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Cycling photography for February 2008

Vuelta a la Comunidad Valenciana
Women's Tour of New Zealand
Belgian teams ready for Het Volk
Silence-Lotto reconnoiters Omloop Het Volk
Sunshine Cup #1
Otway Odyssey
Geelong World Cup
Trofeo Laigueglia
Tour du Haut Var
Revolution 20
Volta ao Algarve
Geelong Tour
Mas o Menos
24 Hours of Old Pueblo
Tour of California
Track - World Cup Round #4
Giro della Provincia di Grosseto
Tour of Belize
Tour Méditerranéen
Lotto 6 - Daagse
Grote Prijs de Eecloonaar
Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria
GP Costa degli Etruschi
GP Heerlen
Tour of California
Tour de Langkawi
Etoile de Bessèges
GP Ouverture La Marseillaise
Copenhagen Six Day
Super Challenge Series
Australian Senior Track Championships

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

Vuelta a la Comunidad Valenciana

Stage 4 - February 29: Naquera - Naquera, 175.6km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) on the attack during stage four.
• Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre) isn't just a leadout man. The Italian's victory was his second as a professional and the first for his new team.

Stage 3 - February 28: Ibi - Ibi, 166.5km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Manuel Váquez (Contentpolis-Murcia) wins stage three over Rubén Plaza (Benfica), who took the overall lead.
• Rubén Plaza (Benfica) takes the overall leadership after a controversial arrival.

Stage 2 - February 27: Alzira - Xativa, 178km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Astana's team bikes await their riders ahead of the second stage.
• Last year's Tour de France champion Alberto Contador (Astana) gets ready for the second stage.
• Italian Alessandro Petacchi (Team Milram) gets ready for the second stage.
• Alberto Contador (Astana) is focused ahead of the second stage.
• Igor Astarloa (Team Milram) prepares for the second stage.
• Spanish kings: Tour de France winners Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) and Alberto Contador (Astana) talk to the fans before the second stage.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles for the camera.
• The peloton was treated to blue skies on the second day.
• Riders start making their way up the climb.
• Caisse d'Epargne made its intentions clear, it wanted to protect the team's leaders jersey by controlling the peloton.
• Spain's Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) in the leader's jersey rides with the protection of his team-mates.
• Oscar Pereiro leads his Caisse d'Epargne race-leading team-mate Iván Gutiérrez.
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) focused on the job at hand.
• Caisse d'Epargne continues to lead the peloton.
• All eight of Caisse d'Epargne's men control the peloton for their race leader.
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) pushing his Pinarello hard.
• Alberto Contador (Astana) rides in the peloton.
• Fans gather road-side to watch the peloton pass by.
• The peloton passes by local fans out to support their favourite riders.
• Caisse d'Epargne continue to control the peloton as Astana's riders start moving forward.
• Rabobank sits on the back of the peloton as the race heads uphill once more.
• No time to take in the view as Caisse d'Epargne stay out front.
• The peloton is all together as it hits some of the bigger climbs on Stage 2.
• A Team Milram rider rides in the peloton.
• Riders start to feel the pain as they climb.
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) and Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre) battle towards the finish line.
• Germany's Erik Zabel (Team Milram) takes victory over Italy's Micro Lorenzetto (Lampre).
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) is congratulated after taking a sprint victory.
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) celebrates on the podium after his Stage 2 victory.
• German Erik Zabel (Team Milram) holds his trophy high after winning the second stage in a sprint.
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) claimed the Spanish race's second stage after out-sprinting Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre).
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) maintained the leader's jersey, after his team's work in the peloton resulted in a sprint finish.
• A Team Milram team-mate congratulates Erik Zabel on his stage victory.

Stage 1 - February 26: Sagunto - Port De Sangunto, 157km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alberto Contador (Astana) is back to racing and is looking towards a season without riding the Tour.
• Igor Astarloa (Team Milram) smiles before the start as he is eager to get the season off to a good start.
• Alessandro Petacchi (Team Milram) has already won this season and feels less pressure for now - until Milano-Sanremo, of course.
• The start under a sunny sky.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is relaxed before the race gets underway.
• The three-man break that tried to steal the headlines.
• But the peloton wouldn't let them get away.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) riding along in a comfortable pace.
• Saunier-Duval was also in it for the ride.
• The sprint of the smaller-than usual peloton was a bit chaotic.
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) comes ahead out of the mess.
• Gutiérrez sprints past his opponents and takes the first stage!
• He started celebrating later than usual as he had quite an advantage over second placed Rubén Plaza (Benfica).
• Gutiérrez wins it!
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium, where he received the kisses from the ladies.
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) is now in yellow after the first day is over.
• He is not sure if he should smile because of his company or because of the yellow jersey. Maybe a bit of both.
• The break shortly before it got swallowed.
• The peloton passes a fountain.
• The back of the peloton, where things stayed rather relaxed for most of the day.
• The sprint for victory of a select group.
• Gutiérrez stayed focused all the way to the line. He didn't want to get caught on a Zabel move, but he had plenty of space to Plaza (r).
• After the line is when the Spaniard started to show his joy.
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) thought this was a sprinters' race but the split in the peloton dashed his hopes.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) and Zabel were caught out in the end.
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) rolls in and will be a bit disappointed of how things unfolded.
• Gutiérrez on the podium and with the Trophée.
• Gutiérrez right after the finish. Still tired from the race but happy.
• Pozzato looks unhappier than the winning Spaniard. But at least the Italian has already won something this season.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) is spent after the race.

Belgian teams ready for Het Volk

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Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) has reason to smile as the training went well, but he won't have any pressure for Het Volk.
• Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) listens to a question from the assembled press in the Holiday Inn.
• Hoste and McEwen are targeting the later season and aren't at 100 percent yet for Het Volk.
• Marc Sergeant (l) is the Sports Manager for the team Silence Lotto.
• Hoste will tackle Het Volk next but his thoughts are already on the Ronde van Vlaanderen, where he is happy to see the Koppenberg again.
• The trio of Sergeant, Hoste and McEwen at the Holiday In press conference after the reconnaissance ride.
• Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) is thinking back about arriving first over the finish line in Gent.
• Steegmans wonders what would have happened without the crash in Mallorca that marred his preparation and cost him some race days.
• Steegmans is fine physically but isn't sure if it will be enough for Saturday.

Silence-Lotto reconnoiters Omloop Het Volk

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Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Wim Vansevenant (r) and Johan Van Summeren are ready to exchange their temporary seat with the bike saddle.
• Some of the earlier arrivals were patiently waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.
• The mechanics made last-minute adjustments and replaced the stem on this bicycle.
• Ready, set, go. Resetting the computer to no get more miles out of the ride than they really did.
• The assembled Lotto crew for the Het Volk pre ride.
• Robby McEwen arrived with the full outfit for a long training ride.
• McEwen receives some more gear with the weather being very nice he didn't need too much extra stuff.
• Johan Van Summeren puts on the XXL team socks.
• McEwen had done parts of the route already and was comfortable on the cobbles, despite his crash injuries.
• Wim Vansevenant is ready to get going and is looking forward to Het Volk already.
• Leif Hoste arrived shortly before the ride took off at 10:00 sharp.
• Hoste was quick to get ready and get going.
• McEwen was the centre of the media attention.

Sunshine Cup #1

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Images by Armin M. Küstenbrück

• The men's podium
• Men's winner Fredrik Kessiakoff (Full Dynamix) poses with his bike.
• The women's podium.
• Heather Irmiger (Subaru / Gary Fisher) on her way to victory in the women's race.
• Fredrik Kessiakoff (Full Dynamix) leads Roel Paulissen (Vredestein Cannondale) across the finish line.
• And they're off... for the opening round of the 2008 Sunshine Cup.

Otway Odyssey

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Images by Andrew Connolly

• 1300 riders set off from Apollo Bay in the early hours
• After the exposed and open first 10km, riders disappeared down in the Otway Forest.
• Descending early on in the Lowan Otway Odyssey
• Junior Luke Fetch easily won his category, finishing 13th overall.
• Emma Colson trailed Jenny Smith narrowly for most of the day before losing major time in the Yaugher State Forest.
• Borsari Cycles' Karri Golding leads David Coward and Tony Rice up a rare sealed section,
• Australian MTB Marathon champion Daniel McConnell leads defending champion Murray Spink and Tim Bennett in the chase to catch Sid Taberlay and Chris Jongewaard.
• USA's Tinker Juarez takes a sweeping fast corner about two minutes behind the main bunch 37km in to the Lowan Otway Odyssey.
• A distinctly muddy former Olympian Sid Taberlay emerges from the timed descent - which he won.
• Dan McConnell and Tim Bennett in the open sections of Yaugher State Forrest 70km in.
• Tim Bennett sneaks through a gap in the grass trees in Yaugher State Forest in the Otway Odyssey.
• Tinker Juarez's day was done as he lost more time to the leaders in Yaugher. It ended with a puncture with less than 10km to go.
• Victoria's Adam Gibson went on to take 15th place
• The way is clear: Tinker heads back into the forest after a brief respite.
• Chris Jongewaard emerges from Yaugher for the final time - his 12 minute lead still intact.
• Chris Jongewaard crosses the finish line to take the 2008 Lowan Otway Odyssey - sweet revenge after missing last year's race when he was "doored" just two days before it.

Trofeo Laigueglia

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The sprint in full swing.
• Paolini celebrates immediately despite the close call.
• But on the podium all riders could smile for their good performances (l-r with Pietropolli, Paolini and Richeze)
• A happy winner, Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre)
• The peloton in full flight
• Linus Gerdemann (High Road)
• The peloton speeds past the views of the sea.
• Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni) in his new team's kit.
• Garzelli leads the chase on the climb.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) puts the hammer down.
• Di Luca hurting on the climb.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) tries to shake the sprinters.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR) on the attack.
• Emanuelle Selle (CSF Group Navigare)
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Liquigas)
• The break of two Yoann Le Boulanger (FdJ) and Dainius Kairelis (Ceramica Flaminia)
• Boulanger and Kairelis gained 9'35 on the peloton before being reeled back in for the sprint.
• The bike throw to the line… and Paolini gets it over Daniele Pietropolli (LPR)
• Paolini realizes he's won.
• Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone) celebrates on the podium.
• Sergei Gonchar is back racing for Preti Mangimi after being canned from T-Mobile for irregular blood values.

Tour du Haut Var

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The Schleck brothers before the start with Fränk on the left band Andy on the right. They will be looking for later highlights of the season.
• Alexandr Kolobnev (Team CSC) with the Schleck bothers before the start.
• Valverde shows how light his bike is.
• Valverde shares a smile with Miguel Martinez (Amore & Vita).
• Look who's there? Richard Virenque who lives in the Var region, made it to the start line, but without a bike.
• Alejandro Valverde was bundled up but still ready to race.
• The duo that made it just before the rest of the break, seen in the background.
• Valverde is happy with his early-season form.
• Valverde is looking towards the later season for his top form to approach.
• Valverde breaks a smile before the race.
• Christophe Moreau is checking his bike before heading off into the race on home soil.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) is dressed for cold weather as even in southern France it can be still chilly in February.
• Brother Andy also made his way through to the start.
• The peloton lined up, ready to go.
• The decisive break takes off with Rebellin and Valverde close to the front.
• Rinaldo Nocentini (Ag2r-La Mondiale) rides in the peloton in the earlier part of the race.
• Caisse d'Epargne hit the front in quest of some quality race miles.
• Caisse d'Epargne leading the bunch on an uphill.
• Thor Hushovd with an attempt to avoid a sprint!
• Nocentini was visibly spent after a hard race, but second place was a great accomplishment.
• Rebellin waves to the crowd, with the first win of the season bagged.
• The sprint of the three-man break.
• The break heading home a few seconds later.
• The peloton was delayed a bit. But finally most riders felt warm enough to shed some clothing.
• Second victory at the Tour du Haut Var for Rebellin after 1999.
• Rebellin wins it!
• Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) takes the honours in southern France.
• Rebellin with the Trophée.
• Rebellin with the prince of Monaco Prince Albert II.
• Rinaldo Nocentini was the runner up behind compatriot Davide Rebellin.
• The podium with Nocentini, Rebellin and Botcharov from left to right.
• Rebellin beats his compatriot Nocentini in the small-group sprint.
• Rebellin indicates his second win at this race after winning in 1999, then for Polti.
• Prince Albert II and Rebellin on the podium.
• Rebellin was overjoyed by his first success in the 2008 season.
• Rebellin and Nocentini who finished first and second, respectively.
• Nocentini, Rebellin and Botcharov (l-r) filled the first three spots.

Images by Emmanuel Isnard

• Freddy Bichot and Phil Cortes alone with 5 minutes lead over the peloton.
• Miguel Martinez on the counter attack 30 seconds in front of the peloton.
• The peloton cruises along.
• Some big names are included in the peloton - Valverde, Moreau, Di Gregorio, Botcharov, Calzati, Portal, Elmiger.
• The tail end of the peloton.
• Graziano Gasparre behind the peloton.
• Valentino Fois in great difficulty.
• The retirement is near for this rider.

Revolution 20

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Images by Gerry McManus/www.gerrymcmanus.co.uk

• Arnaud Tournant on form and happy with his victory.
• Victorian Pendleton ..back in the driving seat.
• Pendleton cruises past Kanis.
• Queen Victoria poses for photographers in the sprint omnium.
• MacLean swings off to leave Edgar and Hoy two laps to go.
• Tournant takes D'Almedia around on lap two in the team sprint.
• Bourge, Tournant and D'Almedia happy with victory.
• Queally goes for the final lap.
• Queally with son Daniel.
• Chris Hoy - The master craftsman takes the applause after he won another keirin.
• Just try and pass me! Tournant leads the Keirin at the bell.
• Chris Hoy with ex pro footballer Geoff Thomas and England rugby winning world cup captain Martin Johnson raising money for Thomas's cancer charity.

Volta ao Algarve

Stage 5 - February 24: Vila do Bispo - Portimão, 193.5 km

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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.freealoja.com

• Frank Vandenbroucke (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) with Hotel Alísios / J.D. Fontainhas amateur team riders.
• Tiago Machado and Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) with Hotel Alísios / J.D. Fontainhas amateur team riders.
• Benfica riders pose for a photos with the Police team at the Volta ao Algarve.
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) in yellow for the final stage.
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) at the start with Bernhard Eisel (Team High Road) and Tino Zaballa (LA MSS Póvoa).
• Riders get ready for the start of the final stage.
• Hugo Sabido and Diego Caccia (Barloworld), António Amorim (Barbot Siper) and João Cabreira (LA MSS Póvoa) wait for the start.
• The peloton starts the final stage of this year's event.
• Astana riders at the start of the final stage.
• Eric Zabel (Team Milram) rides out with the peloton.
• The breakaway in Casais as the race heads towards the finish in Portimão.
• The peloton was only a few minutes behind the small break.
• Afonso Azevedo (LA MSS Póvoa) rides in the peloton.
• Another small breakaway group passing through Casais...
• ...followed by the third lot of riders.
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) just had a fall with all of the Quick Step team a few kilometres earlier.
• The breakaway just before the second KOM in Alferce with Tino Zaballa and João Cabreira in the lead.
• Isidro Nozal (Liberty Seguros) and Diego Caccia (Barloworld) work hard together.
• The peloton before KOM in Alferce with Benoit Joachim and Sérgio Paulinho (Astana) leading the efforts.
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) was back in the peloton.
• Alejandro Marque (Palmeiras Resort Tavira) rides in the peloton.
• The peloton starts heading up the climb.
• The peloton winds its way up the second KOM climb.
• Bernhard Eisel (High Road) celebrates an easy victory.
• Austrian's Bernhard Eisel (High Road) celebrating one more stage win in Volta ao Algarve.
• Rui Costa (Benfica), Constantino Zaballa (LA MSS Póvoa) and Celestino Pinho (Barbot Siper) cross the line three seconds down.
• A Team High Road rider leads another bunch of riders over the finish line.
• Bernhard Eisel (High Road) on the podium.
• Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) won the combination classification.
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista) won the metas volantes classification.
• Krassimir Vassilev (Palmeiras Resort Tavira) proved to be the best climber of the week.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) didn't go home empty handed, after leading the race for four stages, taking the points classification win.
• Stijn Devolder won a stage and the overall classification at his first race for Quick Step.
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) won the 2008 Volta ao Algarve.
• The 2008 edition's jerseys winners pose for an photo.

Stage 4 - February 23: Castro Marin - Tavira, 34 km

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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.freealoja.com

• Alejandro Marque (Palmeiras Resort-Tavira) was rewarded for his efforts with a 14th place.
• Italian Alessandro Proni (Quick Step) posted the 32nd quickest time.
• Local rider Pedro Cardoso (La Mss) could only manage 73rd spot.
• German Andreas Klier (High Road) was some six minutes off the pace.
• Arlindo Fernandes (C. Ciclismo Loulé) dropped another five minutes on general classification.
• Benoît Joachim (Astana) finished in 46th spot.
• German Bert Grabsch (High Road) took 11th spot in the time trial, and holds the same position on general classification.
• Candido Barbosa (Benfica) came home in 141st position.
• Portugal's Claudio Faria (La Mss) was 82nd in the rain.
• Spain's Constantino Zaballa (La Mss) continues to hold a top 50 position on GC, despite dropping a lot of time on the time trial.
• David Blanco (Palmeiras Resort-Tavira) took an impressive 12th place on the time trial.
• Italy's Davide Vigano (Quick Step) pushes hard on the wet course.
• Colombia's Félix Cardenas (Barloworld) was one of the slowest riders over the course.
• France's Frédéric Guesdon (Francaise des Jeux) finished 90th quickest.
• Belgian Gianni Meersman (Francaise des Jeux) is chased by his team car over the course.
• Swiss rider Grégory Rast (Astana) nailed the same time as Daryl Impey (Barloworld) to take 31st spot.
• Spain's Hector Guerra (Liberty Seguros) was third home, putting him into fourth on general classification.
• Local rider Joäo Cabreira (La Mss) was 79th.
• Joaquin Gregorio (C. Ciclismo Loulé) pushed hard...
• ...as did namesake Joaquim Sampaio (Madeinox Boavista).
• Dutchman Jos Van Emden (Rabobank) claimed 13th spot.
• Luis Pinheiro (Madeinox Boavista) wasn't enjoying the conditions as another rider nears him.
• Markus Fothen's (Gerolsteiner) 10th spot puts him into 10th on general classification.
• Argentina's Martin Garrido (Palmeiras Resort-Tavira) was the fifth quickest rider.
• Nuno Marta (C. Ciclismo Loulé) was nearly seven minutes behind.
• Pedro Cardoso (La Mss) is 57th on general classification.
• Pedro Lopes (Benfica) was 62nd on the day.
• German Ralf Grabsch (Team Milram) shows some strain.
• German Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) lost his week-long lead after finishing three minutes down.
• South Africa's Robert Hunter (Barloworld) goes uphill while the motorbike heads down.
• Spain's Ruben Plaza (Benfica) had a strong ride to ninth place.
• Rui A. Costa (Benfica) is followed closely by the team's Ford.
• Sergio Sousa (Madeinox Boavist) finished in 67th spot.
• Dutch rider Servais Knaven (High Road) only lost three minutes on the stage, but remains a long way back on GC.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) came across the line over five minutes down.
• Belgian Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) claimed the general classification lead with his time trial victory.
• Tomas Vaitkus (Astana) holds third on general classification.
• Belgian Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) won the stage and now leads the event.

Stage 3 - February 22: Vila Rel S. Antonio - Loule, 207.7 km

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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.freealoja.com

• David Vaz (Fercase Rota dos Moveis) tried to join the breakaway.
• The Peloton on the first KOM after Alcoutim.
• The Peloton on the first KOM after Alcoutim.
• The Peloton on the first KOM after Alcoutim.
• The Peloton on the first KOM after Alcoutim.
• The hard work is yet to come.
• The final sprint in Loulé.
• The final sprint in Loulé is taken by obert Förster (Ger) Gerolsteiner.
• João Cabreira (LA MSS Póvoa) he won the Volta ao Algarve in 2006.
• Claudio Faria and Bruno Neves (LA MSS Póvoa) waiting for the start.
• The third stage has just started.
• Rider all rugged up against the elements.
• The third stage has just started.
• The breakaway.
• The breakaway.
• The peloton still very relaxed.
• The peloton.
• The peloton negotiate a turn.
• Krassimir Vassilev (Palmeiras Resort Tavira) was unbetable on the mountain today.
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista) , Joaquim Gregório (C.C.Loulé) Gianni Meersmann( Fraçaise des Jeux) and António Amorim (Barbot-Siper) on the first KOM .
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista) , Joaquim Gregório (C.C.Loulé) Gianni Meersmann( Fraçaise des Jeux) and António Amorim (Barbot-Siper) on the first KOM .
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista) , Joaquim Gregório (C.C.Loulé) Gianni Meersmann( Fraçaise des Jeux) and António Amorim (Barbot-Siper) on the first KOM .
• Eladio Jimenez (Fercase Rota dos Móveis) checking the bike before the start.
• Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista).
• Paco Mancebo (Fercase Rota dos Móveis) looking after the bikes ?.
• António Amorim (Barbot-Siper).
• Celestino Pinho (Barbot-Siper) before the start.
• Luis Fernandez (Barbot-Siper).
• Carlos Pinho (Barbot-Siper).
• Some Française des Jeux Riders warming up.
• Tiago Machado and Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista).
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista) is the Metas Volantes Leader.
• Krassimir Vasilev (Palmeiras Resort Tavira) the Mountains classification leader.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) the points and general classification leader.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) the points and general classification leader.

Stage 2 - February 21: Lagoa - Lagos, 189.5 km

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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.freealoja.com

• Benoît Joachim (Astana) before the start of the second stage.
• José Azevedo (Benfica) is focused ahead of the day's stage.
• Constantino Zaballa (LA MSS Póvoa) signing on for a day's work.
• Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista) with José Santos, sports manager of Madeinox Boavista.
• Hugo Sabido (Barloworld) and Rogério Gonçalves, Algarve Cycling Assocoation's chairman.
• Daryl Impey (Barloworld) and João Santos.
• Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) was happy to be in Algarve.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) wears the yellow jersey into the second stage.
• The peloton rolls out at the start of the second stage.
• Pablo Urtasun (Liberty Seguros) rides out in the bunch.
• A break made its way off the front as the rain made its way down from the sky.
• The breakaway included Jarno Van Mingeroet (Mitsubishi-Jartazi), Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen), Edgar Anão (Fercase-Rota dos Móveis) and Krasimir Vasilev (Palmeiras Resort-Tavira).
• Edgar Anão (Fercase-Rota dos Móveis) recovering some energy for the remaining kilometres.
• CC Loulé's lunchman awaits his riders.
• Here comes the very wet peloton.
• Française de Jeux Riders after Odeceixe.
• Pedro Soeiro (C.C. Loulé) looks eager to get his lunch.
• Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) off the front and going for it.
• Preben Van Hecke's (Topsport Vlaanderen) gap seemed to be enough with only 33 kilometers to the finish line.
• The remaining riders of the breakaway: Jarno Van Mingeroet (Mitsubishi-Jartazi), Edgar Anão (Fercase-Rota dos Móveis) and Krasimir Vasilev (Palmeiras Resort-Tavira).
• Krasimir Vasilev (Palmeiras Resort-Tavira) all alone.
• Jarno Van Mingeroet (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) and Edgar Anão (Fercase-Rota dos Móveis).
• Gerolsteiner works the peloton hard to ensure it maintains the general classification lead.
• Gerolsteiner's efforts at the head of the peloton saw it keep the leader's jersey by just one second.
• Eric Zabel (Team Milram) in the peloton.
• José Azevedo (Benfica), Hernani Broco (Liberty Seguros), Celestino Pinho (Barbot-Siper) and Hugo Sabido (Barloworld) in the peloton

Stage 1 - February 20: Albufeira - Faro, 164.4 km

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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.freealoja.com

• Silvian Chavanel (Cofidis) awaits the start.
• Cândido Barbosa (Benfica) with his new team jersey.
• Cândido Barbosa (Benfica) with the national road champion jersey.
• Javier Benitez (Benfica) before signing up.
• Rui Costa (Benfica) is ready to roll.
• Team High Road is presented all in white.
• Hugo Sabido (Team Barloworld) awaits the start.
• Marin Garrido (Palmeiras Resort Tavira) in Albufeira.
• Claudio Paulinho (C.C. Loulé) is looking forward to the Portuguese race.
• Mathieu Heijboer (Cofidis) at the start in Albufeira.
• Manuel Cardoso (Liberty Seguros) is ready to race.
• The Dutch Rabobank team signing up at the start.
• Felix Cardenas (Team Barloworld)
• Rene Hasselbacher (Astana)
• The Cycle Colstrop Team, formerly the Unibet.com ProTour outfit.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) is looking forward to the race.
• Astana's Andreas Klöden is ready to race.
• André Cardoso (Fercase Rota Dos Móveis)
• The new colours of Boavista, sponsoured by Madeinox - Luis Pinheiro.
• Neo David Vaz (Fercase Rota dos Móveis)
• António Amorim (Barbot-Siper)
• Time to rock'n'roll: The start of 34th Tour of the Algarve in Albufeira.
• The colours of the Volta ao Algarve 2008.
• The breakaway of the day by Joaquim Gregório (C.C. Loulé), Paul Sneeboer (Palmeiras Resort Tavira), Bruno Barbosa (Fercase-Rota dos Móveis), António Amorim (Barbot-Siper), Matheus Pronk (Cycle Collstrop) and António Cosme (Madeinox-Boavista) at the beginning of Alto do Malhão KOM.
• The peloton at the beguining of Alto do Malhão KOM.
• The peloton starts making its way up the Alto do Malhão KOM.
• Eric Zabel (Team Milram) rides in the peloton.
• The peloton shows its strength climbing in Alto do Malhão.
• The breakaway was reduced to four riders.
• Amorim (Barbot-Siper) and Barbosa (Fercase Rota dos Móveis) a few seconds behind the lead break.
• Team staff await the riders in the feed zone.
• Riders get a bite to eat during the 164.4 km stage.
• It's lunch time for the peloton.
• It was a rough day riding in the cold, wet peloton.
• Joaquim Sampaio and Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) ride in the peloton.
• The convoy makes its way towards the finish line in Faro.
• The sprint was on from 200 metres out.
• With 25 metres remaining Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) knew the victory was his.
• The German rider started celebrations early, a long way before the line.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) cruises home in first place.
• Germany's Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) leads the event after Stage 1.
• Robert Föster (Gerolsteiner) on the podium after an easy sprint victory.
• António Cosme (Madeinox Boavista) collects his jersey on the podium...
• ...before collecting another one.
• Robert Föster (Gerolsteiner) was all smiles after his win.
• ...especially after collecting the leader's jersey.

24 hours of Old Pueblo

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Images by Dave McElwaine /www.trailwatch.net

• 24 Hour racers get set to go.
• One race was in prison stripes at end of Le Man's start.
• Dinosaur power
• Fans lined the course 10 deep.
• The Le Man's start was 500 yards long.
• A Kenda racer near front of the Le Man's start
• University of Montana racer
• This racer had chili pepper lighting.
• Spectacular venue at Bonner Springs Ranch
• Racers near the front after one lap
• Sue Haywood (Trek'VW) leading the women's duo field.
• Sue Haywood (Trek/VW) descending slickrock.
• 24-Hour city
• A Tokyo Joe's racer descending
• Mad Dog Racer
• Racers having fun on the course
• A Kenda racer riding well
• Cruising through the desert
• Colorful racer
• Barry Wicks (Kona/Yourkey.com) waiting his turn to ride
• It's important to wear fashionable socks at a 24 hour race.
• Matthew Slaven (Kona/Yourkey.com) ripped off a 1:04 lap.
• A Bear Naked/Cannondale racer near the front
• Racers await their team-mates in the starting tent.
• Neon racing stripes
• Jared Fisher (Specialized/Escape Adventures) racing solo
• A technical descent short-cut
• An M&M Cyclery racer from Sierra Vista on slickrock
• A Team Luna racer waiting for her team-mate to arrive
• Happy spectators nearing the end of a long weekend
• Barry Wicks (Kona) rode the last two laps.
• A racer on a technical descent draws cheers from the crowd.
• A racer wearing bunny ears rolls into finish.
• Jared Fisher (Escape Adventures) riding solo with one lap to go.
• A racer with one lap to go
• A Bare Naked/Cannondale racer finishes her race.
• A rider focuses on an upcoming technical descent.
• A happy finisher looking fresh as a daisy
• A Team Pirate racer finishing strong
• A racer sprints to the finish
• Barry Wicks cruises to a Team Kona victory
• Barry Wicks crosses the finish line
• Race venue

Mas o Menos

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Images by Mike Gladu /www.velodrome.com

• NORBA official Cyndi Smith and Promoter Mike Long start the riders' meeting at sunrise on the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) Grounds - renowned for their annual International Chili Cook-offs.
• Nat Ross pays his respects to the lead-out riders.
• The Mystery Rider lead-out is becoming a tradition.
• The first wave of riders line up for the Open Men 100km Marathon.
• Returning Open Class winner and race record holder Jason Sager
• Leading out the men's Open Class 100k Marathon.
• Lee Neathery describes the rocks that make up the trail on the downhill side of Tres Cuevas Mountain - "baby head" size.
• Everyone and his brother has to check in before heading out into the desert.
• The view across the valley from Tres Cuevas Mountain to Mesa de Anguila on a dusty morning
• The valley that makes up the South side of the course
• Clint Fontenot was the first rider up the mountain, just ahead of the Open Class riders on the shorter 30k course, in the Men's 30-39 group.
• Even making it part way up the climb, and on foot, is reason for celebration for Chris Gorman.
• Jason Sager leads Bryan Fawley the first of two times up the Tres Cuevas climb, and also claimed the cash bonus for first Open rider to the "Top of the Hill" 1866. Armando Zacarias and Nat Ross came next.
• Evan Plews was fifth over the top.
• Lucy Brown, youngest rider on the 30k course, looks quite at home in this terrain.
• Bennett Brown caught up to his sister right in front of us, and then brought home the 19-29 100k Men's win in 4:25:38.
• Singlespeed 50k winner David Boyd finished in 2:15:38.
• Jill Ackerman keeps an eye on the competition behind her.
• Christina Smith repeats as the Open Women 100k winner at 4:51:08.
• Dan Opdyke, a force to be reckoned with on the road, took home top honors in the 30-39 Mens 100k at 4:25:49.
• Jennifer Wilson was second in the Open Women 100k 4:54:21.
• Chris Renshaw from Oklahoma striking a pose
• 2005 Open Class winner Billy Kurtz finished the 100k at 4:40:44.
• Karl Kubecz leads a rare group of 100k-ers attacking the climb.
• Adam Salladin powered to the 40-49 100k win in 4:33:49.
• Alice Pennington, third in the Open Women, at 5:16:53.
• Brian Lambert returns to MTB racing after a few years lay-off - taking the 50+ Class 100k win by 26 minutes - coming in at 4:41:35.
• Julia Kastner brought home the 19-29 100k win with a 6:16:53.
• Zoe Nance on her way to the 30-39 100k win in 6:05:58.
• For Charles Colvill it must be the lure of the camera 40-49 100k.
• Tammy Killebrew takes the Women 40+ in 5:46:04.
• This wheelie thing is becoming a trend - Mark Gerow.
• Bryan Fawley and Jason Sager, Open Class leaders, ride nose-to-tail the second time up the rocky jeep road on Tres Cuevas Mountain.
• Evan Plews rides alone in third during the second time over Tres Cuevas Mountain, about 2 minutes behind the leaders.
• Jason Sager repeats at Mas O Menos Open Class Champion, at 4:05.03 coming in a little short of his 3:58 course record.
• Jason Sager, repeat Mas O Menos Open Class Champion
• Evan Plews made his move on the rolling jeeps roads near the finish to claim second in the Open Men at 4:06:18.
• Bryan Fawley surrendered two places before the finish, for third behind Sager and Plews in 4:07:30.
• Once the awards are done and dinner consumed - it's bonfire time!
• 8pm was enough for the photographer - but the fire kept the hardy on site.

Giro della Provincia di Grosseto

Stage 3 - February 17: Grosseto - Grosseto, 184km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Riders enjoy the Castiglion della Pescaia area.
• Castiglion della Pescaia provided a nice back drop.
• Boats docked in Castiglion della Pescaia.
• Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) hammers it.
• Gerrit Glomser (Team Volksbank) in the escape.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) early on in the stage.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) shows how incredible he is – the Incredible Hulk.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) takes the sprint over Mattia Gavazzi (Preti Mangimi) and Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas).

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) takes season win number two.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) salutes the crowd after winning the final stage.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) wins the final overall thanks to the first stage win and today's third.
• The peloton enjoys the Tuscan sun.
• Paolo Savoldelli (LPR Brakes) races.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) early in the stage.
• Danilo Napolitano (Lampre) tops the podium.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) puts on the final jersey.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) celebrates.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) lets the Champagne flow.
• Gerrit Glomser (Team Volksbank) awarded.
• Grega Bole (Adria Mobil) won the best young rider.
• Spring sunshine on the peloton in stage 3.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) rides in the leader's jersey.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) rides in his second race of the season.
• Stage three podium topped by Danilo Napolitano (Lampre).
• The peloton begin racing.
• Lovely scenery in Tuscany.

Stage 2 - February 16: Campagnatico - Orbetello, 167km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Rider roll out for the day.
• Sunny weather in stage two.
• Passage to the final kilometre.
• Riders approach the final kilometre – neutralized.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) talks with the Adriano Amici, president of the organising group.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• A sunny day for some.
• A small escape makes its way.
• The peloton rolls in stage two, from Campagnatico to Orbetello.
• Riders gather at the start.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) takes to the podium after the cancelled stage.
• Race leader Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) talks with the course director regarding the parcours' risks.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) puts on a classification jersey.
• Andrea Noè (Liquigas) in the team's train.
• Race leader Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) in the white jersey.

Stage 1 - February 15: Massa Marittima - Follonica, 168km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) wins the first stage of this inaugural Italian three-day race.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) chats with his DS during the race.
• Filippo Pozzato Liquigas was relaxed during the race, but concentrated towards the end.
• Alessandro Ballan Lampre on a descent and looking good.
• Team Barloworld at the sign in.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) makes sure everything is tight and then the battle can begin.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) leads a team-mate into a corner at high speed.
• Davide Rebellin wrapped up in his Gerolsteiner outfit and looking for some serious training.
• Garzelli in action as the race gets serious.
• Vladimir Efimkin is now riding for Ag2r-La Mondiale.
• The peloton battles one of the short uphills.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) in the earlier part of the race.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Silence-Lotto) is riding along in stage 1.
• Pozzato wins the sprint under a sunny sky.
• He outfoxed everyone else to take yet another victory.
• Pozzato wins the sprint and his team-mate sure is happy about it.
• There are actually four Liquigas riders happily raising their arms and showing that team spirit is well.
• Good thing he wears a helmet during the race as his hair may get in the way otherwise.
• Pozzato with the trophies.
• Getting used again to racing and winning.
• The podium with Bole, Pozzato, Maserati (l-r).
• Pozzato also dons the leader's jersey which is white in this race.
• Di Luca (l) was one of the first to congratulate the stage winner.

Tour of Belize

Tour Méditerranéen

Stage 5 - February 17: Sauvian - Gruissan, 115km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) leads the four-man escape group.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) takes the sprint over Mikhail Ignatiev (Tinkoff Credit Systems).
• Frenchman Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) celebrates after winning the final stage.
• Alexandre Botcharov (Crédit Agricole) enjoyed his first ever wins since turning professional in 2000 with Ag2r Prévoyance by taking Friday's stage to Mont Faron and maintaining the advantage gained that day to win the final overall.
• Alexandre Botcharov (Crédit Agricole) at the start in Sauvian.

Images by Philippe Volle/www.velopalmares.free.fr

• Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) with the green jersey, smiling at the start in Sauvian.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) at the front of the race during first lap in Gruissan.
• Sprint for fourth place and battle Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) against Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) for the green jersey in Gruissan.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) enjoying his victory on the podium.
• Final winner Alexandre Botcharov (Crédit Agricole) tells speaker Daniel Mangeas about his great start to the season.
• Eduardo Gonzalo (Agritubel) was the best young rider.
• Mickaël Buffaz (Cofidis) with the mountain jersey.
• Alexandre Botcharov (Crédit Agricole) enjoys his victory with his fan club.
• After 35 years at the head of the Tour Med, Lucien Aimar is giving his key of the Tour to collaborators...

Stage 2 - February 14: La Londe - La Garde, 135km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) got his first win of the season in stage two.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) still leads the tour after taking third in stage two.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) dons his second yellow jersey of the Tour of Med.
• Casper beat FdJ's Yauheni Hutarovich to win stage two.
• Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) wins the sprint in La Garde.

Stage 1 - February 13: La Crau - Hyères, 120km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) got his first win of the season in the Tour of Med stage 1.
• Hushovd powers to the win ahead of the Liquigas duo Francesco Chicchi and Alberto Cutolo

Lotto 6 - Daagse

Race 6 - February 12

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Images by AFP Photo

• Allan Davis and Miles Olman at the front in the final night of the Lotto Six Day.
• The World Champion Bruno Risi and Franco Marvulli win their seventh six day of the season.
• Risi and Marvulli are all smiles
• Risi prepares to get the champers shower
• Franco Marvulli celebrates after he and partner Bruno Risi won the Lotto six day.
• The World Champions ride at the front at the start of the final night.
• Pim Lighthart and Wim Stroetinga lead the bunch in the Lotto six day.
• Risi and Marvulli with the commemorative plates for the winners of the 2008 Lotto six day

Grote Prijs de Eecloonaar

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Images by Stijn Vercaemer

• World champion Lars Boom (Rabobank)
• Cyclo-cross viking Martin Vestby
• Local hero Lorenzo Messine gives all he got.
• Francis Mourey (Française des Jeux) leads Tom Meeusen (Fidea Cycling Team)
• Klaas Vantornout (Fidea Cycling Team) on the way to his fifth victory of the season
• Jan 'Jakke' Verstraeten (Sunweb Projob Team)
• Tim Van Nuffel (Easypay) concentrates well in the field
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb Projob Team) finished in sixth place.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team)
• The podium: Niels Albert (Palmans-Cras), Klaas Vantornout (Fidea Cycling Team), Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team)

Images by Niels De Wit /www.nielsdewit.be

• Lars Boom (Rabobank) smiles during training.
• Francis Mourey (Française des Jeux) took the best start in front of the World Champion.
• Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Team) and Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) took over in the second lap.
• Niels Albert (Palmans-Cras) had a bad start and never fought for the victory.
• Czech champion Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team)
• Klaas Vantornout and Bart Wellens.
• The victory was for Vantornout. both of Fidea Cycling Team
• The podium: Niels Albert (Palmans-Cras) in third, Klaas Vantornout (Fidea Cycling Team) in first, Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) in second

Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria

Stage 3 - February 13: Chiaravalle - Reggio Calabria, 168km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Daniele Pietropolli won the final stage and also won the overall.
• Daniele Pietropolli (Team LPR Brakes) was the fastest in the end.
• With the time bonus added in Pietropolli won the GC as well, which is why his celebration was doubly sweet.
• His team-mate was happy to and with Danilo Di Luca in fourth the team could be very happy.
• Pietropolli on the podium.
• The final podium with Steve Cummings (left) and Francesco Failli (right) standing around overall winner Daniele Pietropolli.
• The victory salute and Pietropolli hopes it wasn't the last time this season to celebrate.
• Pietropolli needed some carrying help with all the trophies, flowers and champagne.
• The jersey leaders at the end of the final race.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The podium of the final day.
• The final winners of the respective jerseys.
• Daniele Pietropolli won the final stage.
• Danilo Di Luca was happy for his team-mate.

Stage 2 - February 12: Piana - Chiaravalle, 190km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Steve Cummings (Barloworld) takes his first professional win as a road racer.
• The new leader is Steve Cummings of Barloworld. It was the first win as a professional forn the British rider.
• Roberto Cobo González (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) went on a 147-kilometre solo flyer.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) is back after having to sit out in the winter, being suspended for three months.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) escorting overnight leader Gabriele Balducci.
• Steve Cummings (Barloworld) with the stage and overall.
• Stage win for Steve Cummings (Barloworld) in the Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria.
• Steve Cummings (Barloworld) tops the podium over Daniele Pietropolli (LPR Brakes), l, and Francesco Failli (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo).
• Happy Steve Cummings (Barloworld) after taking the day's honours.
• Race leadership belongs to Steve Cummings (Barloworld) with one stage left to go.
• A win in Italy's south for Steve Cummings (Barloworld).
• Podium: Steve Cummings (Barloworld) tops the day.
• Barloworld happy with Steve Cummings' win.

Stage 1 - February 11: Reggio Calabria - Gioia Tauro, 183km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• All smiles for Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes), the winner of the 2007 Giro d'Italia.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) nabbing the win over Maximiliano Richeze (CSF Group Navigare).
• Close for Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo), who got his first win since last year in the Tour Méditerranéen.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) makes some last minute adjustments to his De Rosa bike.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) looking forward to the 2008 season.
• Gioia! Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) takes the sprint win after nearly missing out in Saturday's GP Etruschi.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) gives the thumbs up after taking his first win in one year.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) tops the podium over Maximiliano Richeze (CSF Group Navigare), l, and Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's).
• New overall leader Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) will have to defend himself tomorrow in the three-day race.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Ex-team-mates Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) and Luca Paolini (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) meet at the start.
• Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) gives the thumbs up after his first win of the season.
• Michele Gobbi (Preti Mangimi) back racing after missing all of 2007 due to a crash at the end of 2006.
• Just barely: Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) takes the sprint over Maximiliano Richeze (CSF Group Navigare).
• On top: Gabriele Balducci (Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) over Maximiliano Richeze (CSF Group Navigare), l, and Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's).

GP Costa degli Etruschi

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) starts the year well and claims another sprint victory.
• Petacchi is all smiles as he hopes the winning streak will continue.
• Yep, I won it four times already! Petacchi indicates to the spectators hi winning history at this race.
• Petacchi on the podium together with runner up Gabriele Balducci (Acqua e Sapone, left) and Francesco Chicchi (Team Liquigas).
• World Champion Paolo Bettini is getting ready for another great season.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) also swaps the monotonous training with some racing.
• The peloton in the early, early spring.
• Time to catch up with old friends and new outfits.
• Even early season racing has its fast moments and riders who have earlier season highlights will already stretch their legs.
• A slight uphill can cause trouble in February for those riders who have focused on base miles only.
• Shadows are a good sign in early season racing as it means the sun is out.
• The Donoratico area is pretty even in February.
• The peloton lost in the alley.
• Liquigas showed off their 2008 kit.
• A peloton in single file is a bad sign for the still-out-of-form hibernators.
• Liquigas put the hammer down.
• The Italian team wanted to test their rivals early in the season.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is still wrapped up with heavy clothing and is taking no risks with the cold February sun.
• Alessandro Petacchi loves this racing as he has won it three times in a row before this year's event.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) also enjoys the early season training kilometres.
• The peloton rides through sunny Italy.
• Some riders still preferred leg warmers or at least knee warmers.
• Ale-jet flies again!
• Petacchi had enough time to look around and check out where his opponents are.
• Then the Italian could sit up and raise his arms for the victory salute.
• Petacchi has won four in a row but maybe his hands already indicate that he wants to make it five next year?
• A happy Petacchi starts 2008 on a high note.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) takes out the headphones and left the spectators wondering what the coach told him throughout this early-season race.
• Petacchi is all smiles.
• Petacchi waves to the crowd from the podium, which he visits frequently at the GP Etruschi.
• World Champion Bettini had a quiet day but he prefers racing over training, so obviously is all happy about his workout.
• Now, where is the champagne? Petacchi is wondering why the glass is all empty.
• The podium with Balducci, Petacchi and Chicchi from left to right.
• Visconti and Soler catching up with the peloton again.
• Liquigas rode on the front a lot.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) used the race to get some quality training in.
• Petacchi on the line.
• The Italian could be happy with the day's outcome.
• Ale-jet lifts his left arm in victory.
• The other sprinters did not stand a chance against the flying Milram rider.
• Petacchi on the podium.
• Four victories in a row is pretty impressive.
• Balducci on the left and Chicchi on the right could not stop the Milram sprinter.
• Baldini says hi to Bettini before the race.
• Bettini adjusts his helmet straps.
• Even a World Champ needs to do some maintenance by himself.
• The World Champion and the Italian Champion Paolo Bettini and Giovanni Visconti, both from the same country (Italy)( and the same team (Quick Step).
• Bettini and Visconti share a smile during the earlier parts of the race.
• Team-mates drafting of each other.

GP Heerlen

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Images by Dion Kerckhoffs /www.wielerfotos.web-log.nl

• The new world champion Lars Boom (Rabobank) shows off his new stripes in his home country.
• Richard Groenendaal (AA Sports Drinks) was strong enough for fifth.
• Klaas Vantornout (Fidea Cycling Team) took the win ahead of the new world champion.
• Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) in his national champions colours.
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb-Pro Job) feels the strain.
• A big crowd assembled on a clear winters day.
• Vantornout salutes the crowd.
• Vantornout outsprints Boom to take the win.
• The podium (l-r): Boom, Vantornout and Thijs Al.

Images by Frank Meijers

• Klaas Vantornout (Fidea Cycling Team) during the race held in sunny conditions.
• The parcours was tough with many uphills.
• Some were so steep riders practically had to climb them up.
• A pink rider.
• Ouch. Hitting the knee on the pedal is not the best way of having a good time.
• Dirkx bikes had to be carried as well for part of the route.
• A young rider makes his way through the parcours.
• Jerry Kallenfels (EasyPay) during the race.
• This rider is focused.
• Fidea is always strong in the cyclo-cross races.
• The shirts don't always look that clean during a cyclo-cross race.
• Note the stylish blue cables.
• Now there is some dirt!
• Jordy Van Erp (ZZPR.nl-Destil-Merida) fights through the course.
• A Rabobank rider heads on.
• Fidea posted fast lap times.
• The descents were technical.
• The rough terrain takes it out on the riders even on the downhills.
• Rabobank makes the pace.
• It's rare to race under sunny skies in cyclo-cross.
• Even in dry conditions at the end of the race the riders can't avoid getting muddy.
• Bike and gloves have to match the jersey these days and long gone are the days when Cipo got fined for not wearing team outfit.
• Lars Boom showing his clean Worlds jersey.
• Boom was hungry for another success.
• Boom's team-mate was close behind.
• Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb-Pro Job) obviously a bit in pain.
• But still ahead of this Fidea rider.
• Cyclo-cross is fast and fun to watch.
• A speedy sport.
• The podium with Lars Boom, Klaas Vantornout and Thijs Al

Etoile Bessèges

Stage 4 - February 9: Allègre les Fumades - Allègre les Fumades, 151km

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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com

• The escape is led by Hervé Duclos-Lassale and Cyrille Monnerais
• The overall leader remains Iouri Trofimov the Russian of the French Bouygues Telecom team.

Stage 2 - February 7: Nîmes - Saint Ambroix, 149km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Stefan Van Dijk storms to the line besting Estonian Erki Pütsep.
• Stefan Van Dijk (Mitsubishi - Jartazi) wins stage two.
• Stefan Van Dijk took the stage , but Jan Kuyckx kept the leader's jersey

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Riders enjoying the sun in southern France.
• Going through the feed zone of stage two.
• The peloton streams along.
• French Champion Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) flying the national jersey.
• Building form – Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) rides in stage two.
• Stefan Van Dijck (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) wins stage two.
• Former Dutch Champion Stefan Van Dijck (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) wins stage two over Erki Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom)

Stage 1 - February 6: Grau du Roi - Grau du Roi, 154km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Giani Meersman (FdJ) couldn't quite get the better of Jan Kuyckx (Landbouwkrediet - Tönissteiner)
• Jan Kuyckx (Landbouwkrediet - Tönissteiner) takes the win on stage one of the Etoile de Bessèges

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Franck Vandenbroucke (Mitsubishi) at the start.
• Franck Vandenbroucke tries out racing for the second time this season.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) sitting in.
• The peloton rounds a bend.
• The Bretagne Armor Lux team heads the peloton.
• French champion Christophe Moreau leads the chase.
• Kuyckx dons the orange jersey of race leader after winning stage one.
• The peloton begins to chase.

GP Ouverture La Marseillaise

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Florent Brard (Cofidis) before the start.
• Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) is all smiles before the start. No pressure for him this early in the season.
• Frank Vandenbroucke (Mitsubishi - Jartazi ) seems to be getting on with the racing again.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole ) starts his season early.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) smiles in the sun of southern France.C25
• The sprint of the breakaway in the port town of Marseille.
• Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (Cofidis) wins the French season opener.
• The name Duclos-Lassalle is famous as Hervé's father has won Paris-Roubaix on two occasions.
• The Frenchman enjoys Marseille more than any other rider in today's race.
• Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) checks his computer and is happy with the quality of the training kilometres added.
• Moreau shows off the new jersey of Agritubel, which he is wearing for the first time in a race.
• The bunch sprint on the cobbles. Good thing it was dry.
• Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (Cofidis) with his arms raised on the podium.
• The trophy for the winner.
• Duclos-Lassalle hopes to add more wins for his team this season.
• The podium from left to right with Canadian Ryder Hesjedal (Slipstream), winner Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (Cofidis) and runner-up Frederik Veuchelen (Belgium).

Copenhagen Six Day

Race 6 - February 5:

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Images by CyclingWorld.dk

• Bruno Risi and Franco Marvulli of Switzerland win the Copenhagen Six-Days and a some Champagne bottles.
• The Danish duo Alex Rasmussen and Michael Mørkøv were very motivated and finished a strong second at home.
• A well-received homecoming after six dasys of hard work.
• Bruno Risi is sidelined but only after taking out yet another Six-Day win.

Race 5 - February 4:

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Images by CyclingWorld.dk

• Franco Marvulli poses with Sercu.

Race 3 - February 2:

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Images by CyclingWorld.dk

• Bruno Risi (l) and Franco Marvulli are used to winning
• Alex Rasmussen and Michael Mørkøv is one of the Danish duos in the field
• Track riding requires good skills to avoid crashing at high speeds

Super Challenge Series

Stage 3 - February 4: New Hanover - Wartburg, 108 km

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Images by Barloworld

• South Africa's Robert Hunter (Team Barloworld) claims a victory on home soil.
• Robert Hunter (Team Barloworld) outsprints Björn Schröder (Team Milram) and Christoff Van Heerden (Konica Minolta).

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