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Cycling photography for March 2006

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Driedaagse van De Panne
Critérium International
Brabantse Pijl
E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
Milan-San Remo
Commonwealth Games
Dwars door Vlaanderen
Settimana Ciclistica Int. Coppi-Bartali
Tour de Normandie
San Dimas Stage Race
Classic Loire Atlantique
Nokere Koerse
Tirreno-Adriatico
Paris-Nice
Bendigo Madison

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

Driedaagse van De Panne

Stage 4 - March 30: De Panne - De Panne ITT, 12 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) showed his good form by finishing second
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) was third in today's time trial - better than last year
• Sebastien Rosseler (Quick.Step) was the first non-Discovery rider in fourth
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) defended the jersey valiantly, but lost out to Hoste
• Frank Vandenbroucke (Unibet.com) produced a great ride to finish 9th
• Serguei Ivanov (T-Mobile) during his effort
• Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) struggles to get the TT over with
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) better known as a sprinter
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) was the first to beat VDB's time
• Slava Ekimov (Discovery Channel) wasn't at his best, but wasn't too far off the pace
• Jan Boven (Rabobank) was one of his team's three finishers
• Angel Castresana (Unibet.com) during his ride
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel) on the podium with the trophy
• Hoste throws the bouquet…
• The podium (L to R): Angel Castresana (sprints), Bernhard Eisel (points, 2nd overall), Leif Hoste (1st overall, mountains), and Luis Sanchez (3rd overall)

Stage 3 - March 30: De Panne - De Panne, 119 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• Rosseler leads De Jongh on the last lap
• Joaquin Rojas Gil (Liberty) in pursuit of the three leaders
• Steven de Jongh (Quick.Step) beats Claudio Corioni (Lampre-Fondital) to win stage 3
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) rolls in at the back after his crash on the last corner
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) did a ton of work today
• Winner Steven de Jongh on the podium

Stage 2 - March 29: Zottegem - Oostduinkerke, 227 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• No tilting at windmills today
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) chasing back on
• Wilfried Cretskens (Quick Step) keeps Boonen out of trouble
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) back in the mode
• Hey whassup? Luca Paolini looks for assistance
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) looking good
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the front group
• The front group after a peloton split
• Nico Mattan (Davitamon-Lotto) suffering
• Castresana, Renders and Capelle tried to get away late in the race
• Discovery Channel working hard in the peloton
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) beats Danilo Napolitano (LPR)
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) makes amends for yesterday
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) on the podium in the leader's jersey

Stage 1 - March 28: Middelkerke - Zottegem, 194 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) smiles at the start
• Frank Vandenbroucke (Unibet.com): Has Boonen shown the way forward with the mullet?
• The wind was a factor today
• These Belgians are crazy: But Eddy Merckx lives on
• Bernhard Eisel (Francaise des Jeux) leads the break on the Berendries
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel) looking comfy
• Pippo Pozzato (Quick.Step) couldn't quite close the gap to the leaders
• Roberto Petito (Tenax) takes off on the Berendries with Luis Sanchez in tow
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) pacing the peloton
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) doing it a bit easier than Niko Eeckhout
• Seb Chavanel (Bouygues) hangs on
• Bram Schmitz (T-Mobile) suffers after being dropped
• The peloton very strung out
• Tom Steels (Davitamon-Lotto) rides in the peloton
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel, L) comes from behind to beat Bernhard Eisel in the sprint in Zottegem
• Cop that! Leif Hoste is happy with himself after beating two sprinters
• Leif Hoste (Discovery Channel) has dinner sorted out now
• Gert Steegmans (Davitamon-Lotto) leader of the sprints classification

Critérium International

Stage 3 - March 26: Charleville-Mezieres - Charleville-Mezieres, 8.3 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Ivan Basso (CSC) blazes around the town of Charleville-Mezieres en route to second place and overall victory.
• Surprise winner José Alberto Martinez (Agritubel) finished just one second ahead of Basso.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) shows off his winner's trophy.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) throws his winner's bouquet.
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) was only good enough for 12th place on the stage, but maintained his second position overall.
• Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) rode a great TT to finish third and maintain third overall.
• José Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse D'Epargne-Illes Balears) finished two seconds outside a podium place, placing fourth.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is still yet to receive his winner's trophy from last year's Vuelta a España.

Stage 2 - March 26: Les Vieilles Forges (Les Mazures) - Montherme, 101 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Ivan Basso's devilish grin emerges after winning the second stage of the Criterium International in Montherme.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) shows a rare turn of speed coming towards the line in Montherme.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) leads overnight leader Erik Dekker (Rabobank) and Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole).
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) seemingly in control, with Ivan Basso (CSC) glued on his wheel.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) looks behind to see his team-mate Frank Schleck (Team CSC).
• Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) attacks with four kilometres to go, and Ivan Basso (CSC) is right onto him.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) leads the race with Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) on his wheel.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) forces the pace in the lead group.
• The CSC duo of Jens Voigt and Carlos Sastre go with a two-pronged attack.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom, L) and Alberto Contador (Liberty Seguros) in the lead group.

Stage 1 - March 25: Sedan - Charleville-Mezieres, 192 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) wins the opening stage of the Criterium International in Mezieres.
• He's still got it, that wily Erik...
• Igor Astarloa (Barloworld) leads Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) and Erik Dekker (Rabobank).
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) looks behind him to see the suffering face of Ivan Basso (CSC).
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is forced to rejoin the peloton after a mechanical.
• Erik Dekker (Rabobank) attacks with Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) on his wheel.
• Igor Astarloa (Barloworld, R) and Andriy Grivko (Team Milram) lead the breakaway group.
• Ivan Basso (CSC, L) and Floyd Landis (Phonak) chew the fat at the start.
• Ivan Basso (CSC) stretches his shoulders before the opening day's stage in beginning in Sedan.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is pushed back on his way by team manager John Lelange.
• The peloton on a rolling road towards Mezieres.
• A formidable sight - Team CSC motion their troops at the head of the peloton.
• It's a colourful sport, isn't it?
• Francesco Mancebo rides in his new team colours of AG2R.
• Team-mates Bobby Julich and Ivan Basso (CSC) ride alongside one another.

Dwars door Vlaanderen

Settimana Ciclistica Int. Coppi-Bartali

Stage 5 - March 25: Castellarono - Sassuolo, 163.6 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) and Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) break away on the final GPM, roughly seven kilometres from the finish.
• Race leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) riding hard up the GPM.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates after beating Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) in a sprint to the line.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on the podium, saluting the crowd after taking overall honours in the Settimana Ciclistica Int. Coppi-Bartali.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) leads Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) and three other breakaway companions.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) stamps on the pedals.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) leads Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic).
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is over the moon.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) with his arms aloft.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is given a pat on the bum by Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic).
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gets a kiss from his fiancee.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) tells reporters how he won the day.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is congratulated by Liquigas' Vincenzo Nibali, who took second overall.
• Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gives a hug to his young team-mate.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) on the podium as stage winner.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates with the bubbly.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) goes berko with the bubbly.

Stage 4 - March 24: Carpi - Finale Emilia, 184.4 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) repeats his win exactly 12 months ago in Finale Emilia.
• E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y, clap your hands...
• What the others saw of Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).
• The leaders of the various classifications on the podium.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) wins in Finale Emilia.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) is determined to get this clapping thing happening.
• A delighted Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).
• Race leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) one day away from overall victory in the Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale Coppi-Bartali.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) looks shattered.
• The stage podium - (L to R) Murilo Antonio Fischer (Naturino-Sapore Di Mare, 3rd), Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital, 1st) and Brett Lancaster (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare, 3rd).
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) receives some special treatment.
• There's Cadel Evans! G'day mate!
• And that's Michael Rogers (T-Mobile). G'day Mick!
• Murilo Antonio Fischer (Naturino-Sapore Di Mare) shortly after finishing third to stage winner Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bossoni (Team Tenax Salmilano) is sent on a stretcher to hospital.
• Paolo Bossoni (Team Tenax Salmilano) is hurting from his wounds.
• The peloton leave Carpi.
• The peloton leave Carpi.
• Blink and they're gone!
• Okay, blink a few times and they'll be gone...
• The peloton riding piano on the road to Finale Emilia.
• Race leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital, R) and team-mate Paolo Tiralongo share a laugh.
• It's Lampre's day as Danilo Napolitano wins in Finale Emilia.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) repeats his victory from one year ago.
• This is what the others saw of Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital).
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) has every reason to raise his arms.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital, L) trails in the wake of his team-mate and eventual stage winner Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital, R).

Stage 3 - March 23: Scandiano - Fiorano Modenese, 165.6 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Simoni and Ricco ride to the start
• Trying out a new wheel?
• The peloton in Coppi e Bartali
• It's a colourful scene
• Bella Italia
• Winding along through the Italian countryside
• Liquigas-Bianchi working hard
• Liquigas-Bianchi on cracked roads
• Liquigas-Bianchi on a climb
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) relaxed in the peloton
• Gorazd Stangelj (Lampre-Fondital) made the breakaway
• Paolo Tiralongo (Lampre-Fondital) pulls the bunch along at a hard tempo
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) in action
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) with Beppe Saronni
• Rafaele Illiano and Cunego fight it out
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) looking good
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) wins the stage

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) with Lele Sella
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) looking forward to it
• Liquigas-Bianchi in front
• The peloton strings out
• The peloton ascends
• Things are getting tough
• Przemyslaw Niemiec (Miche) out front
• Emanuele Sella (Panaria) forcing
• Emanuele Sella (Panaria) drives it
• That's a long zig-zag
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) stays out of trouble
• The peloton descends
• Cadel Evans in front of the Lampre train
• Pelizotti working hard
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) reflects on a close finish
• Descending
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) nestled in the Liquigas train
• Liquigas-Bianchi running out of men
• The group has thinned down
• Ricardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) looking better after his crash
• Ricardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) on his own
• Ricco and Cunego in front
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) working hard
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) puts the pressure on
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) wins the stage…by a lot
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) across the line
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) takes a breather
• Congrats from Tiralongo
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on the podium
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) puts on the jersey
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) the new leader
• The Kid is back
• Franco Ballerini with Cunego

Stage 2 - March 22: Cervia - Faenza, 199.3 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Stage 2 was wet
• Oliver Zaugg (Saunier Duval) can multitask
• Nibali corners on slick cobbles en route to victory
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) does one of the hardest things on a road bike: corner on wet cobbles
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) wins the second stage
• Nibali celebrates
• Thumbs up for Vincenzo Nibali
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) crashed during the stage
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) came in bloodied after a crash
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) in the leader's jersey

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) suffers in the peloton
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) stirring things up
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital)
• Cunego and Bettini battle it out
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) has victory in mind
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) alone in pursuit of the leaders
• Aliaksandr Kuchynski (Ceramica Flaminia) leads Nibali
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) and Aliaksandr Kuchynski (Ceramica Flaminia) ride together
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) wins the second stage
• Yeah! Vincenzo Nibali after winning
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) salutes in the leader's jersey
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Bianchi) with several jerseys

Stage 1b - March 21: Misano - Misano TTT, 11.8 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Team CSC en route to victory
• T-Mobile led by World TT Champ Mick Rogers
• Gerolsteiner finished third
• AG2R Prevoyance almost matching
• Are we there yet? Liquigas-Bianchi
• Marco Pinotti on the front for Saunier Duval
• Fabrizio Guidi leads Phonak
• Quick.Step-Innergetic looking out for each other
• Cadel Evans leads Davitamon-Lotto
• Lampre-Fondital powering away
• Team CSC on the podium
• David Zabriskie really likes the leader's jersey

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• David Zabriskie leads the CSC train
• Saunier Duval-Prodir comes into view
• Saunier Duval-Prodir during its ride
• Liquigas-Bianchi stays close
• Liquigas-Bianchi in suffer mode
• Lampre-Fondital protecting leader Danilo Napolitano
• Brett Lancaster leads Panaria
• One rider from LPR forgot his booties…
• Phonak powers along
• Team Milram a picture in blue
• Tenax in TTT mode
• CSC on the podium

Stage 1a - March 21: Riccione-Riccione, 95.2 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) wins the first stage bunch sprint ahead of Elia Rigotto and Murilo Antonio Fischer
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) raises his arms in victory
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) winner of the first half stage
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) is a happy winner

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Paolo Bettini with Michael Rogers
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) wins the opening stage
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) raises his arms
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) celebrates
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) after his win
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) struggles with the cork
• Graziano Gasparre (Amore e Vita-McDonald's) in the leader's jersey
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital) smiles with success

Tour de Normandie

Stage 8 - March 26: Bagnoles de l'Orne - Caen, 142 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• The 'Raboboys' at the start in Bagnoles de l'Orne
• Stéphane Petilleau (Bretagne-Jean Floch) at the head of the race
• Rabobank controlled the race all day to keep their man Reus in the lead
• The riders on the final lap of a soaked Tour de Normandie
• Love ya work, bro Kai Reus (Rabobank) says thanks to one of his teammates in the peloton
• Stéphane Petilleau (G.S.Bretagne-Jean Floc'h) wins the final stage in Caen
• Mikel Gaztanaga (Atom) took second in stage 8
• Stéphane Petilleau up close and personal
• Danny Pate (TIAA-CREF) at the finish
• Kai Reus wins the Tour de Normandie for the second time
• The podium (l-r): Alexander Khatuntsev, Kai Reus and Jos Van Emden
• Jos Van Emden and Kai Reus hang with Rabobank's sport director after the race

Stage 7 - March 25: St Hilaire du Harcouet - Bagnoles de l'Orne, 174 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• The big escape of the day with Maxime Mederel (Auber 93), Marcin SAPA (Knauff), Lasse Bochman (GLS) and Brad Huff (TIIA CREF).
• The attack of Maxime Mederel happened 40 kimometres before the finish
• Bochman tried to organize the pursuit.
• Rabobank lead the peloton with their man leading overall
• Another hard day with the rain coming down
• Maxime Mederel on the final lap
• Orbea give it a go on the final lap.
• Maxime Mederel (Auber 93) wins stage 7
• Maxime Mederel has to answer questions for TV
• Mederel is congratulated by sport director Stéphane Javalet
• Another hard day... when is this race going to end?
• Kai keeps the jersey in the safe hands of Rabobank
• Stéphane Javalet, Auber 93's sport director, is delighted with Maxime Mederel's win
• Maxime Mederel (Auber 93) on the podium
• I'm so tired... but today I think I've secured a win at the Tour de Normandie
• Brad Huff is smiling again in the sprinter's green jersey

Stage 6 - March 24: Domfront - St Hilaire du Harcouet, 84 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• It's raining, again this afternoon...how I love Normandy in the spring!
• Team Knauff made their presence felt in the bunch
• Niki Trepstra (Ubbink-Syntec) wins stage 6
• Another stage down... and aren't the boys happy about that!
• Niels Brouzes (Auber 93) is glad he brushed his teeth this morning
• Hey, what did you say? Niki Trepstra throws the evil eye look at someone
• Kai Reus finished the day in yellow again

Stage 5 - March 24: Flers-Domfront, 74 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• There were many demonstrations in France because a problem with the gouvernment. Here some students gather at the Tour of Normandy start to voice their concerns
• Martin Garrido supports the students
• Hey boy... another stage today for your team today?
• Some attacks went early on
• Jos Van Emden lost his leader's jersey today
• Emilien Benoit Berges tries to capture the stage win
• An attack with Franck Charrier (CC Nogent) near the end of the stage
• Jos Van Emden in the peloton.
• Kai Reus was back in Normandy and won stage 5
• It was a hard day for Krassimir Vasilev
• Good job, son...
• Damn this is cold
• Team TIAA-CREF had another tough day today
• TIAA-CREF's Brad Huff asks if anyone is up for a hot cup of cocoa...
• Hey man, I'm back at the top of the classification
• Kai Reus (Rabobank) is back in yellow

Stage 4 - March 23: Elbeuf - Flers, 201 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Most of the guys were doing it tough today
• David LeLay (G.S.Bretagne-Jean Floc'h) led one of the escapes of the day
• It wasn't a good day for TIAA-CREF's Brad Huff
• Cédric Hervé (G.S.Bretagne-Jean Floc'h)
• Jos Van Emden wins stage 4 in Flers - another big stage for Rabobank III
• A good stagefor Team GSL but no victory
• The peloton finished many minutes after the winner
• Jos Van Emden (Rabobank)
• Hey, where's his head? Jos Van Emden puts on the leader's yellow jersey
• Jos Van Emden (Rabobank) looking pleased with the leader's jersey
• Jos Van Emden (Rabobank) is the leader of the Tour of Normandie

Stage 3 - March 22: Aubevoye - Elbeuf, 74 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Brad Huff (TIAA-CREF) with the yellow jersey
• Cyclingnews made an appearance in Normandy!
• Team TIAA CREF at the head of the race
• Martin Maaskant (Rabobank) wins stage 3
• Brad Huff crashed 200 metres before the finish line
• Martin Maaskant (Rabobank) took a win on stage 3
• It was a difficult race in some tough conditions
• Another day in yellow for Brad Huff
• The stage 3 podium with Huff hiding from the cameras
• Brad Huff is happy but tomorrow is the hardest stage of the Tour de Normandie

Stage 2 - March 22: Forges les Eaux - Aubevoye, 81 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Jurgen Roelands (Bodysol) wins stage 2
• Bradley Huff (TIAA-CREF) finished amongst the action
• Jurgen Roelands (Bodysol) on the podium
• Brad Huff (TIAA-CREF) on the podium
• Huff's all smiles after stage 2
• Brad Huff in yellow... which suits him pretty well, actually!

Prologue - March 20: Colombelles ITT, 5,8 km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Team TIIA CREF is back in Normandy
• Robert Bartko (German National team)
• Alexander Khatuntsev (Omnibike Dymamo Moscow) at the start.
• Vincent Cantero (CC Nogent Sur Oise)
• Kai Reus (Rabobank) concentrates at the start.
• Emilien Benoit-Berges (auber.93) ready to go
• Emilien Berges (Auber 93) takes third place.
• Kai Reus (Rabobank) wins the prologue
• The prodium - Rick Flens (Rabobank), Kai Reus (Rabobank) and Emilien Berges (Auber 93)

San Dimas Stage Race

Stage 3 - March 19: Incycle/Cannondale Classic, 90/55 minutes

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Images by

• Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) drives the break through the rain
• The top 3 on GC kept a close watch on each other.
• Grace Fleury (Lipton) smiles at the start while wearing the climbers jersey
• Race leader Kristin Armstrong (Lipton) poses on the start line with Flat Stanley
• Kristin Armstrong (Lipton) on cruise control
• Lisa Sweeney (CPT-Colnago) leads the break through the start finish area
• TEAm Lipton on the front of the field
• Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) holds onto a slim lead after her last lap attack
• Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) celebrates her stage win
• Mike Jones (Health Net) was bundled up over his climbers jersey
• Race leader Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) has his game face on at the start
• Toyota-United setting tempo on the front
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) kept his yellow jersey hidden under a rain cape
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) puts his head down while powering the break
• Gord Fraser and Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) spent most of the race off the front
• The breakaway riders set up for turn 1 as the pack comes into view at the far end of the finishing straight
• Mariano Friedrick leads the chase for Toyota-United
• Gord Fraser (Health Net pb Maxxis)
• Tim Johnson (Health Net pb Maxxis) tries to bridge up to the break with 4 laps to go
• Toyota-United chases the break with three laps to go
• With one lap to go the end was imminent for the break
• Juan Jose Haedo (Toyota-United) puts his head down and powers away to the stage win
• The effort and conditions of the race were apparent on Chris Baldwin's face

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

• Mari, put that cell phone away, the race is about to start.
• Laura Kroepsch (Team Lipton) helps race leader Kristin Armstrong with her mic.
• Good Friends.
• Old Friends.
• Jaqusijak Katarzyna (Polish National Team) and coach.
• The newly formed Sports Express Team.
• Women’s peloton on the first lap.
• Checking out the competition.
• Laura Kroepsch (TEAm Lipton) after the leader.
• Jittery Joes on the front.
• Karl Menzies (Health Net) leading the break.
• Karl Menzies (Health Net) working hard.
• Jose Haedo (Toyota-United) wins again.
• GC winner Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) on top of the podium

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Mari Holden is all smiles before the rain
• America’s Dairyland Best Young rider Natalie Klemko
• America’s Dairyland rider Natalie Klemko out of the saddle and show that MILK DOES A BODY GOOD as she powers the pedals
• Jennifer Reither (Bicycle Johns)
• Lisa Sweeney (Colorado Premier Training) leads Lara Kroepsch (Team Lipton) and Rebecca Larson (Cycle Science) Larson went on to the win
• T-Mobile's Kim Baldwin wears the green jersey
• It’s the battle of the milk and tea racers - Lipton’s Grace Fleury leads the chase as America’s Dairyland riders Betsy Galenti and Natalie Klemko are right there as well
• Brent Bookwalter of the Priority Health Cycle team was in the break for a long time and finished 12 and best young rider
• The break about to get swallowed up in the last laps of the race
• Team Lipton’s Lara Kroepsch helps race leader Kristin Armstrong with her radio
• Polish riders Janik Karolina and Jagusiah Katarzynn with coach
• Kim Baldwin hams up for the camera as the other Jersey wearers look on. L-R Grace Fleury KOM (team Lipton), Kristin Armstrong Leaders (Team Lipton), Natalie Klemko Best Young rider (America’s Dairyland) and Baldwin points (T-Mobile)
• T-Mobile’s Mari Holden
• Marisa Asplund of the Colorado Premier Training Colnago – Sports Express Team
• Janik Karolina of the Polish team must feel right at home at today's race with all the rain and cold.
• Germany’s T-Mobile rider Cristina Becker
• Colorado Premier Training –Colnago- Sports Express team girls warm down after the race L-R Nicky Wangsgard, Jennifer Gersbach and Marisa Asplund
• Toyota-United’s Chris Wherry leads they way for his teammates
• Karl Menzies (Health-Net) leads Brent Brookwalter (Priority Health Cycle)

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Laura Downey (America's Dairyland) leans it over in a wet corner after the rain
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) leads the group into a wet turn as the rain starts again
• Stage winner, Jose Haedo (Toyota - United Pro) uses his brakes sparingly on the rainy course
• GC leader, Heath Blackgrove (Toyota - United Pro)

Stage 2 - March 18: San Dimas Hospital Road Race, 96/72 miles

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by

• Laura Downey (America's Dairyland) leads the women's field into the bottom of the climb
• TEAm Lipton patrols the front of the field
• The women's break ascends on the gentler slopes of the climb
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) looking resplendent in the leaders jersey
• The women's break spreads across the road on the climb
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) salutes stage winner and team mate Grace Fleury
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) celebrates with stage winner and team mate Grace Fleury
• Justin England (Toyota-United) leads the offensive on lap 2
• Health Net and Toyota-United control the front
• The men's break had the odds stacked for Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity
• Mike "So Pro" Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) had little time to enjoy the springtime greenery along the course
• Toyota-United Pro rode tempo on the front to keep GC leader Chris Baldwin out of trouble
• Peter Hatton (Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity) leads Chris Wherry (Toyota-United), Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) and team mate Philip Wong during their foray off the front of the field
• Tony Cruz leads his Toyota-United team as the set tempo on the front of the main field
• A Toyota-United rider looks over at eventual stage winner Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) as he moves up on the right side of the field.
• Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) spent almost the entire race off the front, much of it in solitary TT mode
• Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) passes the break of a lower category race while soling of the front of the pro men's field
• Mike Jones (Health Net pb Maxxis) keeps the pressure on as he climbs solo ahead of the pack
• As the laps counted down the Toyota-United team started to chase in earnest
• US PRO champ Chris Wherry leads the chase for Toyota-United
• Tim Johnson and Roman Kilun (Health Net pb Maxxis) go on the attack with 2 laps remaining.
• Stage winner Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) launches the decisive attack with just over 1 lap to go.
• Stage winner Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) powers away from the bunch with Trent Wilson (Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity) glued to his wheel
• Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) takes the stage win ahead of Glen Mitchell (Priority Health) and Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United)

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• The woman's race a few km after the start
• Kim Baldwin (T-Mobile) relaxed with a sharp eye at the front
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) - 1st in GC, 1st in sprint points & 1st for KOM
• Wayne Stetina (AMD) was very happy that the 45+ race was finished... especially since he was the first across the line!
• Grace Fleury outsprints her teammate and race leader Kristin Armstrong to win the race
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota - United Pro) sitting comfortably behind his teammates
• Karl Menzies (Health net pb Maxxis) wins the sprint in the men's pro race

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

• Maria Monica (McGuire) leads the pack up a hill early on
• Erin Alders (McGuire) and Moriah MacGregor (Dizzy Chicks) ead the way early on in the road race
• Laura Downey (America’s Dairyland) wants a bottle in the feed zone in front of the pack
• Las Vegas rider Hilary Crowley
• The women at the line. Grace Fleury grabs the win over race leader and teammate Armstrong
• Jagusiak Katarzyna of the Polish team is happy to be in so cal where it’s a bit warmer then in Poland
• The men’s pack from up high
• Jared Downing (VRC-MS Society) grabs an naughty ride up the hill.
• Tony Cruz and his Toyota-United team lead the way up the hill
• Toyota-United’s Tony Cruz goes for a bottle
• Health Net’s Mike Jones looks back to see if the pack is coming
• Drew Miller (Successfulliving.com) and Tommy Tommy of the (Priority Health cycling team) go past Raging Waters Park
• Karl Menzies of Health Net grabs the Win
• Race leader Kristin Armstrong (LIPTON) and Dotsie Bausch (Colavita) and the pack of women racers
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) shows off the Nat Champ Jersey as he gets ready to ride
• Toyota-United’s Tony Cruz gets ready to race and work for his team
• America’s Dairyland team comes to Calif to prove that Wisconsin is Dairyland

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

• The Pro women assemble at the staging area.
• Dotsie Bausch (ColavitaCooking Light) is ready to go.
• Kim Baldwin (T-Mobile) is trying to stay warm before the start.
• T-Mobile relaxing before the start.
• Laura Van Gilder (Team Lipton) smiles for the camera.
• Grace Fleury (Team Lipton) makes a last minute adjustment.
• Cindy Carroll (McGuire Cycling Team) is checking out the competition.
• Katherine Lambden (Team Lipton)
• Mavic
• The Moto brings the women's peloton into position.
• The women are on their own.
• The women's peloton heads for the first turn.
• The women don't seem to be in any hurry at the end of the first lap.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland) leads out the peloton.
• The first break of the day.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita/Cooking Light) leads the second group.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland) likes to be in front.
• Grace Fleury (Team Lipton) leads the break over the hill.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita/Cooking Light) still leads the peloton.
• In the shadow of Mavic.
• The peloton doesn't seem to be in any hurry with only three laps to go.
• They look tired don't they?
• Oh, I am getting close to your wheel.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland)
• Team Lipton has a team meeting after Grace Fleury takes the stage win.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) goes over their stage win.
• Stage winner Grace Fleury (Team Lipton)
• Laura Kroepsch (Team Lipton) is all smiles.
• The mens train on the first lap.
• Health Net takes control.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) in the break.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) still in the break.
• Health Nets gets a little too close and has to put on the breaks.
• The Toyota-United Pro train.
• Health Net tries another break.
• Toyota-United Pro takes control of the peloton.
• Toyota-United Pro takes control close-up.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) just waiting to pounce.
• Toyota- United Pro and Health Net go head-to-head.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) not only breaks from the whole peloton, but tries to break from Mavic too.

Images by Russ and Nancy Wright/www.abbiorca.com

• The women's 1/2/pro field on their first lap of the San Dimas Road Race.
• Cacti on the rolling California hills serve as a backdrop for the women's field.
• The decisive break included two T-Mobile and three Team Lipton riders
• Taitt Sato (McGuire Women's Cycling Team)
• Team Lipton rider Grace Fleury won the San Dimas Stage Two Road Race.
• TIAA CREF and AEG-Toshiba-JetNetwork represent at the front of the main pack.
• Maynard Hershon provides smiles and support from Mavic.
• An early break of Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro), Mike Jones (Health Net) and two Jittery Joe's riders.
• Antonio Cruz and a number of his Toyota-United Pro teammates lead the group.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) was on the early break and then was away solo for numerous laps.
• Sterling Magnell (Toyota-United Pro) with Chris Wherry and Antonio Cruz close at hand.
• Karl Menzies (Health Net pb Maxxis) was the winner of Stage 2
• Sterling Magnell (Toyota-United Pro) and the Southern California scenery.
• Roman Kilun (Health Net pb Maxxis) smiles after participating in a break that sent Tim Johnson up the road.
• Juan Jose Haedo (Toyota-United Pro)
• Peter Stetina (TIAA-CREF) speeds downhill
• USPRO champion Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) is finding his feet early in the season
• Brian Lemke (Landis/Trek/VW)
• Eric Riggs (Lombardi) flies by on his Ridley.

Stage 1 - March 17: Glendora Chevrolet Time Trial, 3.8 miles

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Thurlow Rogers (Sonance) looking focused as he rounds a turn.
• Mari Holden (T-Mobile) gulping air as she climbs.
• Katherine Lamden (Team Lipton) calm and in control on her ascent.
• Lara Kroepsch (Team Lipton) out of the saddle and looking for more speed in the pouring rain.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) as comfortable as she can be considering the driving rain.
• Justin England (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team) not letting the rain bother him as he fly's up the hill.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team) plowing through the rain on the hill.
• Jakub Svedzinski (Polish National Team) riding in weather more commonly found in Europe this time of year.

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita) warms up before the start of her race.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita) poses for me before the start of her race.
• Kim Baldwin (T-Mobile) ready for the start of her time trial.
• Jagusiak Katarzyna (Poland) Ready to go.
• Jagusiak Katarzyna (Poland) is off on her time trial.
• The boys are back in town (Health Net)
• Tim Johnson (Health Net) is all smiles.
• The Health Net boys warm up in the rain.
• Mavic is there for support.
• Justin England (Toyota-United Pro) in the start house.
• Justin England (Toyota-United Pro) is off to the races.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) call to the start line.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) takes a last look over of the equipment.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) in the start house.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) fires up the motor.
• A Toyota-United Pro rider spooling up for his time trial.
• Gord Fraser (Health Net) take a couple of laps before the start of his time trial.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) gets some protection.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) sheds the rain gear.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) in the start house.
• Mike Jones (Health Net) on his way.
• Some people braved the heavy rains.

Images by

• Heath Blackgrove digs deep to complete the Toyota-United sweep of the top three spots
• Former US TT National Champ Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) powers his way into the leaders jersey.
• The skies had darkened and the rain thickened by the time defending champ Scott Moninger (Health Net) rode his way to 4th place.

Images by Russ and Nancy Wright/www.abbiorca.com

• VMG Racing rider 'enjoying' a bit of water
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro)
• This VMG rider is powering up the wet, steep hills outside San Dimas, California
• Peter Stetina (TIAA CREF) smiling in the rain
• Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada and Toyota-United Pro climb Glendora Mountain Road
• The conditions got wetter and colder at the end of the day for this Toyota-United Pro rider.
• Tim Johnson (HealthNet pb Maxxis)
• Frank Sarate (Socalcycling.com) halfway up the hill.

Classic Loire Atlantique

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Xavier Laureau from U Nantes-Atlantique was the first serious attacker with Thierry David
• The Jartazi team, with Dimitri Muravyev and Igor Abakoumov (and Tarmo Raudsepp in between them), did create a good breakaway
• Japanese team Vang missed the moves and chased hard
• Don't cry, Sergeï, you're the winner!
• Mathieu Drujon, Sergeï Kolesnikov and Noan Lelarge shared the final podium of Classic Loire-Atlantique

Images by Daniel Schamps

• The first appearance of the Colombian ATOM team in Europe
• Sergeï Kolesnikov (Omnibike) before the start
• The TIAA-CREF team at the start

Nokere Koerse

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• The early break
• Aart Vierhouten (Skil-Shimano)
• One of the Bouygues Telecom riders leads the break
• The race leaders - not looking too well organised.
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) solos away from the pack.
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) claims the win
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto)
• Bert Roesems (Davitamon-Lotto) enjoying his moment on the podium

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews

• Frank Vandenbroucke (Unibet.com) raced in Belgium for the first time this year
• Dimitri De Fauw enjoying the good weather
• Francesco Chicchi (Quick.Step) also enjoying the sunny weather.
• Theo Eltink (Rabobank)
• Kevin Hulsmans (Quick.Step) tries to jump across to the leaders
• The sprint for second place is won by Weylandt ahead of Hunt and Eichler
• Wouter Weylandt (Quickstep-Innergetic) looks happier than Roesems on the podium, Jeremy Hunt couldn't reach it

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