jody Crawforth resplendent in his new National Champions jersey complete with trophy.
• Podium celebrations.

Images by Chris Lees/www.chrisleesphotography.com

• Jody Crawforth leads Oldham and Bibby early in the race.
• Jody Crawforth pulls up the hill and away from the competition.
• Crawforth was on a roll.
• Paul Oldham led early on in the race, but Crawforth stayed close, before attacking hard.
• Roger Hammond tried to mount a comeback but fell short and had to settle for third.

Dutch Cyclo-cross Championships

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Lars Boom rides to victory.
• Lars Boom (Rabobank) extends his lead in the sand.
• Thijs Al, Lars Boom and Richard Groenendaal make up the 2009 Dutch championships podium.
• Lars Boom (Rabobank) had a solid lead in the Dutch elite men's championships.
• Lars Boom on the attack on the frozen course in Huijbergen.
• The chasing group had three AA Drink riders.

Images by Dion Kerckhoffs/DKfotografie.nl

• Tessa van Nieuwpoort rides a cold junior women race.
• Tessa van Nieuwpoort wins the junior women's event.
• Podium junior women
• Marianne Vos before the start.
• Mirjam Melchers heads through.
• Daphny van den Brand tries to blend in with the frosty Dutch country side.
• Daphny van den Brand wins the Dutch Champion for the 10th time .
• The women's podium l-r: Mirjam Melchers, Daphny van den Brand and Saskia Elemans
• Boy van Poppel won the U23 event
• Micki van Empel
• Boy van Poppel runs up the climb
• Boy van Poppel wins
• The U23 podium l-r: Micki van Empel, Boy van Poppel and Ramon Sinkeldam
• Favourit Tijmen Eising before the start of the Juniors
• Lars van der Haar
• David van der Poel
• Tijmen Eising
• Lars van der Haar wins!
• Podium juniors l-r: Tijmen Eising, Lars van der Haar and David van der Poel
• The climb was tough
• Lars Boom jump off his bike
• Lars Boom was good despite injury
• Good old Richard Groenendaal
• Thijs Al did well
• Lars Boom in the snow
• Gerben de Knegt
• Lars Boom wins solo
• Groenendaal is happy with his podium place
• Lars Boom in his new Dutch champ shirt
• Podium of the men from l to r: Thijs Al , Lars Boom and Richard Groenendaal

Images by Tom De Meyer

• Thijs Al gave Lars Boom (behind) a run for his money.
• Boom had an elbow injury and decided to start only because of his strong desire to defend the Dutch title.
• Gerben de Knegt (Rabobank) ran and rode to a place just outside the medals.
• The old man and the cross – Richard Groenendaal is still an outstanding athlete.
• Thijs Al has a great season so far.
• Jan van Herwijnen had a stylish outfit.
• Boom eventually ran clear from the others
• Boom celebrates a Dutch championship in his Worlds jersey.
• Boom with his medal – it was worth the pain.
• Thijs Al (l) won silver behind winner Lars Boom. Richard Groenendaal rode to bronze.

Irish Cyclo-cross Championships

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Images by Myles McCorry

• Aidan McDonald (Apollo) won the vets competition and also finished seventh in the men's elite race.
• Happy bronze winner Conor Campbell.
• Cabe Mulligan comes through
• Laim McGreevy shows off his 'cross skills.
• Silver went to Conor McConvey.
• Super vet McConville
• Seymour led start to finish

Italian Cyclo-cross Championships

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Images by Soncini

• The arrival of Eva Lechner (C.S. Esercito - Colnago Cap) as the new Italian 'cross champion.
• Elena Valentini (G.S.Cicli Fiorin Despar) wins the junior race.
• Borgo Mara Dal (G.S. Cimetta Comprex) celebrates her Masters win.
• Veronica Alessio (Team Colnago Arreghini) takes the U23 championships
• The women's elite podium from left to right with Daniela Bresciani (Team Colnago Cap Arreghini, second), Eva Lechner (C.S. Esercito - Colnago Cap) and Milena Cavani (Marchiol Ima Famila).
• Junior winner Elena Valentini (G.S.Cicli Fiorin Despar) on the podium flanked by second-placed Isabella Arman (Moro Scott Bicycleline) (left) and Francesca Cauz (Gs Verso L Iride).
• Master winner Borgo Mara Dal (G.S. Cimetta Comprex) on top and above runner-up Cristina Dusina (A.S.D. Mtb Agnosine, left) and Claudia Marsilio (Asd G.P.Racer Team).
• The U23 podium (l-r): Silver medallist Elisabetta Borgia (Selle Italia Guerciotti A.S.D.), Veronica Alessio (Team Colnago Arreghini) and Stefania Vecchio (G.S.Cicli Fiorin Despar).

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• His face caked with mud, Enrico Franzoi takes the title back after a year missed due to injury.
• Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas) on his way to the win in a muddy elite men's race.
• Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas) wins the elite men's championship
• Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas) cleaned up, takes the podium.

French Cyclo-cross Championships

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Images by AFP Photo

• Maryline Salvetat takes the title of French cyclo-cross champion.
• Francis Mourey (Francaise des Jeux) leads over the barriers in the elite men's race.
• Maryline Salvetat soloed to the win in the elite women's race.
• Maryline Salvetat on her way to victory.
• Francis Mourey (Francaise des Jeux) takes the sprint win in the elite men's race.
• The elite men's podium: Francis Mourey (FdJ) is flanked by Steve Chainel and Julien Belgy (Bouygues Telecom)
• Francis Mourey is chased by the Bouygues Telecom duo.
• The elite women's podium: Christel Ferrier-Bruneau, Maryline Salvetat and Caroline Mani

Images by Fabrice Lambert

• Fabien Taillefer during the race.
• Fabien Taillefer shoulders his bike.
• Jérémy Grimal storms up the hill.
• Arnaud Jouffroy crossed the line with his bike in the air.
• Jouffroy took a decisive victory.
• Arnaud Jouffroy celebrates his solo win
• Fabien Taillefer (Roubaix-Lille-Métropole) arrives just outside the podium spots.
• Arnaud Jouffroy rides ahead of Matthieu Boulo.
• A proud Arnaud Jouffroy shows his new French Champ jersey on the podium.
• Daniel Mangeas speaks with Arnaud Jouffroy.
• The U23 podium centred around winner Arnaud Jouffroy.
• It was cold but dry so the kids could enjoy the podium.
• The proud U23 medal wearers.
• Pierre-Henri Lecuisinier (VS Gerzatois) wins the sprint in the cadets race.
• The podium of the cadets with winner Pierre-Henri Lecuisinier (VS Gerzatois) in the middle.
• Seven riders ahead in the junior race after the first lap.
• Adrien Duault (Bretagne) leans into the turn.
• Alexandre Billon (CM Aubervilliers) shows his medal that he won in the junior race.
• The podium of the juniors in Pont-Château.
• Alexandre Billon takes the win in a sprint.
• The podium (l-r with runner-up Anthony Maldonado (Provence), winner Alexandre Billon (Ile de France) and Valentin Hadoux (Champagne Ardenne).
• Pierre Garson and Valentin Hadoux run up the climb.
• At the start everything was tight together.
• Anthony Maldonado (r) finished second.
• Valentin Hadoux and Pierre Garson in the first lap.le 1er tour
• Anthony Colas (CM Aubervilliers) runs with his bike.
• Anthony Colas (CM Aubervilliers) powers along on the packed dirt section.
• Anthony Ravard (Agritubel) uses his left leg as safety device.
• Arnold Jeannesson (Caisse d'Epargne) storms up the hill.
• Aurélien Duval (UV Aube)
• Benoît Sinner (Besson Chaussures Sojasun) on top of his game
• Christophe Le Bouédec (EC Quéven)
• Christophe Le Bouédec, Sébastien Hansen and David Bonhomme run over the obstacles.
• Cyril Bonnand (Bleus de France)
• Damien Mougel (AC Bisontin)
• David Derepas (UVCA Troyes) runs with his bike
• The Bretagne champion Florian Le Corre (Super Sport)
• Françis Mourey ahead of Julien Belgy and Steve Chainel
• Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures Sojasun)
• Julien Roussel (Comité de Normandie)
• Steve Chainel en route to silver
• Françis Mourey wins the sprint.
• Mourey outclasses Steve Chainel (Bouygues Telecom)
• Steve Chainel congratulates Françis Mourey
• Françis Mourey kisses his medal.
• The elite podium
• Podium elite Pontchâteau
• Bouygues Télécom scored second and third with Steve Chainel (l) and Julien Belgy
• Camille Darcel (VC Dinan) with good form
• Camille Darcel runs up the stairs
• Camille Darcel (VC Dinan)
• Céline Wittek (CV Liévinois) powewrs along the course
• Johanna Bleuzen (Comité de Bretagne)
• The crash of Christelle Ferrier Bruneau came in the first lap.
• Lucie Lefevre ahead of Maureen Demaret
• Manuella Glon (Oust Lanvaux VTT)
• Maryline Salvetat (VSLL Castres) on the stairs.
• Pauline Ferrand Prevost (AC Bazancourt Reims)
• Nadia Triquet (UC Bassin Houiller) in the first lap.
• Junior rider Pauline Ferrand was ahead Christelle Ferrier Bruneau, Maryline Salvetat and Caroline Mani
• Caroline Mani (Vienne Futuroscope)
• The joy of winning: Maryline Salvetat
• Maryline Salvetat waves to the crowd after her win.
• Christelle Ferrier Bruneau, Maryline Salvetat and Caroline Mani present their medals.
• The podium of the women
• Maryline Salvetat had tears in her eyes
• The happy women show their medals, l-r:
• The podium of the women

Cofidis presentation

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Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Romain Villa smiles confidently.
• Tristan Valentin had to sit out nine months due to injury and is cautious with his comeback plans.
• Christophe Kern thinks about his new team Cofidis.
• Sébastien Minard ready for 2009.
• Jean Eudes Demaret already won the first race for Cofidis, a 'cross event.
• Damien Monier was fifth in the French National time trial Championships last year.
• Rein Taaranae from Estonia is in his second year with Cofidis and has three victories so far.
• Maryan Hary was in a 200km break in the 2008 French road championships.
• David Moncoutié is ready to be a leader.
• Alexandre Usov wants to win some races from breakaways.
• Alain Deloeuil has lots of experience as a directeur sportif.
• Bernard Quilfen is an oldtimer in the sport.
• The mighty Cofidis is ready for the ProTour season after all.
• Cofidis presented itself at the Théâtre Merveilleux in Paris.
• The Cofidis motto for 2009 to the other teams: Follow Cofidis.
• Look who's there.
• In a French presentation there is no need to worry about the food quality.
• Lots of people came to the event.
• And of course. the team's fan club was in attendance.
• Campy 11-speed for more options in the mountains.
• A comfy saddle for the riders.
• Famous race and Tour de France commentator Daniel Mangeas led through the programme.
• The president of Cofidis competition, Thierry Vittu.
• Mangeas asks Team Manager Eric Boyer (r) for the 2009 game plan.
• Alexandre Blain lives in Southern France and loves the Belgian Classics. Go figure.
• Samuel Dumoulin won a Tour stage last year and listens in for the praise of this feat.
• He's new: Guillaume Blot in his first year as a pro.
• The riders presented the 2009 jersey
• The trackies Quentin Lafargue (l) and François Pervis are half the track team. Bourgain and Sireau didn't make it to Paris.
• Obviously these are track muscles
• Arnaud Tournant retired as a track star and will now head the Cofidis pistards.
• Les directeurs sportifs (l-r): Arnaud Tournant, Francis van Londersele, Alain Deloeuil and Bernard Quilfen.
• The Cofidis team form 2009
• No sweat, every rider will get a Look bike.
• Bingen Fernandez is the only Spaniard on the team.
• David Moncoutié is confident for the 2009 season.
• Bingen Fernandez dreams of the sun in southern Spain.
• Former French Champion Florent Brard.
• Stéphane Augé has his eyes on the only bicycle on the stage.
• After his 2008 comeback year he wants tom make 2009 his onfirmation year.
• Marvellous Mechanicals?
• Alexandre Usov looks for escapes
• The riders enjoyed the games after the presentation. Advance your horse by aiming well.
• David Moncoutié had an unusual shooting technique but he hit bulls eye in his first try!
• Moncoutié has his goals firmly in sight.
• He hopes to have a smile like he did in Madrid last year.
• It was a non-smoking event and Alexandre Blain actually blew some steam after tasting one of the desserts!
• Stéphane Augé looks forward to the French Championships in 2009.
• Moncoutié at another game which resembled Foosball.

Images by Sonja Csury/www.allaboutcycling.de

• Amaël Moinard gives an interview.
• The riders enjoyed the activities in the theatre du merveillleux in Paris.
• Florand Brard aims high in 2009.
• Team manager Eric Boyer was in good spirits during the presentation of his team in Paris.
• Stephan Augé hopes for the French Championships.
• Tristan Valentin looks to his boss.
• Hervé Duclos-Lasalle is ready to tackle the season.
• The riders of the team Cofidis are ready for 2009.
• Amaël Moinard is the new French hope.
• Moncoutié (l) and Moinrad (third from left) will be the stage race leaders.
• Francis van Lodersele is one of the directeurs sportifs.
• All the directeurs sportifs of Cofidis in 2009.
• Stephan Augé looks forward to racing.
• Almost the entire Cofidis team for 2009.

Cervélo presentation

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Birthday boy Thor Hushovd is congratulated by riders and management.
• Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre with Cervélo’s Gerard Vroomen. Team manager Thomas Campana played a very important role in setting things up.
• The women’s team has been backed by Cervélo for a year. Olympic champion Kristin Armstrong spearheads that charge.
• The men’s team is part of the new, expanded project.
• Big riders include Carlos Sastre and Thor Hushovd plus several other well-known faces.
• The Cervélo Test Team at its launch on Saturday in Southern Portugal.
• The setting for the Cervélo team launch near Faro in Portugal
• The Cervélo time trial bike for 2009.
• The distinctive red and black paintjob of the Cervélo road bike.
• Cervélo co-founder Jim White.
• The company is making a big finanical commitment, sponsoring its own team.
• Gerard Vroomen is the other co-founder of the Canadian company.
• They were bike supplier for CSC last year but uncertainty about the future with the team gave them the incentive to strike out on their own.
• Eurosport's David Harmon was one of the presenters at the launch.
• The team is backed
• The team shorts bear what the management stress are four key goals: Innovate, Sacrifice, Unite and Succeed. A fifth, that of Honesty, is written on the collar of the jersey.
• Team manager Thomas Campana and Olympic TT champion Kristin Armstrong
• New Zealand rider Hayden Roulston is back to the big time again.
• Australian Carla Ryan is with the team in 2009.
• She got her season off to a great start and won both the national road and time trial championships.
• Kristin Armstrong, Hayden Roulston and Carla Ryan; three of the top riders from the US, New Zealand and Australia, respectively.
• Canada's Dominique Rollin was with Toyota United Pro last season.
• Rollin won the fourth stage of the 2008 Tour of California and also took the points jersey.
• 2008 Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre
• Thomas Campana, alongside Armstrong, Roulston, Ryan, Rollin and Sastre.
• Former sprint great Jean Paul Van Poppel is one of the directeurs sportifs
• Jens Zemke will play a similar role...
• ...so too Marcello Albasini...
• ..Alex Sans Vega...
• ....Manuel Lacambra...
• ...and Patrick Banfi.
• The women's team with the directeurs sportif.
• Carlos Sastre, being interviewed by Eurosport's David Harmon
• Sastre is the clear centre of the men's team, a new role for him. In previous years he'd shared the limelight with other GC contenders.
• The complete men and women's team at the launch.
• The women's team existed last season but the men's squad is a new project.
• Thor Hushovd celebrated his birthday on the day of the team launch.
• He knew nothing about the team's surprise for him, and looked pretty pleased.
• The former green jersey winner wants to target the maillot vert again this year, but a higher priority is to win a Classic.
• Tour winner Carlos Sastre was wearing the tin of fruit for the launch (suit).
• He's standing alongside Gerard Vroomen of Cervélo and team manager Thomas Campana.
• He and Vroomen share a laugh.
• Sastre and Hushovd with White and Vroomen of Cervélo.
• The Briton Dan Fleeman is a new signing, coming to the team from the Continental -ranked An Post M. Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly squad.
• Canadian rider Dominique Rollin is looking forward to riding big races in Europe.
• Hushovd with a team bike, ready for the official photos.
• He and directeur sportif Alex Sans Vega go over some details.
• Hushovd walks past the pool, heading to the golf course where the team shots were taken.
• The riders stroll there, enjoying the mild conditions.
• Hushovd comes to the team from the now-folded Credit Agricole squad.
• He told Cyclingnews that he is glad to join another clean squad.
• Former Milram lead-out man Brett Lancaster is motivated to aim for more prologue victories this year, having taken the maglia rosa in the Giro d'Italia before.
• Jeremy Hunt is part of Hushovd's strong leadout train.
• He's won races such as the GP Plouay and wants to hit that sort of form once again.
• Heinrich Haussler comes to the team from Gerolsteiner, which also folded in 2008.
• The women's team want another successful season.
• There was a good atmosphere amongst both groups; there was plenty of high spirits on show from this men's group.
• The men's team with their sports directors.
• Sastre, Hushovd and Simon Gerrans have all taken Tour stage wins.
• The complete men's and women's team.
• The teams with the mechanics.
• There are 25 men and 12 women wearing the Cervélo colours in 2009.
• A different angle of the team.
• Riders, directeurs sportifs, mechanics and other support crew; it's a considerable line-up.
• Sastre and the other riders will work closely with their suppliers to help develop and fine-tune products. He's here with two from the Rotor components company.
• Albasini, Van Poppel and Zemke, ready for what they expect to be an impressive season.
• Irish rider Philip Deignan is happy to compete alongside Sastre, learning from the Tour champion.
• Deignan and the Briton Dan Lloyd have a great chance to build their experience in 2009.
• As has been the case since the Tour, Sastre has been in demand with the media and others. Here he records a testimonial for the Zipvit range of products.

Rotterdam Six Days

Day 6 - January 7:

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Images by Rob Evans/www.otbphoto.com

• Amy Pieters leads the elimination.
• Shelley Olds looks to have the elimination in hand out of turn four.
• Michael Vingerling and Nick Stöpler battle for the top spot of the podium in the last race of the UIV Talent Cup.
• Mark Christian and Andrew Fenn dug deep to defend their lead all week.
• Raymond Kreder and Michel Kreder.
• Marianne Vos leads the final four in the elimination.
• Yondi Schmidt in the team sprint.
• Theo Bos in the team sprint.
• The bike of Juan Llaneras , 4-time World points race champ, 3-time world madison champ, 2008 Olympic points race gold medalist...and winner of the Rotterdam 6.
• Chris Hoy
• Andrea Wolfer gets thrown in.
• The British duo of Alex Greenfield and Katie Colclough.
• Kristen Wild throws Vera Koedooder to another victory in the madison.
• The 17-year-old Dutch duo of Lotte van Hoek and Amy Pieters give a glimpse into the future of Dutch track racing, taking fourth overall for the week.
• American Shelley Olds throws in Sisy van Alebeek.
• Yondi Schmidt at full speed in his 200m TT.
• A packed house on day six in Rotterdam.

Day 5 - January 6:

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Images by Peter Cossins/Procycling

• Thomas Dekker looked comfortable amongst the track boys in Rotterdam.
• And Dekker had the handslings happening during the Madison.
• World champion Juan Llaneras was riding well, as always, and looking just a little shiny.
• As the lights dim on another six-day Leif Lampater and Franco Marvulli stand as the victors.
• Leon Van Bon was riding on home turf as he prepares for another season on the road.
• Theo Bos (r) and Chris Hoy (l) go head to head in the sprint series.
• It was an unusual sight when Thomas Dekker hit the boards in Rotterdam.
• Thomas Dekker slings Jen Mouris into the fray during the Madison.
• Thomas Dekker was a local favourite in Rotterdam.

Images by Rob Evans/www.otbphoto.com

• If these dernys could talk they would speak tales of suffering and glory.
• The first of many rounds of glasses are lined up for the VIPs.
• Jiri Bares and Jan Dostal exchange.
• The UIV Talent Cup was raced full throttle all week.
• UIV riders Michael Vingerling and Nick Stöpler.
• UIV riders Yoeri Havik and Barry Markus.
• Down to four riders in the elimination : Marianne Vos, Kristen Wild, Eliser van Hage and Andrea Wolfer.
• Chantal Blaak and Marlijn Binnendijk in the madison.
• Nina Kessler and Agnienta Francke exchange.
• Pim Ligthart and Jef Vermeulen.
• Leon Von Bon and Kenny DeKetele,
• Andeas Beikirch throws Robert Bartko.
• Thomas Dekker shows his track skills throwing Jens Mouris.
• Franco Marvulli and Leif Lampater show proper madison form.
• Juan Llaneras drops the hammer in the madison.
• Bruno Risi is forced to give chase.

Day 4 - January 5:

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Images by Rob Evans/www.otbphoto.com

• Lasers, spotlights and a packed house for 6 Days in Rotterdam.
• Franco Marvulli and Leif Lampater are introduced to the crowed.
• Shelley Olds en route to victory in the Elimination.
• Sisy Van Alebeek in the madison.
• Wagtho Lianne and Veen van Suzanne trade off in the madison.
• Kristen Wild throws Vera Koedooder to victory in the madison.
• Chris Hoy is back in action in Rotterdam.
• Two laps to go in the derny race.
• Juan Llaneras laps the field in the derny race.

Vuelta a Tachira

Stage 12 - January 17: Circuito Ciudad de San Cristóbal, 121.92km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The jersey winners on the podium.
• Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas) wins the Vuelta al Tachira's final stage.
• The final general classification podium (l-r) Tomas Gil (Gobierno De Carabobo Fundadeporte, 2nd), Ronald Gonzalez (Loteria Del Tachira, 1st) and Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas, 3rd).
• An elated Ronald Gonzalez (Loteria Del Tachira) crosses the finish line.
• Members of the winning break hard at work.
• The winning break rolls along the streets of San Cristóbal.

Stage 11 - January 16: San José de Bolívar - Queniquea (ITT), 10.38km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• José Rujano starts his time trial.
• The podium with runner-up José Alarcon (l), winner José Rujano and third-placed Tomas Gil.
• Rujano won the time trial and inched closer in the overall.
• But José Alarcon stays the leader by a few seconds.
• The jersey leaders pose on then podium.

Stage 10 - January 15: Cordero - La Fría - La Grita, 133.6km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The peloton at high speed.
• José Rujano (Gobernacion Del Zulia) wins the stage.
• Rujano celebrated 18 seconds ahead of the second rider.
• Rujano showed he is still top class, despite not being able to continue at Caisse d'Epargne.
• Medina was happy with third.
• The podium with Rujano in the centre and second placed Jose Alarcon (Sumiglow Gobernacion Merida) on the left. Rujano's teammate Manuel Medina finished third.
• All the leaders on the podium.

Stage 9 - January 14: Circuito de Rubio, 110.4km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• To the victors go the spoils. The stage nine podium (l-r) Arthur Garcia (Loteria Del Tachira , 2nd), Carlos Becerra (Gobierno De Carabobo Fundadeporte, 1st) and Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas, 3rd) pose with flowers and podium girls.
• Arthur Garcia (Loteria Del Tachira) outsprints Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas) for second place in stage nine.
• The stage nine podium (l-r) Arthur Garcia (Loteria Del Tachira , 2nd), Carlos Becerra (Gobierno De Carabobo Fundadeporte, 1st) and Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas, 3rd).
• Carlos Becerra (Gobierno De Carabobo Fundadeporte) solos to victory in stage 9.
• The peloton sets out on the circuit race in Rubio.

Stage 8 - January 13: Las Mesas - San Antonio, 143km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The stage seven podium (l-r) Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas, 2nd), Jose Alarcon (Sumiglow Gobernacion Merida, 1st) and Ronald Gonzalez (Loteria Del Tachira, 3rd).
• General classification jersey holders (l-r) Jonatan Monsalve (Hussein Sport Gobierno Barinas, Points leader), Ronald Gonzalez (Loteria Del Tachira, GC leader) and Victor Moreno (Alcaldia De Maracaibo, Sprints leader).
• Jose Alarcon (Sumiglow Gobernacion Merida) takes the stage and moves into fifth overall in general classification.
• The peloton rolls along amidst the lush Venezuelan countryside.
• The winning break approaches the sprint prime in El Mirador.

Stage 7 - January 12: Táriba - La Fría - El Cobre, 138km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The stage seven podium (l-r) Ronald Gonzalez (Loteria Del Tachira, 2nd), Jose Rujano (Gobernacion Del Zulia) and Jose Alarcon (Sumiglow Gobernacion Merida, 3rd).
• The peloton rolls out of Táriba to begin the seventh stage.
• Jose Rujano (Gobernacion Del Zulia) talks to the press after winning stage 7.
• The peloton is strung out nearly single file during stage 7.
• Jose Rujano (Gobernacion Del Zulia) wins the Vuelta al Tachira's seventh stage.

Stage 6 - January 11: El Vigía - Cerro El Cristo, 170km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The day's podium (l-r): Yeisson Delgado, Ronald Gonzalez and Edwin Becerra
• Stage winner Ronald Gonzalez gets to hang with the lovely ladies on the podium.
• After a tough stage Ronald Gonzalez came out on top.
• Ronald Gonzalez was the clear cut winner on a day that had plenty to offer riders.
• Loteria Del Tachira works hard on stage six to Cerro El Cristo

Stage 5 - January 10: Circuito El Vigía, 94km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The fifth stage top three (l-r): Arthur Garcia, Jonathan Monsalve and Franklin Chacon
• The first and only intermediate sprint went to Angel Rivas
• The field gets down to business during the 94km fifth stage around El Vigía
• Arthur Garcia (Loteria Del Tachira) gets it ahead of Monsalve and Chacon
• The overall podium after stage five
• Arthur Garcia has a chat to some of the assembled media

Stage 4 - January 9: Mérida - La Palmita - Tovar, 120km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The top three riders from stage 4 : (l-r) Franklin Chacon (Gobernacion Del Zulia), stage winner Juan Murillo (Loteria Del Tachira) and Tomas Gil (Gobierno De Carabobo Fundadeporte).
• Juan Murillo (Loteria Del Tachira) wins the stage and moves into second place in general classification.
• The peloton emerges from a tunnel during stage 4
• Stage four provided the first climbs of the Vuelta al Tachira.
• The winning break rolls through La Palmita.

Stage 3 - January 8: Circuito Barinitas, 105km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• Venezuela's Jonathan Monsalve is whisked through the crowd after his stage win.
• Jonathan Monsalve (Hussein Sport) now leads the Vuelta a Tachira after winning stage three.
• Jonathan Monsalve gets the win in the 105km Barinitas circuit race.
• The top three overall on the podium after stage three (l-r): Miguel Ubeto, Jonathan Monsalve and Franklin Chacon
• The field comes through early in the 105km third stage.
• One of the Gobernacion Del Zulia riders corners near the front of the field early in the race.

Stage 2 - January 7: El Tocuyo - Acarigua, 140.3km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• The peloton crosses the line for the stage's first Sprints points.
• Victor Moreno (Alcaldia De Maracaibo) wins the stage's second Sprints points.
• Arthur Garcia ( Loteria Del Tachira) wins the stage and moves into second place in general classification.
• The Alcaldia De Maracaibo team sets the tempo.
• The peloton in action during stage 2.

Stage 1 - January 6: Circuito El Tocuyo, 110km

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Images by Eduardo Rincón

• Riders head into one of the turns on the
• The stage one podium with winner Miguel Ubeto in the center.
• Miguel Ubeto steps onto the stage 1 podium.
• Riders come through the line for one of the intermediate sprints.
• Miguel Uberto (Gobierno De Carabobo Fundadeporte) is the first leader of the 2009 Vuelta al Tachira.

Vlaamse Witloof Veldrit - C2, Tervuren, Belgium, January 4, 2009

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) gives his victory salute proving he is recovered from a crash earlier this season.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) finishes first in the cyclo-cross in Tervuren.
• Enrico Franzoi in second, winner Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) in third on the podium
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) on his way to a win.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) powers up a feature on the course in Tervuren.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) races in front of many spectators.
• Belgian Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) in action.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) raises his arms in celebration on the podium.
• James Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld - Cannondale) finished 3.30 down.
• Great Britain's Roger Hammond (Cervelo Test Team) finished down in 30th spot.
• Italian Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas) rode to a strong second place.
• Klaas Vantornout is chased by his Sunweb Projob Cycling Team team-mate through the course.
• Belgian Erwin Vervecken (Revor Cycling Team) got some air on his Ridley.
• Tom Van Den Bosch (Rendementhypo Cycling Tea) was another to fly over the bumpy section.
• Czech rider Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) continued to show strong form with a third place.
• Belgian champion Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) rounded out the top 10.
• Dieter Vanthourenhout (BKCP - Powerplus) finished two minutes behind the winner.
• Up close and personal: James Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld - Cannondale) was the second American home.
• Riders round the bottom end of the cyclo-cross course.
• British rider Roger Hammond (Cervelo Test Team) rides past some fans.
• Italian Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas) thanks the crowd as he claims second place.
• Jan Verstraeten (KDL-Trans) finished in seventh place.
• Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) takes out 10th place.
• Tom Meeusen (Fidea Cycling Team) and Davy Commeyne (Wielergroep Beveren 2000) battle through the sand.
• Canada's Derrick St John just manages to keep it upright.
• Andre Sutton, from Canada, finished in 40th spot.
• James Driscoll (Cyclocrossworld - Cannondale) rides through the sand trap.
• American Molly Cameron (Organic Athlete) finished in 39th spot.
• Jan Verstraeten (KDL-Trans) grits his teeth as he gets stuck into the race.
• Enrico Franzoi (Liquigas) on the podium after finishing second.
• Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) looked pleased with his victory.

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