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Cycling photography for March - Part II

Track World Cup
Setmana-Catalana
Settimana Coppi-Bartali
Redlands Bicycle Classic
Dwars Door Vlaanderen
Milan-San Remo
Vrienden van het Platteland presentation
Nova Desert Classic
GP Cholet
Classic Loire Atlantique
Australian Madison Championships
Pomona Valley Stage Race
Vuelta de Chile

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Setmana-Catalana

Stage 1 - March 22: Lloret de Mar-Lloret de Mar, 165.5 km

Images by Cesar Rangel/AFP photo

• The peloton rolls thhrough the Spanish countryside
• Tobias Steinhauser & Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) stretch their legs at the front of the peloton
• Fabian Cancellara (Fassa Bortolo) takes the stage from Erik Zabel (T-Mobile Team) & Bram De Groot (Rabobank)
• Fabian Cancellara cracks the bubbly

Stage 2 - March 23: Lloret de Mar-Empuriabrava, 160.8 km

Images by Cesar Rangel/AFP photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides in the bunch apparently enjoying the sunshine after yesterday's rain
• The peloton climbs a coastal road
• Beat Zberg celebrates in the traditional manner
• Beat Zberg (Gerolsteiner) wins the stage, outsprinting Frank Vandenbroucke (Fassa Bortolo) and Miguel Martin (Saunier Duval-Prodir)

Stage 3 - March 24: Castello d'Empuries-Motcada-Reixac, 159.5 km

Images by Cesar Rangel/AFP photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) gets ready to start stage 3
• The peloton early on in stage 3
• Isaac Galvez (R) beats Erik Zabel (L) to win the third stage

Stage 4 - March 25: Palau Solita i Plegamans-El Port del Comte, 179.5 km

Images by Cesar Rangel/AFP photo

• Saunier Duval setting the pace
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) cruising along with his teammates in stage 4
• Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) beats Joaquin Rodriguez (L) to win the fourth stage
• Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) gets his podium kiss

Stage 5 - March 26: Solsona-Parets de Vallés, 168 km

Images by Cesar Rangel/AFP photo

• The peloton, led by Kelme holds a 2 minute protest before the start against the damaging allegations of former Kelme pro Jesus Manzano
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looking fit during the last stage
• Angel Edo (Milaneza-MSS) wins the last stage
• Joaquin Rodriguez (Saunier Duval) holds his winner's trophy aloft

Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale Coppi-Bartali

Stage 1a - March 24: Riccione-Riccione, 84.8 km

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Graziano Gasparre (De Nardi) wins the first half-stage
• Graziano Gasparre (De Nardi) clearly happy after his stage win
• The stage 1a podium (L to R): Crescenzo d'Amore (2nd), Graziano Gasparre (1st) and Marlon Perez (3rd)
• Don't drop it!

Images by Olympia Photo

• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco, R) watches as a dove with Marco Pantani's number 145 is released at the start of the race
• Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio-Bianchi) had to be taken to hospital after a crash

Stage 1b - March 24: Misano-Misano TTT, 10.7 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Fassa Bortolo en route to victory

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Fassa Bortolo at the start
• De Nardi trying to defend Gasparre's jersey
• Vini Caldirola in suffer mode
• Fassa Bortolo was the fastest team of the day
• Saeco powers along
• Colnago-Landbouwkrediet in action
• Lampre came within one second of winning the TTT
• Marco Velo (Fassa Bortolo) in the leader's jersey

Stage 2 - March 25: Riccione-Faenza, 206.9 km

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The peloton starts to pick up the pace
• Daniele Contrini (LPR) was away for 116 km solo
• Panaria leading the bunch
• Climbing during stage 2
• The tempo begins to take its toll
• All lined out on a descent
• The peloton in action during the second stage
• Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) on the descent
• Marzoli, Celestino and Figueras ended up finishing 1-2-3 in the stage, but not in that order
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) goes on the attack
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) trying to break the elastic
• Franco Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi) was part of the final selection
• Giuliano Figueras (Panaria) was disappointed not to have won
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) leads the selection during stage 2
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) descends
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) is delighted with his win
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) on the podium
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) in the leader's jersey
• Italian selector Franco Ballerini (L) with Mirko Celestino

Stage 3 - March 26: Finale Emilia-Scandiano, 175.5 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Crescenzo d'Amore (Acqua & Sapone) takes cycling fashion to a new plane by winning stage 3

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Crescenzo d'Amore (Acqua & Sapone) can yell pretty loudly
• Crescenzo d'Amore (Acqua & Sapone) enjoying the moment
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) raises his arms on the podium
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) happy to be in the lead
• Crescenzo d'Amore (Acqua & Sapone) on the podium
• The day's podium with the various jersey wearers, including stage winner Crescenzo d'Amore (R) and race leader Mirko Celestino (2nd R)

Stage 4 - March 27: Casalgrande-Pavullo, 156.5 km

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The start of stage 4
• The peloton rides under dark skies during stage 4
• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) showing good form for the Giro
• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) leading the Saeco train
• Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) working hard
• Gilberto Simoni on the descent
• Giuliano Figueras (Panaria) in the bunch
• Mirko Celestino (Saeco) in the leader's jersey
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) gets ready
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) rides off in pursuit of Simeoni
• Franco Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi) drives the lead group
• Figueras and Celestino try to limit the damage
• Andrea Noe (Alessio-Bianchi) tries to bridge the gap
• This is the view that the rest of the peloton got of Simeoni and Scarponi
• Scarponi and Simeoni in two man time trial mode
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) is pretty happy with his win
• Filippo Simeoni (Domina Vacanze) is happy too
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) on the podium with some friends
• Simeoni and Scarponi on the podium
• Simeoni, Scarponi and Ongarato on the podium with a large amount of processed meat
• The Domina Vacanze boys congratulate each other after their stage win coup

Stage 5 - March 28: Castellarano-Sassuolo, 170.3 km

Images by Olympia Photo

• Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua e Sapone) is delighted to win the last stage
• Giuliano Figueras (Panaria) scored the final leader's jersey

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The last stage of the Settimana Coppi & Bartali was challenging, with many climbs
• Scenic but steep
• The Domina Vacanze boys helped to split the field in the final stage
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) tried to gain an advantage over Celestino
• Giuliano Figueras (Panaria) puts the others in difficulty on the climb of Fazzana
• Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) on the attack again
• Ruggero Marzolo (Acqua e Sapone) wins ahead of Figueras (2nd L) and Illiano (L)
• Ruggero Marzolo (Acqua e Sapone) on the podium
• Giuliano Figueras (Panaria) with his rather novel trophy
• The final podium (L to R): Alexandr Kolobnev (Young rider), Giuliano Figueras (GC and mountains) and Ruggero Marzoli (Points)

Redlands Bicycle Classic

Prologue - March 23: Mt Rubidoux Time Trial, 5km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• John Lieswyn (Health Net/Maxxis) grinds his way to fifth place.
• Jurgen Van Den Broeck (US Postal/Berry Floor) rounded out the top three podium positions.
• Eric Wohlberg (Sierra Nevada) gives a unique facial espression on his way to finishing fourth in the prologue.
• Dave Zabriskie (US Postal/Berry Floor) hopes to reverse the final results of the 2000 Redlands Classic, when Chris Horner relegated him to second by a few hundreths of a second.
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) picked up where he left off in Pomona two days ago by taking the yellow leaders jersey.
• Kristin Armstrong (T-Mobile) catches the rider who in front of her with 400 meters to go to finish second.
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) on her way to fourth place.
• Sue Palmer Komar (Genesis Scuba) on her way to a fine podium finish.
• Sandy Espeseth (Victory Brewing) used a full TT machine for her fifth place ride.
• After winning today, Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) remains undefeated on the Mt Rubidoux prologue course, with four wins from four starts.

Stage 1 - March 24: Crestline Road Race, 85.5/138.2km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• The break forms in the crosswinds
• Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada) and Mark McCormack (Colavita) were driving the break
• Heath Net's Reed McCalvin in his infamous orange feed zone shirt
• With about 20km to go there is a big crash that split the field
• Webcor was on the front of the pack almost all day
• The field approaches the foothills before the climb
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) is marked closely by Jurgen Van Den Broeck (USPS by BF)
• On the bottom of the climb Webcor continues to drive the pace in pursuit of the break.
• As the climb steepens the contenders have come to the front as Horner's last team mate selflessly buries himself
• Chris Horner looks over his shoulder after making the decisive attack, to survey the damage he has done
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) sets off in pursuit of Horner after a bit of hesitation,
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) blows right by the break
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) is pursued by Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's)
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) and Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) crest the KOM together
• Charles Dionne (Webcor Builders) tries to recover after a hard days work defending the Yellow Jersey
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) dominated as expected when the road went up
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) had a good ride to move up on the GC
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor Builders) had the distinction of being the last rider to be able to hold Jeanson's wheel up the climb

Stage 2 - March 25: Redlands Ford Oak Glen Road Race, 129/171.7km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Scott Moninger (Health Net/Maxxis) was the main GC threat in the break
• The day's break consisted of Danny Pate and Scott Moninger (Health Net presented by Maxxis), Aaron Olson (Colavita-Bolla), Jacob Erker (SeaSilver),
• Aaron Olson (Colavita-Bolla) wins a hot spot sprint on the way to taking the green points jersey
• As the race approached the base of the climb the pack was breathing down the break's neck
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) makes his move with 6km to go as Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly) comes off his wheel.
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) and Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) pull away from Jurgen Van Den Broeck (USPS) and Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly-Aramark)
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) and Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's)
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) continues to make a name for himself as the only rider who can come close to matching Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) in the mountains
• With 2km to go Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) pulls away from Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's)
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) had no trouble in winning at Oak Glen
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) on his way to a third consecutive stage win.
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) digging deep with 500 meters to go
• Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly-Aramark) had a great ride for 3rd place
• Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly-Aramark)
• John Lieswyn (Health Net/Maxxis) digging so deep he's likely to strike oil
• The attacks came early and often in the women's race.
• The women's race started with a lap around Lake Matthews
• Anne Samplonius was one of several TDS riders on the attack today
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) corners in the pack just before a Hot Spot Sprint
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor Builders) had a breakout ride to finish second
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) took time out of Genevieve Jeanson with a well timed attack on the climb with 2km to go
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) had a tough time of it on the final climb but rode within herself to limit her losses and retain the leaders jersey.
• Sue Palmer-Komar (Genesis-Scuba) continues to ride well with a fine 4th place finish at Oak Glen

Stage 3 - March 26: The Sun Panorama Point Road Race, 67.6/97.6km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) was well protected by his team today.
• Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada) tried to bridge across to the break on lap 3, but was unsuccessful.
• The break - (L to R) Danny Pate, Kevin Brouchard-Hall, Alex Candelario, Mike Sayers, and Ivan Dominguez
• On lap 4, it was Glen Mitchell's (Sierra Nevada) turn to try and bridge the gap.
• With less than a lap to go, it looked like Danny Pate (Health Net/Maxxis) had the stage wrapped up, but Horner swept by and brought Pate's former companions all back together.
• Race leader Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) is shadowed by second-placed overall Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's).
• No rest for the weary. For the third day in a row, it was Webcor on the front.
• Ivan Dominguez (Colavita-Bolla) takes the win ahead of a close battle for second between Danny Pate (Health Net) and Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's).
• Midway through lap 2, Grace Fleury (Genesis-Scuba), Amy Moore (Quark), Melanie McQuaid (Ford), and Kate Maher (Basis) had a 26 second lead that would eventually went out to two minutes.
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor Builders) was not able to stay with the Lyne Bessette's decisive attack, but did manage to finish with Genevieve Jeanson's select group.
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) used her tactical smarts as well as her fitness to take the leader's jersey from Jeanson.
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) is shadowed by Magali LeFloch (Quark).
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) and Kristin Armstrong (T-Mobile) worked well together along with Susan Palmer-Komar (Genesis-Scuba) to gain time on overnight leader Genevieve Jeanson (Rona).
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) leads the chase on the final lap.
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) focuses on limiting her losses.
• The women's stage podium - Susan Palmer-Komar (Genesis Scuba, 2nd), Kristin Armstrong (T-Mobile, 1st), and Lyne Bessette (Quark, 3rd).

Images by Thomas P. Herrin

• Danny Pate (Health Net/Maxxis) out on his own on the last lap after dropping his breakaway companions.
• Mike Sayers (Health Net/Maxxis) gives it some gas to finish in the second group.
• Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly) still trying hard after a long day in the break; Candelario was the best-placed finisher in the third group.
• Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada) sitting comfortably in the main chase group.
• Aaron Olson (Colavita Pro Cycling) wears the green jersey of best sprinter.
• Miguel Meza (Team Dare) looks like he'd rather be someplace else.
• Local favorite Chris Zukowski (Reno Wheelmen) finished over nine minutes down.
• Ivan Dominguez (Colavita Pro Cycling) chases down the leaders on his way to victory.

Stage 4 - March 27: Salton Criterium, 60/90mins

Images by Thomas P. Herrin

• Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly) rides at the front of the main group.
• Brice Jones (Health Net/Maxxis) working hard in the pack.
• Ivan Dominguez (Colavita Pro Cycling) had another strong day to finish third
• Kevin Bouchard-Hall (USA U23 National Team) hangs in after a long breakaway yesterday.
• Daniel Rincon (US Postal/Berry Floor) cruising in the main pack.
• Aaron Olson (Colvita Pro Cycling) was active throughout the stage.
• Race leader Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) makes it look so easy.
• Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly) leads Gord Fraser (Health Net/Maxxis) and Ivan Dominguez (Colavita Pro Cyling) through the last turn, with Candelario the eventual stage victor.
• A smiling Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly) after his stage victory.
• Gord Fraser (Health Net/Maxxis) pleads his case with officials after being relegated.

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Aaron Olson (Colavita-Bolla) was all smiles in the Green points jersey
• Chris Horner Webcor Builders) was looking good in yellow at the start
• Horner was shadowed for much of the stage by Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly-Aramark)
• Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly-Aramark) was one of many attackers who sought to gain time by going up the road.
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) was attentive at the front of the field the whole race
• Aaron Olson (Colavita-Bolla) continued to pick up points in the intermediate sprints to solidify his lead in the Green Jersey competition
• Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada) spent a little time off the front before being reeled back in
• Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly-Aramark) takes a pull with Horner on his wheel
• Charles Dionne (Webcor Builders) was in the hunt for a third consecutive Redlands crit victory before a last lap tangle with Gord Fraser (Health Net) derailed his chances
• Gord Fraser had an excellent leadout from his powerful Health Net squad but lost momentum when he tangled with Charles Dionne on the last lap.
• Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly-Aramark) powers to the finish for his biggest career result thus far
• Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly-Aramark) responds to a question from race announcer extraordinaire Dave Towle
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) responds to questions from the press about his relegation in the stage because of a tangle he had with charles Dionne (Webcor Builders)
• Genesis-Scuba was in charge in the women's race to set up sprinter's Tina Pic and Laura Van Gilder
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) patrolled the front of the race to protect her overall lead.
• Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) was seen in unfamiliar territory for much of the race, the middle of the pack
• Tina Pic (Genesis-Scuba) has had great form as of late winning 3 races in a span of 2 weeks
• GC leader Lyne Bessette (Quark) leads points leader Laura Van Gilder (Genesis-Scuba) through one of the courses 9 corners
• with one lap to go it was Genesis-Scuba on the front with 4 of the first 7 riders
• Tina Pic (Genesis-Scuba) won with a comfortable margin ahead of her team mate Laura Van Gilder

Stage 5 - March 28: Redlands Business Center Sunset Road Race, 99.5/142km

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Lyne Bessette (Quark) holds firm on the final day.
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) enjoys a relatively easy day out with Nicole Demars (Victory Brewing) and Sue Haywood (T-Mobile) up the road.
• Nicole Demars (Victory Brewing) broke away from the very first lap and stayed away.
• Nicole Demars (Victory Brewing) was out on her own until three kilometres to go, when she was joined by mountain biker Sue Haywood (T-Mobile).
• Sue Haywood (T-Mobile) bridged up to Nicole Demars (Victory Brewing) with three kilometres to go, but couldn't match Demars finishing speed.
• Tina Pic (Genesis Scuba/FFCC) led the pack home for third place.

Dwars Door Vlaanderen

Images by Sabine Sunderland

• Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) getting ready at the start of Dwars Door Vlaanderen
• Alessio-Bianchi director Dario Mariuzzo with Scott Sunderland
• Everyone in Alessio-Bianchi was in good spirits at the start
• Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) getting wired up
• Magnus Backstedt (Alessio-Bianchi) talking to CSC's Aussie soigneur, Robyn Taylor
• TV commentator Michel Wuyts keeping the crowd entertained
• Michael Skelde getting his legs rubbed while the rest of the Alessio team wait patiently
• Thierry Marichal (Lotto-Domo) leads the break on the first finishing circuit
• Rabobank leading a belated chase
• The remainder of the peloton comes through on the finishing circuits

Vrienden van het Platteland presentation

Images by Rudie Ottens

• Standing (L to R) Loes Gunnewijk, Vera Koedooder, Iris Slappendel, Chantal Beltman, Kristy Miggels, Marije Profijt, Corrien van Haastert. Sitting (L to R): Sharon van Essen, Minke van Dongen, Andrea Bosman
• Vera Koedooder on her time trial bike
• Chantal Beltman Loes Gunnewijk and Vera Koedooder
• Chantal Beltman with her bike

Nova Desert Classic

Stage 1 - March 19: McDowell time trial, 13km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images click here

Images by Jon Devich/www.epicimages.us

• Kathy Sherwin (Cannondale) starts out the pro womens TT field.
• Willow Koerber looking strong during the TT.
• Local Flagstaff rider Dara Marks-Marino.
• Josie Beggs riding for US coffee giant Starbucks.
• Jimena Florit looking happy to be racing in the desert.
• Another Cannondale rider, Judy Freeman.
• Kerry Barnholt - no brakes on a drop.
• Utah rider Todd Tanner catches some air.
• Amon Pease racking up those sky miles.
• David Wiens eyes up a drop.
• A Gary Fisher/Subaru rider hammers through the desert scrub brush.
• Anthony Colby racing for the Trek 505 team.
• Aussie Brent Miller during the TT.
• 3Rox Racing rider Eric Batty prepares to descend.
• Andrew Watson (Gears racing) drops in.
• Jay Henry grits his teeth on a descent.

Stage 2 - March 20: Short track XC, 20min + 2 laps

For a thumbnail gallery of these images click here.

Images by Jon Devich/www.epicimages.us

• Chrissy Redden on her way to victory in the short track.
• Kelli Emmett tookthird place today.
• Willow Koerber came in fifth place in today’s hot and dusty short track race.
• Kathy Sherwin faded a little in the heat today to come in :27 back.
• Joan Orgelidinger (Team Red Hook) leads a group.
• RLX Polo Sport’s Jimena Florit on her way to an eighth place finish.
• Jimena Florit leads in teammate Rhonda Quick.
• The men are off to race the short track.
• Travis Brown eyes up the turn ahead.
• Frank Maple leads a group of riders through the single track.
• Gears Racing rider Jesse Jakomait hammers in for a tenth place.
• Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski lays into a turn.
• Haro rider Chris Shepard having some fun today.
• Dave Weins races through the heat of the day.
• Ryder Hesjedal finds a good line through the soft stuff.
• Geoff Kabush struggled in today’s heat.
• Just about all anyone saw of Ryder Hesjedal all day.

Stage 3 - March 21: Cross-country, 48/38km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images click here.

Images by Jon Devich/www.epicimages.us

• Rhonda Quick moving fast on her way to seventh place.
• Sixth place rider Kathy Sherwin riding for Sobe/Cannondale.
• Kelli Emmett coming into the end of her fourth place ride.
• The heat takes its toll on Judy Freeman.
• XC winner Melani McQuaid leads second place finisher Chrissy Redden up a climb.
• Shannon Gibson rides her way through the heat of the day.
• Dave Wiens takes on a descent.
• Rounding out the top 10 was Trek/VW rider Travis Brown.
• Liam Killeen banks it hard in a turn.
• XC riders meander through the desert.
• Gears Racing rider Jesse Jakomait on his way to sixth place.
• The men make their way through a corkscrew descent on lap 1.
• Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski - last year’s winner.
• Maxxis rider Geoff Kabush makes his way through the cactus.
• Frank Mapel rides in by himself.
• Andreas Hestler made it onto the podium with a third place.
• Ryder Hesjedal didn’t slow down again today.

GP Cholet

Images by Daniel Schamps

• Bert De Waele (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) crosses the line in triumph

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Winner Bert De Waele (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) interviewed by race speaker Daniel Mangeas
• Best young rider was Vladimir Goussev (CSC) in a similar effort to Alexandre Vinokourov in 1998.
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches) receives from race organizer Gérard Chesneau the reward for the best local rider
• Didier Rous and Thor Hushovd joined Bert De Waele on the final podium of Cholet-Pays de Loire
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) remains the leader of the Coupe de France

Classic Loire Atlantique

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Winner Erki Putsep (Ag2r) on the podium with speaker Daniel Mangeas
• Erki Putsep (Ag2r) accepts his trophy
• Erki Putsep (Ag2r) flanked by Denis Robin (2nd, L) and Franck Pencolé (3rd, R) on the podium

Australian Madison Championships

Images by Shane Goss/licoricegallery.com

• Where it's all at Vodafone Arena in Melbourne
• Home of the 2004 World Track Championships
• A section of the crowd studies the form guide as riders flash past
• Simon Clarke (Carnegie-Caulfield Cycling Club) leads his teamate Michael Ford on the last lap of the Aces Elimination
• Carl Boni (L) and Jeremy Winfield of the Melbourne Bicycle Patrol Unit keep tabs on the speed of riders at Vodafone. The average speed was mid 40km's and mid 60km's when the sprints were on
• Hannah Bush (Shepparton Cycling Club) in action at Vodafone Arena
• Briana James (St.Kilda Cycling Club) in the women's scratch race over 12 laps
• Tommy Nankervis (South Australia) number one in the Cyclists International Wheelrace
• The podium after the Cyclists International Wheelrace (L to R): Hamish Taylor (Northcote Cycling Club 2cnd) Tommy Nankervis (South Australia 1st) Kain Nunn (Blackburn Cycling Club 3rd)
• Todd Wilksch (Bicycle Technologies, L) and Tommy Nankervis (Cyclists International) prior to the Australian Madison Title race
• Dave Sanders gives some pointers to Mitchell Docker left of Lockwood Security Concepts
• Tim Decker (Bicycle Technologies) all smiles and looking for another podium finish in the Madison
• Sean Finning (Drapac Property-Porsche) on his way out for the Australian Madison Title
• Hot favourites for the Madison Title Erik Weispfenning (L) and Lars Teutenberg of the Australian Abalone Exports team
• Chris Sutton (FDJeux.com) focusing on the job at hand
• The team from Assos Yoshii Kouji and Leigh De Luca in action during the Australian Madison Titles at Vodafone Arena in Melbourne
• Erik Weispfenning swings his Australian Abalone Export teamate Lars Teutenberg into the fray at Vodafone Arena
• Patrick Shaw (Agosta Transport) just after his fall holds his hand out ready for his teamate to sling him back into the action
• FDJeux.com teamates Rod McGee (R) and Chris Sutton up close and looking to challenge the boys from Germany in the Australian Madison Title
• Riders make their way down the back straight beneath the scoreboard at Vodafone Arena
• 'Follow me Sean' Brad Norton could be saying to his Drapac Property-Porsche teamate Sean Finning
• The field in the Australian Madison Titles at Vodafone Arena on the back straight
• Kouji Yoshii (Assos) makes a break for it leaving the rest to chase
• Chris Pascoe (NSWIS) holds his hand at the back awaiting teamate Steve Fitzpatrick to throw him into the fire at Vodafone Arena
• The boys from Bicycle Technologies: Tim Decker (R) and Todd Wilksch lookin flash in pink
• Sean Finning (Drapac Property-Porsche) can't wait for the World Track Championships at Vodafone Arena in 2004
• Erik Weispfenning (Australian Abalone Exports, R) and Simon Clarke (Agosta Transport) put their race face on during a sprint at Vodafone Arena
• Lars Teutenberg (Australian Abalone Exports) punches the air after winning the Australian Madison Title with teamate Erik Weispfenning
• The podium after the 2004 Australian Madison Title (L to R): Brad Norton and Sean Finning (Drapac Property-Porsche 2cnd) Erik Weispfenning and Lars Teutenberg (Australian Abalone Exports 1st) and Rod McGee and Chris Sutton (FDJeux.com 3rd)
• Lars Teutenberg of Germany can't believe he has just won the Aussie Madison Title whilst his teamate Erik Weispfenning speaks with announcer Stewart Doyle
• Stars of the future perhaps getting the feel for the podium?

Images by Mal Sawford/Cyclingnews.com

• Madison Winner Erik Weispfennig warms up
• Brad Norton rode to a fine second place
• The night's big prize
• Rod McGee at the head of the line up
• Well done boys: Lars Teutenberg congratulates Norton and Finning on their great ride
• Australian Madison Podium
• The newest Australian Champions show off their jerseys
• Richard England and Erik Weispfennig ready to go in the Wheelrace final
• Wheelrace Podium: Taylor, Nankervis and Nunn
• Women's Scratch Race winner Jenny Macpherson
• A media shy Jessica Berry recaps her win

Images by Hippy/thehippy.net

• Kouji Yoshii from Japan is never shy on colour.
• Andrew Steele (Blackburn) is happy to see the camera.
• Event 16: The 'BT Sprint Derby' start line.
• Event 16 ...and they're off!
• Event 16: Joel Leonard (Footscray) looks ready for any attacks.
• Madison duo of Simon Clarke (Carnegie) and Pat Shaw (Ballarat/Sebastopol).
• Madison duo of Andrew Steele (Blackburn) and Steve Martin (Blackburn).
• Steve Martin (Blackburn) has a grip on the situation.
• One of the Bicycle Technologies team riding, appropriately, a BT.
• Kouji Yoshii jumps away in an effort to secure the sprint points.
• One half of the Chris Sutton/Rod McGee team.
• The other half of the Chris Sutton/Rod McGee team.
• Richard England (Blackburn) about to throw teammate Warren Scott (NSW).
• Not the best time to peel off a tyre!
• Kouji Yoshii still firing on all cylinders!
• Lockwood Security Concepts team: What happened to "red and green should never be seen"?
• Drapac Property - Porsche team doing the "fling".
• Leigh De Luca (Carnegie) waits for Yoshii to arrive.
• Leigh De Luca (Carnegie) finds an easier way to wait for Yoshii.
• A NSWIS rider looking a bit on the "possessed" side.
• Richard England (Blackburn) looks for a gap.
• The German combo takes out the 2004 Madison Championships.
• A winning Australian Abalone Exports rider takes in some air.

Pomona Valley Stage Race

Stage 1 - March 18: San Dimas Hospital Circuit Race, 90/115 mins

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Hi mom! After a few laps the mood in the peloton was far from serious racing.
• While there may have been differences in opinion regarding the course's safety, few would argue about the scenery
• The peloton climbs the feed hill
• Team Sea Silver unveils their new jerseys which arrived just a few hours before the race.
• After 5 laps the pack came to halt at the finish line to voice their concerns about the course to the promoters and officials,
• The spearhead of the women's pack
• Quark's Lynn Bessette sprints for the KOM points
• The only break that stayed away for any length of time was the duo of Kori Seehafer (Genesis-Scuba) and Sarah Uhl (Quark)
• Megan Long attacks on the hill in an attempt to bridge to the break
• Laura Van Gilder keeps the Genesis-Scuba winning streak alive ahead of Megan Long (The Bicycle Store) and Lynne Bessette (Quark)

Stage 2 - March 19: Glendora Chevrolet Mountain Time Trial, 4.8miles

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Mike Creed (US Postal - Berry Floor) knows the top is up there somewhere
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) was exactly a minute behind Horner
• Chris Horner (Webcor) took a minute out of a high-class field
• Scott Moninger (Health Net - Maxxis) on the way to a solid top-three finish in the time trial
• Eric Wohlberg (Sierra Nevada) was one of the few riders to use a time trial bike - to good effect with fourth place
• Johanna Buick (Victory Brewing) on the way to fourth in the women's event
• Erin Mirabella (Red 5 Racing) looks happy about her third-place ride
• Kristin Armstrong (Team T-Mobile) knows she's on to a good time
• Kristin Armstrong (Team T-Mobile) seems to have forgotten that time trials are supposed to hurt
• Susan Palmer-Komar (Genesis Scuba/FFCC) was fifth in the hill-climb TT
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) - her close second was enough to give her the overall lead
• Laura Van Gilder (Genesis Scuba/FFCC) found the hill climb a bit tougher than the field sprint despite the psychological benefit of the yellow leaders jersey

Stage 3 - March 20: Incycle Puddingstone Road Race, 72/96miles

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• John Lieswyn (Health Net) drives the first major move of the day
• The pack takes the left turn onto Cannon Ave for the KOM climb
• Mike Jones (Health Net) does his share of the pacemaking
• Team Sea Silver's Daniel Ramsey instigated the day's first break
• Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada) leads a six-man break that escaped after the first break was absorbed. With Klasna were Matt Dubberly (Sierra Nevada), Danny Pate (2nd wheel) and Mike sayers (both Health Net) and Ben Brooks and Adam Bergman of Jelly Belly.
• Mike Sayers (Health Net) clims the KOM hill in the break
• The efforts of the day are clearly evident on Danny Pate's face
• Two laps to go and Trent Klasna leads the break through the start-finish area
• Will Frischkorn (Colavita) does his part to help keep the break off the front after a valiant bridging effort
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) finishes off an incredible last lap effort by winning the sprint and leaving no doubt that he is the man to watch.
• Magali Le Floch (Quark) rides comfortably in the bunch
• After 4 of 9 laps there is still a sizeable women's peloton as they start up the KOM hill
• The women's field hits the "cobbled" section of the climb.
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) looks confident and relaxed in the yellow leaders jersey
• Candice Blickem (Genesis-Scuba) spent a long lonely time off the front only to be caught on the last lap
• The Victory Brewing team leads the chase
• Magali Le Floch (Quark) takes the stage win by a sizeable margin over Tina Pic (Genesis-Scuba)

Images by James Doh

• TDS works hard at the front on the KOM hill.
• The Wells Fargo train struggles up the KOM hill.
• Nicole Brandli (Dasani-LaGrange) creates a gap on the tough KOM climb.
• Lynn Gaggioli (T-Mobile) feeling the effects of the tough Puddingstone Road Race.
• A Genesis rider in the groupetto
• Race leader Lynn Bessette looked comfortable all day despite the tough course.
• Ace sprinter Desira Utzig (Dasani-LaGrange) shows plenty of grit on the KOM hill.
• Anna Milkowski (RONA) through the rollers on Puddingstone Dr.
• The peloton over the cobbled section of the KOM hill.
• Sweeping into the first turn of the KOM hill.
• Sinuri Suzuki (Shimano) makes a move on the KOM climb.
• The peloton reacts to the move by Shimano.
• John Lieswyn (Health Net, hidden) rides next to a Jelly Belly rider. John was the dutiful teammate this weekend.
• The early break contained Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada), Danny Pate and Mike Sayers (Health Net), and Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly).
• The pack crossing the KOM line with Chris Horner in yellow looking comfortable.
• Chris Horner (Webcor) gets his props after the finish.
• A Health Net rider flats and Mavic Support quickly changes the wheel.
• And gets a good push-off...
• But still had to chase hard up a long climb to the pack. (He made it back just before the speed picked up to 45mph on a long downhill!)
• Dr. Demi Hechinova, master MC, gets Chris Horner (Webcor) to explain his heroic solo bridge to the breakaway and then winning the sprint.
• PVSR is a family event. With the help of people like Al Wiscovitch (SC Velo) and family, the race has grown in stature every year.
• Some helpful strategy for the kids' race.
• Inspired by Bessette's lead, this future GC rider enjoys the Shimano kids' race.
• Danny Pate (Health Net) relaxes before the final criterium.
• The talented and charismatic Lyne Bessette (Quark) takes time out of her busy preperations to chat about the race and future plans.
• T-Mobile prepares a gameplan for today's criterium.
• The Shimano team enjoys California weather! This is their first race on U.S. soil!
• A couple of their riders have done the Tour of Langkawi. They enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the US riders and fans.
• Hisafumi Imanishi, posing with his Carrera team bike (Dura-Ace equipped of course!) explains that the Americans are so fast on the flats but a bit slower on the climbs than in Europe.
• Cannondale set up a slew of demo bikes including a fleet of pearl red Saeco CAAD7's. Needless to say, free test rides were popular.
• Jelly Belly team's Orbea. Campy Chorus equipped, riding atop a Lexus RX300 team vehicle in this case.
• Cannondale helped sponsor club racer Nate Swift. His CAAD7 was damaged in a crash so they let him borrow the Saeco team bike. Now that's service!
• Kim Anderson's full carbon T-Mobile Giant.
• Quark's Ti/carbon Lemond.
• HealthNet's carbon Giant being inspected by a team wrench.

Stage 4 - March 21: Cannondale Old Town San Dimas Criterium, 55/90 mins

Images by Rob Karman/www.roadbikephotos.com

• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) jumped across to a five-man break and was marked by 16 others to form the move of the day.
• Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) looking relaxed in the yellow leader's jersey.
• Mariano Friedick (Jelly Belly-Aramark) was seen taking pulls at the front of the break.
• Eventual stage winner Mariano Friedick (Jelly Belly-Aramark) was accompanied in the break by two team-mates, including Alex Candelario seen here.
• GC leader Chris Horner (Webcor Builders) also took his turn at the front of the break.
• Trent Klasna (Sierra Nevada) made it into the break and moved up on the overall to fourth.
• Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) did a lot of work in the chase to try and keep his second place on GC, but with only a few team-mates left in the race, they could not match the horsepower in the break.
• Mariano Friedick (Jelly Belly-Aramark) takes the stage win ahead of team-mate Alex Candelario and Juan Jose Haedo (Colavita-Bolla).
• Sarah Uhl (Quark) took a break from track riding to accompany her team on the road in California this month.
• Two leaders jerseys - Tina Pic (Genesis-Scuba) in the green points jersey and Lyne Bessette (Quark) in the yellow leader's jersey.
• Sarah Uhl (Quark) takes the stage win.
• The final women's podium - Kristin Armstrong (T-Mobile, 2nd), Lyne Bessette (Quark, 1st), and Susan Palmer-Komar (Genesis-Scuba, 3rd).

Images by James Doh

• Corinn Clark-Danelli (Bicycle John's), Stage 1 winner and second on GC, at speed in the crit. Only 16 seconds seperated first and second GC for three days.
• A TDS rider remains cool under the intense pace set by RONA.
• Lyne Bessette (Quark) was aggressive at the front, covered here by points leader, Tina Mayolo-Pic (Genesis).
• Lyne Bessette is flanked by Helen Kelly (RONA).
• Three ways to take a corner.
• Maggie Shirley (Genesis) and Laura Schmidt (Terry Percision) take corner 2.
• Betsy Bloom-Galenti (Dasani-LaGrange) was the highest placed non-pro rider in the Puddingstone Road Race and one of the standouts in this national-caliber field.
• Yes, pink and purple trees do bloom in March in Southern Calif!
• RONA and crew set a blistering early pace
• Aussie Helen Kelly (RONA), who came within a whisker of winning last year's PVSR crit. A product of the Victorian Institute of Sport, Helen is an ambassador of the sport and all-around great person.
• Grace Fleury and Susan Palmer-Komar (Genesis) negotiate the crit course.
• World Champ Mari Holden (T-Mobile) takes a turn.
• The day started out a cool 60 degrees and climbed to the 80s by midday. Here the catagory 2 riders are about to start.
• Steve Ferretti (SC Velo) is followed by a Excel rider in cat 3.
• Teamwork at the sharp end of the cat 3 race. Steve Feretti and Chris Wentz (SC Velo) take turns putting the wood to the field.

Vuelta de Chile

Stage 5 - March 15: Curicó - Pichilemu, 150 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• Podium girls
• The peloton leaves the city of Curicó
• Arturo Corvalán (Ace Bryc)
• The peloton cruising the countryside
• The peloton enters the town of Santa Cruz
• The bunch
• The escape of the day
• Raúl López (Lascar-Peñaflor) and Néstor Pias (Uruguay), escaped from the peloton on the last climb of the day (Cumbre Las Antenas, 2nd cat).
• Big teams forcing the pace at Cumbre las Antenas
• Raúl López (Lascar-Peñaflor) wins the stage ahead Néstor Pias (Selecc. Uruguay)

Stage 6b - March 16: La Estrella - Algarrobo, 146 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• 05 Orbitel pushing hard on the hilly course, behind Francisco Cabrera (Lider-La Polar)
• The peloton getting smaller
• The countryside
• The peloton
• The peloton
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy-Doñihue) wins the stage, second was Francisco Cabrera (Lider-La Polar)
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy-Doñihue)
• Francisco Cabrera (Lider-La Polar)

Stage 7 - March 17: Algarrobo - Villa Alemana, 105 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• Eneas Freyre (UPMC) stetches next to the beach, before the start of the stage
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue) climbs in the pack
• The peloton battled with crosswinds most of the stage
• Arturo Corvalan (Ace Bryc) wins the second sprint, second was Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar)
• In the last 20 kilometers a series of attacks formed a big escape with big names in it
• Luis Fernando Sepúlveda (Ace Bryc) wins the stage
• Luis Fernando Sepúlveda (Ace Bryc) celebrates in the podium
• Marcelo Arriagada (Publiguias)
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue)

Stage 8 - March 18: Olmué - Los Andes, 122 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• Gonzalo Salas and Gonzalo Garrido (Lider - La Polar) getting prepared
• The peloton rolls out the town of Olmué
• After nearly 10 km of not very steep but fast climbing, the first group enters the last 20 kilometers of the cat. 1 Cuesta la Dormida
• The lead group is driven by 05 Orbitel and Lider - La Polar
• The group gains altitude
• Jorge Martínez (05 Orbitel) attacks in La Dormida, the group follows
• 05 Orbitel attacks again
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue) setting the pace in the last km of La Dormida
• Gonzalo Salas (Lider - La Polar, C) follows
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue) wins the mountain sprint ahead Marco Arriagada (Publiguias)
• The rest of the lead group containing stage 8 winner Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar)
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue) again driving the next climb of Tunel Chacabuco
• A fan watches the group pass by
• The first group going out of the Tunel Chacabuco
• Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar) wins the stage at Los Andes
• Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar) salutes from the podium
• Second place Javier Zapata (05 Orbitel) grabs a podium girl and a coke
• Third place Jose Medina (Ace Bryc)

Stage 9 - March 19: Los Andes - Portillo , 115 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• The peloton starts from Los Andes
• The first escape of the day was caught with 50 km to climb
• Hernan Cline (Seleccion Uruguay) the leader of the sprint classification
• The peloton prepares for the next 50 km of climbing
• A big trail followed the riders
• A first group of important riders is formed with 40 km to go
• Chilean teams pushing hard while behind, most of 05 Orbitel follows
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) attacks and he goes solo with 20 km to go
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) suffers
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias)
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) wins the stage
• Second place, Jose Medina (Ace Bryc)
• Third place, Julio Rangel (Transportes Romero)

Images by Robinson Nunez

• Gonzalo Garrido (Lider - La Polar) rolls out from signing the book
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue) leader of the mountain classification and Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar), general classification leader
• Hernan Cline (Seleccion Uruguay) sprint classification leader and Arturo Corvalan (Ace Bryc) wearing the "Premio Regularidad" jersey
• El Salto del Soldado the finish for a 2nd cat. climb
• Fans were all over the road
• After 40 km of climbing the riders saw a terrible horizon with 10 km to go
• The first set of turns in the last 10 km
• More fans
• Even more fans
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) speeds up the last 4 km, holding a 1 minute advantage over the next group
• Jose Medina (Ace Bryc) followed a little less than a minute behind
• The first group is driven by Hernan Muñoz (05 Orbitel), behind follows Gonzalo Salas (Lider - La Polar), Marcelo Arriagada (Publiguias) and Julio Rangel (Transportes Romero)
• Ivan Parra (Comunidad Valenciana - Kelme) in the last 2 km
• The group with the GC leader
• Marcelo Agüero (Skippy - Doñihue) leads Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar)
• Another group doing their last effort
• Gonzalo Garrido (Lider - La Polar)
• The last group appears
• Cristobal Silva (Skippy - Doñihue) with the climb on the horizon

Stage 10 - March 20: Pirque, 131 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• The race starts from the town of Pirque
• The pace was high the whole race
• Publiguias was up setting the pace
• Chilean teams did turns doing the work looking for their own interests
• Gonzalo Miranda (Publiguias) wins the stage
• Gonzalo Miranda (Publiguias) wins the bunch sprint ahead of Arturo Corvalan (Ace Bryc) and Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar)
• Gonzalo Miranda (Publiguias) salutes the crowd
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) dons the leader jersey
• Three leaders Hernan Cline (Seleccion Uruguay) sprints; Marco Arriagada (Publiguias), GC; and Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar), Points

Stage 11 - March 21: Santiago Circuit, 60 km

Images by vueltadechile.cl

• The peloton is driven by Publiguias
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) was always up front
• The group makes a U turn
• Cristobal Silva (Skippy - Doñihue) is the current national MTB XC champion
• Andrei Sartassov (Skippy - Doñihue) won the second intermediate sprint
• Hernan Cline (Seleccion Uruguay) was the sprint classification leader since the first road stage
• The peloton speeds under the finish sign
• Orbitel was one of the main attractions of this vuelta
• Arturo Corvalan (Ace Bryc) wins the final stage in Santiago
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias)
• Arturo Corvalan (Ace Bryc) salutes from the podium
• Gonzalo Miranda (Publiguias) was second in the last stage
• Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar) was third in the stage
• Hernan Cline (Seleccion Uruguay) won the sprint classification
• Edgardo Simon (Lider - La Polar) holds up his lead in the points classification
• 05 Orbitel celebrates after winning the team classification
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) also was the best climber
• Marco Arriagada (Publiguias) is the winner of this Vuelta de Chile
• Jose Medina (Ace Bryc) got second place in the GC
• Marcelo Arriagada (Publiguias), right was third in the GC, next to his brother Marco

For more photos, e.g. Nokere Koerse, Track Cycling World Championships launch, Tri-Nations International Track Challenge, Tirreno-Adriatico, Paris-Nice, @Home Cycling Team presentation, McLane Pacific Classic, NORBA #1 - Waco, Colombian XC Cup #1, Bendigo Madison, Tucson Bicycle Classic, Vuelta a Murcia, Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen, Australian Junior Track Championships and Bendigo International Madison Criterium please consult our archives