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Cycling photography for June - Part I

Emakumeen Bira
Tour of Austria
Mount Hamilton Classic
Canada Cup XC #1/DH #1
Criterium Marco Pantani
MTB World Cup XC#3/DH#1/4X#1 - Fort William
Nicole Reinhart Women's Cycling Classic & Tandemonium
Classique des Alpes
Euskal Bizikleta
Tour of Germany
XC World Cup #2 - Houffalize
Le Tour du Grand Montréal
CSC Invitational
Tour of Somerville
Quad Cities criterium
Snake Alley criterium
Giro d'Italia
Tour de Luxembourg
A Travers le Morbihan
GP Llodio

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Emakumeen Bira

Stage 3b - June 12: Elorrio - Elgeta ITT, 5.8 km

Image by Iban Gorriti

• Joane Somarriba (Bizkaia-Panda Software) is cheered on by her fans as she rides to victory in the afternoon's time trial.

Tour of Austria

Stage 1 - June 7: Salzburg - Salzburg, 148 km  

Images by Cor Vos/www.corvos.nl

• 2001 winner Cadel Evans (T-Mobile Team) discusses his chances.
• Last year's winner and also winner in 2002, Gerrit Glomser (Saeco), is presented along with his team.
• Riders leave the start/finish town of Salzburg for a 148 kilometre opening stage.
• Gerrit Glomser (Saeco) wears the first yellow jersey as winner of last year's Tour of Austria.
• The peloton speed along single file in Salzburg.
• Riders will head for the high mountains in the coming days.
• Tom Steels (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) takes his third win of the season, continuing his comeback to top form.
• Tom Steels (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) receives half of his reward...

Images by Klaus Titzer

• ... and here's the other half.

Stage 2 - June 8: Salzburg - Kitzbüheler Horn, 144 km

Images by Cor Vos/Marketta Navratilova

• The leaders of the various classifications on the start line in Salzburg.
• Oh boy... What the riders are heading for today.
• The pace picks up in the peloton to keep the early break in check.
• The peloton rounds a hairpin turn.
• The obligatory sunflowers photo.
• Feeding time.
• Cadel Evans (T-Mobile Team) and Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) ride side by side.
• Eventual winner Cadel Evans (T-Mobile Team) leads Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) on the climb up to Kitzbüheler Horn.
• Maurizio Vandelli (Radclub-Resch & Frisch Eybl Wels) attacks with one kilometre to go, but Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) and Cadel Evans (T-Mobile Team) are quick to react.
• The climb up to Kitzbüheler Horn took its toll on more than a few.
• Cadel Evans (T-Mobile Team) wins the second stage of the Tour of Austria.
• The podium - (L to R) Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze, 2nd), Cadel Evans (T-Mobile Team, 1st) and Maurizio Vandelli (Radclub-Resch & Frisch Eybl Wels, 3rd).
• New leader Cadel Evans mellow in yellow.
• The extended podium, including the leaders of the various classifications.

Stage 3 - June 9: Kitzbühel - Bad Hofgastein, 186 km  

Images by Cor Vos

• Tom Steels and Ludo Dierckxsens drinking their pre-race café
• Cadel Evans So where do we go from here?'
• Cadel Evans in the race leader's jersey
• Austrian Rider Werner Faltheiner in the front
• The peloton rides past more spectacular scenery in Salzburg, Gastein
• T-Mobile sets the pace for Evans
• Tom Steels (R) beats the German rider David Kopp in the sprint for stage 3
• The podium (L to R): David Kopp (Lamonta, 2nd), Tom Steels (Landbowkrediet, 1st), Gerrit Glomser (Saeco, 3rd)
• Gerhard Trampusch (26th in the Giro) is the best placed Austrian Rider. Trampusch is 9th in the general classification, just ahead of Yaroslav Popovych

Stage 4 - June 10: Bad Gastein - Lienz / Tristacher See, 148 km  

Images by Cor Vos

• Cadel Evans (T-Mobile) leads Michele Scarponi (Domina vacanze)
• Gerrit Glomser (Saeco) goes on the attack on the Großglockner Pass
• Tomas Konecny (T-Mobile) - the new king of the Großglockner
• Andreas Matzbacher (Saeco) leads team-mate Gerrit Glomser and Tomas Konecny (T-Mobile)
• Riders dwarfed by spectacular Alpine scenery
• The peloton gives chase
• Riders strung out by the long, hard ascent
• The peloton makes its way up the Großglockner
• Tomas Konecny (T-Mobile) climbs a road that's been hacked out of the snow
• Saeco's Austrian duo of Gerrit Glomser and Andreas Matzbacher cross the line
• Cadel Evans (T-Mobile, right) retains the yellow jersey of race leader

Stage 6 - June 12: St. Veit an der Glan - Bad Radkersburg, 195 km  

Images by Cor Vos

• The start of stage 6 in St. Veit an der Glan
• Cadel Evans (T-Mobile) rides in yellow during stage 6
• Andreas Matzbacher (Saeco) next to Maurizio Vandelli
• The peloton go from Kärnten into Steiermark
• The descent of the Radlpass
• Evans and Konecny in the leader's and mountains jerseys
• Tomas Konecny (T-Mobile) defended his mountains jersey today
• Jan Kuyckx (Vlaanderen) wins the sixth stage ahead of Moerenhout (L) and Mori (2nd L)
• Jan Kuyckx (Vlaanderen) on the podium

Stage 7 - June 13: Wien, Ringstraße, 124 km  

Images by Cor Vos

• The field rolls out for the start of stage 7 in Vienna
• Spectators watch the riders fly past
• Ah Vienna: Red roses in full bloom
• Cadel Evans (T-Mobile) in action during the final stage
• Jukka Vastaranta (Rabobank) was one of the breakaway trio
• Ludo Dierckxsens (Landbouwkrediet) wins ahead of Tom Steels and Jochen Summer
• Ludo Dierckxsens (Landbouwkrediet) on the podium
• Sprints winner David Kopp (Lamonta)
• Overall winner Cadel Evans (T-Mobile)
• The final podium (L to R): Michele Scarponi (2nd), Cadel Evans (1st) and Maurizio Vandelli (3rd)
• T-Mobile (winning team) with the jersey winners on the podium

Mount Hamilton Classic

Images by Len Ramirez/www.cinealtapictures.com

• Rider's pre-race instructions always include a caution about descending Mount Hamilton.
• The Pro 1/2 group climbs out of the flats of Silicon Valley.
• The group stays together on the lower slopes of the mountain.
• The riders gain elevation quickly, but it's a 20 mile climb to the 4,000 foot summit of Mount Hamilton.
• Webcor rode well today, with the top two finishers in the men's race and second in the women's event.
• Riders are treated to spectacular views, but at the cost of searing lungs and legs.
• The women's field makes the epic climb under the watchful eye of a race referee.
• Jobst Brandt, originator of the race in 1958 (Pedale Alpini) rides with Brian Cox up the mountain on race day.

Canada Cup XC #1/DH #1

Images by Marek Lazarski/www.lazarskiphoto.com

• The start of the Elite Men's XC race.
• Eventual winner Roddi Lega.
• Andrew Kyle
• Benoît Simard (Cycles Lambert)
• Derek Zandstra
• Jesse Jakomait (Gears Racing)
• Martin Lazarski (Gears Racing)
• Andrew Watson (Gears Racing)
• Carter Hovey finished third.
• Frederic Bussieres (Gears Racing)
• Jamie Lamb (Cyclesmith)
• Martin Lazarski (Gears Racing)
• Matt Patterson (Gears Racing)
• Zacharie Labbé finished second.
• Jesse Jakomait (Gears Racing)
• Zacharie Labbé finished second.
• Andrew Watson (Gears Racing)
• Roddi Lega comes home a winner.
• The men's podium.

Criterium Marco Pantani

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) holds a wreath dedicated to Marco Pantani.
• Damiano Cunego and the president of Club Magico Pantani, Signore Savini.
• Ivan Quaranta (Formaggi Pinzolo Fiave') and Damiano Cunego (Saeco) hold a wreath dedicated to Marco Pantani.
• Quaranta and Cunego take the wreath to the cemetery where Marco Pantani is buried.
• Damiano Cunego lays the wreath in front of the site of Marco Pantani's ashes.
• The modest gravestone marking Marco Pantani's burial site.
• More riders gather around the cetemery where "Il Pirata" is buried.
• It still hard to believe Marco Pantani is gone.
• Damiano Cunego and Marco Pantani's father in conversation.
• Giro winner Damiano Cunego.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) waves to the tifosi at the start in Cesenatico, Italy.
• Filippo Pozzato (Fassa Bortolo) at the start.
• The peloton en masse at the start in Cesenatico.
• The peloton pass by Marco Pantani's home.
• The peloton tackle the hilly part of the circuit.
• The pace in the peloton heats up.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) speaks with Filippo Pozzato (Fassa Bortolo).
• The hilly course would have been to Pantani's liking, being the gifted climber he was.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) creates the race-winning move the second time up the climb.
• Damiano Cunego attacks.
• Franco Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi) counters Cunego's move.
• Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi) and Cunego (Saeco) work together to form the race-winning break.
• Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi) leads Cunego (Saeco).
• Cunego and Pellizotti.
• The peloton fly by the centre of Cesenatico, Marco Pantani's birthplace.
• The peloton in the streets of Cesenatico.
• Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi) and Cunego (Saeco) continue to maintain their advantage.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) know he's won and is about to celebrate.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) wins the race ahead of Franco Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi).
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) receives a pair of smooches.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) holds his trophy high.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) kisses his trophy.
• Damiano Cunego (Saeco) happily signs autographs after his win.

MTB World Cup XC#3/DH#1/4X#1 - Fort William

Downhill

Images by Chipps Chippendale

• Greg Minnaar looking relaxed after qualifying
• Anne-Caroline Chausson wowed the huge crowd, went big and still won the race with a comfortable margin
• Anne-Caroline Chausson is encouraged to yet another victory by the huge crowd. A great finishing arena, and a large screen, allowed the crowd to see the action up on the mountain and prepare a warm welcome for the riders.
• Greg Minnaar showed why he wears the UCI World Champ's jersey
• Greg Minnaar showing the gathered crowd his gearbox Honda bike, before taking it for a win.
• Steve Peat on the way to fourth place. A roaring home crowd, and a first place qualifying spot couldn't save Peaty from defeat by his nemesis - racing on home turf.

Four-cross

Images by Chipps Chippendale

• A damp, but warm Scottish welcome awaited the Four Cross riders, with an estimated 5000 spectators
• What it's all about. Steve Peat and Gracia bump elbows and Gracia comes off the worse for it.
• Anne-Caroline Chausson was the clear favourite and clear winner.
• A well groomed course on the slopes of Britain's highest mountain
• Local favourite Steve Peat could only manage a win in the 'Small' final
• The women's final - Anne-Caroline Chausson and Tara Llanes
• Men's winner Guido Tschugg in the final

Cross country

Images by Chipps Chippendale

• Marie Helene Premont of Canada on her way to second place on the tough, rocky (and rooty) course.
• Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida Biking Team) already had a big advantage going into her second lap.
• Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida Biking Team) delighted to have won again, carries her bike over the line.
• Canadians Kiara Bisaro and Alison Sydor sprint for third place, with Bisaro edging out Sydor.
• The start of the men's race.
• Christoph Sauser (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) on 'The Berminator' part of the course.
• Luckily for Filip Meirhaeghe (Specialized Mountain Bike Team), the threatening rain didn't last or he would have discovered how see-through his white outfit was.
• On the last lap, Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) loses touch with team-mate Christoph Sauser.
• The Cannondale duo of Christoph Sauser and Roel Paulissen.
• Winner Christoph Sauser (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) holds his bike aloft.

Nicole Reinhart Women's Cycling Classic & Tandemonium

Images by Jon Devich/www.epicimages.us

• The women stacked high on the first turn banking.
• The women's field take a warm up lap.
• The race gets underway.
• Ashley Kimmet (Collavita Olive Oil) finished second in the race.
• Even the tandems did some racing tonight.
• Multi-time national champ Jame Carney (Nortrhwestern Mortgage Cycling Team).
• Marty Nothstein (Navigators Team) leads the field.
• Marty Nothstein (Navigators Team) attacks on the last lap.
• Marty Nothstein (Navigators Team) again in the lead.
• Jame Carney (Nortrhwestern Mortgage Cycling Team) punches the air after defeating Marty Nothstein.
• Uhl-so-cool - Eventual winner of the Nicole Reinhart Women's Cycling Classic, Sarah Uhl.
• The women's last heat begins.
• Sarah Uhl (Quark) on her way to winning the Nicole Reinhart Women's Cycling Classic.
• Riders leave a ghostly impression on the darkened track.

Euskal Bizikleta

Stage 1 - June 2: Eibar - Karrantza, 164.4 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero (Saunier Duval) beats Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) to win the first stage of the Euskal Bizikleta.

Images by Martin Hardie/Cyclingnews.com

• Joseba Beloki (Brioches la Boulangere) played down his chances
• Euskaltel team director Julian Gorospe was grim at the start in Eibar
• Martin Hardie checks out the meat market
• Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel) after a hard day at the office
• The packed streets at the start in Eibar
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel) interviewed before the start
• Luca Celli (Vini Caldirola) won the metas volantes and mountains jerseys today

Stage 2 - June 3: Karrantza - Agurain, 155.6 km

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton rides past a sculpture in the northern Spanish village of Salvatierra during stage 2 of the Euskal Bizikleta
• Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero (Saunier Duval) wins the second stage of the Euskal Bizikleta while wearing the leader's jersey
• Watch where you point that thing! Perdiguero cracks open a bottle on the podium

Images by Martin Hardie

• Lander Euba not in a hurry
• In search of an Euskaltel-Euskadi signature
• Fans of Samuel Sanchez with the Euskaltel mechanic
• We love Sammy Sanchez
• Saunier Duval's director Joxean Matxin at the start
• The Relax Ridleys before the start

Stage 3 - June 4: Agurain - Bidegoian, 154.1 km

Images by AFP Photo

• A marshal warns the riders during stage 3
• Racing through Bidegoian during stage 3 of the Euskal Bizikleta
• Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) wins the third stage ahead of Roberto Heras and Koldo Gil, a Liberty Seguros 1-2-3
• Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) lets fly with the spray

Images by Martin Hardie

• Paulo Barroso (Milaneza Maia) is watched carefully by reporter Martin Hardie.
• The view from the car of Milaneza Maia DS Manuel Zeferino.
• Down we go...
• ... and go...
• ... and go...
• ... and go.
• A Milaneza Maia rider struggles up the climb.
• Geez, it's not so bad in the car, thinks reporter Martin Hardie.
• By the start of the first Cat. 1, the Urraki, many had nothing left in the tank to give in their attempts to try and remain in contact.
• Water, please.
• Milaneza Maia DS Manuel Zeferino contemplates the team's strategy for the day.

Stage 4b - June 5: Elorrio - Abadiño ITT, 14.9 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) in full flight during the TT
• Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) en route to second place in the TT
• Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) on the podium after successfully defending his lead

Images by Martin Hardie

• The village of Axpe, the highest point of today's stage.
• A Costa De Almeria-Paternina rider comes through Axpe.
• The high mountains are largely behind the riders in the Euskal Bizikleta.
• Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) was the day's big surprise, finishing second in today's stage.
• Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel-Euskadi) was at the centre of controversy within the Euskaltel camp.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is not a fan of the TT.
• Long uphill drags hurt, even in a time trial as short as 15 kilometres.
• Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) on his way to a modest 47th place.
• Stage winner and overall leader Angel Vicioso (Liberty Seguros) passes through Axpe.

Stage 5 - June 6: Abadiño - Arrate (Eibar), 132.2 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Roberto Laiseka (Euskaltel) wins the final stage of the Euskal Bizikleta
• Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) on the podium after winning the overall
• The final podium (L to R): Roberto Laiseka (2nd), Roberto Heras (1st) and Samuel Sanchez (3rd)

Tour of Germany

Stage 1 - May 31: Karlsruhe - Karlsruhe ITT, 23 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner) on his way to the top time
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in full flight
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) burns up the tarmac
• The focus of Jan Ullrich in stage 1 of the Tour of Germany
• Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) was ninth in the first stage
• Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner) is the first leader of the Tour of Germany
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) couldn't believe he won the mountains jersey weighing 120 kg

Images by Franklin Tello/www.franklintellophoto.com/

• Peter Van Petegem (Lotto-Domo) sets off on the first stage of the Tour of Germany.
• A focused Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) at the start of a 27km course through the german town of Karlsruhe.
• Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (Liberty Seguros) showed great form coming in at 9th place.
• Andreas Klier (T-Mobile) held the leader's time for the first hour of the day.
• Stéphane Berges was the highest placed rider of the french AG2R Prevoyance squad.
• Italy's Salvatore Commesso (Saeco) came to support his Italian team in the mountains.
• The climbing power of Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears-CC Bank) driving it up on Karlsruhe.
• Another strong supporter for the Saeco squad Stefano Casagranda (Saeco).
• Luca Paolini (Quick Step-Davitamon) caught up to his minute man in front.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step-Davitamon) came 25th for the day, but would take 2 stages by the end of the Tour.
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) set a blistering pace and led for the second portion of the day, to come in 5th place overall.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) previewing the course and warming up.
• Alexandre Vinokourov was the second best placed rider for T-Mobile and 10th place overall.
• Uwe Perchel (Gerolsteiner) a time trial prodigy, took third place overall.
• The much awaited leader of the T-Mobile squad, Jan Ullrich, sets off on the streets of Kalrsruhe.
• The German Champion Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) completed the course just over 2 minutes behind the winner.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) put in a great effort for 8th overall, but was still caught by the winner Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner).
• Jan Ullrich crossed the line 25 seconds behind the winner and took second, showing great form at last.
• Michael Rich showed great enthusiasm at the finish line in Karlsruhe.
• On a hot afternoon in Germany Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner) took 1st place on day 1 of the Deutschland Tour, and the yellow jersey.
• Jan Ullrich salutes his fans as he approaches the podium.
• Jan Ullrich got the climbing points jersey and his mandatory kisses at the end of Stage 1 of the Deutschland Tour.

Stage 2 - June 1: Bad Urach - Wangen im Allgau, 180 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) gets set for a wet day of racing
• Jan Ullrich and Daniele Becke chat at the head of the field
• No jokes, please
• A festive occasion for all at the Tour of Germany
• The first climbing points were on offer in stage 2
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) powers clear to victory in stage 2
• Two kisses for Tom Boonen
• Lubor Tesar (Ed' System-ZVVZ) took the early lead in the mountains classification
• Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner) held onto his yellow jersey without incident

Stage 3 - June 2: Wangen im Allgäu - St. Anton am Arlberg, 170 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) checks his bike before the start
• The peloton passing patriotic spectators during stage 3 of the Tour of Germany
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) during the third stage of the Tour of Germany
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) riding hard during stage 3
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) leads a group of riders over the final climb
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) rides during stage 3
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) beats Francesco Mancebo (Illes Balears) to win stage 3 of the Tour of Germany
• A delighted Patrik Sinkewitz on the podium after taking the yellow jersey

Stage 4 - June 3: Bad Tölz - Landshut, 190 km

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton rides through the rain during stage 4 of the Tour of Germany
• A damp spectator greets the peloton during the fourth stage of the Tour of Germany
• Race leader Patrik Sinkewitz surrounded by his Quick.Step-Davitamon teammates Paolo Bettini (L) and Tom Boonen (R)
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) endures a wet stage of the Tour of Germany
• Erik Zabel and Jan Ullrich ride during stage 4 of the Tour of Germany
• Sebastien Hinault (Credit Agricole) snuck through to win the fourh stage of the Tour of Germany
• Sebastien Hinault (Credit Agricole) kissed on the podium
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) on the podium after his first day in yellow

Stage 5 - June 4: Kelheim - Kulmbach, 192 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) signs autographs before stage 5
• The peloton riding during stage 5
• The peloton in formation during stage 5
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) leads the pack during stage 5 of the Tour of Germany
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) is shadowed by Jan Ullrich during the fifth stage
• Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) was a delighted winner of Stage 5
• Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) gets a podium kiss

Stage 6 - June 5: Kulmbach - Oberwiesenthal, 180 km

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton faced another cold, wet day as it tackled the last mountains of the Tour of Germany
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) keeps his yellow jersey under wraps early in the stage
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) keeps his eye on Sinkewitz, who keeps his eye on the rest
• Jan Ullrich's face was not the only one marked by the pain and grime of a tough stage
• Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears-Banesto) gets his stage win at last
• Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears-Banesto) enjoys some hard-earned podium time
• A dream come true for Patrik Sinkewitz

Stage 7 - June 6: Chemnitz - Leipzig, 170 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) at the head of the peloton
• Cow right!
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) celebrates his win in the last stage
• Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) celebrates his victory, but the Devil isn't far behind
• It was a dream win for 23 year old Patrik Sinkewitz in his own national tour

XC World Cup #2 - Houffalize

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/actiefotos.be

• World Cup leader Filip Meirhaeghe (Specialized) in action during round 2 of the MTB World Cup in Houffalize
• Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) concentrates on a descent
• Miguel Martinez (Commencal-Oxbow) on his way to fifth
• Sid Taberlay (Australia/TIS/Avanti/Cyclingnews.com) finished 11th in Houffalize
• Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) in his element
• German champ Lado Fumic (T-Mobile) en route to 7th
• Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) gets back onto the dirt
• Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) crosses the line to win
• Julien Absalon (Bianchi Agos) was pretty happy with third

Images by Ken Farrar

• Team T-Mobile weren't in a talkative mood at the start in Houffalize.
• Team T-Mobile's Giant XC race machine.
• Christoph Sauser (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) looking fit and relaxed.
• Veteran of the WC MTB scene, Thomas Frischknecht.
• German MTB champion Lado Fumic (Team T-Mobile).
• Marc Golz must have a runny nose this morning.
• Irish coach Martin Earley discuss the day ahead with Tarja Owens.
• Paola Pezzo was a DNF today, and must find her form soon.
• Little Mig, Miguel Martinez (Commencal-Oxbow), finished fifth today.
• Current World MTB champ, Filip Meirhaeghe (Specialized Mountain Bike Team) came fourth.
• The musculed legs of Filip Meirhaeghe.
• Julien Absalon (Bianchi Agos) leads Bart Brentjens.
• Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) on his way to victory.
• Ireland's Robin Seymour.
• Roel Paulissen (Siemens Mobile Cannondale) leads team-mate Christoph Sauser for a 1-2 finish.
• Jenny Mccauley is one of Ireland's Olympic hopefuls.
• With a three minutes-plus advantage, Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida Biking Team) can afford to celebrate early.
• God knows where Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida Biking Team) picked that flag up from.

Le Tour du Grand Montréal

Stage 1 - May 31: René-Lévesque Park, Lachine ITT, 3 km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Nicole Freedman (Basis) is always good a for an interesting facial expression
• Check out the reflection in Kori Kelly's helmet
• Tina Mayolo-Pic (Genesis-Scuba) had a spectacular ride despite not pre riding the course
• Dede Demet-Barry (T-Mobile) recovered from her jet lag to place 2nd
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) grimaces on her way to 3rd in the prologue
• An intense stare from Diana Ziliute (Safi-Pasta Zara Manhattan)

Stage 2 - May 31: Little Italy criterium, 50 km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• The pack rounds the final turn on the course under the shadow of an old church.
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) was attentive at the front of the field for the entire race
• Laura Van Gilder and the rest of the Genesis-Scuba team patrolled the front in defense of Tina Mayolo-Pic's leaders jersey
• The distinctive colors of the Quark team were prominently seen at the front
• Petra Rossner (Nurnberger) has a explosive acceleration that few can match
• Yellow Jersey Tina Mayolo-Pic (Genesis Scuba) takes a $200 prime
• With one lap to go former World Champ Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) strings out the field...
• ... and delivers team mate Petra Rossner (Nurnberger) to the stage win and the GC lead
• The stage podium - Anita Valen (SATS), Petra Rossner (Nurnberger), and Regina Schleicher (Safi-Pasta Zara Manhattan)

Stage 3 - June 1: St-George road race, 120 km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• The early attacks came from the Spanish National Team.
• Too bad the riders were suffering so much as the course was quite scenic.
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) had an interesting choice of gloves on for the wet weather.
• How a break is formed in three easy steps.
• Amy Moore (Quark), Helen Kelly (Rona) and Alison Wright (Nobili Rubinetterie Guerciotti) get down to business as two riders try to bridge up to them
• The fog was quite dense in parts of the course
• The break ascends one of the many hills as Michelle Beltran (Webcor Composite) continues to try and bridge
• Amy Moore (Quark) did much of the pace-setting on the climbs
• At the top of the second QOM, Amy Moore (Quark) has a slight gap on her breakaway partners
• Dense fog shrouds the breakaway
• The rain continues throughout the race, coming down quite heavily at times
• Diana Ziliute (Safi-Pasta Zara Manhattan) on the attack
• Dede Demet-Barry (T-Mobile) strung out the field on the final QOM climb
• Dede Demet-Barry (T-Mobile) put in a solid effort at the front before finishing fourth on the stage
• Dede Demet-Barry (T-Mobile) continued to push the pace on the climb until...
• ... her team mate Amber Neben took over at the front for a while
• After riding away on her own up the last QOM climb, Amy Moore (Quark) valiantly tries to keep the pack at bay until the finish
• With six kilometres to go, the pack closes in on Amy Moore (Quark)
• Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) takes the stage ahead of Anita Valen (S.A.T.S.)
• After a long day on the front of the pack, Kori Kelly (Genesis-Scuba) is ready to get warm and dry

Stage 4 - June 2: Terrebonne circuit race, 80 km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) focuses before the start
• The Rona team takes a turn at the front of the field
• Amy Moore (Quark) picked up the QOM jersey for her efforts yesterday.
• Judith Arndt (Nurnberger) in yellow (center) was attentive of the front of the field, quickly covering every move
• Barbara Heeb (International) took all three QOM sprints today to win the jersey
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor Builders) takes a solo flyer
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) and Anita Valen (SATS) were aggressive in the time bonus sprints
• Petra Rossner (Nurnberger) has time to turn around and survey the damage she has done as she wins the final time bonus sprint
• Regina Schleicher (Safi-Pasta Zara Manhattan) takes the stage win ahead of Anita Valen (SATS)
• Riders from the Nobili Rubinetterie Guerciotti team happily head over to the final banquet

Tour of Somerville

Images by Jason Elhardt

• Victor Rapinski tests his legs midway through the race.
• Jonas Carney is closely marked by the Navigators team.
• Navigators did well to look after Rapinski.
• Rapinski readies himself for the finish.
• Victor Rapinski wins the 61st Tour of Somerville.
• Jonas Carney, a disappointed runner-up.
• Rain drenched this years race from beginning to end.
• Last year’s winner, Sarah Uhl, and this year’s runner-up.
• Wells Fargo’s Melissa Sanburn wins with room to spare.

CSC Invitational

Images by Jon Devich/www.epicimages.us

• The men’s race begins.
• Marty Nothstein (Navigators) leans through a turn.
• Race winner Lars Machaelsen (CSC) leads through group.
• Sprinter extraordinaires Jonas Carney and Alex Candalereo (Jelly Belly) moving to the front.
• CSC riders come to the front.
• Chris Horner (Webcor) tries an early attack.
• CSC rider Bobby Julich lays into a turn.
• Ciaran Power (Navigators) tries a solo break.
• Lars Michaelsen (CSC) fitting right into the American Crit. scene
• Gord Fraser (Healthnet/Maxxis) just misses out on the win behind Lars Michaelsen (CSC).
• The peloton strings out in chase of the break.
• Shawn Heidgen sits mid-field
• Genesis Scuba/FFCC rider Leigh Valletti powers the break.
• The break forms.
• Shanon Hutchinson does her bit to get away from the field.
• Gina Grain just nips Shannon Hutchinson and Erin Carter on the line.
• The women's podium with Erin Carter (TDS-Scwalbe) in third, Shannon Hutchinson (Colovita/Bola) second and Gina Grain (Victory Brewing) first

Quad Cities criterium

Images by Mark Zalewski/www.showchoir.net/

• Can you find Waldo in the Pro/1/2 field?
• Like a herd of wild buffalo the Men's field charges off the start line.
• After placing third in the Snake Alley Criterium, Carlos Vargas is hungry for a win -- even on the second lap!
• A hard charging field led by the Athletes by Design team didn't let Vargas get far... this time.
• Todd Cornelius (Subway/Express) and Tom Cox (Team Bloomington/Bacardi Rum) set the pace.
• Another break gives it a go but can see the pack reeling them back.
• The boys of Endeavor were always present at the front.
• Steve Tilford (second from left), former mountain biking masters World Champion, mixes it up with roadies like Tom Cox (Team Bloomington/Bacardi Rum) and Jason Sonneborn (Higher Gear).
• A shot from the helicopter shows Carlos Vargas on the attack again.
• Vargas stays as aerodynamic as possible to gain every second.
• Frank Dierkinf (Athletes by Design) slips in behind Vargas.
• The Endeavor team kept a watchful eye on any bridge attempts.
• Vargas and Dierking working well together.
• Aron Huerta (Village Peddler) makes a last ditch effort to catch the leading two.
• Into the last lap Vargas takes a drink while mulling over his plans for attack.
• Carlos Vargas (Endeavor) points to the sky to salute his long-coming win.
• John Puffer (Athletes by Design) takes the field sprint for fifth.
• A crash in the final turn meant some riders wouldn't be riding across the finish line.
• The top three - Huerta, Vargas and Dierking, wait for the bubbly.
• Carlos Vargas shares the spoils of victory with teammate Frank Pipp.

Snake Alley criterium

Images by Mark Zalewski/www.showchoir.net/

• Women's winner Magen Long smiles after her repeat win.
• '"Ooooo, that feels kinda nice!"
• '"Clank, clank, crunch... snap!" Joshua Meyer (Nova/ISCORP) looks down to see his rear derailleur break off his hanger as onlookers feel his pain.
• '"Uhhh, no, I don't think you can ride that."
• It's an accomplishment to even enter this race.
• The race flyer promises "ancient and huge cobbles" -- and it delivers!
• Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly) explains to Steve Tilford (MacLaren Racing) the details of sliding along the road in yesterday's road race.
• The Pro Men enter "The Snake" for the first time -- still all together.
• The rest of the field makes it way up an average of 12.5% grade.
• The crowds were large and enthusiastic.
• McCartney kept a close eye on Bergman early in the race.
• Jason Ozenberger (Dogfish) shows us just how difficult "The Snake" really is.
• McCartney makes his move near the top of "The Snake."
• It's not just another day in the saddle when you race here.
• McCartney focuses on picking his way through the field.
• Once you stop it's hard to get going again.
• Matt Moore (Team Bloomington/Bacardi Rum) kept a steady cadence on his way to a top twenty finish.
• This unknown rider (at least as far as the race officials are concerned) enjoys a different kind of power drink, handed to him by a fan on "The Snake."
• McCartney checks over his shoulder to make sure everyone is suffering enough.
• Bergman suffers his way to a second place.
• Carlos Vargas (Endeavor) rode strongly to take third.
• It looks like manufacturers were testing new products at this year's race.
• All alone. After the Dodge Tour de Georgia, McCartney is used to climbing his way to the top by himself.
• Adam Bergman was shadowed by Carlos Vargas until the end.
• McCartney makes it two in a row, and three overall.
• A fan of Adam Bergman was lucky enough to get the jersey Bergman tore while sliding on his heart rate monitor in yesterday's road race. He even signed it and posed for photos.

Tour de Luxembourg

Stage 5 - May 30: Wiltz-Diekirch, 163 km

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

• The lead group including stage winner Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) at the first GPM.
• The peloton at the first GPM.
• The lead group at the second GPM.
• Santiago Botero (T-Mobile Team) doing a good job in the lead group.
• Landbouwkrediet-Colnago controls the speed of the peloton at the second GPM.
• Jörg Jaksche (CSC) riding in front of the peloton at the fourth GPM.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) looking ahead.
• The T-Mobile team forces the pace on the last GPM.
• Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) crosses the finish line first.
• Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) on the podium.
• Jörg Jaksche (CSC), third overall, congratulates Torsten Hiekmann (T-Mobile Team), second overall.
• The final podium - (L to R) Torsten Hiekmann (T-Mobile Team, 2nd), Maxime Monfort (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago, 1st), and Jörg Jaksche (CSC, 3rd) and mountains winner Juan Sanchez Piementa (Fassa Bortolo)

A Travers le Morbihan

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Looks like bad weather brewing for the riders...
• Team HSBC makes the most of the sunshine.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) looking relaxed.
• The escape of the day occurred at the 150km mark, being driven here by Laurent Paumier (Auber.93).
• Ludovic Martin (R.A.G.T Semences-MG Rover) was also in the escape.
• Yannick Talabardon (Auber.93) tries in vain to return on the head of race.
• Plenty of young supporters for Baden Cooke in Plumelec!
• The leading break refuel.
• Franck Pencole (Oktos-Saint Quentin, L) launches an attack with Matt White (Cofidis, R) suffering.
• David Bréard (Auber.93) and Baden Cooke (FdJeux.com)
• Two finishing laps to go for Franck Pencolé (Oktos-Saint Quentin).
• At the last passage, Pierrick Fedrigo (Crédit Agricole) is away with eventual winner Thomas Voeckler (Brioches la Boulangère) and Franck Pencolé (Oktos) on his win.
• Thomas Voeckler (Brioches la Boulangère) is delighted with his win, outsprinting Laurent Paumier (Auber 93) and Pierrick Fedrigo (Crédit Agricole).
• The strain shows but you can't take the smile off Thomas Voeckler's face.
• The podium.

GP Llodio

Images by Martin Hardie

• The EE boys celebrate on the podium.
• Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) signs some autographs after the race.
• A packed crowd on hand in Llodio.
• A mellow Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi).
• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) after the race.
• Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) speaks to the press.
• More words from the winner.
• Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) thinks before he speaks.
• Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) looking a little knackered, but very happy.
• A shot of the finishing straight in Llodio.
• The final climb of the Garate.
• The Basque president (C) and number one cycling fan Juan Jose Ibarretxe waits on the final climb, the Cat 2 Garate, moments before Unai Etxaberria's final surge.
• The "flat" part between the Malkuartu and Alto de Garate.
• The "flat" part between the Malkuartu and Alto de Garate.
• Looking ahead at the Alto de Malkuartu with its continuous switchbacks.
• Inaki Isasi (Euskaltel-Euskadi) in the mid-race break, not long before Liberty Seguros brought the group back.
• The break at Llodio the 95 kilometre mark.
• The escapees from the main break passing through LLodio at kilometre 95.
• The podium.
• Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) takes the winner's trophy and flowers.
• Miguel A M.Perdiguero (Saunier-Duval) takes the trophy for second place.
• Matteo Carrara (Lampre) accepts his trophy for third place.

For more photos, e.g. Volta ao Alentejo , Tour of Japan, Koppenberg Circuit Race, Hawaii State Criterium Championship, Joe Martin Stage Race, US Collegiate Championships, NORBA NCS 3, Tour of Connecticut, Tour du Languedoc-Roussillon, Tour of Belgium, Rund um den Flughafen Köln-Bonn, Olympia's Tour, GP de Lys lez Lannoy , NORBA NCS 2, Tour de L'Aude Feminin, San Diego Sprint Challenge, Asheville Mellowdrome Rumble on the River 2, Red Bull Downtown, Olympus DH, Boulder Stage Race, Peace Race, Wortegem Koerse and Cat's Hill Criterium please consult our archives