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Cycling photography for April 2008

Tour of the Gila
GP Copenhagen
Rund um den Henninger Turm
GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano
GP Stad Roeselare
Omloop van Borsele
Giro delle Regioni
Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Cross Country World Cup #2 - Offenburg
Cohutta 100
Sea Otter
Gran Premio della Liberazione
Flèche Wallonne Men
Flèche Wallonne Women
Giro del Trentino
Amstel Gold race
Tro Bro Léon
Tour du Finistère
Giro d'Oro
Asian Championships
Scheldeprijs
Presidential Tour of Turkey
Paris-Camembert
Novilon Eurocup Ronde van Drenthe
Klasika Primavera
Garrett Lemire Memorial GP
Little 500
Profonde van Drenthe
Ronde van Drenthe
GP Pino Cerami
Paris-Roubaix
Gent-Wevelgem
Circuit Cycliste Sarthe - Pays de la Loire
Grand Prix de Dottignies
Tour de Perth
Open de España - Maxxis Cup #2
NMBS #2
NMBS #1
Vuelta País Vasco
GP Rennes
Ronde van Vlaanderen
Route Adélie
Redlands
Driedaagse De Panne
Settimana Lombarda

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Tour of the Gila

Stage 5 - May 4: Gila Monster Road Race

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Jose Manuel Garcia (Toyota-United) leads an early break
• The break works it's way over the rollers before the first major climb of the day
• Bissell keeps the pace high on the climb
• Could be a race support from a 70's race in England but the Zipp wheels did not exist then
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) makes a move near the top of the Anderson Vista
• The pack nears the summit of the Anderson Vista
• Bad crash on the decent to the cliff dwellings puts race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissell) out of business with a broken collarbone, broken ribs and a broken finger
• The race leaders on there way to the Cima Pantani leaving the cliff dwellings
• Team Tecos controls the pack on the cima Pantani
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) Takes his turn at the front of the break
• The break
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) and Justin England (Toyota United) lead the break with less than 20 miles to go
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell)
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) leads Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) on the final climb
• The lead group gets whittled down to 2, Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) leads Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos)
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) does his best to keep the near the front of the race
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) gives Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) a quick look I the final meters of the race
• Everyone's a winner! Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) wins the stage and Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) wins GC
• Woman's GC Podium, Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine), Leah Goldstein (Valueact Capital) and Felicia Gomez (Aaron's)
• Best woman's team, Cheerwine
• Men's podium ; Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell), Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) and Anthony Colby (ColaVita)

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) paused during the neutral start to don the race leader's jersey.
• Bissell Pro Cycling had all eight riders on the front as they controlled the pace in the early going.
• The peloton rolls along with the Lorenzo mine in the background.
• With a small break up the road, Tecos rode near the front to monitor the situation.
• Gradually the break increases in numbers. Jose Garcia (Toyota-United) leads them toward the climb.
• A hungry group of riders enter the feed zone.
• Bissell Pro Cycling starts to pick up the pace at the front of the field.
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) drives the break as the road pitches up.
• The breakaway group enjoys a brief section of flat road.
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) has been active in almost every break during this race.
• Bradley White (Successful Living) helps the break gain time on the peloton.
• The peloton climbs through some amazing scenery on this difficult day.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Gregorio Ladino (Tecos).
• Anne Samploniuos (Cheerwine) and Rachel Lloyd (Proman Racing) head up the road before the climbing starts.
• Race leader Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) made the lead split in the woman’s peloton.
• Julie Beverage (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) leads the break up the steeper section of the climb.
• The women did a different climb than the men... but we're am not sure which one was steeper.
• With three miles remaining, the girls were all eyeing each other.
• Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) didn’t win the stage, but finishing with the leader assured her of the GC win.
• Gregorio Ladino (Tecos) is the 2008 Tour of the Gila GC winner.
• Women’s podium (L-R): Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine), Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital), and Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Pro Cycling).
• Cheerwine won the women’s team overall competition.
• Men’s podium (L-R): Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling), Gregorio Ladino (Tecos), and Anthony Colby (Colavita/Sutter Home).
• Tecos won the men’s team overall competition.

Stage 4 - May 3: Downtown Silver City Criterium

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• There's no place like home there's no place like home…
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) flies through the turn.
• Marisa Asplund-Owens (Cheerwine Cycling) sits comfortably in the pack.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron's), TT winner, attacks the hill furiously.
• Leah Goldstein (Valueact Capital) is very happy in her leader's jersey.
• Eventual winner Rachel Heal (Tibco) takes the turn onto the downhill.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) hammers the corner onto the home straight.
• Rachel Lloyd (Proman) looking for an opportunity.
• Rachel Heal (Tibco) soundly defeats her competition to win the criterium.
• Tiago Depaula (Latinos Cycling) rips the turn onto the home stretch.
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United)
• Morgan Schmitt (BISSELL)
• Alessandro Bazzana (Successful Living) attacks the break.
• With five laps to go the break is getting close to being caught.
• It was Bissell all over the front of the pack.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) is triumphant in victory.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Rushlee Buchanon (Team Tibco) looks on as they call up the top riders.
• Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) in her pink leader's jersey is called to the line.
• Anne Samploniuos (Cheerwine) gets things started early as the pace was high right from the gun.
• A very interesting choice of barricade material here in New Mexico.
• Rushlee Buchanon (Team Tibco) leads a small breakaway through the final turn.
• The final turn was a fast one that required intense concentration.
• Suz Weldon (Proman Racing) rode an outstanding race.
• Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine) shot off the front with a strong solo move.
• Ferrett Gonzalez (Metromint) looks for every advantage on the descent.
• Emily Zell (ValueAct Capital) climbs the small hill on the back stretch.
• This gentleman had the right idea.
• It was no picnic riding in the peloton today.
• The pain of the pace shows on this rider’s face.
• Rachel Heal (Team Tibco) sprints home for the win.
• Roman Kilun (HealthNet-Maxxis) is called to the line.
• Gregorio Ladino (Tecos) is called to the line.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) looked confident on the line.
• Bissell Pro Cycling quickly went to the front and controlled the race from the gun.
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) leads a small group up the road.
• Silver City put on a terrific show today. The whole town came out to watch.
• Bissell Pro Cycling, still controlling the front, didn’t seem too interested in chasing down the break.
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet-Maxxis) powers up the small hill on the back side of the course.
• Jose Garcia (Toyota-United) sat in and waited to position his team-mate.
• The break kept rolling, but never really gained a lot of time.
• The break flies through turn one.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) slays the competition and takes the victory on the line.

Stage 3 - May 2: Dan Potts Memorial Tyrone Individual Time Trials

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) gets low and fast.
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) out of the saddle up the hill.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) was a well oiled machine.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) showed his winning form.
• Justin England (Toyota United).
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell).
• Anthony Colby (Colavita).
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) gave it all he had to try to keep the leaders jersey.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) rode to a very respectable 3ed place.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) made the most of the downhill to make up time.
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos).
• Andrea Dvorak (Colavita) fought hard and took 8th.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) took 5th.
• Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) was very fast and took 3ed place.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) won the stage 11 seconds ahead of the tour leader Leah Goldstein.
• Leah Goldstein (Valueact) took second and in the stage and retained the overall leader’s jersey.

Images by Kathleen Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Aaron Olson (Bissell Pro Cycling Team) Rding hard for a top 10 finish.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling Team) Best time of the day.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota - United) In the zone over the 1st hill of the day.
• Jonny Clarke (Toyota - United) Giving it all he has on his way to the finish line.
• Chris Baldwin Toyota - United) On his way to 6th place for the day.
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos Trek) Suffering his way over the last few miles.
• Gabriela Gonzalez-Ferrat (Metromint Cycling On Marin) Powering up the 1st climb of day.
• Helen Kelly (Team Tibco) Looking up the road for her nearest competitor.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's Professional Women's) Concentrating on the job at hand.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron's Professional Women's) On her way down the final descent to victory.
• Kelly McDonald (Touchstone Climbing) Looking smooth on her way to the finish line.
• Leah Goldstein (Valueact Capital Cycling Team) Suffering her way to a 2nd place finish.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Jose 'Chepe' Garcia (Toyota-United) powers up the first climb.
• Navarro Ayala (Arenas Tlax-Mex Cycling) looked comfortable as he made his way toward the line.
• Phil Zajicek (Healthnet) focuses on a fast time.
• Michael Grabinger (Team Successful Living) was in fast company on course this morning.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) put in an amazing performance and landed third on the podium.
• Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) shows signs of his mammoth effort.
• Bradley White (Successful Living) on the return trip.
• Ben Sonntag (Kahala-LaGrange) leaves nothing on the table as he sprints for home.
• Up close and personal with Christian Valenzuela (Successful Living).
• Jeremy Vennell (Bissell Pro Cycling) powers up the early climb.
• Sarah Bamberger (Cheerwine) begins to show the strain of her ride on the return trip.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) in good form as she rides to a respectable fifth place finish.
• Emily Zell (ValueAct Capital) turned in a great ride and finished just outside the top ten.
• Julie Beverage (Aaron's Pro Cycling) focuses on the finish as she powers her way to a third place finish.
• Rachel Heal (Team Tibco) had her game face on today.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's Pro Cycling) rode her way into the top ten with a stellar performance.
• Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) was only 11 seconds off the leader.
• Amber Rais (Team Tibco) powers her way down the last descent to the line.
• Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) rode a smooth race, but I think that she was saving a bit for the criterium.

Stage 2 - May 1: Inner Loop Road Race

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• The race is just a few miles old and already it is Tecos all over the front.
• the pack passes by the Gila national forest.
• Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) and Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) go for an early break.
• Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex).
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) joins Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) and Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage).
• Tecos leads the pack in the chase.
• Team Tecos.
• After spending a large part of the day at 45 seconds to 2 minutes ahead of the field, the break is coming to an end.
• And the first Pro rider across the line looks for the second place rider!!! Oops! Wrong race!
• Tyler Wren (Colavita-Sutter Home) handily won the sprint to win the stage.
• The break in the woman's race went all the way to the end.
• The Women's pack passes the San Lorenzo Mine.
• Alison Testroete (Aarons) and Amber Rais (Tibco).
• Amber Rais (Tibco) stage winner!

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• The women's peloton rolls along not wanting to push the pace in the wind.
• Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) sneaks off the front of the field.
• She was joined by Amber Rais (Team Tibco) and Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine).
• The three strong riders in the break amassed a four minute lead.
• ValueAct Capital went to the front and attempted to pull back the three escapees.
• The break battled both the wind and the hills as they headed home.
• Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine) puts in a huge effort against the wind.
• Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) takes a pull as the break nears the line.
• The hard charging peloton brought the gap down, but your winner would emerge from the riders in the break.
• The break prepares for the sprint.
• Amber Rais (Team Tibco) takes a very closely contested sprint from Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling).
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) has a look at the course map.
• Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) rolls to the start as he prepares for a very windy day in the saddle.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) zips up at the line.
• Luis Macias (Mexico) easily takes the first intermediate sprint.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) rides at the front as the peloton regroups after the sprint.
• The wind on course was brutal. Nobody wanted to make the pace.
• Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) and Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) escape early.
• Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) and Ayala Navarro Cuitlahuac (Arenas Tlax-Mex) climb into the Gila forest.
• Tecos quickly went to the front to control the pace.
• Team Tecos continues to chase with Colavita/Sutter Home lending a hand.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) bridges up to the breakaway.
• The small breakaway group worked well together putting up to two minutes into the field.
• Today's course took the riders through a beautiful forest.
• With Luis Macias (Tecos) on point the peloton echelons across the road in the wind.
• The scenery rolls by pretty fast at the front.
• There were many interesting structures along today's route.
• The pace intensifies as Team Tecos starts to reel in the break.
• The field climbs up out of the feed zone.
• The three breakaway riders saw their lead begin to shrink in the closing miles.
• It was a very familiar sight... Team Tecos all over the front today.
• Jonathon Baker (Vitamin Cottage) couldn't maintain the pace in the break and rolls back to the field.
• ....and then there were two. The remaining riders press on against the wind.
• The field closes the gap and collects the two remaining breakaway riders.
• Stefan Rothe (Marx and Brensdorf) was the first one to make contact with the break.
• Stefan Rothe (Marx and Brensdorf) breathes new life into the break and they manage to stay away.
• Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) sprints home for the victory.

Stage 1 - April 30: Silver City - Mogollon Road Race

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• It's not a party, Team successful living prepares for a hot windy stage
• The women's field
• The women's field makes heads into the town of Gila
• Kristin McGrath (Colavita) leads the stage winner, Leah Goldstein (Value Act) less than 3 miles from the line
• Kristin McGrath (Colavita)
• Leah Goldstein (Value Act)
• 50 meters from the line, Leah Goldstein (Value Act) gives it all she's got!
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) launched a successful attack
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) takes a look
• Bernardo Colex Tepoz (Tecos) teammate of the stage leader has no intention of helping with the chase
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) leads the chase.
• Gregorio Ladino Vega (Tecos) in the final push to the line

GP Stad Roeselare

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Images by Dick Soepenberg/WomensCycling.net

• An van Rie (Platteland) in the Belgian countryside
• Emma Jones (Swift) maintains in the line
• The breakaway corners At the front, Laure Werner (AA Drink), leading Annemiek Van Vleute (Platteland) and Kim Anderson (High Road)
• Alex Wrubleski (Canda) looks like she enjoying the race The Webcor rider has had some good European results in April
• Heading out of town…….
• …… and into unmistakeable Belgian countryside
• It may be spring, but there are still no crops sprouting here in Belium
• A tired Loes Markerink (Flexpoint) enjoys her win
• The race podium - Annemiek Van Vleuten (Platteland) Loes Markerink (Team Flexpoint) and Kim Anderson (High Road)

Omloop van Borsele

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Images by Dick Soepenberg/WomensCycling.net

• Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road) smiles as Luise Keller signs in behind her
• The bunch rolls along in the sun on the flat roads
• A beautiful spring day, one of the nicest race days so far in Europe for the elite women
• The pace lifts a little in the bunch, as riders watch for moves
• Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road) out of the saddle on a small rise

Images by Dave Rietbergen/WomensCycling.net

• Kirsten Wild (AA Drink) prepares to celebrate as she wins the Omloop van Borsele
• A victory salute from Kirsten Wild
• Wild provides race insight for TV after her win
• The race podium - Teutenberg, Wild and Vos
• Top Competition leader, after round 2, Kirsten Wild (AA Drink)

Cohutta 100

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Images by New Leaf Adventures

• A rider negotiates a bridge in wet and slippery morning conditions.
• Not a lot of room for passing on the bridge.
• Jeff Schalk won the elite men's race.
• These guys look a little dirty.
• Jeff Schalk and Daniel Vallencourt discuss their race after the finish
• Floyd Landis finds the perfect way to clean up after he finishes.
• Nothing beats a beer after a 100 miler.
• The women's podium: Cheryl Sornson (Trek East Coast) 2nd, Monique "Pua" Sawi (Team MATA) 1st, Carey Lowery (Outdoor Store) 3rd
• The men's podium: Daniel Vallancourt (Toshiba/Santo) 2nd, Jeff Shalk (Trek-VW) 1st, Evan Plews (ScottUSA/CSC) 3rd
• The men raise their arms in celebration.
• Top three in the men's race.

Gran Premio della Liberazione

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Images by GP Liberazione

• The peloton started in sunny conditions.
• The winner Andrea Grendene of the Filmop Bottoli Ramonda Parolin team.
• Grendene's team-mate Marcello Pavarin finished third.
• The podium was completed by runner-up Nicola Galli who rides for the Pool Cantu'1999 Ngc Medical team.

Giro del Trentino

Stage 4 - April 25: Lavarone – Peio Terme, 178.6km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Fortunato Baliani (CSF Group Navigare) on the lam.
• Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) back in action after a long winter with knee pains. Trentino is his second race of the year.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo), 34, wins his second stage of the Giro del Trento – leaving a sign to the Giro d'Italia organiser in its non-selection of his team.
• Italy's Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) presented on the podium.
• 32nd Giro del Trento winner Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) at the end of the four-day event.
• Overall Trentino winner Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) flanked by sprints winner Hubert Krys (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce) (l) and mountains winner Emanuele Sella (CSF Group Navigare) (r).

Stage 3 - April 24: Torri del Benaco – Folgaria, 173.0km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• World champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) was out to test his legs before Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
• Bettini went on the attack with 30km to go.
• Bettini spent some time in the lead but was eventually reeled in.
• The world champion hopes to be on top form for Liége this Sunday.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) will be another rider to watch in the Giro d'Italia.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) leads Garzelli and Di Luca.
• Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti PVC) was up with the leaders today.
• Paolo Savoldelli surrounded by his LPR Brakes team-mates.
• Julio Perez Cuapio (CSF Group Navigare).
• Ivan Rovny (Tinkoff Credit Systems) lost over 10 minutes to the winner.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) has had a quiet season so far.
• Domenico Pozzovivo (CSF Group Navigare) suffers on the final climb.
• Di Luca rides ahead of Garzelli on the Passo del Sommo.
• Di Luca breathing hard on the final climb.
• Paolo Savoldelli eventually finished in 24th, 42 seconds down.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) launches his winning move on the final climb.
• Nibali rides alone up the twisting ascent of Passo del Sommo.
• Bettini trails in over two minutes down on the winner.
• Pellizotti gives it the big licks as Garzelli hangs on behind.
• The Italian blows a few kisses to the crowd.
• Nibali wins Stage 3 and takes the overall lead.
• Nibali now holds a 27 second lead in the general classification.
• 'Yeeaaah, I could get used to this!'
• Vincenzo Nibali has just one stage to defend his lead.

Stage 2 - April 23: Torbole sul Garda – Torri del Benaco, 178.0km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Romain Villa (Cofidis) during his break of the day.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) on the final descent of the day.
• Gasparotto on the sweeping descent at the end of the race.
• The peloton rides along on a beautiful day.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) enjoys the champagne.
• Garzelli wins the sprint
• The Lago di Garda provided a nice backdrop for the riders.
• Domenico Agosta (Nippo-Endeka) also featured in the break of the day.
• Garzelli enjoys his victory
• Alessandro Spezialetti (LPR Brakes) on the final climb of the day, but he too was brought back.
• Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) was safely tucked away in the bunch.
• Bettini stayed upright today even on the tricky descents.
• Krys Hubert on the flat part of the course.

Stage 1 - April 22: Arco - Riva del Garda (ITT), 9.68km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) rarely looks at home in a time trial and finished outside the top 100 today.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) had his race face on but was also way off the pace.
• South African Daryl Impey (Barloworld) en route to sixth place.
• Liquigas domestique Charles Wegelius came in just behind fellow Briton Geraint Thomas (Barloworld).
• Volodymyr Zagorondy (NGC Medical) scorched round the 9.6km course to take the race lead.
• Zagorondy enjoys his moment on the podium in Riva del Garda.

Tro Bro Léon

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Images by Freddy Guérin/www.photos-finish.com

• Antoie Dalibard (Bretagne Armor Lux) in the escape behind Frédéric Guesdon (Française des Jeux).
• The bunch on a typical Tro Bro Leon road.
• Bad weather and bad roads made the race very tough.
• Gabriel Rasch (Crédit Agricole) is leading the bunch.
• Aurélien Clerc (Bouygues Telecom) looks a bit dirty, n'est-ce pas?
• Jimmy Engoulvent (Crédit Agricole) seems to smile and really enjoy himself on the dirt paths.
• Frédéric Guesdon (Française des Jeux) made the best of the foul conditions.
• Guesdon takes the sprint and wins the race.
• The cleaned-up podium from l-r with Maxim Gourov (2nd), Guesdon and Julien Belgy.

Images by Fabrice Lambert

• Jean Luc Delpech (Bretagne Armor Lux ) leads the counterattack.
• Frédéric Guesdon (Française Des Jeux) with his kids on the podium.
• Guesdon was happy to meet Miss France but his expression turned a little sour when he found out she won in 1996.
• Guesdon lets his first price do the talking in the post race interview.
• Jimmy Casper was able to smile at the start but maybe he didn't know the course?
• The peloton in a dry moment of the race.
• Guesdon was super strong and the conditions didn't deter him.
• The arrival of Guesdon who outwitted Gourov in the end.
• Calling the conditions mediocre is a bit of an understatement.
• Guesdon gets congratulated by none other than five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault.
• The leading break with Guesdon as well as Maxim Gourov (A-Style Somn) and Benoît Sinner (Agritubel)
• The podium with the usual flower power and the riders sandwiched between the ladies.
• Cofidis was making the pace in the Ribinou.
• The racing is on with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

Tour du Finistère

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Images by Freddy Guérin/www.photos-finish.com

• Traficante, Bideau, Levarlet and Le Floch featured in the big break of the day.
• Guillaume Levarlet (Française des Jeux) leads the break and looked strong.
• Allan Davis (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) stayed in the bunch.
• Big victory at home for David Le Lay who rides for the Bretagne Armor Lux team.
• A proud father congratulates the stage winner.
• The podium (l-r) with Navardaukas (2nd), Le Lay and Pauriol.

26th Giro d'Oro - 1.1

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Di Luca and Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes) took the top two spots in the Giro d'Oro.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) returned to racing after being acquitted on charges of doping in the 2007 Giro d'Italia.
• Di Luca gave up a chance for personal glory to help his team-mate to the win.
• Bosisio takes the win ahead of Di Luca.

Asian Championships

Stage 3 - April 17: Road Races: Junior Women, Elite Men,

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Images by Hideaki Takagi/www.cyclingtime.com

• Elite Men's road race: leading 15 riders in final nine laps.
• The final lap of the Elite Men's road race.
• Fumiyuki Beppu (Japan) wins the Elite Men's road race.
• Fumiyuki Beppu (Japan) tops the podium.
• Ah Reum Na (Korea) tops the Junior Women's podium.

Stage 2 - April 16: Road Races: Junior Men, Elite Women,

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Images by Hideaki Takagi/www.cyclingtime.com

• Min Gao (People's Republic of China) wins the Elite Women's road race
• Miho Oki (Japan) Elite Women's road race.
• Min Gao (People's Republic of China) heads towards the line.
• Min Gao (People's Republic of China) tops the Elite Women's podium.
• Masanori Noguchi (Japan) tops the podium in the junior men's road race.
• Masanori Noguchi (Japan) wins the junior men's road race.

Stage 1 - April 15: Time Trials,

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Images by Hideaki Takagi/www.cyclingtime.com

• Eugen Wacker (Kyrgyzstan) winning the Elite Men's TT.
• Yukiya Arashiro (Japan) in the Elite Men's TT.
• Eugen Wacker (Kyrgyzstan) tops the Elite Men's podium
• Meifang Li (People's Republic of China) on her way to win the Elite Women's TT.
• Mayuko Hagiwara (Japan) finished third in the Elite Women's TT
• The Elite Women's TT topped by Meifang Li (People's Republic of China)
• Hyeong Min Choe (Korea) on his way to winning the Junior Men's TT.
• Hyeong Min Choe (Korea) tops the Junior Men's TT podium.
• Ah Reum Na (Korea) on the winning ride in the Junior Women's TT.

Presidential Tour of Turkey

Stage 7 - April 20: Antalya - Alanya, 136.6km

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Images by Tour of Turkey

• Minister of Youth and Sport Munat Basesgioglu, President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gül, Director of Sports Mehmet Atalay and President of Turkish cycling federation Emin Muftuoglu with overall winner David Garcia Dapena and the top 3 riders of the final stage.
• Overall winner David Garcia Dapena
• Tour of Turkey winner David Garcia Dapena with President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gül
• The top three in Alanya: Schulze, Richeze, Bazayev
• A tight win for Max Richeze
• Turkish beauty.
• The overall leader is protected by his Karpin-Galicia team
• The three breakaway riders of the day: Herrero, Schaaf and Nikandrov
• David Garcia Dapena shines in yellow

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Race leader David Garcia Dapena under the blue sky of Antalya
• A smiling yellow jersey at the time of signing in
• Happy Germans in Turkey Danilo Hondo and Andreas Klöden
• Andreas Klöden and Danilo Hondo together once again but after the crash of the sprinter from Serramenti PVC-Diquigiovanni
• Danilo Hondo assisted by directeur sportif Marco Belleni after the crash
• Destroyed jersey for German sprinter
• David Garcia Dapena happy with final trophy

Stage 6 - April 19: Finike - Antalya, 115.8km

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Images by Tour of Turkey

• A break of nine men gained nearly three minutes, but today the sprinters' teams were on the job.
• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) gets win number two ahead of Maximiliano Richeze (CSF) and Javier Benitez (Benfica).
• Richeze, Petacchi and Benitez provide a nice range of color on the podium.

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Petacchi after winning...
• There was big enthusiasm from the crowd and the TV stations at the Tour of Turkey.
• During the presentation, the TV shows the antique places visited by the Tour of Turkey.

Stage 5 - April 18: Kalkan - Finike, 100.1km

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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• What a view for the riders to start in Kalkan!
• David Garcia Dapena plans the defense of the yellow jersey with his team-mates from Karpin-Galicia in the media center.
• A tribute to Marco Pantani? Stage 5 started from the hotel "The Pirat"...
• Andreas Klöden enjoys the air of the mountains in Turkey
• Second stage win for Matteo Priamo ahead of Gabriele Missaglia and Assan Bazayev.
• Not only flowers but also oranges for the winners in Finike.
• Jersey wearers after stage five: Javier Benitez (KOM), Pieter Jacobs (points), Christophe Meschenmoser (Turkish Beauty classification) and David Garcia Dapena (overall).

Images by Tour of Turkey

• Priamo in the lead group
• Garcia Dapena controls the bunch alongside the wonderful Mediterranean coast
• Another great win for Matteo Priamo
• The riders enjoy spectacular views from the Mediterranean coast.

Stage 4 - April 17: Marmaris - Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), 177.7km

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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• The Dutch national team ready for a cruise in Marmaris.
• David Garcia Dapena was confident to keep the yellow jersey before stage 4.
• King of the Mountains José Alberto Benitez relaxed with Juan José Cobo near the sea.
• Stage winner Filippo Savini congratulated by runner up Luca Zanasca.
• Filippo Savini's cap appeared on the giant screen above the podium...
• Flowers for Zanasca, Savini and Perez.
• José Azevedo (Benfica) was a lieutenant of Lance Amrstrong before heading back to his native Portugal to ride with the country's new Pro Conti team.
• Ondrej Sosenka broke the world hour record in 2005.

Images by Tour of Turkey

• The rest of the break was left behind by the attack of Savini.
• Filippo Savini (CSF Group Navigare) makes his winning move.
• The breakaway tackles the ascent and the attacks are about to fly.
• Schoolchildren welcome the breakaway to the final kilometre.

Stage 3 - April 16: Bodrum - Marmaris, 166.8km

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Images by Tour of Turkey

• The break heads up the lonely highway.
• Riders were greeted by scenic views and enthusiastic fans.
• Priamo leads the break on the climb.
• The beautiful seaside view in Marmaris.
• The breakaway is cheered on by a group of school children.
• The break hits the hills.
• Matteo Priamo (CSF Group Navigare) takes the win on stage 3.

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• A yachting atmosphere for the winners who are interviewed at water's edge before the awards ceremony.
• Everywhere in Turkey, there is a statue that celebrates Mustafa Kamal Atatürk (the father of all Turkish people)
• The stage three podium: Miguel Angel Rubiano (Centri Della Calzatura-Partizan), Matteo Priamo (CSF Group-Navigare) and new leader David Garcia (Karpin Galicia)
• Juan Jose Cobo Acebo (Saunier Duval-Scott) at the start of Stage 3

Stage 2 - April 15: Kusadasi - Bodrum, 165.9km

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Images by Tour of Turkey

• The town of Bodrum was crowded for the win of Mirco Lorenzetto

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• The Astana team far away from their usual races in Europe...
• Turkish pride at the start in Kusadasi.
• José Azevedo was interested in local folklore before going in the winning breakaway.
• Benoît Joachim looks for his way in Turkey.
• Local folklore with kids while waiting for the race to finish in Bodrum.
• Serramenti's DS Marco Bellini asking Mirco Lorenzetto for an explanation of what happened in the finale.
• Tiziano Dall'Antonia was the last man away before Mirco Lorenzetto's final rush.
• A fully Italian podium with Dall'Antonia (2nd), Lorenzetto (1st) and Ginanni (3rd).
• Mirco Lorenzetto invited the local kids dancers on stage with him for celebrations.
• Always many officials to congratulate the winners in Turkey.
• Mirco Lorenzetto doesn't think he'll keep the yellow jersey till the end of the Tour of Turkey.

Images by Jacob Sabine/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The peloton enjoys the lovely landscape on stage two.
• The stage wasn't entirely flat which helped the break put time into an unmovitated peloton.
• Schoolchildren fly their flag above the peloton.
• Locals cheer on the peloton as they pass by in a colorful blur.
• Alessandro Petacchi in yellow had his men controlling things until it was clear the break wasn't coming back.
• It's hard to argue with a view like this…
• Petacchi admitted he didn't have top form after taking the lead on stage one.
• Lorenzetto is joined by some children in traditional dress.
• Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre) takes the sprint win on the cobbles of Bodrum.

Stage 1 - April 14: Izmir - Kusadasi, 132.7km

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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Riders gathering in front of the famous clock of Izmir.
• Alessandro Petacchi and Ruben Bongiorno went into the TV production car, looking at the images because they didn't know who was the winner.
• The winning trio with the president of the Turkish cycling federation Emin Muftuoglu who organises the Tour of Turkey.
• Sea side promotion behind stage winner Alessandro Petacchi.
• The winning three Ruben Bongiorno, Alessandro Petacchi and Javier Benitez shared the honours.
• Petacchi had the lead… but Ruben Bongiorno was coming on strong.

Images by Jacob Sabine/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Petacchi powers to the line neck and neck with Bongiorno.
• The lunge for the line , and the race is decided by millimeters
• The podium: Bongiorno, Petacchi and Benitez
• Petacchi had some tense moments waiting for the judges to decide who had won.

Stage Prologue - April 13: GP Istanbul, 76.2km

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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Officials at the Presidential Tour of Turkey.
• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) at the sign on.
• The Milram train is here to gear up for the Tour of Italy
• A bike race in front of Istanbul's blue mosque!
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) (r) and Danilo Hondo (Serramenti PVC) chewing the fat on the start line.
• One of the Turkish riders in the Tour of Turkey: Selcuk Turkcetin from the national team.
• Ruben Bongiorno (CSF Group Navigare) was a passionate spectator after pulling out of the race.
• Gregory Rast (Astana) took the sprint easily.
• Gregory Rast (Astana) congratulated by David Garcia Dapena (Karpin Galicia).
• The podium (l-r): Francesco Ginanni (Serramenti PVC), Gregory Rast (Astana) and David Garcia Dapena (Karpin Galicia).

Paris-Camembert

Photography

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Images by AFP Photo

• The winner gets a big chunk of the creamy, delicious cheese that is made in Camembert.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) takes his second win of 2008.
• Alejandro Valverde takes the sprint ahead of Jérôme Pineau (Bouygues Telecom)
• Valverde takes the win and seems a bit surprised he did it.

Novilon Eurocup Ronde van Drenthe

Photography

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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• Back for more: Chantal Beltman (Team High Road) enjoyed her World Cup win on this course so much, she came back for more the following day!
• Emma Johansson (Aa-Drink Cycling Team) claimed 15th position in the event.
• Equipe Nürnberger Versicherun and Team High Road control the race out front.
• Irene Van Den Broek (Aa-Drink Cycling Team) looks exhausted during the event.
• The action proved too much for Josephine Groenveld (Team DSB Bank), with the Dutch rider failing to finish the race.
• Kirsten Wild (Aa-Drink Cycling Team) had a tough day on the bike.
• American Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce Pro Cycling Team) rides solo.
• Former world champion Marianne Vos (Team DSB Bank) drives the peloton across a cobbled section.
• Monica Holler (Bigla Cycling Team) gets a helping hand after a quick wheel change.
• Nataliya Fihurska (Ukraine) slipped out the back of the peloton before slipping out of the race.
• Podium (L-R): Regina Bruins (Odysis), Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce) and Kirsten Wild (Aa-Drink Cycling Team)
• An AA-Drink rider checks her team-mate's race radio.
• Ina Teutenberg (Team High Road Women) considers whether to take Regina Schleicher (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) up on the offer of some gum.
• Sarah Düster (Cervelo Lifeforce) was focused on the job at hand, despite having an escaped convict on her tail!
• Deja vu? The race uses the same course as the previous day's World Cup event, including the VAM climb.
• China's Xin Liu (Giant Pro Cycling) failed to finish the race.
• Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce Pro Cycling Team) leads a three person break at the climb.
• Chantal Beltman (Team High Road) drives the peloton up the VAM climb.
• Charlotte Becker (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherun) didn't make it to the finish line.

Images by WomensCycling.net

• Last minute repairs to one of the many marshal motos before the start.
• Emma Pooley (Team Specialized Designs) may not be built for the cobbles, but she can climb.
• Leigh Hobson (Canada) made a return to European racing in Drenthe.
• The Nurnberger team dominate the front of the bunch on the Col du VAM.
• Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce) is always strong.
• Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce) and Kirsten Wild (AA Drink) share a joke on the podium.
• As with yesterday's World Cup Oenone Wood (Team High Road) led the race through the first cobbled section.
• A better day for Ludevine Henrion (AA drink) the Belgian Road Champion.
• Andrea Thurig (Team Bigla) chases back to the peloton after giving up a wheel for a team-mate.
• Priska Doppmann (Cervelo Lifeforce) at the front of the bunch, Armstrong and Duester are in the break.
• Kori Seehafer (Menikini) leads the break on the Col du VAM.
• Marianne Vos (DSB) and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road) stayed close on the climb.
• Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce) claims the win, ahead of Regina Bruins (Netherlands).
• The bunch on a cold, grey day in the Netherlands.
• Typical Drenthe countryside for the bunch to observe.
• Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce) in the closing kilometres.
• Regina Bruins (Netherlands) leads the break ahead of Loes Gunnewijk (Flexpoint) and Sarah Duester (Cervelo Lifeforce).
• The break watch out for attacks as the race approaches 5km to go.
• Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Lifeforce) was a happy and relieved winner.
• Equipe Nürnberger and Team High Road are evident at the front of the bunch on this ascent of the Col du VAM.

Klasika Primavera

Photography

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Images by Susanne Goetze/cyclinginside.com

• Caisse d'Epargne was keen to get the race underway...
• ...even though they had a bike with no rider!
• Liquigas riders look relaxed ahead of the race.
• Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel - Euskadi) finished 19th.
• 'I bet you I can hop my bike this high.'
• Content Polis riders get ready to start the race.
• A group of four riders attempted to go clear early on.
• Some Saunier Duval-Scott riders roll in to the finish area.
• Riders show strain on their faces as they sprint.
• Caisse d'Epargne was the top team in the Spanish race.
• Marlon Alirio Perez Arango (Caisse d'Epargne) drives a group.
• Pablo Lastras García (Caisse d'Epargne) rides in a small bunch.
• Team CSC controls the action in the peloton.
• Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel - Euskadi) is chased by some Saunier Duval-Scott riders.
• Italy's Damiano Cunego (Lampre) still looked fresh after taking victory.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) celebrates his win on the podium.
• Riders on the full podium.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the climb with the group.
• The sprint was exciting and Valverde on the right tried all.
• It was a tight affair between Cunego and Valverde.
• Shortly after the finish an excited Cunego and a dejected Valverde.
• The Schleck brothers riding together, with Andy leading Fränk.

Images by Monika Prell/Cyclingnews.com

• Pablo Lastras García (Caisse d'Epargne) was all smiles at the start, but didn't make the finish line.
• The cool weather saw riders dress in their warmest gear.
• Joaquín Rodríguez Oliver (Caisse d'Epargne) and Josep Jufre Pou (Saunier Duval - Scott) at the start.
• Orbea sport director Alvaro Gonzalez takes some time out to mess around before the start.
• David López García (Caisse d'Epargne) rolls towards the start line.
• Euskaltel -Euskadi all lined up and ready to race.
• A couple of riders chat as they wait for the race to start.

Garrett Lemire Memorial GP

Photography

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• John Murphy (HealthNet-Maxxis) gets second and makes his team proud.
• Iona Wynter Parks (Colavita/Sutter Home) claimed second place in the women's race.
• Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita/Sutter Home) did a lot of work to make the break work and it paid off
• Alex Candelario (Kelley Benefit Strageties / Medifast) takes it tight
• John Murphy (HealthNet-Maxxis) in tight company
• A Colavita/Sutter Home rider goes up the hill
• John Murphy (HealthNet-Maxxis) beat Hilton Clarke, but came up short to team-mate Gritters.
• Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita/Sutter Home) leads the women's break.
• Morgan Kapp (South Bay Wheelmen) takes her turn at the front of the break.
• Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita/Sutter Home) gets a congratulatory hug from team-mate Dotsie Bausch.
• The streets of Oaji as the peloton rolls past.
• John Murphy (HealthNet-Maxxis) drives it on the hill
• The peloton on the climb at the Ojai, California, USA course.
• Men's Podium (L-R): John Murphy (Health Net-Maxxis), Kyle Gritters (Health Net-Maxxis) and Hilton Clark (Toyota United).

Indiana University Little 500

Race 2 - April 12: Men's race,

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Lucky 13? The defending champion Cutters team qualified a little down in 13th place due to bad weather conditions, but were set on proving it was to be their lucky number.
• A nice show of sportsmanship before the start.
• Yellow jersey-clad: The Cutters wore the yellow jersey as the defending champions.
• The 39 teams roll-out for the parade and pace laps.
• The field gets up to speed on the third pace lap.
• Teams jockey for position at the front to avoid the inevitable crashes.
• Pre-race favorite Issac Neff (Black Key Bulls) put in a hard pull to try to keep his team from being lapped after a crash - but to no avail, as the Dodds House and The Cutters come around.
• No more nice guy: With the race on, handshakes were replaced with hard riding.
• No free lap: A mechanical means you have to run back to your pit to get back in the race - and with no free lap.
• A Cutters rider reintegrates into the field after a successful exchange.
• Broken dreams: Issac Neff (Black Key Bulls) is spent after his pull.
• Top teams: A Dodds House rider comes to the front as the leading pack shrinks to eight teams.
• Textbook exchange: The Cutters come in for an exchange.
• Timing is everything for a successful exchange.
• Keeping speed in an exchange means less ground to make-up on the leaders.
• Many crashes happen during the remount, especially with traffic coming at top speed.
• Coaching from the pit: Former Fiji rider Todd Cornelius now serves as a coach for his team.
• Moments later the Fiji team lost all chances when they were involved in a crash.
• The Fiji rider is taken off the track amidst the chaos.
• The leading Cutters rider checks to see where the rest of the contenders are.
• Down to three: Alpha Tau Omega had only three riders to use today, which hurt them in the end.
• The Little 500 is a name brand unto itself.
• Dodds House's sprinter Mike Sherer gets a massage in the closing laps before taking the bike.
• Cutters coach and former rider Jason Fowler tells his rider to give it everything in the important moment.
• The pain cave: Erik Hamilton (Cutters) shows the face of someone in the pain cave.
• Cutters captain Sasha Land gets final instructions from his coach before riding the final laps.
• Cutters win: Sasha Land (Cutters) wins with plenty of time to post-up.
• The celebration begins in the Cutters pit.
• A happy coach: Cutters coach Jason Fowler celebrates.
• Sasha Land (Cutters) is congratulated by his team-mate.
• Raised up: Land is carried off by his team-mates.
• The Cutters are interviewed on live television by former Little 500 rider Jason Sonneborn.
• The Cutters ride the ceremonial victory lap, showing it's never as cold when you are a winner.

Race 1 - April 11: Women's race,

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Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

• Barack Obama Presidential candidate Barack Obama paid a visit to the Little 500.
• Barack Obama strolling through the infield.
• Obama shook every rider's hand before the start.
• And he shook some fans' hands as well.
• A few supporters were in the crowd and probably a few new ones, because of the visit.
• Perennial favorite Kappa Alpha Theta has the final pep talk.
• Explanation of the flags is easy, if you are into auto racing; the Little 500 uses color flags, with the checker flag for the winner.
• Custom Schwinns Custom Schwinns adroned with IU symbol.
• The pre-race favorite Teter team tops off the energy.
• Delta Gamma coach Ryan Knapp gives his riders' legs a little extra shine with some baby oil.
• Is that performance enhancing baby oil? Every little thing helps.
• Race director Matt Ewing gives the race a go in the pace car.
• Three parade laps get the race up to speed for the flying start.
• Thirty-three teams in ten rows of three at the start.
• First turn of the first lap and it's single file.
• Riders looked for any shelter against the harsh wind.
• Delta Gamma was a dark-horse despite their second-best qualification time.
• Of the three styles of exchanges the bike exchange is the slowest.
• The cyclocross-style of exchanges is the preferred method.
• Everyone was looking at Teter for the moves.
• Kappa Alpha Theta's coach has a simple strategy.
• Teter and Theta riders look at each other for the next move.
• Teter's Sarah Rieke is spent after a tough pull.
• The Kappa Alpha Theta coach sees an opportunity.
• A tough way to dismount is to jump off the back – successfully performed by Theta.
• Jess Lander (Delta Gamma) puts her head down and rides solo to the finish.
• Jess Lander (Delta Gamma) wins while Teter and Delta Sigma Pi could only watch.
• Delta Gamma coach Ryan Knapp Jess Lander (Delta Gamma) crosses the finish line alone, and too exhausted to celebrate.
• Delta Gamma coach Ryan Knapp celebrated by smashing the pit board.
• Coach and rider happy as the Delta Gamma fans cheer.
• Delta Gamma coach Ryan Knapp embraces his riders.
• The loss is hard on the Kappa Alpha Theta team.
• Delta Gamma and their fans take the ceremonial victory lap.

Albert Achterhes Profronde van Drenthe

Photography

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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• Dutch rider Bobbie Traksel (P3transfer - Batavus), who leads the European Tour, was all smiles before the race.
• The Willems Verandas team signs on for the event.
• Coen Vermeltfoort (Rabobank Continental) was looking forward to the race ahead at sign-on.
• An official spoke with Bobbie Traksel (P3transfer - Batavus) prior to the race...
• ...and Bobbie Traksel (P3transfer - Batavus) clearly wasn't amused with the conversation.
• A Rabobank rider shares his pain from riding on the cobbles.
• The peloton together on a cobbled section of the 209 kilometre course.
• Riders attempt to find the smoothest patch on the cobbled roads.
• Rabobank controls the peloton as it hits the climb.
• A P3transfer - Batavus rider climbs up the main climb alone.
• You could be forgiven for thinking it was a cyclo-cross race with the surface in some areas.
• A rider times his attack on the climb.
• A Milram rider shows the strain of the difficult terrain.
• A group of riders stuck between the cars in the convoy.
• Boy Van Poppel (Rabobank Continental) clearly wasn't having fun and didn't finish the race.
• Coen Vermeltfoort (Rabobank Continental) was focused as he took on the climb.
• The peloton rolls over another tough cobbled section of road.
• Dutch rider Coen Vermeltfoort (Rabobank Continental) takes an easy win.
• Podium (L-R): Stefan Van Dijk (Mitsubishi - Jartazi), Coen Vermeltfoort (Rabobank Continental) and Fulco Van Gulik (KrolStonE Continental).
• Coen Vermeltfoort (Rabobank Continental) took victory and a mouth full of sand.

Ronde van Drenthe World Cup

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Images by CJ Farquharson/WomensCycling.net

• An van Rie (Platteland) leads the bunch on the first cobbled section.
• Brooke Miller (USA) fights the cobbles.
• Adrie Visser (DSB Bank) was an aggressive chaser all day.
• Regina Schleicher (Equipe Nürnberger) rides tempo to wait for puncture victim, Suzanne De Goede.
• Anne Samplonius (Canada) steers her bike over the cobbles.
• Canadian Champion Gina Grain doesn't seem to be enjoying the cobbles.
• Riders take to the gutter for respite from the cobbles.
• Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road) attacks Sarah Duester (Cervelo Lifeforce) as High Road make its move.
• A group of chasers in the cobbled woods.
• The trees form archways over the wooded tracks
• A dry day, with a little dust for the competitors in the Ronde van Drenthe.
• Television coverage of the event was live for the last hour.
• Fammy van Essum, the Ronde van Drenthe organiser, celebrated her 45th wedding anniversary today with Huub.
• Suzanne De Goede (Equipe Nurnberger) retained the World Cup lead by finishing fourth.
• The bunch corners near to Tiendeeven.
• Chantal Beltman (High Road) leads Sarah Duester (Cervelo) on the Col du Vam.
• Marianne Vos (DSB Bank) concentrates on the Col Du Vam.
• Nikki Egyed (Platteland) looks strong.
• Chantal Beltman (High Road) hung on to her dimishing lead to take the Ronde van Drenthe in her home region.
• Chantal Beltman (High Road) gives a relieved and happy victory salute.
• Ludivine Henrion (AA Drink) walks her damaged bike back to the team van.
• Podium (L-R): Marianne Vos (Team DSB Bank), Chantal Beltman (High Road) and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (High Road)

Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• Marianne Vos (Team DSB Bank) has been focused on the track this year.
• Judith Arndt (Team High Road) rides to the start line.
• Australian champion Oenone Wood (Team High Road) prepares for the day's race.
• Last year’s winner Adrie Visser (Team DSB Bank) grits her teeth as she pushes up the climb.
• Two Bilga team-mates ride together as they cover the tough cobbled section.
• Chantal Beltman (Team High Road) rides in the peloton.
• Charlotte Becker (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) takes a few metres over the peloton on the cobbled section.
• Chantal Beltman (Team High Road) rides off the front with two others.
• Kirsten Wild (AA Drink) and Marianne Vos (Team DSB Bank) reach the top of the climb.
• The peloton crosses the race's main climb.
• Mirjam Melchers (Team Flexpoint) leads the main group.
• The climb took the wind out of many rider's sails.
• Dutch rider Suzanne De Goede (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) continues to lead the Women's World Cup standings.

Images by Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

• A smiling Marianne Vos (DSB Bank) takes the start. Eventual winner Chantal Beltman (High Road) lurks just behind her and looks relaxed with today's race plan.
• Unlike Paris-Roubaix the cobblestones in Drenthe are not regular shaped paving stones but are just as bumpy.
• Oenone Wood (High Road) puts the hammer down on the first cobbled sector with Noemi Cantele (Bigla) in tow.
• Pressure from High Road and Cervelo Lifeforce splintered the peloton into lots of tiny pieces.
• Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung's Suzanne De Goede, wearing the World Cup jersey, used her entire team to regain contact after a puncture. Eva Lutz here was the last one remaining.
• Emma Pooley (Specialized Desiogns for Women) is a fantastic climber and time triallist, but is not built for the cobbles and crosswinds of northern Europe.
• One of many splintered groups that formed on the cobbles. The peloton reformed again in the latter stages and Rochelle Gilmore (Menikini-Selle Italia) - in third wheel - would finish fifth.
• The VAM-berg is a road over the top of a waste landfill site! The flags show how strong the wind was today.
• Noemi Cantele (Bigla) leads the peloton over the VAM-berg for the penultimate time.
• Chantal Blaak (AA-Drink) tops the VAM-berg with Christiane Soeder in tow.
• Chantal Beltman (High Road) gulps in the air as she approaches the final kilometre.
• Elodie Touffet (Gauss RDZ Ormu) was second last year and desperately tried to hang on, but was caught inside the last kilometre.

GP Pino Cerami

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Images by AFP Photo

• The Swiss rider Calcagni beat everyone including the Italian champion Giovanni Visconti (Quick Step)
• Patrick Calcagni (Barloworld) crosses the line in first.
• Pino Cerami was present at the race names after him.

National Mountain Bike Series (NMBS) #2

Marathon

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Images by Dave McElwaine /www.trailwatch.net

• Travis Brown (Trek/FRS) at the starting line.
• Windy Marks (Big Fish).
• Racers on the first row of the start.
• Racers head out onto the singletrack at McDowall Mountain Park.
• Evan Plews (Scott USA) leading Tiker Juarez (Monavie).
• David "Tinker" Juarez experienced cramping throughout the race.
• Nat Ross (Suburu/ Gary Fisher) rode with the leaders.
• Caroline Goulard (Sho Air) would go on to finish 3rd.
• Sarah Kaufman (Roaring Mo) finished 1st Pro Woman.
• Liam Killeen (Specialized) kept the pace high and won the race.
• Evan Plews (Scott USA) had attacked Killeen hoping to drop him.
• Tinker Juarez (Monavie) rode an incredible race despite not enough fluids.
• Nat Ross (Suburu/Gary Fisher) finished fourth.

Super D Time Trial

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Images by Dave McElwaine /www.trailwatch.net

• Monique Sawicki (Ellsworth) awaiting her start.
• Dowhill star Melisssa Buhl (KHS) decided to try her hand at Super D
• Over 330 riders staged at the top of McDowell Mountain Park for the race
• Heather Irmiger (Suburu/Gary Fisher) getting a good start
• Kelli Emette (Giant) has become the woman to beat in Super D
• Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Shop) hoping for a repeat of her weekend in Fontana
• Willow Koerber (Suburu/Gary Fisher) heads down the 7 mile course
• Newest Luna member Catherine Pendrel did not have the ride she was hoping for
• Wendy Simms (Kona) has improved her racing dramatically
• Wendy Simms (Kona) finished third, only 7 seconds behind Gould
• Katerina Nash (Luna MTB Team) rode an inspired race to finish 2nd
• Georgia Gould had a terrific start (Luna Women's MTB)
• Georgia Gould typically does not compete in Super D but went on to win
• Cody Peterson (Scott) looked fresh despite doing 50 miles of the marathon earlier in the day
• Ethan Gilmore is a promsing young racer (U-23 National Team)
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) rode a strong race to take third place
• Jeff Schalk (Trek/VW) got a great start and finished 17th
• Mitch Peterson (Mona Vie) has looked strong this season
• Troy Wels (Cliff Bar) always appears to be giving 100% effort
• Ross Schnell (Trek/VW) rode the corners on rails to take 6th place
• Carl Decker (Giant) has become a Super D specialist. He finished 9th
• Sam Schultz (Gary Fisher/ Suburu) had an amazing performace to take 5th
• Mathieu Toulouse (Team Maxxis) rode a solid race for 8th place
• Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Gary Fisher/Suburu) had better form this week. He finished 2nd
• Kris Sneddon (Kona) had one of the best starts of the day
• U.S. National Super D Champion Adam Craig (Giant) made the podium
• Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis) has now won all three NMBS races he has entered this season

Short Track

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Images by Dave McElwaine /www.trailwatch.net

• Katerina Nash (Luna) leads Wendy Simms (Kona) , Georgia Gould (Luna), and Willow Koerber (Suburu/Gary Fisher) up a steep sandy climb that nearly everyone had to run.
• Katerina Nash (Luna Womens MTB) riding a solo breakaway through the desert flowers.
• Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis) and Barry Wicks (Kona) battled for several laps.
• Kona riders Barry Wicks and Ryan Trebon had an early gap on the field.
• Kona team-mates Barry Wicks and Ryan Trebon talking at the front of the race.
• Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis) leading on uphill single track.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) rode a very strong race.
• Giant team-mates Adam Craig and Carl Decker working together.
• Carl Decker (Giant) leading Ross Schnell (Trek/VW) on uphill.
• Sam Schultz (Suburu/ Gary Fisher) riding in the top ten.
• Bryan Fawley (Texas Tough) mid-pack.
• Carl Decker (Giant) and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Suburu/ Gary Fisher) ride "The Hill".
• Wicks (Kona) leading Kabush (Maxxis) with one lap to go.
• Kabush (Maxxis) gets around the last corner first for the win.
• Former World Champion Alison Dunlap watching the race (Luna Women's MTB).
• Willow Koerber (Suburu/ Gary Fisher) concentrating on the race ahead.
• NMBS series champion Katerina Nash (Luna Women's MTB).
• Kona's ace team mechanic Bassman stays cool with an ice bag.
• Mical Dyck (Trek/VW) has been very impressive so far this season.
• Wendy Simms (Kona) with Kathy Sherwin (Sobe/Cannondale) in the background.
• Australian national champion Dellys Starr (Dale's Pale Ale) gets the hole shot.
• Georgia Gould (Luna) leading Wendy Simms (Kona).
• Lea Davision (Trek/VW) leading Catherine Pendrel (Luna Women's MTB).
• Georgia Gould (Luna Women's MTB) riding the uphill singletrack .
• Nash looking at gap back to team-mate Gould (Luna) with one lap to go.
• Kelli Emmette (Giant) leading Catherine Pendrel (Luna) through 180 turn.
• Katerina Nash (Luna Women's MTB) takes the victory by 12 seconds.
• Starr out-sprints Simms by inches to take third place.

Elite women cross country

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Images by Dave McElwaine /www.trailwatch.net

• Racers head out onto single track.
• Georgia Gould (Luna Women's MTB) leads the field.
• Gary Fisher/Suburu team-mates Willow Koerber and Heather Irmiger.
• Georgia Gould (Luna Women's MTB).
• Dellys Starr (Dales Pale Ale) riding with the leaders.
• Monique Sawicki (Ellsworth) riding in the top six.
• Heather Irmiger (Suburu/ Gary Fisher) leading Trek/VW women.
• Jennifer Tilley (Velo Bella) riding in top 25.
• Georgia Gould (Luna Women's MTB) taking the victory.
• Katerina Nash (Luna Women's MTB) taking 2nd place after crashing hard.
• Kelli Emmett (Giant) finishing 4th.
• Lea Davison (Trek/ VW) having fun at the finish.
• Women’s XC Podium (left to right) Kelli Emmett (Giant) 4th, Katerina Nash (Luna Women's MTB) 2nd, Georgia Gould (Luna Women's MTB) 1st, Dellys Starr (Dale's Pale Ale) 3rd, Kathy Sherwin (Sobe/Cannondale) 5th.
• Women's GC Podium (left to right) Lea Davision (Trek/VW) 5th, Katerina Nash (Luna Women's MTB) 2nd, Georgia Gould (Luna Women's MTB) 1st, Dellys Starr (Dale's Pale Ale) 3rd, Kelli Emmett (Giant) 4th.

Elite men cross country

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Images by Dave McElwaine /www.trailwatch.net

• Carl Decker (Giant) at the starting line
• Barry Wicks (Kona) tries to stay cool in 85 degree (Fahrenheit) temps.
• NMBS series cross country champion Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis)
• Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) gets the hole shot and leads into the singletrack.
• Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis) leading Kona's Barry Wicks and Ryan Trebon
• Liam Killeen (Specialized) riding in fifth place
• Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis), Barry Wicks (Kona), Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru / Gary Fisher), and Adam Craig (Giant) riding an uphill paceline.
• US national champion Adam Craig (Giant) and Sam Schultz (Suburu/Gary Fisher)
• Sam Schultz (Suburu/Gary Fisher)
• Chad Wells (3D Racing), Ethan Gilmour (U23 National Team) lead a long train of riders.
• Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher), Barry Wicks (Kona), Geoff Kabush (Maxxis), and Adam Craig (Giant) with one lap to go
• Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) rides in alone to take the victory.
• Adam Craig (Giant) takes second place and celebrates with a wheelie.
• Overall GC Podium (left to right) Ross Schnell (Trek/VW) 5th, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 2nd, Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) 1st, Adam Craig (Giant) 3rd, Barry Wicks (Kona) 4th

Open de España - Maxxis Cup #2

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Images by David Sanchez / www.fullevent.com

• Juan Pedro Trujillo (Cemelorca-Seguros10.Com) celebrates his victory.
• Juan Pedro Trujillo (Cemelorca-Seguros10.Com) pushes the pace at the front of the elite men's race.
• Margarita Fullana (Massi-Illes Balears) won the elite women's race.

Grand Prix de Dottignies

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Images by WomensCycling.net

• Local to the region, the Swift team was able to use many of its riders today.
• The riders wait to start in Dottignes
• The bunch rolls out for a 50-kilometre loop before nine laps of a five-kilometre circuit
• Iosune Murillo (Bizkaia-Durango)
• The peloton splintered in the flat, windy country side.
• Emma Mackie (Lotto Belisol) seems to be enjoying herself.
• Ludivine Henrion (AA Drink) hangs on in the bunch.
• Marianne Vos (DSB Bank) leads the bunch that was chasing Liesbet De Vocht (VVP).
• Liesbet De Vocht (Vrienden van het Platteland) managed to break away for a handful of laps.
• Karin Aune (Uniqa)
• A smile from Rochelle Gilmore (Menikini Gysko). She cannot be enjoying the cold weather?!
• Time for a drink
• The race podium
• Josephine Groenveld (DSB Bank) and Lensy Debboudt (GKV Racing)
• Suzanne Ljungskog (Menikini) and Adrie Visser (DSB Bank) look at each other, waiting for a move.
• Dorte Rasmussen (CMX Dila) reacts to an acceleration in the bunch.
• Marianne Vos (DSB Bank) gives a victory salute whilst checking that Wild is behind her.

Tour de Perth

Stage 4 - April 6: Criterium - Kalamunda CBD, 1hr / 40mins

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Images by Matt Janssen/www.cyclingpics.com.au

• Nathan Clarke from Praties takes out the fourth and final stage.
• Victorian Stuart Grimsey pushes hard to finish in the top 10 in GC.
• The early break during the men's race.
• The final criterium was held the Perth hills suburb of Kalamunda.
• Three laps to go and it's Savings & Loans rider Tim Roe on the front.

Stage 3 - April 6: Kalamunda- Pickering Brook, 112km / 67km

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Images by Matt Janssen/www.cyclingpics.com.au

• Riders gather at the start of stage 3, there's no rain today!
• The peloton climb on lap one.
• The ladies climb on lap one of stage 3.
• Praties rider Richie Porte in yellow would go ont to win stage 3 and the Tour.
• Peloton during stage 3.
• A jubilant Richie Porte takes home stage 3.

Stage 2 - April 5: Individual time trial - Roleystone Circuit, 5km

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Images by Matt Janssen/www.cyclingpics.com.au

• Team Virgin Blue.
• Savings & Loans rider and Olympic Gold Medalist Brett Aitkin.
• One of the Praties riders attacking the short time trial.
• The women's race was hotly contested over the 2 day event.

GP Rennes

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Images by Freddy Guérin/www.photos-finish.com

• Maurizio Biondo was part of an early escape.
• Biondo and Khalilov were leading the big escape. Khalilov ended up winning.
• Bad weather made the race hard.
• Bretagne Armor Lux team leading the bunch.
• Christophe Moreau in the peloton
• Maurizio Biondo leads Arnold Jeannesson as well as Mikel Gaztanaga and Mikhaylo Khalilov in front of the race.
• Crédit Agricole riders lead the bunch for Angelo Furlan.
• Mikhaylo Khalilov wins Grand Prix de Rennes and succeedes another Ukrainian rider, Sergey Matveyev.
• The podium with (l-r) Sébastien Chavanel, Mikhaylo Khalilov and Jimmy Casper.

Route Adélie

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Images by Fabrice Lambert/La Gazette du centre Morbihan

• Daniel Mangeas (r) and Emmanuel Hubert.
• 22nd Route Adélie race organiser Roland Montenat
• Rémi Pauriol (Crédit Agricole) celebrates his 26th birthday.
• Rides line up for the start.
• Four escapees led by a Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce rider.
• The peloton passes a green field.
• Castle greets the riders as they race in the 22nd Route Adélie.
• Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) and Christophe Laurent (Slipstream Chipotle - H30)
• Fans watch as the race passes for the finishing circuits.
• Kevin Ista (Agritubel), 23, wins the 22nd Route Adélie
• Kevin Ista (Agritubel) in the arms of team-mate Jimmy Casper.
• Kevin Ista (Agritubel) with Miss France Laura Tanguy.
• Kisses for Kevin Ista (Agritubel).
• Frenchman Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) (r) on the podium with team-mate and winner Kevin Ista (Agritubel) (2nd l).

Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• Volodimir Duma (Ceramica Flaminia) lead the group.
• Yann Huguet (Cofidis) attacks
• Kévin Ista on the podium.
• Kévin Ista in great compagny...
• The podium: Benoit Vaugrenard (Française des Jeux, second), Kévin Ista (Agritubel, first), Jérémie Galland (Auber.93, third)
• Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) and Christophe Laurent (Slipstream) in the first escape of the day.
• David Lelay (Bretagne-Armor Lux) at the head of the bunch.
• Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) and Christophe Laurent (Slipstream) in the first escape of the day.

Redlands Bicycle Classic

Stage 4 - April 6: Sunset Road Race, 105.8/146.5 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) leads Mara Abbott (High Road) on the first lap.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) rounds the turn at the beginning of the second lap.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor)
• Mara Abbott (High Road) is surrounded by Webcor.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) just after winning the stage.
• The men's field approached the circuit.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) leads race leader, Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) and the rest of the pack into a downhill turn.
• Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita Sutter Homes presented by Cooking Light) wins the last sprint.
• Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita Sutter Homes presented by Cooking Light)
• Men's stage podium (L-R): Tony Cruz (BMC), Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita Sutter Homes presented by Cooking Light) and Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis).
• Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita Sutter Homes presented by Cooking Light) claims the stage victory.
• Colavita Sutter Homes presented by Cooking Light was very happy to win the team award.

Images by Jonathan Devich/

• The women make it to the Sunset loop.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) goes solo early in the race.
• Webcor worked to keep things in control.
• Erinne Willock (Webcor) tries to bring back the break.
• Katherine Carroll (Aarons) bridges up to Anne Samplonious.
• Alex Rhodes (High Road) drives the field.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) fought off attacks all day.
• Katherine Carroll (Aarons) and Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine) try to make some time on the field.
• The women climb.
• Webcor gets control of things in the peloton.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) sits comfortably in the bunch next to Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine).
• Things get a little strung out...
• ...and things get a little bunched up.
• Kim Anderson (High Road) in the climber's jersey.
• Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine) focuses here way through a turn.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) takes the stage and the overall victory.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) happy with her performance..
• The women's stage podium with Alex Wrubleski (Webcor), Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) and Kim Anderson (High Road).
• Team Cheerwine wins the team prize.
• Overall women's podium: Alex Wrubleski (Webcor), Mara Abbott (High Road) and Katherine Carroll (Aarons).
• The men take to the start for the final stage.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) and Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) get up the road.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) and Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) with a little more time on the bunch.
• Rock Racing patrols the front of the main bunch.
• Cobbles line the road along the Sunset climb.
• Slipstream riders tackle a tough turn near the base of the course.
• A separated group tries to make some time up.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) sticks close to the front and out of danger.
• Riders pass old farm equipment near one of the old orchards along the route.
• The field bunches on the way up the climb.
• The boys from team Bissell work to make up some ground.
• David Clinger (Rock Racing) rode hard this week to help the team.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) looking a little worn out after spending time off the front.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) kept things in control all day.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) works to hold onto the red climber's jersey.
• Colavita played it right today.
• Tyler Hamilton and his Rock Racing team still controlling things at the front.
• The Symmetrics team had a tough go of it today.
• Riders crest the climb.
• Will Routley (Symmetrics) makes it back to the bunch.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) riding near the front.
• Jeremy Vennell (Bissell) and team-mate Richard England work to stay with the group.
• Colavita did a good job of setting things up with one lap to go.
• Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita) already knows whats coming.
• Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita) seals the deal.
• Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita) easily takes it on the line.
• Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita) celebrates the win.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• The ValueAct Capital squad was lined up on the front and ready for battle.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) in the green sprinters jersey gets called up to the line.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) had her game face on at the line.
• The women were set to go as Bill Wycoff (USCF official) gives them their final instructions.
• Kirstin Robbins (Advil/Chapstick) follows her team-mate up the road.
• Two of the most powerful teams , Team High Road and Team Tibco patrolled the front.
• ValuAct Capital gets things started early sending a rider up the road.
• Beverley Harper (Webcor) ascends a small hill on the front section of the course.
• The peloton was in disarray, caught off guard by the early move.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) was riding strong at the front of the field.
• The pain of the pace was evident on this Vanderkitten rider's face.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) went up the road and it looked as if it may stick.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's Pro Cycling) responds to the move by Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine).
• Team High Road was at the front of the group behind.
• The course took the women's field through some lovely neighbourhoods.
• There was some very fast downhill sections that demanded the rider’s concentration.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's Pro Cycling) caught Ann Samplonius (Cheerwine) and the duo looked strong.
• Alison Testroete (Aaron's Pro Cycling) storms toward the KOM.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) was determined to stay up front today.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) solo breakaway was short lived as she was caught with several laps left.
• The peloton winds along Sunset Road.
• Stacy Marple (Cheerwine) and Erinne Willcock (Webcor) give it a go.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's Pro Cycling) clowns around for the camera after her spectacular effort.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) takes the sprint victory.
• The women's podium (l-r) Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine), Alex Wrubleski (Webcor), & Kim Anderson (Team High Road).
• The Cheerwine women won the team competition.
• The overall GC (l-r) Mara Abbott (Team High Road), Alex Wrubleski (Webcor), and Katharine Carroll (Aaron's Pro Cycling).
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) in yellow after the final stage of the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) with an interesting choice of head gear.
• The Bissell Pro Cycling Team assembled on the front line and looked like they has something to prove.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) was getting used to all the attention.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) got things started early as he exploded off the front.
• Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling) joined Ben-Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) as the pair put time into the field.
• The two escapees were working well together.
• A small group climbs to the KOM as the peloton splinters.
• The course was lined with beautiful homes , but the riders didn't have time to notice.
• Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling) was riding like a man possessed.
• Scott Nydam (BMC Pro Cycling) rode well on this difficult stage.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) rode with his team in an attempt to control the race.
• The field was shattered by a large crash that collected a majority of the riders. The chase was on.....
• The break was feeling the heat as the peloton closed in.
• Rock Racing spent a lot of time on the front chasing attacks.
• The peloton hit the finishing circuits as one large group and Colavita/Sutter Home sent it's riders to the front to position their sprinter.
• Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) takes the sprint on the line.
• Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) celebrates is victory.
• Media director Scott Welch interviews Santiago Botero (Rock Racing).
• Michael Ball (CEO Rock Racing) says a few words to the crowd.
• The awards ceremony was well attended as Rock Racing takes center stage.
• The podium (l-r) Tony Cruz (BMC Pro Cycling), Alejandro Barrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home), and Rory Sutherland (Health Net).
• Colavita/Sutter Home takes the team honors.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) takes the overall victory.

Stage 3 - April 5: Redlands criterium, 60/90 minutes

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• The women line up for the crit in downtown Redlands.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) and team-mate Kim Anderson must have had a good plan for the day.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) happy to spend another day in yellow.
• Erin Willock (Webcor) tries for flier off the front.
• Team Kenda starts to chase.
• Anne Samplonious (Cheer Wine) attacks.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) only had to stay in control today to stay in yellow.
• Anna Milkowski (Advil/Chapstick) brings up the field.
• The women lay into a turn.
• Kim Anderson (High Road) patrols the front of the bunch.
• Anne Samplonious (Cheer Wine) spends a little time off the front.
• The women go hard into the last lap.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) can see the finish line.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) takes it with a strong run to the line.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) more than happy with her win in Redlands.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) stays in yellow for another day.
• The downtown crit podium with Emilia Fahlin (High Road) in 1st, Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) 2nd and Brenda Lyons (Advil/Chapstick) 3rd.
• David Clinger (Roack Racing) all dressed up for the day.
• 150 men started the crit today.
• And they’re off!
• Rock Racing went to the front straight away.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita Sutter/Cooking Light) gets away.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita Sutter/Cooking Light) leads the break.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) gets a little gap on the front of the field.
• Curtis Gunn (Successful Living) takes a prime and keeps rolling.
• Rock Racing still controlling things in the front.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) works on keeping the yellow jersey.
• Jeremy Vennell (Bissell) having a good weekend after his 9th place in the prologue.
• Kelley Benefits comes to the front.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) getting used to racing crits again.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita Sutter/Cooking Light) keeps the pressure on.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) hangs in the bunch.
• Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) was going after that big win today.
• The speeds stayed high all day.
• Toyota United gets on the front to try and get back the break,
• The break comes through with one lap to go.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) takes it after a close finish.
• Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) leads in the field and takes 3rd.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) in her green jersey comes around Amy Dombroski (Webcor Builders) in a turn.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine).
• MacKenzie Woodring (Colavita/Sutter/Cooking Light).
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) played it right and won.
• Alex Rhodes (High Road) flat out through the turn.
• After a crash the Mavic helped riders get back into the field after getting their bikes in order.
• Race leader, Mara Abbott (High Road) was never too far from the front.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) at the front pushing the pace.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) wins the sprint.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) wins the sprint.
• School yard gossip on the men's start line.
• David Clinger (Rock Racing) with teammate and race leader, Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) on his wheel.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing).
• Curtis Gunn (Successful Living) was in the winning break but was involved in a crash two turns front the finish.
• Danny Summerhill (Slipstream Chipotle H3O) proves he can hang with the big boys.
• Sebastian Haedo (Colavita Sutter/Cooking Light) in the green jersey.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita Sutter/Cooking Light) took second.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) leads the break with Curtis Gunn (Successful Living) on his wheel.
• Toyota United made a late attempt to catch the break.
• Jeff Louder (BMC) lead the sprint from the last corner.
• Jeff Louder (BMC).
• Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) took the field sprint for third.
• Men's Podium.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) prepares for today’s race.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) was ready to get down to business this afternoon.
• Len Pettyjohn (Toyota-United) has a word with Bob Stapleton (Team High Road).
• The men are lined up and ready to go.
• The boys from Rock Racing went to the front early.
• A Time Pro Cycling rider steals a prime from the Rock Racing boys.
• The yellow jersey, worn by Santiago Botero (Rock Racing), was marshaled along by his team-mates.
• A Successful Living rider goes up the road through the start/finish area.
• Scott Nydam (BMC Pro Cycling) powers his way through a corner.
• It was evident that Rock Racing had an agenda for today’s race.
• Matt Cooke (Health Net) keeps himself out of trouble in the front half of the field.
• Martin Gilbert (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) looking strong as he corners.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) leads his team through turn three.
• Danny Summerhill (Slipstream/Chipotle) was determined to stay up front and in contention.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) takes his turn in the wind.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) leads his team-mates through the S turn.
• Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) goes to the front to help with the chase.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) leads a small group of riders off the front.
• The Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast team went to the front to help with the chase.
• Toyota-United strong man Ben Day was the first member of his team to start helping with the chase.
• A multi-team contingent worked furiously to bring back the breakaway.
• Ben Day (Toyota-United) with a huge effort on the front.
• Eventual winner Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling) did his share of work in the break.
• Toyota-United sent its team to the front to bring back the break.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) leads the small breakaway in the closing laps.
• It was a valiant effort, but it was a classic case of too little, to late.
• The group of four worked well together to stay ahead of the hard charging peloton.
• Kayle Leogrande (Rock Racing) spent a lot of time on the front today.
• The break was holding its 30 second lead going into the final lap.
• Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling) out sprints his fellow breakaway members for the win.
• Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling) celebrates his victory on the line.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) occupies the second step on the podium.
• Men’s podium (L-R): Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home), Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling), and Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United).
• The green and yellow jersey share the podium.
• Rebecca Larson (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) share a friendly moment on the line.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) with a huge smile as she removes her arm warmers.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) in her green jersey during call ups.
• Stacy Marple (Cheerwine) gets things started in the early going.
• The first turn was more than 90 degrees, but the women took it in stride.
• Andrea Dvorak (Colavita/Sutter Home) is in the thick of it with her team-mates in tow.
• Alex Rhodes (Team High Road) leads the peloton through on the first few laps.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) stormed off the front and built a small gap.
• After a small mishap the Mavic support staff had it’s first customers of the day.
• Mara Abbott, the current race leader, chooses a safe line through the corner.
• The lovely and talented Alison Testroete (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) gives chase to the rider up the road.
• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) attempts to stay out of trouble by taking the outside line through the turn.
• Anna Milkowski (Team Advil/Chapstick) attempts to bridge up to the break.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) in the green sprinters jersey keeps an eye on things.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) spends some time on the front chasing the break.
• It was all back together again on the final lap with all the teams fighting for position.
• The pain of the high pace shows on the riders face.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) sprints home for the victory.
• Emilia Fahlin (High Road) enjoys her win as she rolls across the line.
• Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine) was exhausted after an intense effort.
• Brenda Lyons (Advil/Chapstick) on the podium.
• Women’s podium (L-R): Alex Wrubleski (Webcor Builders), Emilia Fahlin (High Road), and Brenda Lyons (Advil/Chapstick).
• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) in yellow once again.
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor Builders) in green and Mara Abbott (Team High Road) in yellow.

Stage 2 - April 4: Beaumont Circuit race, 110/138 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• The women line up at the start of today’s road race in Beaumont.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) was all smiles after lining up in yellow.
• Things get moving as the bunch heads out of Beaumont.
• The women bunch up before the real racing starts.
• Webcor and TIBCO teams come to the front.
• Things start to pick up a little.
• A few of the girls roll past the snowy peaks outside of the city.
• The women climb just before the technical section on the back side.
• Climbing with Beaumont in the distant valley.
• Getting near the top of the climb.
• A break gets off the front of the women’s field.
• One of the many chase groups today.
• Rachel Heal (TIBCO) comes to the front to chase.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) sitting comfortably in the bunch.
• What is left of the main bunch in the women’s race gets strung out.
• Kim Anderson (High Road) ready to do some work.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's) spends some time solo.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's) looks back to check her gap on the field.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) accelerates on the climb.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) making the front group work hard.
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) staying close to the front to monitor the situation.
• A late attack tries to get off the front of the women’s group.
• Katherine Carroll (Aarons) gets the win.
• Katherine Carroll (Aarons) takes home another jersey for her efforts.
• Todays podium with Katherine Carroll (Aarons) first, Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) second and Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) third.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) gets the leaders jersey and the mountain jersey while Katherine Carroll gets the sprint jersey.
• The huge men’s field spreads completely across the road.
• The men string out through the Beaumont countryside.
• Passing a small pond along the route.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota United) and Chris Wherry (Toyota United) hangin in the bunch.
• Snow still covers peaks in the distance as the men climb.
• Kelly Benefits and BMC come to the front to try to bring back the break.
• Sebastian Haedo (Colavita) leads the break.
• Francois Parisian (Symmetrics) gets on the front of the break.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) launches his attack.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) heads off alone.
• The break reacts.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) on his way up the KOM.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) tries to get back Botero.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) on the front and going hard.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) with the finish in sight.
• Sebastian Haedo (Colavita) leads the group in for second place.
• Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) wins the field sprint.
• The podium with Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) 1st, Sebastian Haedo (Colavita) 2nd and Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) 3rd.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) happy to put on the leaders jersey.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) looks happy to be racing in Redlands.
• Katherine Carroll (Aarons) won the small group sprint.
• Santiago Botero gives his performance a thumbs up.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) at the front pushing the pace to the KOM on the first lap.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) near the KOM.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) .
• James Mattis (Cal Giant Farms/Specialized) Gave it a shot up the climb on the second lap.
• Front of the pack up the climb .
• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) and teammate fly down the hill.
• The break , almost looks like a peaceful country ride..
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) .
• Healthnet at the front of the pack .
• At the top of the KOM on the last lap it was Mara Abbott (Team High Road) continuing to push the pace.
• The sprint begins with Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) at the front .
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) puts on a show for the photographers .
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) leads the break at the beginning of the last lap.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) celebrates his win with a very low key thumbs up.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) was very happy to be on the top step of the podium.
• Men's Podium .
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) now has the green, red and...
• Yellow jersey!

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) waits patiently for the start of today’s race.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) takes his position on the front row during call ups.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) in his race leader's jersey was all smiles on the line.
• A unique prospective on the front row as the pro men line up.
• An early break of three gives it a go.
• The peloton doesn’t seem at all interested in giving chase.
• The pace was very slow in the early going as the peloton spreads out on a minor climb.
• The field descends as it makes its way to the entrance of Bogart County Park.
• Matty Rice (Jelly Belly) and Scott Nydam (BMC Pro Cycling) escape at the midpoint of the race and put several minutes into the field.
• A Rock Racing rider climbs toward the KOM.
• Anna Milkowski (Advil/Chapstick) powers up a small climb in Bogart County Park.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) leads a small splinter group up the KOM climb.
• With two escapees off the front team HealthNet sends its riders to the front to chase.
• Surrounded by his team-mates race leader Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) climbs to the KOM.
• As the pace intensifies, Dave Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) fights his way up the climb.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) draws on his time trial talents as he powers the break.
• A small group of six escape off the front late in the race.
• The break was working well together and gaining time on the peloton.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) takes his turn in the wind at the front of the breakaway.
• The field sprint for the line was fast and furious.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) not only won today’s stage, but got a shiny new green jersey as well.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) and Mara Abbott (Team High Road) enjoy the moment on the podium.
• Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home) happily occupied the second step on the podium.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) the new race leader.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) was several minutes ahead of the field as he left the park and headed for home.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) utilized his prior experience as a world champion time trialist as he attacked on his own.
• With a wave of the hand, Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) crosses the line.
• Men’s podium (L-R): Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home), Santiago Botero (Rock Racing), and Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling).
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) celebrates his new yellow race leader's jersey.
• Santiago Botero (Rock Racing) is wearing all three race jerseys.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) nips Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) on the line.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) celebrates her victory on the line.
• Women’s podium (L-R): Alex Wrubleski (Webcor), Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling), and Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine).

Stage 1 - April 3: Prologue time trial, 5 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Jenny Trew (Vanderkitten) heading up the last hill of the prologue.
• Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine) tackles the last climb in the TT.
• Jacqueline Kurth (Kenda) concentrates.
• Janel Holcomb (Webcor) makes a pass.
• Jessica Hutchinson (TIBCO) out of the saddle for the climbing to come.
• Kathleen Billington (Rock Racing) makes her way past flowers along the course.
• Christine Thorburn (Webcor) passes riders on the way to the finish.
• Anne Samplonious (Colavita) on her way to a strong finish.
• Andrea Dvorak (Colavita) sizes up the climb.
• Kim Anderson (High Road) going hard on her way to third place.
• Rachel Heal (TIBCO) on her way up the road.
• Kristin Sanders (Aarons) lays it all on the line in the prologue.
• Kathryn Clark (Kenda Tires) with only one more turn to go.
• Iona Winter-Parks (Colavita) along the route.
• Lana Atchley (Dolce Vita Racing) out of the saddle and going hard.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) riding hard on the way to her win.
• Erinne Willock (Webcor) tackles the climb.
• The road gets steeper.
• Kyle Gritters (Healthnet-Maxxis) keeping it aero on the climb.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) having another strong ride this season.
• Bernard Van Ulden (Jelly Belly) going strong.
• Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) fighting through the pain.
• Anthony Colby (Colavita) stays seated near the top of the climb.
• Riders get strung out along the course.
• Walker Savidge (Slipstream-Chipotle) checks out the road ahead.
• Nearing the top of the course.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) goes hard near the finish.
• Karl Menzies (Healthnet-Maxxis) loving the climb.
• David Clinger (Rock Racing) almost finished for the day.
• David Veilleux (Kelly Benefits) lays into a turn.
• Kirk Carlsen (Slipsream-Chipotle) looking up to the finish line.
• Kris Koke (Liquid Cycling) almost home.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) putting in a good time.
• Blake Caldwell (Slipstream-Chipotle) was decked out in aero equipment today.
• Scott Nydam (BMC) going fast as usual.
• Matt Cooke (Healthnet-Maxxis) giving it all he’s got.
• Rock Racing comes up head first.
• Tom Danielson (Slipstream-Chipotle) hammers up the climb.
• Davide Frattini (Colavita) having a good ride in the prologue.
• Josh Horowitz (Liquid Cycling) grits his teeth to get to the finish.
• Chris DeMarchi (5 Star Waste Vegetable Oil) going super hard on the way to the finish.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) looking calm and collected.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) looking good for fourth.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Amy Dombroski (Webcor) Happy to be out of the frozen mud of cyclocross
• Maris Asplund-Owens (Cheerwine)
• Rebecca Much (Webcor) 18th
• Janel Holcomb (Webcor)
• Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) 5th overtakes another rider.
• Kim Anderson (High Road)
• Lana Atchley (Rock Racing)
• Mara Abbott (High Road) took the win by 25 seconds.
• Katharine Carroll (Aarons) with a second place was the meat in a High Road sandwich
• Kayle Leogrande (Rock Racing) in pain - uphill TT's clearly not his forte.
• Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita)
• David Clinger (Rock Racing) has found a sponsor who doesn't mind his facial tattoos.
• Luis Alberto Amaran (Colavita
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) finished 5th.
• Blake Caldwell (Slipstream) is another rider coming back from injury.
• Victor Hugo Pena (Rock Racing) finished a distant 35th in the uphill TT.
• Tom Danielson (Slipstream) is coming back to form after injury.
• Rory Sutherland (Healthnet) had a big day and took the win.
• Ben Day (Toyota United) was a close second, just under two seconds behind Sutherland.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) finished fourth, nine seconds back.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Peter Stetina (Slipstream/Chipotle) gets into his aerodynamic tuck early.
• Frank Pipp (HealthNet) got off to a great start on the lower end of the course.
• Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) selects his line for the turn ahead.
• Eric Balevav (Time Pro Cycling) looked comfortable as he started his ride.
• Matty Rice (Jelly Belly) flys through the first turn.
• David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) was riding smooth on the lower section of the course.
• Ben Jaques Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) crests the top of the first set of rolling hills.
• Chris Jones (Team Type 1) out of the saddle and driving hard over the first climb.
• Mike Lange (Jelly Belly) rode smoothly up the first set of hills.
• Gustavo Artacho (Colavita/Sutter Home) elected to stay in the saddle and spin up the first climb.
• Matt Cooke (HealthNet) put in a tremendous effort today.
• Anibal Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) looks up the road in search of his 30 second man.
• Trent Wilson (Jittery Joe’s) looked very fast on the climb.
• Tom Soliday (Time Pro Cycling) concentrates on the road ahead as he conquers the first climb.
• Jeff Louder (BMC Pro Cycling) on his slick BMC steed crests the first climb.
• Bradley White (Team Successful Living) made quick work of the climb for a big guy!
• Is that a smile on Matthew Crane’s (HealthNet) face?
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) looked very motivated as he attacked the course.
• David Frattini (Colavita/Sutter Home) looks forward the brief downhill section of the course.
• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe’s) has been working on improving his time trialing skills on it definitely shows.
• Ben Brooks (Team Type 1) in a very aerodynamic position, cheats the wind as he climbs.
• Tony Cruz (BMC Pro Cycling) takes his turn against the watch.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) burned up the course on his way to victory.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) turned in a great performance to take third on the day.
• Ben Jaques Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) was a bit off the pace today and ended up in fifth place.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net), the picture of intensity, as he rode to victory.
• His face etched in pain, Ben Day (Toyota-United) with a huge effort ends up in second place.
• Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) ended up just off the podium in fourth place.
• Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefit Strategies) tears up the course as he chases his 30 second man.
• Men’s Podium (L-R): Ben Day (Toyota-United), Rory Sutherland (Health Net), and Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United).
• The yellow jersey was awarded to Rory Sutherland (HealthNet).
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) enjoys a few moments with members of the press.
• Amy Dombroski (Webcor) rounds the second turn at the bottom of the descent.
• MacKenzie Woodring (Colavita/Sutter Home) enjoys the brief downhill section.
• Marisa Asplund-Ownes (Cheerwine) in a perfect aerodynamic tuck prepares for the descent.
• Jenny Trew (Vanderkitten) powers her way through the descent looking to carry her speed into the next climb.
• Nichole Wansgard (Colavita/Sutter Home) approaches the final climb.
• Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine) prepares to head down the descent.
• Rebecca Much (Webcor) concentrates on the upcoming descent.
• Mary Ellen Ash (Dolce Vita Racing) gasps for air as she crests the top of the climb.
• Stacy Marple (Cheerwine) cruises along a rare flat section of the course.
• Jerica Hutchinson (Team Tibco) looked comfortable and fast during her ride.
• Brenda Lyons (Advil/Chapstick) pushes the pace in the early going.
• Shontell Gauthier (Colavita/Sutter Home) begins the final climb still looking fresh.
• Christine Thornburn (Webcor) turned in a spectacular ride to end the day in fourth place.
• Helen Kelly (Team Tibco) starts the first rolling climb.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) gains speed on the descent in perfect form.
• Martina Patella (ValueAct Capital) sights up the road in search of the rider that started 30 seconds prior.
• Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) rolls along the short flat section of the course.
• Kim Anderson (Team High Road) works her way effortlessly up the first climb.
• Christine Thornburn (Webcor); her future is so bright she has to wear her stunner shades on course.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) looked great on the first climb.
• Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) prepares for the short descent after the first climb.
• Laura VanGilder (Cheerwine) takes a moment to get into the correct gear for the descent.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) reaches for her shift level as the road pitches up.
• The strain of a huge effort shows on Kim Anderson’s (Team High Road) face.
• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) crests the top of the first climb in record time.
• Amber Rais (Team Tibco) chases Mara Abbott (Team High Road) up the last climb.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) up out of the saddle applying the horsepower to the pedals.
• After a great result in last week’s uphill time trial Kirsten Robbins (Advil/Chapstick) attacks the climb in search of a repeat top ten finish
• Nicole Farabaugh (Kenda Tire) on the final climb to the finish line.
• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) powers her way up the last climb to victory.
• Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) looks for more gear on the final climb on her way to a second place finish.
• Andrea Dvorak (Colavita/Sutter Home) puts the finishing touches on the first climb.
• The pain shows on Leah Goldstein’s (ValueAct Capital) face as she ascends the final climb.
• Women’s podium (L-R): Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s Pro Cycling), Mara Abbott (Team High Road), and Kim Anderson (Team High Road).
• Mara Abbott (Team High Road) in her new yellow race leader’s jersey.

Driedaagse De Panne

Stage 3b - April 3: De Panne - De Panne ITT, 13.7km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Joost Posthuma (Rabobank), 27, won KBC Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde by taking the final time trial.

Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Tom Boonen was already in thought about the Ronde van Vlaanderen and decided to give a press conference instead of doing the time trial.
• Magnus Backstedt at the warmup was fully concentrated and finished second
• Dmitry Grabovskiy (Quick Step) decided to bring a drink on the 14 kilometres, but maybe he just wanted to show off the stylish bottle.
• Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) is the Belgian TT champ but in De Panne he had to add a large white bandage to his national champions outfit.
• Hoste hopes that he won't be affected by his mishap in the Ronde on Sunday.
• Hoste ready to start his ride, which he eventually finished in 14th place, 36 seconds down.
• Steven De Jongh (Quick Step) gets a few tips just moments before his start.
• Tyler Farrar was happily chatting away with a fan, when she reminded him that it's his turn now.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) gave it a good spin at the warmup, but his face didn't express the desired confidence.
• Tomas Vaitkus (Astana) gave up his number for some happy kids. After the race, of course.
• The podium with Mr. Fast on the right and Mrs Elegant on the left.
• A smiling Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) was happy to exchange his 2007 runner-up spot for the overall victory in 2008.
• Mark Cavendish (High Road) ended up winning the green jersey, thanks to two nice sprint wins.

Stage 3a - April 3: De Panne - De Panne, 119km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mark Cavendish (High Road) gets it over Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas).
• The 'Manx Express': Mark Cavendish, 21, wins his second stage of the KBC Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde
• Thrilled with win number two: Mark Cavendish (High Road) after stage 3a.

Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Mark Cavendish wins another stage in sunny Belgium.
• Cavendish all smiles on the podium
• Cavendish won his second stage in as many days.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) keeps in the lead but now he will have to give it all in the decisive time trial.
• The trophies are fitting for a bike race.
• Cavendish now has the lead in the points classification and gets the green jersey.
• Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) still leads the mountains classification.
• David Boucher (Landbouwkrediet - Tönissteiner) is the best rusher as he leads the rush or sprints classification.

Stage 2 - April 2: Zottegem - Koksijde, 228km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Pascal Hungerbühler (Team Volksbank) was one of the many crash victims.
• Mad dash to the line with a compact field but one rider ahead of everyone else.
• Mark Cavendish (High Road) takes the win on stage 2 with plenty of space ahead of the runner-up.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mark Cavendish (High Road) takes his win over some of the best sprinters.
• Mark Cavendish (High Road) came to De Panne straight from Manchester Track Worlds, where he won gold.
• Cool and green country sides along the Belgian coast welcomed the riders in stage two.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) works to help defend classification leader Enrico Gasparotto. The team lost Diego Caccia due to a crash during stage two, where he fractured a rib on his left side.
• Italian Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) continues his lead in the classification.

Images by Stijn Vercaemer/www.cyclingview.be

• Safety first! This security guard's job is to stop the cars
• The leading group of the day: David Boucher (Landbouwkrediet) Gianni Meersman (Française des Jeux) and Bart Vanheule (Topsport Vlaanderen)
• Some young supporters of Filip Meirhaeghe
• Team Barloworld leads the peloton
• Christian Kux (Team Milram) and Seba Rosseler (Quick Step)
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) is defending champion.
• The Barloworld team of leader Enrico Gasparotto doing much of the work to control the breakaway.
• Jin Long (Skil-Shimano) and Steven de Jong (Quick Step)
• Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) and Niko Eeckhout (Topsport Vlaanderen)
• Two local boys, Niko Eeckhout (Topsport Vlaanderen) and Gorik Gardeyn (Silence-Lotto)

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Mark Cavendish (High Road) receives the green jersey.
• Cavendish was the fastest sprinter of the day.

Stage 1 - April 1: Middelkerke - Zottegem, 192km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) is having a break-out spring after leaving Liquigas to have a more lead role on a team.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) has been showing good form lately and takes a deserved win.
• Gasparotto with the winner's salute after a tough day in the rain.
• Gasparotto beat Paolini as well as Quinziato and Terpstra (l-r).
• Gasparotto takes it.
• Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) got second on the stage.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) surrounded by the Flemish media after stage one with questions in regards to his crash.
• USA's George Hincapie (High Road) focused on his Ronde preparations.
• Steven Cozza (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) hopes to make the best use of his form coming into De Panne and Flanders.

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• The riders line up for the start of stage one.
• The bike of 2004 winner George Hincapie (High Road).
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) chats with the boys at the start in Middelkerke.
• Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) happy to talk to the press.
• Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) solo early in stage one.

Images by Nicolas Götz/www.sport-phot.com

• The Casino of Middelkerke where the start took place.
• Manuel Quinziato and the Liquigas Team are going to the start.
• David Kopp (Cycles Collstrop) before the start.
• Motorhome of Bouygues-Telecom in front of the Middelkerke beach.
• Tom Boonen on the start line.
• The start line.
• Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) alone on the head on the first ascent of the Leberg.
• Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) alone on the head, on the next to last lap in Zegelsem.
• In Zegelsem, on the second final lap Gorik Gardeyn (Silence Lotto), runs behind the man of head.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Barloworld) on the front in the last ascent of the Leberg.
• Frederik Willems (Liquigas) just behind the front in the last ascent of the Leberg.
• Greg Van Avermaet (Silence Lotto) on the last ascent of the Leberg.

Settimana Lombarda

Stage 5 - April 5: Flero - Flero, 163.5km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Branislau Samoilau (Acqua & Sapone) wins the day, showing his Belarus champion's jersey.
• Danilo Di Luca rides along on the penultimate stage of the Settimana Lombarda.
• Di Luca won the field sprint behind Samoilau, who did not threaten his overall lead.
• Di Luca holds the overall lead in what could be his last race for a couple years if he is found guilty of doping.
• Di Luca maintained the lead in the overall, and now has two team-mates just below in second and third.
• The pink jersey went to the Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni team.

Stage 4 - April 4: Vertova - Vertova, 192.6km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Stage four takes in some wonderful views.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) bides his time in the peloton.
• 2007 Giro d'Italia winner Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes), 32, wins stage four of the Settimana Lombarda – his first of the 2008 season.

Stage 3 - March 30: Charleville-Mézières - Charleville-Mézières, ITT, 8.3km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• 2007 Giro d'Italia winner Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) rides in stage three.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) (l) rides in the action with team-mate Paolo Savoldelli (LPR Brakes).
• Blue skies in Italy as the Settimana Lombarda races along.
• Italian Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) (r) rides along in stage three.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) wins stage three.
• Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) maintains GC leadership.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) is awe-struck on the podium.
• The stage podium topped by Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo).
• Those eyes: Dennis Van Winden (Rabobank Continental) is pleased to be on the podium.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) tops the day with Dennis Van Winden (Rabobank Continental) and Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) (l & r).

Stage 2 - March 30: Les Vieilles Forges (Les Mazures) - Monthermé, 98.5km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mattia Gavazzi (Preti Mangimi) hits the line just ahead of race leader Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff)
• Gavazzi begins his salute after taking his first win of the season.
• Gavazzi celebrates his win in stage two.
• Gavazzi's team-mate started the celebration already.
• Nice handoff from Tinkoff
• Oleksandr Kvachuk (Cinelli-OPD) during his break
• Kvachuk shows the effort of the day's racing.
• Fabrice Piemontesi rolls over the line.
• The sprint in full swing and the two main contestants don't even want to look.
• Gavazzi celebrates with team-mate Fabio Sacchi (left)
• Un abbraccio for the winner
• Daniele Contrini (Tinkoff Credit Systems) gets help from a, errh, helper.
• The winner overjoyed while Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) looks dejected.
• Loddo often wins bunch sprints but comes up short here.
• Mattia Gavazzi (Preti Mangimi) is the proud winner of stage 2.
• Mauro Abel Richeze (CSF Group Navigare) got third.
• The podium, so to speak.
• Rabobank at the finish but to be clear, this the Continental team.
• The Continental Rabos during the race.
• The peloton, led by Cinelli-OPD during the race

Stage 1 - March 29: Signy-le-Petit - Charleville-Mézières, 193km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Tinkoff team on its way to victory in the team time trial.
• Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff) donned the first leader's jersey of the Settimana Lombarda.
• Team LPR Brakes was just nine seconds behind Tinkoff in second place.
• NGC Medical - OTC Industria Porte during their ride.
• Tinkoff celebrate their victory on the podium.

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