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Cycling photography for May 2008

Canada Cup #2: Mont Tremblant
Tour of Belgium
Anaconda MTB Enduro
FBD Insurance Rás
Staatsmeisterschaft Downhill
NMBS #3: Santa Ynez
Lisboa Downtown
Canada Cup #1: Bromont
Tour of Japan
Tour de l'Aude
Tour de Picardie
Mount Hood Classic
Alcobendas
Tour de Kumano
Trophée Centre Morbihan
MTB World Cup DH #1 - CDM Dirt Sweat & Gears
Giro del Friuli
4 Jours de Dunkerque
Cross Country World Cup #3- Madrid
GP Copenhagen
Rund um den Henninger Turm
GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano

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Canada Cup 2: Mont Tremblant

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Images by Marek Lazarski / www.lazarskiphoto.com

• Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) on the start line.
• The start of the elite men's race in Mont Tremblant.
• The elite women ready to go at round two of the Canada Cup in Mont Tremblant.
• The start of the second lap took took racers on Tremblant streets.
• Julien Fillion (Fillion-VM) after the first lap.
• Francis Morin (Specialized)
• Jean Ann-McKirdy (Rocky Mountain/ProCycle) leads the women's race after first lap.
• Marie-Claude Surprenant (Sportif Bromont) has a great race and finishes fifth.
• Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) leads the men's race on lap three.
• Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis) has a good race and finishes fourth.
• Adam Morka (3Rox Racing) on lap three.
• Daniel Sessford (Blue Competition Cycles) finished 11th.
• Six minutes after the lead group
• Peter Glassford (Team Trek Store Toronto)
• The leaders in the women's race included Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Store Team), Jean Ann McKirdy (Rocky Mountain/Pro Cycle) and Mical Dyck (Terrascape/Trek)
• Mikaela Kofman (3Rox Racing)
• Andrew Watson (Team Ontario) ended up second.
• Matthew Hadley (Xprezo) wore 13 but had no bad luck. Instead a super race got him onto the podium.
• Derek Zanstra (3Rox Racing) passes Craig Richey (Aviawest-Oak Bay Bikes) on the last lap.
• Mical Dyck (Terrascape/Trek) races on her last lap.
• Amanda Sin has a strong race.
• Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) is on his last lap. He passes some snow leftover from last winter.
• Stefan Widmer (Rocky Mountain/Different Bikes) logs his best Canada Cup.
• Eric Batty (Trek Store Canada) enjoys a good race.
• Derek Zandstr (3 Rox Racing) still finishes sixth despite a broken chain.
• Martin Lazarski (Rocky Mountain/Different Bikes) finishes ninth after many mechanical problems.
• Matthew Green (Rocky Mountain/Different Bikes). 19 is his BIG number in last two Canada Cups
• Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) wins the men's race.
• Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Store Team) wins the women's race.
• Elite women's podium (from left) Mical Dyck (Terrascape/Trek), Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Store Team), Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing)
• Elite men's podium (from left) Stefan Widmer (Rocky Mountain/Different Bikes), Matthew Hadley (Xprezo), Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain), Andrew Watson (Team Ontario), Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis)
• Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Store Team) and Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) are the leaders after two rounds of the Canada Cup.
• Anne Laplante (Equipe Grounded)
• Kim Huard
• Audree Vaillancourt
• Women's winner Danice Uyesugi (pinkbike.com)
• Sophie Poirier (Devinci)
• Emilie Audet
• Mylene Kim Fortier (FH Racing)
• Sheila Morris (Cycle Solutions/Angry Johnnys Racing)
• Genevieve Gagnon (Gravitesse)
• Micayla Gatto (Commencal/Marzocchi) - brocken rips on mandatory practice - DNS
• Claudia Paquin
• Women's podium: (from left) Kim Huard, Danice Uyesugi, Miranda Miller
• Antoine Larose (XPREZO)
• Jeffery Bryson (Specialized/Hayes Bicycle Group)
• Andy Thibodeau (Gravite Sports)
• Mathieu Laurin (Lama Cycles/Morewood)
• Men's winner Andrew Mitchell (Cove/SRAM)
• Samuel Vallee (Valley Racing Team)
• Dan Skogland (Cove Bikes)
• Brett Hornfelt (Calgary Cycle)
• Guillaume Soucy-Alarie (Lama Cycles/Morewood)
• Ewan Fafard
• Hans Lambert (Norco Factory Team)
• Stephane Mailhot (Gravite Sports)
• Rob Frazer (poisonfrog.ca)

Images by Marek Lazarski / www.lazarskiphoto.com

• Men's podium Marek Lazarski

Images by Marek Lazarski / www.lazarskiphoto.com

• Canada Cup Leader Andrew Mitchell (Cove/SRAM )

FBD Insurance Rás

Stage 8 - May 25: Newbridge – Skerries, 130 km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• The final stage of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás brought the riders from Newbridge in County Kildare to Skerries in north County Dublin. In spite of a strength-sapping headwind forecast for the stage, a group of four riders went clear after less than half an hour of racing. The quartet consisted of David O’Loughlin and Cameron Jennings (Ireland Pezula Racing Team), Blazej Janiaczyk (Poland National Team) and Evan Oliphant (Britain Team Plowman Craven Team).
• A brisk but steady tempo was maintained by the main group on the undulating course.
• The picturesque seaside town of Skerries hosted the finish of Stage 8.
• A powerful northeast wind hampered the progress of the race but was warmly welcomed by local kite surfers.
• Pre-race entertainment was in full swing at the finish line and included a one rider unicycle race.
• The Great Bonkini, clown sprinter extraordinaire, was cruelly robbed of certain victory. There was little the neutral service crew could do with a countersunk crank thread. Does anyone else think he looks like Laurent Fignon?
• But wait, what’s this? Fresh from his stage win at the Giro d'Italia, Mark Cavendish swung by to catch the finish of Stage 8 of the FBD Insurance Rás.
• David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) led the race on to the finishing circuit in Skerries with Evan Oliphant (Britain Team Plowman Craven) for company.
• Cameron Jennings (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) tries to strike a balance between policing Blazej Janiaczyk (Poland National Team) and maintaining an advantage over a fast finishing peleton.
• The peleton is lead onto the circuit by the Norwegian Sparbanken Vest squad who have a formidable sprinter in Morten Hegreberg and may be keen to try for a stage win.
• Race leader Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) is safely tucked in behind Morten Hegreberg (Norway Sparbanken Vest) as the peleton go onto the final lap.
• The leading duo worked steadily all the way to the finishing straight and the crowd were treated to a sprint finale. Evan Oliphant (Britain Team Plowman Craven) breaks to the right as the sprint opens in earnest with David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) holding his line and giving his all.
• The Irish Road Race Champion’s strength, determination and grit brought him the ultimate reward as he outsprinted Evan Oliphant (Britain Team Plowman Craven) to take a thoroughly well deserved victory on the final stage of the 2008 Rás.
• Victory at last: Stage 5 saw O’Loughlin’s high hopes of victory dashed by a puncture in the last three kilometres. The subsequent bike change resulted in his custom Irish Champion’s bike falling to the ground from the roof rack of the moving team car and being damaged beyond repair. Stage 8 was a different story entirely.
• Blazej Janiaczyk (Poland National Team) slipped away from Cameron Jennings (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) to take third place on Stage 8.
• Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) pips Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) to take fifth place on the final stage and lead home the main field.
• Winner of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás: Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team).
• Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) is congratulated by his father Noel, a former Rás rider and probably the proudest man in Ireland.
• Benny de Schrooder (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) congratulates his team-mate Stephen Gallagher on his victory.
• Daniel Lloyd and Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) celebrate.
• The Irish riders were all smiles after the final stage of the 2008 Rás. Victory on Stage 8 was particularly sweet for David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team).
• Cormac O’Shea (Kildare Newbridge) was the last rider home on Stage 8 and looked happy to be home.
• Colin Robinson (Meath M. Donnelly) can hold his head high as he looks back on a week that he will surely never forget.
• The race director presents a painting to Adrian Taheny, Director of Marketing & Sales with FBD Insurance. The rider featured in yellow is last year’s winner Tony Martin, who is currently riding the Giro d’Italia.
• Jerseys at the ready as the presentations begins.
• Blazej Janiaczyk (Poland National Team) with his bouquet for third place on Stage 8.
• Second Placed Rider on the stage, Evan Oliphant (Britain Team Plowman Craven).
• No guts, no glory: Winner of Stage 8 of the 2008 Rás, David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team).
• Winner of the Cuchulainn Crystal trophy for Best Placed County Rider on Stage 8, Paul Healion (Dublin McNally Swords).
• Winners of the prize for County Team Overall, the Dublin Ushers Insulations Team.
• Winners of the prize for International Team Overall, the Ireland - An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team.
• Winner of the prize for Best Placed County Rider Overall, Stephen O’Sullivan (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC) receives his trophy from Philip Cassidy.
• Dale Appleby (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) took the Best Placed U-23 Rider Overall award.
• Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis) receives the Brendan Carroll cup for his victory in the overall King of the Mountains category.
• Winner of the overall Points classification, Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk).
• Third Place Overall went to Rob Partridge (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk).
• Roger Aiken (Team Ireland) rode consistently over the eight stage to take Second Place Overall on the 2008 Rás.
• Worth waiting for: Winner of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás, Stephen Gallagher (Ireland - An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team).
• Eight stages, 20 categorized climbs, 1,224 kilometres, 140 starters, 123 finishers, one winner.
• The Men of the Rás for 2008: Best Placed U-23 Rider, Dale Appleby (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), Third Placed Rider, Rob Partridge (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), King of the Mountains, Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis), Points Winner, Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), Race Winner, Stephen Gallagher (Ireland - An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team), Second Placed Rider, Roger Aiken (Team Ireland), and Best Placed County Rider, Stephen O’Sullivan (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC).

Stage 7 - May 24: Clonmel – Roundwood, 177 km

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Images by Lorraine O'Sullivan /www.inpho.ie

• Polands Wojciech wins the stage into Roundwood.
• The Peleton passes through Roundwood.
• Ireland's Roger Aiken, who was the race leader on the road for a time today, before being caught by Stephen Gallagher.
• Paidi O'Brien leads Benny de Schrooder and Stephen Gallagher of the An Post team over Drumgoff on the way to Roundwood.
• Stephen O'Sullivan of the Meath myhome.ie team
• David O'Loughlin riding for the Pezula team with Ireland's Paul Griffin at the front of the main breakaway group.
• The peleton on the road to Roundwood
• Paul Griffin of the Irish team on the road to Roundwood.
• Race leader Simon Richardson of the Plowman Craven team who lost possession of the Yellow jersey on today's stage to Roundwood.
• Race leader Simon Richardson relaxes with teamate Alex Higham before today's start.
• Paidi O'Brien leads Benny de Schrooder and Stephen
• The Peleton on the road to Roundwood

Images by Stephen McMahon

• Stage 7 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás brought the riders from Clonmel in County Tipperary through the highlands of Wicklow to the village of Roundwood. Wojciech Dybel (Poland National Team) leads breakway companions Khormizi S. M. Razei (Iran Islamic Azad University) and Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis) onto the seven kilometre finishing loop.
• Benny de Schrooder (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) leads the second group on the road. With teammate Stephen O’Gallagher poised to take the race lead if the group maintained their advantage, every second counted.
• Renaud Pioline (France Provence Alpes Cote D’A) on his way to fourteenth on the stage.
• Wojciech Dybel (Poland National Team) proved the strongest of the three on the slight uphill finish and took victory on the queen stage of the race.
• Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis) was obviously frustrated at not having taken the win on Stage 7 but took maximum points on both of the Category 1 climbs of the day and consolidated his lead in the King of the Mountains Classification.
• Khormizi S. M. Razei (Iran Islamic Azad University) took a fine third place on the stage and judging by his expression was either very impressed by the kick that Wojciech Dybel had at the line or relieved to reach the finish. It may well have been a little bit of both.
• Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) just nosed past Paul Griffin (Team Ireland) to take fourth place on the stage and bag some more green jersey points.
• Havard Nybo (Norway Sparebanken Vest) led home the third group on the road at 5 minutes and 21 seconds. Among others he had Stephen O’Sullivan (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC) and David McCann (Team Ireland) for company.
• Simon Richardson (Britain Team Plowman Craven) rolled home 7 minutes and 18 seconds down on the stage winner. All things considered a stage win and a day in yellow is no meager achievement for the English rider.
• Simon Kelly (Dublin IRC Ushers Insulations) rode with exceptional class to finish tenth on the stage and took the Cuchulainn Crystal trophy for Best Placed County Rider.
• Third Placed rider on Stage 7, Khormizi S. M. Razei (Iran Islamic Azad University).
• Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis), second rider home on Stage 7.
• Wojciech Dybel (Poland National Team) dons the blue jersey as Winner of Stage 7.
• Dale Appleby (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) was part of the formative break of the day and subsequently retained his lead in the Best Placed U-23 Rider category.
• Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis) is looking good to take the overall King of the Mountains title.
• Dean Downing’s facial expression is in stark contrast to the doodle on his knee plaster. With just one stage remaining, his comfortable lead in the Points Classification should put be enough to put a smile on his face.
• Cheers buddy: Daniel Martin and Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) celebrate the team retaking the race lead.
• After a particularly demanding day on the road and some first class riding by his team, Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) has good reason to smile. He now leads the race by 1 minute and 42 seconds from Roger Aiken (Team Ireland).
• The men of the Rás after Stage 7: Best Placed County Rider on the stage, Simon Kelly (Dublin IRC Ushers Insulations), Second place on the stage, Khormizi S. M. Razei (Iran Islamic Azad University), Points Leader, Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), Race Leader, Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team), Best Placed U-23 rider, Dale Appleby (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), Leader of the King of the Mountains, Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis), and Winner of Stage 7, Wojciech Dybel (Poland National Team).
• Wojciech Dybel (Poland National Team) and his stage-winning weapon of choice.
• A Coke and smile: ‘Lantern Rouge’ of the race Colin Robinson (Meath M. Donnelly) lived to fight another day after making it to the line on arguably the hardest stage of the race.
• When we were kings: Winner of the first Rás in 1953 Colm Christle and winner of the 1955 edition of the race Gene Mangan were at the finish of Stage 7 to ensure that the standard of racing they set was being maintained.

Stage 6 - May 23: Skibbereen - Clonmel, 180 km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Stephen Gallagher (Ireland - An Post - Sean Kelly Team) and Eugene Moriarty (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC) lead the main break of the day.
• A determined looking Florain Fina (France Provence Alpes Cote D'A) leads the main group.
• The best seats in the house: these girls had a bird’s eye view of the finishing straight in Clonmel on Stage 6 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás.
• Having suffered from atrocious luck so far on the 2008 Rás , Pezula Racing Team banished their demons with an emphatic victory by Ciaran Power on Stage 6. The Waterford man was the first rider through the West Gate in Clonmel and held off Christer Rake (Norway Team Sparebanken Vest) to take the win.
• Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) takes victory in Clonmel , County Tipperary on Stage 6 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás.
• Stephen Gallagher (Ireland - An Post - Sean Kelly Team) pushed his advantage to the line and took third place on the stage. More importantly, the man from County Armagh moved from ninth to second overall.
• Eugene Moriarty (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC) survived cramps and fatigue to take seventh on the stage and take his second County Rider prize of the race.
• Cameron Jennings (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) has good reason to look satisfied with his day after he and teammate Derek Burke rode strongly all day to ensure the breakaway stayed clear and that Power would be in the best possible position to challange for the stage win.
• David McCann and his Team Ireland team mates did everything possible to minimize time losses to the breakaway but unfortunately lost the race lead.
• The eyes have it: Urban Monks (Dublin Eurocycles) looks ready for more after the finish of Stage 6.
• Two of the most senior riders in the race, Linus Murphy (Dublin IRC Ushers Insulations) and Laurence Roche (Meath Cycleways@53degreesnorth) have the energy to smile for a photograph after Stage 6.
• Riding Stage 6 of the Rás was thirsty work for the Polish National Team.
• Cameron Jennings and Kieran Page (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) relax immediately after the finish. After punctures, crashes, and illness during the first five days of the race, the team had a well deserved stage win to celebrate.
• Diarmuid Carew (Kildare Newbridge) gets a refreshing spray of water after a hot and humid day of racing on Stage 6.
• Simon Richardson and Evan Oliphant (Britian Team Plowman Craven) cool off after a demanding but ultimately rewarding day in the saddle.
• Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) brought his number one fan up to the podium.
• Eugene Moriarty (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC) receives his Cuchulainn Crystal trophy for Best Placed County Rider on Stage 6.
• Dale Appleby (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk) maintained his lead yet again in the Best Placed U-23 Rider category.
• Stephen Gallagher (Ireland - An Post - Sean Kelly Team) rode brilliantly to finish third on the stage and move up to second in the General Classification.
• Christer Rake (Norway Team Sparebanken Vest) gave every effort but could not catch Ciaran Power. The Norwegian finished a fine second.
• Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) receives his Stage Winner’s jersey and bouquet. Interestingly, Power also moved up the General Classification and now sits in third place, 1 minute and 1 second down.
• ‘K’ is for Kit, ‘K’ is for Kinesis and ‘K’ is for King of the Mountains.
• Dean Downing (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk) sprinted to 11th place on the stage and extended his lead in the Points competition from four to nine points over Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team).
• Meet the new boss: Simon Richardson (Britian Team Plowman Craven) followed his win on Stage 5 by taking the race lead on Stage 6.
• The men of the Rás after Stage 6 Best Placed County Rider on the stage, Eugene Moriarty (Meath MyHome.ie/BDBC), Race Leader, Simon Richardson (Britian Team Plowman Craven), Leader of the King of the Mountains, Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis), Points Leader, Dean Downing (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk), Winner of Stage 6, Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team), Second place on the stage, Christer Rake (Norway Team Sparebanken Vest), Best Placed U-23 rider, Dale Appleby (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk), and Third place on the stage, Stephen Gallagher (Ireland - An Post - Sean Kelly Team).
• The winner’s mount for Stage 6: Ciaran Power’s Shimano-equipped Dolan.
• Last man standing the ‘lantern rouge’ of the 2008 Rás Colin Robinson (Meath M. Donnelly) finished over 44 minutes behind the stage winner with Brian Geraghty (Kildare Murphy Surveyors) for company. Emotionally drained and physically exhausted, he ground to a halt after the line and slumped over his handlebars. This is how teammate Frank O’Connor found him. Six down Colin, just two stages to go. Hang in there.

Images by Lorraine O'Sullivan /www.inpho.ie

• Pezula applies the pressure.
• Power with the stage winner jersey and the other trophy, which he had already before the race.
• The Irish National Team pulls hard.
• Last minute preparations before th start.
• The break checks out the country-side and sights.
• The break pulling hard.
• Ciaran Power pulls through – Pezula had three riders in the break of the day.
• Chris Newton carries some bottles for his team-mates
• A Power-ful win!
• Bad luck for Paul Healion from the McNally Swords team.
• Power with the post-win responsibilities
• The peloton rides along.
• PThe Pezula team was attentive.
• Daniel Lloyd (Sean Kelly Team) eats to replenish lost energy.
• Ciaran Power (Pezula) takes stage 6 with a late charge over the break.
• Ciaran Cassidy switches bikes.

Stage 5 - May 22: Tralee - Skibbereen, 141 km

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Images by Lorraine O'Sullivan /www.inpho.ie

• Race leader Ireland's David McCann with team-mates Robin Seymour, Roger Aiken and Miceal Concannon before the stage.
• Keeping an eye on the race as it leaves Tralee...
• The race heads up Ladies view.
• David O'Loughlin and Paul Griffin at the start of the day's stage in Tralee.
• The peloton heads towards Molls Gap.
• David O'Loughlin after the day's stage
• Ireland's Robin Seymour leads a chasing bunch on the tunnel road towards Glengarrif.
• Race leader David McCann on the road to Skibbereen
• Irish National Champion David O'Loughlin riding for the Pezula team leads the breakaway of the day.
• Race leader Ireland's David McCann does his homework before today's stage to Skibbereen.
• Race leader Ireland's David McCann chats to Evan Oliphant of the Plowman Craven team.
• Kit Gilham of the Kinesis team leads Ireland's David O'Loughlin over Barnageehy on the way to Skibbereen.
• Ciaran Power leads the chasing bunch over the tunnel road towards Glengarrif.
• Simon Richardson of the Plowman Craven team wins the stage into Skibbereen
• Richardson moves up to sixth overall in the general classification.

Images by Stephen McMahon

• Stage 5 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás travelled south from Tralee in County Kerry to Skibbereen in County Cork. With six categorized climbs en route and thunderstorms forecast, there was an air of trepidation as the race headed into the wilds of the southwest.
• A prototype titanium model of team car was unveiled before the start. It bore a strong resemblance to a Model T Ford. Henry Ford’s family lived in Ballinascarthy, County Cork before immigrating to America.
• To host a Rás stage finish is quite an event in for a town in rural Ireland and a big turn of fans of all ages is guaranteed. This gentleman picked an excellent vantage point just behind the finish line.
• David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) leads Simon Richardson (Britain Plowman Craven), Patrick Kos (Netherlands National Team) and Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis) in the decisive break of the day.
• The main field has fragmented and a select group begin to organize the pursuit of the breakaway.
• Simon Richardson (Britain Plowman Craven) took the time to celebrate as he approached the line, much to the delight of the crowd in Skibbereen.
• Simon Richardson (Britain Plowman Craven) takes victory on Stage 5 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás.
• The luck of the Irish was not in today. Irish Road Race Champion David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) suffered an exceptionally cruel fate when he punctured with 3 kilometres to go and lost contact with Simon Richardson (Britain Plowman Craven).
• O’Loughlin’s disappointment was palpable as he crossed the finishing line. The crowd had hope for an Irish victor on the stage but unfortunately it was not to be.
• Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team) slipped past Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) to take third place on the stage and lead home a group of eighty riders.
• Paidi O’Brien (Ireland - An Post - Sean Kelly Team) takes a moment to reflect on the day’s racing.
• The stage winner’s mount: Simon Richardson’s Pinnacle bicycle.
• Denis Lynch (Cork Kanturk Town) received a special prize for being the First Cork Rider to cross the finish line in Skibbereen.
• The Cuchullainn Crystal award for Best Placed County Rider on Stage 5 went to Ciaran Cassidy (Meath Cycleways@53degreesnorth).
• Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team) , third placed rider on Stage 5.
• David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) , second placed rider and the unluckiest man in Ireland on Stage 5.
• Simon Richardson (Britain Plowman Craven) in his blue jersey of Stage Winner.
• Dale Appleby (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk) retained his lead in the Best Placed U-23 rider category.
• After taking maximum points on four out of the six climbs , Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis) took over the lead in the King of the Mountains competition and will no doubt be keen to defend his position.
• Dean Downing (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk) retained his lead in the Points competition but Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team) is only four points behind and waiting in the shadows.
• David O’Loughlin (Team Ireland) looks resplendent in his Race Leader’s yellow jersey.
• The men of the Rás after Stage 5: Points Leader, Dean Downing (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk), Best Placed U-23 rider, Dale Appleby (Britain - Stena - Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk), Race Leader, David O’Loughlin (Team Ireland), Winner of Stage 5, Simon Richardson (Britain Plowman Craven), Third Place on the stage, Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team), Best Placed County Rider on the stage, Ciaran Cassidy (Meath Cycleways@53degreesnorth), Leader of the King of the Mountains competition, Kit Gilham (Britain Kinesis), First Cork Rider on the stage, Denis Lynch (Cork Kanturk Town), and Second Place on the stage, David O’Loughlin (Ireland Pezula Racing Team).

Stage 4 - May 21: Corofin – Tralee, 156 km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• It was wet and windy at the finish of Stage 4 which took the riders from Corofin in County Clare covering 156 kilometres along the way.
• The less than ideal weather conditions did not dissuade people from coming out to welcome the race to ‘The Kingdom’ of Kerry.
• The RTE camera crew await the arrival of the race.
• Meanwhile, out on the road, Iranian rider Abbas Saeidi Tanha (Iran Islamic Azad University) has broken clear of the main field and is riding well. ©: Stephen McMahon.
• Ciaran Power (Ireland Pezula Racing Team) leads Paul Healion (Dublin – McNally – Swords) and Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk).
• Winning in the rain: David McCann (Team Ireland) romped home to take an important victory on Stage 4 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás. The man from Belfast was so focused on maximizing his time advantage over his rivals for the race lead that he did not indulge in a victory salute.
• Wojciech Dybel (Poland National Team) took second on the stage.
• Tiedt Yannick (Germany Stevens von Hacht) hits the line with Roger Aiken (Team Ireland), Stephen Gallagher (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) and Khormizi Razael (Iran Islamic Azad University) finishing just behind.
• Riders on the storm: Paidi O’Brien (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) leads home a small group as the heavens open in earnest.
• Graham Hurley (Dublin Dundrum Town Centre) shows his relief at having completed a particularly demanding stage.
• Stage winner David McCann (Team Ireland) pays the price for his considerable efforts.
• His grimace soon turned to a smile as he made his way to the victory podium.
• Craig Sweetman (Meath Martin Donnelly) weaves his way through the finish line crowd after another hard day on the road. Unfortunately, his injured team-mate Simon Mulvany was left with no choice but to abandon the race.
• Eugene Moriarty (Meath - MyHome.ie – BDBC) took the County Rider prize on his home turf.
• Paul Griffin (Team Ireland) crosses the line in his home town.
• A Coke but no smile: Neil Coleman (Britain Plowman Craven) gets some sugars on board after a tough stage.
• Eugene Moriarty (Meath - MyHome.ie – BDBC) receives his Cuchulainn Crystal County Rider prize from Race Director Dermot Dignam.
• Bogdan Stoytchev (Bulgaria Nessebar) took third place on the stage.
• Dale Appleby (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) receives his white jersey as best placed U-23 rider.
• Chris Newton (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) retained his lead in the King of the Mountains classification.
• Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) also retained his lead in the Points Classification.
• The wind and rain had not affected David McCann’s sense of humour as he waited patiently for the rewards of his efforts.
• After a day marred by foul weather and crashes, David McCann (Team Ireland) emerged victorious on Stage 4 and donned the yellow jersey.
• The men of the Rás after Stage 4: third on the stage, Bogdan Stoytchev (Bulgaria Nessebar), Best Placed County Rider, Eugene Moriarty (Meath - MyHome.ie – BDBC), winner of the stage and new race leader, David McCann (Team Ireland), Points leader, Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), Best placed U-23 rider, Dale Appleby (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) and King of the Mountains, Chris Newton (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk).
• Number one on the frame, number one on the road: David McCann’s Giant.
• Race leader after Stage 3, Mark Cassidy (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) crashed on Stage 4, landing heavily on his right arm. Pride and adrenalin got him off the ground and back in contact with the main group but the Meath man felt that something serious was wrong and made the difficult but intelligent decision to retire from the race. An x-ray revealed a suspected fracture to his elbow joint. In conversation, Cassidy was upbeat and already talking about being at his best for the National Championships.

Stage 3 - May 20: Claremorris - Lisdoonvarna, 133 km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Stage 3 of the Rás brought the riders from Claremorris in County Mayo through County Galway and on to Lisdoonvarna in County Clare. The route included a section of the N17, a road famed for its stone walls and rugged scenery.
• The race received a warm welcome as it passed through Tuam in County Galway, home town of Derek Burke (Pezula Racing Team).
• Who needs GPS? Thankfully the Rás route is always clearly signposted.
• The coast road to Fanore climbed steadily to the harsh beauty of the Burren in County Clare.
• The view from the first category climb of Doonagore. Note the road leading to the climb on the right, just behind those cows.
• From scenic beauty to serious business. Seamus Shorthall manages the technology of the finish line recording system.
• Michael and Jason Taddeo from Baltimore, Maryland in the USA had the good fortune to be visiting the town of Lisdoonvarna Rás during their cycle tour of the west.
• Aside from regularly hosting Rás stage finishes, Lisdoonvarna is famous for two other reasons. Firstly, its annual music and matchmaking festival where eligible men and women come in search of love and secondly for the song ‘Lisdoonvarna’ by Christy Moore who wrote ‘the multitudes, they flocked in throngs, to hear the music and the songs’. Today, the crowds came out to cheer on the men of the Rás.
• Naturally, a traditional music set was part of the entertainment at the finish line in Lisdoonvarna.
• Chris Newton (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) sprinted clear of his breakaway companion David McCann (Team Ireland) to take a convincing victory on Stage 3.
• David McCann (Team Ireland) was active throughout the day and took a well deserved second place on the stage.
• Rob Partridge (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) took fifth on the stage, 1 minute 6 seconds behind his teammate Chris Newton. Partridge moved up to second overall on the general classification.
• Roger Aiken (Team Ireland) rode strongly to maintain his top 10 position in the general classification.
• Maurice Schreurs (Netherlands National Team) seems to have suffered a nose bleed on the run in to the stage finish. Hopefully it was nothing too serious for the Dutch rider.
• Tom Last (Britain Team Kinesis) leads home a sizeable group 2 minutes 35 seconds behind the stage winner.
• Stage winner Chris Newton (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) stretches as he waits for the presentations to begin.
• With Newton being awarded the King of the Mountains jersey, David McCann (Team Ireland), second on the stage, will wear the stage winner’s jersey tomorrow.
• Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team) seemed a little disappointed with his third place on the stage.
• In conversation at the start in Claremorris Peter Hawkins (Ireland Dublin IRC Ushers Insulation) commented that he was satisfied with his form and hoped to put in a solid performance on the stage. The Belfast man fulfilled his ambition and took the Cuchulainn Crystal prize for Best Placed County Rider on Stage 3.
• Chris Newton (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) took the lead in the King of the Mountains competition.
• A delighted Mark Cassidy (Ireland - An Post – Sean Kelly Team) took the race lead on Stage 3.
• Nine years after his father Philip pulled on the yellow jersey of race leader, Mark fulfilled a childhood dream of doing the very same.
• The men of the Rás after Stage 3: second place on the stage David McCann (Team Ireland), leader of the U-23 category Martin Grashev (Bulgaria - Team Nessebar), Race Leader Mark Cassidy (Ireland - An Post – Sean Kelly Team), winner of Stage 3 and the leader of the King of the Mountains competition Chris Newton (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk), Best Placed County Rider Peter Hawkins (Ireland Dublin IRC Ushers Insulation) and third place on the stage Mateusz Komar (Poland National Team). Unfortunately Points Leader Dean Downing (Britain – Stena – Rapha – Condor – Recycling.co.uk) missed the presentations.
• Race Leader Mark Cassidy (Ireland - An Post – Sean Kelly Team) gets the stamp of approval from the Postmaster of Lisdoonvarna, Maire O’Donoghue.
• From ecstasy to agony: Simon Mulvany (Meath Martin Donnelly) suffered a heavy fall on Stage 2 but made the decision to take the start in Claremorris. 133 kilometres and over four hours later, Mulvany crossed the line in Lidoonvarna with teammate Colin Robinson for company. Such is the commitment of the amateur riders in this race. Such is the true spirit of the Rás.
• Jose Bertolino, manager of the French Team Provence Alpes Cote D’A, fuels up Jean Marc Maurin’s bicycle for Stage 4.

Stage 2 - May 19: Ballinamore - Claremorris, 167 km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Claremorris in County Mayo was a hive of activity as preparations were made for the finish of Stage 2 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás.
• To mark the occasion some of the local schools ran an art competition with the theme being cycle racing and the Rás in particular.
• The winning entry. Note the poor luck of rider number seven. The curse of the yellow jersey strikes again.
• The final podium... of the children's art competition. Gaberilla Lackickas of Claremorris Boys School emerged victorious and took home a brand new mountain bike with matching helmet and accessories.
• The weather-proof reusable finish line is put in place under the watchful eye of the local police.
• With 15 metres to go it is clear that Dean Downing (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk) has a comfortable margin over breakaway companions Evan Oliphant (Team Plowman Craven) and Stephen Gallagher (An Post - Sean Kelly Team). Mark Cassidy (An Post - Sean Kelly Team) was closing in fast on the trio but ran out of road.
• Dean Downing (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk) takes victory on Stage 2 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás.
• Mark Cassidy (An Post - Sean Kelly Team) finished fourth on the stage, four seconds behind Dean Downing.
• Martin Grashev (Team Nessebar) led home one of the many groups and took fifth place on the stage.
• Neil Coleman (Team Plowman Craven) led home the yellow jersey group, one minute 29 seconds behind the stage winner.
• Wouter Sybrandy (Surrey Racing League) led home the latter half of the main field, 12 minutes eight seconds down on Dean Downing.
• Winner of the event in 2004, David McCann (Ireland National Team) cools down with teammate Roger Aiken.
• Chris Newton (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk) congratulates teammate Dean Downing on his victory.
• Winner of Stage 1 Ken Hanson (Isle of Man - Microgaming - Dolan - High 5) finished one minute 29 seconds down on the stage and lost the race lead.
• Second placed rider on the stage Evan Oliphant (Team Plowman Craven) and stage winner Dean Downing (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk) zone out for a moment during the presentations. Cheer up lads.
• Martin Grashev (Team Nessebar) took the lead in the U-23 category.
• Stephen O'Sullivan (Meath - MyHome.ie - BDBC) took the Cuchulainn Crystal award for Best Placed County Rider on the stage.
• Jaroslaw Dabrowski (Team Poland) leads the King of the Mountains competition after Stage 2.
• Victory on Stage 2 put Dean Downing (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk) in the lead in the Points competition.
• Stephen Gallagher (An Post - M. Donnelly - Sean Kelly Team) leads the race by a solitary second over Dean Downing (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk). With plenty of racing left it is all to play for in the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás.
• The men of the Rás after Stage 2: leader of the U-23 competition Martin Grashev (Team Nessebar), leader of the King of the Mountains competition Jaroslaw Dabrowski (Team Poland), Race Leader Stephen Gallagher (An Post - M. Donnelly - Sean Kelly Team), second on the stage Evan Oliphant (Team Plowman Craven), winner of Stage 2 and leader of the Points competition Dean Downing (Stena - Rapha Condor - Recycling.co.uk), and best placed County Rider on Stage 2 Stephen O'Sullivan (Meath - MyHome.ie - BDBC).

Stage 1 - May 18: Navan - Ballinamore, 142 km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Ballinamore in County Leitrim played host to the finish of Stage 1 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás. The local Irish dancing school entertained the crowd as they waited for the race to arrive. This particular set is called a broom dance.
• It was a spectacular pageant, representing a lot of preparation and hard work by the dancers.
• A mysterious camera crew were seen acting suspiciously around the finish line!
• The commentator announced that the race was arriving earlier than anticipated. The atmosphere was electric; the crowd held their breath as riders came thundering around the final bend and into the finishing straight.
• A bitter rivalry between employees of two local supermarkets was settled on the unforgiving roads of Ballinamore. The crowd certainly enjoyed the entertainment as they awaited the arrival of the men of the Rás.
• The wait was well worth it as the crowd were treated to the spectacle of a furious bunch sprint.
• Ken Hanson (Isle of Man – Microgaming) wins by half a wheel from Patrick Kos (Dutch National Team) with Benny de Schrooder (Ireland – An Post – Sean Kelly Team) completing the podium.
• The American rider was very happy with the victory as were the crowd in Ballinamore when they discovered that Hanson’s Irish grandmother was a native of County Leitrim. It was as good as a home win.
• Both sides of the coin: Just as Hanson was being awarded the winner’s bouquet Colin Robinson (Meath – Martin Donnelly) rolled across the line, over twenty seven minutes down. Robinson suffered the misfortune of a puncture after less than a kilometre of racing and spent his day chasing the peloton.
• The podium after Day 1 of the 2008 FBD Insurance Rás: (L-R) Third on the stage, Benny de Schrooder (An Post – Sean Kelly Team), King of the Mountains, Neil Delahaye (Dublin IRC Usher Insulation), Second on the stage, Patrick Kos (Netherlands National Team), Stage winner and Race Leader, Ken Hanson (Isle of Man – Microgaming), Best County Rider, Scott McDonald (Meath – Cycleways) and wearing the white jersey of Best Young Rider, Sondre Sortveit (Norway – Sparebanken Vest).
• The stage finish and presentations were a colorful affair. Here, pupils of the local Irish dancing school applaud the leading riders.
• With seven more stages, race leader Ken Hanson (Isle of Man – Microgaming – Dolan – High 5) could be forgiven for wondering what lies ahead as the race heads into the wilds of the west country.
• Enthusiasts of all ages were in Ballinamore to support the race.

Staatsmeisterschaft Downhill

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Images by MS-Intense Factory Racing

• Matti Lehikoinen (MS Intense Factory Racing) begins his winning run.
• The podium of the men's race.

Canada Cup 1: Bromont

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Images by Marek Lazarski / www.lazarskiphoto.com

• Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain) on the start line.
• The start of the elite men's cross country race
• The start of the elite women's cross country race
• The first lap of the men's cross country
• Stefan Widmer (Rocky Mountain/Different Bikes) starts climbing on the second lap.
• Michael Gariggan (Jetpower/ Epic ride) heads onto the lap two starting climb.
• Raphael Gagne on lap number three.
• Frédéric Bussières (Xprezo/Solid Edge)
• Future Canadian star Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Store Team) leads from the start.
• (Rocky Mountain/Pro-Cycle)
• Jaqueline Mourao (RedBull-Scott-Exceed) rode to a strong fourth place.
• Catherine Vipond (Norco) got off to a good start, but DNF'ed.
• Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis) got a good start, but finished 11th after a mechanical.
• Eric Batty (Trek Store Canada)
• Adam Morka (3 Rox Racing) was in the top five after four laps but DNF'ed.
• Matthew Hadley (Xprezo) went on to take eighth place.
• Andrew Watson (Team Ontario) moved his way up to a fourth place on the podium.
• Neal Kindree (Kona Factory Team). It wasn't his day today.
• Matthew Green (Rocky Mountain - K Capital) rode a consistent race.
• Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing) rode a very strong race, finishing just 1:24 behind the winner.
• Derek Zandstra (3 Rox Racing) finished a strong second despite a flat tire early in the race.
• Martin Lazarski (Rocky Mountain Different Bikes) moved up consistently and ended up fifth.
• A retro style haircut
• Winner Raphaël Gagné (Rocky Mountain)
• Emily Batty (Trek Bicycle Store Team) happy after winning her race
• Elite women's cross country podium (from left) Caroline Villeneuve, Jean Ann McKirdy, Emily Batty, Amanda Sim, Jaqueline Mourao
• Elite men's podium (from left) Martin Lazarski, Eric Batty, Raphael Gagne, Derek Zandstra, Andrew Watson

Lisboa Downtown

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Images by Santa Cruz Syndicate

• Lisboa was the site of this weekend's downhill racing action for many.
• Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar scout the course.
• Steve Peat catches some air.
• Nathan Rennie on the downhill.
• Some spectators did their laundry while watching the race.
• Greg Minnaar picks his line down some stairs.
• A rider adds a little flair to his run.
• Steve Peat races some steps on his way to the win.
• Greg Minnaar on his way to second.
• Plenty of spectators watched the urban event.
• In the hot seat...
• Lisboa downhill King Steve Peat
• Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar exchange tales of their runs.
• Podium: 2nd - Greg Minnaar, 1st - Steve Peat, 3rd - Filip Polc

Tour of Japan

Stage 7 - May 25: Hibiya City - Oi Wharf circuit race, 148.9km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• The heavy rain hits the start of the 12th Tour of Japan's final stage in Tokyo.
• Simon Clarke (SouthAustralia.com - AIS) needs an umbrella to sign on at the start.
• Polish team Mroz-Action-Uniqa had a meeting for the final time before the start in Tokyo.
• Marco Weilenmann (Stegcomputer -CTK-Cogeas) with a good luck charm.
• SouthAustralia.com - AIS waiting for a start of the final stage in Tokyo.
• The jerseys for the Tour of Japan line up for the start in a rainy Tokyo.
• The Tour of Japan's final stage started in the rain.
• The peloton rounds a wet circuit at Ooi Wharf in Tokyo.
• Kazakh Maxim Gourov (A-Style-Somn) leads the breakaway.
• The peloton is riding a wet course in Tokyo.
• SouthAustralia.com - AIS keeps control of the peloton for its race leader.
• Cameron Meyer (South Australia.com-AIS), the green jersey holder, rides in the peloton.
• Dutch rider Leon van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling) is a part of the breakaway.
• Polish rider Marcin Gebka (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) expected a sprint finish.
• First stage winner Zakkari Dempster (SouthAustralia.com - AIS) is in the breakaway on the final stage too.
• Japanese Shinich Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) and Alberto di Lorenzo (A-Style-Somn) attack from the breakaway.
• Piotr Chmielewski (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) works for his team-mate Marcin Gebka in the breakaway.
• Polish rider Marcin Gebka (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) is the fastest man in the breakaway.
• Marcin Gebka (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) wins the final stage of the 12th Tour of Japan in Tokyo.
• Marcin Gebka (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) prepares for the ceremony.
• Tokyo stage winner Marcin Gebka (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) on the podium.
• Marcin Gebka (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) with his team patrons Mrs. and Mr. Mroz.
• Italian Vincenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka) won the mountain classification.
• Japanese rider Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team) won the points classification.
• SouthAustralia.com - AIS won the team classification, as well as the overall race win.
• Cameron Meyer (SouthAustralia.com - AIS) became the Tour of Japan's first Australian winner.
• The final stage winner and the jersey holders at the 12th Tour of Japan.
• The final podium at the 12th Tour of Japan… See you next year!

Stage 6 - May 24: Shuzeni-Japan Cycle Sport Center, 112.5km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• Mountain TT winner Vincenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka) wears a red mountain jersey.
• The 6th stage of Tour of Japan started at a local street near by the station in Izu.
• Local Hero Hidenori Nodera (Skil-Shimano) starts the stage in front of the peloton.
• A-Style wanted to take a picture as a souvenir in Japan.
• The Aussie-armada is waiting at the start of the final battle.
• The jerseys for the 6th stage: Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team / Point) , Hyo Suk Gong (Seoul Cycling/ leader) and Vincenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka / Mountain).
• Stegcomputer -CTK-Cogeas's Timo Albietz greets his fans.
• Who do you want to throw your kiss to?
• The peloton hits a hard mountain course in Izu.
• The first breakaway included Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR), Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS),Tomoya Kano (Skil-Shimano) and Rhys Pollock (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling)
• Korean Seoul Cycling tries to control the peloton for their leader Hyo Suk Gong.
• South Australia.com-AIS's manager Brian Stephens leads his team from the team car.
• The race service shows the gap of the breakaway.
• Sprinter Leon Van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling) climbs the hard mountain next to the race reader Hyo Suk Gong (Seoul Cycling).
• Former race leader Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) leads the breakaway.
• The first winner of the Tour of Japan Jean-Philippe Duracka leads his A-Style-Somn on his car.
• Italian Vincenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka) attacks the peloton at five laps to go.
• Alexandre Aulas (A-Style-Somn / right) is waiting for an opportunity to go.
• Red mountain jersey Vincenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka) checks his rivals.
• The Aussie-armada controls the main group at two laps to go.
• South Australia.com-AIS's Simon Clarke leads the main group at eight km to go.
• French Alexandre Aulas (A-Style-Somn) wins the stage after his manager Jean-Philippe Duracka was second in the same place in 1996.
• Cameron Meyer (South Australia.com-AIS) finishes in fourth place and gets a green leader jersey.
• Korean Hyo Suk Gong (Seoul Cycling) finishes the hardest stage around three minutes after the winner and loses his leader jersey.
• Local Hero Hidenori Nodera (Skil-Shimano) is welcomed from his small fan group after the finish.
• Stage winner Alexandre Aulas (A-Style-Somn) is congratulated by his team-mate Maxim Gourov.
• French Alexandre Aulas (A-Style-Somn) climbs the podium as a stage winner for the first time as a professional.
• Vincenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka) confirms his red mountain jersey.
• Japanese Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team) still keeps his blue point jersey.
• Cameron Meyer (South Australia.com-AIS) gets a green leader's jersey by only one second of an advantage.
• The podium of the sixth stage of the 12th Tour of Japan.

Stage 5 - May 23: Subashiri - Mount Fuji (ITT), 11.4km

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Images by Hitoshi Omae/PhotoSport International UK, USA, ASIA

• Jai Crawford finished 3rd & moved into third overall.
• Arashiro did enough for 9th.
• Sulzburger had a bad day to finish 22nd.
• Garofalo took the stage and the mountains jersey.
• Hyo Suk Gong (Seoul Cycling) finished 2nd and moved into the overall lead.
• Timo Albiez (Stegcomputer - CKT - Cogeas).
• Robert Rodosz (Mroz Action Uniqa).
• Mariusz Witecki (Mroz Action Uniqa) was 7th.
• Hyo Suk Gong (Seoul Cycling) is the first Korean to lead the race in it's 12 year history.
• Cameron Meyer now sits in 2nd overall.
• The beautiful Mount Fuji is an onimious in the back ground.
• Tomoya Kano (Skil-Shimano).
• Garofalo took the win today.

Stage 4 - May 21: Shimohisakata circuit race, 155.3km

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Images by Hitoshi Omae/PhotoSport International UK, USA, ASIA

• The peloton rolls away from the start line in Nagano - home of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
• Sweeping bends and mountain scenery on stage four.
• And plenty of suffering in the Japanese mountains.
• Takashi Miyazawa (Meitan Hompo-GDR) takes off at one of the intermediate sprints.
• The six man breakaway with Alberto Di Lorenzo (A-Style) on the front.
• Simon Clarke (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) and Vicenzo Garofalo (Nippo-Endeka) we both part of the day's winning break.
• Simon Clarke (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) takes his team's third victory at the Tour of Japan.
• Traditional Japanese head gear for the winner.
• Race leader Wes Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) has a one second lead over team-mate Simon Clarke.

Stage 3 - May 20: Mino Washi Paper Museum circuit race, 164.7km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki

• Australian Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) does a TV interview in front of the 18th century houses in Mino.
• Koji Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) is always a popular man for interviews.
• The Polish Mroz Team rests in the old house before the start in Mino.
• The smallest cycling fa n gets two caps.
• This Japanese lady has a nice parasol with many signatures of the riders.
• The peloton gets rolling along a street of typical 18th century houses in Mino.
• Wesley Sulzberger and Zakkari Dempster (South Australia.com-AIS) at the start with their leaders' jerseys.
• Marco Weilenmann (Stegcomputer-CKT-Cogeas) gives out a low five.
• Dutch veteran Leon Van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team) is cheered by small Japanese fans in the start.
• Twenty three riders broke away from the peloton early in the race.
• Green jersey Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) rides at the front of the breakaway.
• The peloton is led by Nippo-Endeka.
• The finish line is hit by a strong tail wind.
• The Stegcomputer-CKT-Cogeas team tries to reduce the gap.
• The peloton is driven along by Davis Miolin (Nippo-Endeka) with three laps to go.
• Zakkari Dempster (South Australia.com-AIS) stays up front for a final bunch sprint.
• But the pursuit can't catch Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR).
• Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) gives the victory salute.
• The sprint for the second is dominated by Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team).
• Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) hugs his team manager after the finish.
• Shinichi Fukushima (Meitan Hompo-GDR) gets many Japanese souvenirs on the podium.
• Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR) kept his red mountain jersey.
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) keeps his green leader's jersey.
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) gets a kiss on the podium.
• The podium for stage three in Mino.
• Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team), second on the third stage, gets the blue points jersey.

Stage 2 - May 19: Dalbutsuden - Nunome Dam circuit race, 146.2km

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Images by Hitoshi Omae/PhotoSport International UK, USA, ASIA

• Team Mroz was seeking help from Buddha for the stage.
• The peloton struggles up a rise, midway through the race.
• Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo - GDR) on the attack but he was brought back.
• Wesley Sulzberger takes the win for the AIS team. His team-mate Cameron Meyer got second.
• The start at the temple
• The local wildlife was out in force to watch the riders tackle stage 2.
• The 16-man break on the hill.

Images by Miwako Sasaki

• The podium: Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) & Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR).
• Japanese champion Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo-GDR) gets the red mountain jersey.
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) gets the blue point jersey too.
• Japanese greeting for Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS).
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) gets the green leader jersey after stage 2.
• Stage 2 winner Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) on the podium.
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) takes a stage.
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) climbs on the final hill.
• Green leader jersey Zakkari Dempster (South Australia.com-AIS) in the peloton.
• A-Style-Somn riders working hard at the front of the peloton with 5 laps to go.
• Yesterday's crash victim Masahiro Shinagawa (Aisan Racing Team) joins the breakaway.
• South Australia.com-AIS has two guys in the breakaway.
• Cloudy sky threw a few drops of rain on the breakaway.
• Australian Rhys Pollock (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team) leads the breakaway on the hill.
• Mariusz Witecki (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) works hard in the breakaway.
• Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia.com-AIS) joins 16 riders in the breakaway.
• Leon Van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team) takes a picture of the starting ceremony.
• Zakkari Dempster (South Australia.com-AIS) wears the leader jersey.
• Maxim Gourov (A-Style-Somn) smiles with a security guard.
• Mroz-Action-Uniqa riders try to pray "Japanese style".
• Polish team Mroz-Action-Uniqa takes a picture in front of the temple in Nara.

Stage 1 - May 18: Senbokou circuit race, 140.8km

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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com

• Stegcomputer-CKT-Cogeas gives a special picture for cyclingnews reader!
• South Australia.com-AIS's Zakkari Dempster and Simon Clarke.
• A-Style's riders give autographs for their sponsor's shops in Japan.
• Polish Robert Radosz (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) is the current UCI Asia Tour reader.
• 12th tour of Japan starts under the clear sky.
• Twice Tour de France stage winner Leon Van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team) rides the 12th Tour of Japan.
• An international peloton races through the city of Sakai, Osaka.
• Kazuyuki Manabe (Nippo-Endeka) leads the all Japanese breakaway.
• Dutchman Leon Van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team) sits comfortably in the peloton.
• New color for the peloton of the Tour of Japan: A-Style-Somne and Stegcomputer-CKT-Cogeas.
• Calm Down! South Australia.com-AIS's Zakkari Dempster and Simon Clarke relax in the peloton.
• Skil Shimano's Yoshimasa Hirose leads the peloton with Mroz-Action-Uniqa's Piotr Chmielewski.
• South Australia.com-AIS's Zakkari Dempster takes his first international victory.
• Simon Clarke (South Australia.com-AIS) celebrates his team-mate's success at the finish line.
• Leon Van Bon (Trek-Marco Polo Cycling Team) is a victim for the crash at 300m to go.
• OUCH! Marek Rutkiewicz (Mroz-Action-Uniqa) is involved in the crash at 300m to go.
• Many Japanese fans congratulate the stage winner.
• Stage 1 winner Zakkari Dempster (South Australia.com-AIS).
• Tour of Japan's points leader jersey is a bit small for big Zak?
• Australian Zakkari Dempster (South Australia.com-AIS) gets the first green leader jersey.
• Can you read Japanese, Zak?
• What a sweet first victory, Zak!

Images by Hitoshi Omae/PhotoSport International UK, USA, ASIA

• A throng of people watched the start of stage 1.
• The peloton is in single file as they reach high speeds on the circuit.
• Zakkari Dempster takes a clean win on the first day in Japan.
• Koji Fukushima leads the break but they couldn't stay away.
• The peloton was chasing hard and reeled in the break for a bunch sprint.

Tour de Picardie

Stage 4 - May 18: Ault Cayeux-sur-Mer, 95 km

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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/cyclingpictures.de

• The bunch zipping through French villages.
• Florent Brard (Cofidis) in the break.
• The break is in sight of the peloton.
• William Frischkorn (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) started the day's break.
• Brard leads the break ahead of Emilien Benoit Bergès (Agritubel).
• The bunch somewhat relaxed
• The end of the peloton entering
• The intermediate sprint to keep yellow for Demaret, but he lost out to Chavanel.
• Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) is exhausted and lost the race by one second!
• The finale was tense for Française des Jeux.
• The peloton smelling the finishing banner.
• Française des Jeux celebrated a double victory.
• Sébastien Chavanel (Française des Jeux) in the centre wins the stage and the overall.
• Chavanel ahead of team-mate Philippe Gilbert.
• There was plenty of time to celebrate for Gilbert, who looked where the yellow jersey was.
• The Française des Jeux train rolls home.
• Sébastien Chavanel (Française des Jeux) wins.
• Chavanel got two victories in one and also took the overall.
• Bernard Hinault congratulates his compatriot Chavanel.
• Chavanel on the podium.
• Chavanel gets the final yellow jersey of the race.
• A happy winner!
• Chavanel also won green.
• Alexandre Moos (BMC Racing Team) won the mountains classification
• Moos with the polka-dot and celebrating a great day for the US team.
• Jean Eudes Demaret lost yellow but still won the young rider classification
• The final podium (l-r) with Jean Eudes Demaret, Sébastien Chavanel and Martin Elmiger.
• Three riders for four jerseys.

Stage 3 - May 18: Grandvilliers Cayeux-sur-Mer, 88.5 km

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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/cyclingpictures.de

• The peloton approaches the end of the neutral section.
• The attacks came right away and the back end of the bunch had to grit its teeth before they even reached the battle ground...
• The flag wasn't even down yet but the gantlets sure were.
• The early break was formed right away.
• The cars trying to keep up.
• Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) takes the win with a few riders trying to avoid the bunch sprint.
• Demaret's joy as he crossed the line ahead of the other two.
• Yellow jersey Elmiger gets home with points leader Siedler in green. Aurélien Clerc is the man in the front.
• The sprint was a tight affair.
• Demaret won, with Slipstream's Patour in third.
• Elmiger finished in the bunch and lost his overall lead.
• The rest of the bunch coming in.
• Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) enjoys the podium
• Demaret took over the yellow jersey.
• A happy Demaret

Stage 2 - May 17: Ribemont Clermont-de-l’Oise, 181 km

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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/cyclingpictures.de

• Niko Eeckhout (Topsport Vlaanderen) leads the breakaway across the line with one lap to go.
• Elmiger was jubilant after winning stage two and taking the overall lead.
• Martin Elmiger (AG2R-La Mondiale) gets the win on stage two.
• Elmiger put three seconds into the rest of the field to take yellow.
• The peloton hits the line just seconds behind the winner.
• The leader Sebastian Siedler rolls in, losing the yellow to Elmiger.
• Erki Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom)
• This Agritubel rider didn't seem too happy with the finish.
• Siedler hit the deck and ended up losing the overall lead.
• Elmiger gets his prizes.
• Elmiger with the traditional prizes for race leader.
• The Swiss rider took yellow and leads now by four seconds over Siedler.
• Sebastian Siedler (Skil Shimano) kept the points jersey.
• Alexander Moos (BMC) is the mountains leader.

Stage 1 - May 16: Crécy-en-Ponthieu Guise, 179 km

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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/cyclingpictures.de

• Française des Jeux at the start.
• Cofidis jokes around before the stage.
• Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme helps start the stage.
• The riders start from Crécy-en-Ponthieu.
• A cloudy day in the countryside.
• Niko Eeckhout (Topsport Vlaanderen)
• Riders come through for the finishing circuit.
• Sebastian Siedler (Skil-Shimano) takes the sprint.
• Alexandre Blain (Cofidis) launched the sprint but hit the ground.
• Sebastian Siedler (Skil-Shimano) after the race.
• Overall leader Sebastian Siedler (Skil-Shimano)
• Points leader Sebastian Siedler (Skil-Shimano)
• Germany's Sebastian Siedler (Skil-Shimano) happy with the race leadership
• Alexandre Moos (BMC Racing Team) takes the mountains classification.

Mount Hood Classic

Stage 6 - May 18: Downtown Hood River Criterium, 75/50 minutes

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Images by Mark Zalewski/mzphoto.printroom.com

• Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) ensured Symmetrics got some runs on the board by winning the final stage.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) claims yet another stage victory.
• Race leader Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) starts his final stage defense.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) had a good week, finishing fifth overall.
• William Routley (Symmetrics) was the best placed GC rider for his team with twelfth.
• US crit champ Kirk O'Bee (Health Net-Maxxis) had to hold back from going for the win today.
• Even a downtown criterium has beautiful scenery.
• Oregonian Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) made the break and clinched the sprint jersey.
• Morgan Schmitt (Bissell) added to the team's GC win with the best young rider jersey.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) ended up third, but the team won the team classification.
• Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) made his return to racing here at Mt. Hood.
• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe's) leads the winning break.
• Health Net-Maxxis controls the field field for Sutherland.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) looks over his shoulder at second-place Darren Lill (BMC) just to make sure he is in his place.
• Teddy King (Bissell) was the best placed GC rider in the break.
• Sutherland is shadowed by Jacques-Maynes
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) checks to see who else is in the break, with Andred Ponfold (Symmetrics) on his wheel.
• Textbook race control from Health Net-Maxxis.
• Wherry drives the pace with one lap to go.
• Inside one lap to go and it's all but over for Sutherland.
• Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) sprinting with Ivan Stevic (Toyota-Untied) trying to come back against the barriers.
• Race leader Julie Beveridge (Aaron's) descends safely on the front on the first lap.
• US crit champ Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) was stuck at the back early on.
• Jeannie Longo (River City Bikes) was the poster girl for bad luck this week, but still gives it a go in the crit.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) won the queen stage and just stayed safe today.
• High Road's Kim Anderson rode with Abbott on a composite team, and got some good training for the Montreal world cup in June.
• Tina Pic (Colavita Sutter Home shadowed by sprint jersey winner Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO).
• Race leader Julie Beveridge (Aaron's) staying watchful in the pack.
• Pic's Colavita-Sutter Home teammates helped her get to the front on the penultimate lap.
• Overall winner Julie Beveridge (Aaron's) had some bad luck in the final turn, but is still happy with her impressive win.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Justin Spinelli (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) prepares for the start on a hot Oregon afternoon.
• Alessandro (Bazzana (Successful Living) gets things started early.
• Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) was looking for a spot on the podium today.
• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe’s) makes his move and goes on the attack.
• Roman Kilun (HealthNet-Maxxis) sees the break go up the road and decides to go with them.
• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe’s) jumps off the front of the field to join the break.
• David Clinger (Rock Racing) riding strong at the front.
• The break starts to form during the opening laps.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) stays alert on the front of the peloton.
• Matt Crane (HealthNet-Maxxis) and company control the front of the field.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) missed the selection and remained in the peloton.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) leads he break through the fast descent.
• David Clinger (Rock Racing) leads his team-mate Doug Ollerenshaw in the break.
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet) flies through the descent in search of the leaders.
• The peloton snakes through the shady backstretch.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) rides strong in the break.
• The HealthNet-Maxxis train was on the front working hard.
• HealthNet-Maxxis turns up the heat through the start/finish line.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) sits mid field as the laps tick by.
• Race leader Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) protected by his team, sits in the draft.
• HealthNet-Maxxis was all over the front in the closing laps attempting to bring back the break.
• Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) takes a close sprint on the line.
• Men's podium (L-R): Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United), Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics), and Alessandro Bazzana (Successful Living).
• Local favorite Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) in the green sprinter's jersey.
• Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) won the overall King of the Mountains jersey.
• Overall men's podium (L-R): Darren Lill (BMC Pro Cycling), Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis), and Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling).
• General classification winner Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) poses with the podium girls.
• Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita Sutter Home) on the line.
• Race leader Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) with team-mate Felicia Gomez during call ups.
• Jeanie Longo-Ciprelli (River City Racing) is one of the most decorated in all of women’s cycling.
• Leah Goldstein (ValueAct Capital) ready to rumble on a hot Oregon day.
• Rebecca Larson (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) manages a smile prior to the start.
• The pace was high from the gun as the leaders came to the front.
• Jeanie Longo-Ciprelli (River City Racing) drives the peloton.
• The ladies string out through the first turn.
• Andrea Dvorak (Colavita/Sutter Home) was working hard to stay in the top half of the field.
• Team Tibco spent plenty of time on the front ensuring that the pace was high.
• King of the Mountain jersey wearer Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) flies through the downhill turn.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) was looking for a podium spot today.
• Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita/Sutter Home) jumps out of the corner.
• Jeanie Longo (River City Racing) strings out the field through the final turn.
• Lauren Franges (Tibco) attacks at the top of a downhill turn.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) begins to move up as the laps tick by.
• Victoria Bastide (Tibco) gets some quick service by the Shimano Service crew.
• The pain shows on Kristin McGrath’s face as she helps team-mate Tina Pic work her way through the field.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) sprints home to victory.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) the winner on the day.
• Women’s podium (L-R): Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco), Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Jeanie Longo-Ciprelli (River City Racing).

Stage 5 - May 17: Wy'East Road Race, 101/70 miles

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Images by Mark Zalewski/mzphoto.printroom.com

• Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) claimed a solo victory on the fourth stage.
• The men's race rolls out on the way to Mt. Hood.
• Mt. Hood off in the distance on the 101 mile stage.
• Health Net-Maxxis rode at the front keen on taking a stage win.
• Race leader Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) calls out who is in the breaks as former leader Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) looks on.
• It was a very aggressive start to the men's race.
• The race gets a little closer to Mt. Hood.
• Oregonian Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) stayed in the sprint jersey.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) keeps tabs on dangerous breaks.
• Tim Johnson (Health Net-Maxxis) had to abandon with a knee injury, putting the team a man-down.
• The first KOM sprint on the way to Mt. Hood.
• Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefits-Medifast) defended his KOM lead, clinching the jersey.
• US U23 road champ Max Jenkin (California Giant Berry) has raced well this week, making many of the major breaks.
• Omer Kem (Bissell) descends during the Wy'East Road Race.
• James Mattis (California Giant Berry) on the downhill.
• Dan Bowman (Kelly Benefits-Medifast) was very useful to team-mate Andrew Bajadali in defending the KOM lead.
• Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) swings wide to get a better picture of the break composition.
• The White River begins here as the race starts to head upwards.
• Race leader Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) had no time to enjoy the view.
• Symmetrics helped chase the break while Health Net-Maxxus team-mate Phil Zajicek looks after Rory Sutherland.
• Teddy King (Bissel) was the danger man for Health Net-Maxxis, just 1:45 down on race leader Rory Sutherland.
• James Mattis (California Giant Berry) attacks the peloton.
• Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) joins Mattis as the move starts to form.
• The rest of the break struggles to rejoin the move.
• Darren Lill (BMC) sets the pace and rides into second place overall.
• James Mattis (California Giant Berry) and Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) with two kilometres to go
• Race leader Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) happy to be done.
• Michael Olheiser (Memphis Motor Works) is racing by himself and rode well, making the break.
• Stage podium with Mt. Hood as the backdrop: James Mattis (California Giant Berry Farms/ Specialized) Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) and Rory Sutherland (Health Net/Maxis)
• Your race leader: Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis).
• Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefits-Medifast) is still the KOM leader.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) showed why she is a US champion by claiming the women's win.
• Women's race leader Julie Beveridge (Aaron's) with Mara Abbott (High Road) on her wheel.
• Defending champion Lead Goldstein (ValuAct Capital) felt the course was easier but the competition was much stiffer.
• Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com) makes her move with Martina Patella (ValuAct Capital) in tow.
• Mt. Hood hiding in the distance during the women's race.
• Former race leader Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO) in the sprint jersey.
• Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com) extends her lead to 1:30.
• Bridging attempts go to catch Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com), who was strong as always.
• Rachel Heal (TIBCO) bridges with Meredith Miller (Aaron's) defending.
• Martina Patella (ValuAct Capital) is done and radios back to the team for help.
• Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com) alone off the front.
• The four chasers see their destination on the 70 mile stage.
• Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com) feeling the climb.
• The chasers catch Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com) as the race enters its next phase.
• Jenn Halladay (Bobs-Bicycles.com) loses contact with Rachel Heal (TIBCO) and Meredith Miller (Aaron's).
• Communication was rare as a motorbike official has to yell the time split.
• The rest of the field sees the leaders.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) passes the leaders.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) rides away from everyone.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) climbing unaware that she has the stage lead.
• Race leader Julie Beveridge (Aaron's) crosses the line in time.
• Defending champion Lead Goldstein (ValuAct Capital) did not have enough today.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• The peloton rolls along some of Oregon’s most barren landscape.
• Tim Johnson (Health Net/Maxxis) and his team-mates control the race.
• The peloton winds through the rural Oregon landscape.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net/Maxxis) sprints back to the field after a nature break.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) attacks off the front of the field in the early going.
• Two Bissell riders head up the road in search of the breakaway.
• A small group of riders break Health Net-Maxxis' grip on the race and go clear.
• Toyota-United’s team car comes forward to the break.
• The peloton climbs out of a canyon with Mt. Hood in the background.
• Health Net/Maxxis in control with the race leader tucked in safely.
• The temperatures were high and the climbs just kept on coming.
• Health Net/Maxxis on the front as the peloton climbs up yet another hill.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) rolls along with Mt. Hood over his shoulder.
• The pace heats up and the field strings out.
• The field exits the feed zone on the penultimate stage.
• Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) prepares for the start this morning.
• A four rider break dangles in front of the peloton in the closing miles.
• The break heads for the mountains on Stage 4.
• The four rider break streaks pass a beautiful forest on their way to the summit.
• Jenn Halladay (Bob’s Bicycles) was alone out front as they started the final ascent.
• Rachel Heal (Tibco) leads the way up the climb in search of the loner escapee.
• Jenn Halladay (Bob’s Bicycles) enjoys the last few seconds of race leadership as she is caught.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) was eyeing the top step of the podium as she crossed the line first.
• Women’s podium (L-R): Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (River City Racing), Mara Abbott (High Road), and Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s Pro Cycling).
• The Colavita ladies experiment with a new cool down method.
• Alison Testroete (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) was feeling the effects of a tough day in the saddle.
• Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) retains her yellow jersey.
• Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) sprints home for the victory.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net/Maxxis) knows that his race lead is safe as he crosses the line.
• Men’s podium (L-R): James Mattis (California Giant Berry), Caleb Manion (Toyota-United), and Rory Sutherland (Health Net/Maxxis).

Stage 4 - May 16: Scenic Gorge Time Trial, 18.2 miles

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Images by Mark Zalewski/mzphoto.printroom.com

• Nathan Miller (BMC) rides along the beautiful carved out road.
• Colby Pearce (Slipstream-Chipotle) had no time to enjoy the spectacular views of the Columbia River gorge.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona-Adobe) is enjoying a nice leisurely TT ride.
• Chris Wherry (Toyota-United) yelled at our photographer, "Isn't this absolutely beautiful!".
• Car companies use this road to shoot those amazing commercials.
• Going to extreme lengths just to get the shot.
• Ryan Anderson (Symmetrics) is one of the event's Under 23 riders.
• A lonely road for David Clinger (Rock Racing).
• The speed of Creed: Michael Creed (Rock Racing).
• Justin England (Toyota-United) had a good ride finishing fifth.
• Phil Zajicek (HealthNet-Maxxis) was disappointed with 18th place, but happy with a team-mate's win.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) stayed in the hunt for general classification with second place.
• Darren Lill (BMC) rode well as the race leader, finishing third.
• The stage featured some beautiful scenery, not that the riders had the chance to take it in.
• There was no time to enjoy the view.
• A nice tailwind came off the gorge.
• Lara Kroepsch (Valuact Capital) riding into the finish.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's) will be a valuable motor for tomorrow.
• The views were amazing on the day's stage.
• Rachel Heal (TIBCO) passes team-mate Lauren Franges.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita-Sutter Home) gives it a push.
• Leah Goldstein (ValuAct Capital) shows the scale of the gorge.
• Stage 1 winner Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) gave it her all.
• Anne Samplonious (Cheerwine) rode well to finish fifth.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) roars into the race lead at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic time trial.
• Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s) surprised herself by racing into the leader’s jersey along the scenic Columbia River gorge.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• The view from the scenic outlook point as riders approach.
• Hayden Brooks (Fiordifrutta) begins his climb in his aero bars.
• Time trials are certainly not Michael Sayers (BMC Pro Cycling) specialty, but he attacks this one like a professional.
• Osvaldo Olmos (Cal-Giant) gives it his all as he climbs.
• Ben Day (Toyota-United) had something to prove today, and he did a great job finishing in 14th place.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona) had time to smile in the opening miles.
• Tom Githen (Kahala- La Grange) looked good at the base of the climb.
• Jeremy Vennell (Bissell Pro Cycling) chases down his 30 second man on the climb.
• Andy Jaques-Maynes (Cal-Giant) powers his way up the climb.
• Jonathon Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) with his team car in tow, ascends the climb.
• Roman Kilun (HealthNet-Maxxis) shows the strain of his effort.
• Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) in perfect form, hides from the wind.
• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe’s) climbs with a vengeance.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) climbs up to the scenic outlook.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) was only 25 seconds off the pace over the 18 mile course.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) scorched this course and the rest of the competition.
• Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine) begins the lonely ascent to the scenic outlook.
• Alison Shanks (Jazz Apple) was looking for a good time on the day.
• Megan Guarnier (Proman Racing) rolls along the flat opening section of the course.
• Helen Kelly (Tibco) unfortunately doesn’t have time to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) concentrates on the turn ahead as she hunts down the finish line.
• Lauren Franges (Tibco) scrubs some speed as she sets up for a turn.
• Virginia Perkins (Proman Racing) was tucked in a looking good.
• Iona Wynter (Colavita/Sutter Home) looked like a guided missile as she made her way to the line.
• Stacy Marple (Cheerwine) stays low through a left hand turn.
• Kristin McGrath (Colavita/Sutter Home) heads for home at the half way point.
• Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) follows the yellow line through a turn.
• Looking to get back on the podium Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) pours it on.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) shows the wind a very skinny profile.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (River City Racing) missed her start, but made up time on course.
• Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) rode her way into third on the day.
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) looked fresh and relaxed at the mid point of her ride.

Stage 3 - May 15: Cooper Spur Circuit Race, 85/65 miles

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Images by Mark Zalewski/mzphoto.printroom.com

• Joanne Kiesenowski (TIBCO) regains the race leader's jersey with a climbing sprint win ahead of Jeanie Longo.
• The men's peloton sets off for 4.5 laps.
• Breaks formed quickly
• Mt. Hood off in the distance.
• Ryan Trebon (Kona-Adobe) climbs in the break.
• Bissell patrols the front to make sure no threats get up the road.
• Bissell works the front for leader Ben Jacques-Maynes.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) had a quiet day as race leader.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) waits for his opportunity.
• The break turns onto the climb.
• The break rolls
• U23 road champion Max Jenkins (California Giant Berry Farms)
• Bees and other annoyances bothered some riders.
• Yellow jersey Hilton Clarke has a puncture.
• The turn to the climb
• The break begins to disintegrate
• BMC begins to help Bissell close down the break.
• South African Darren Lill (BMC) attacked with one kilometre to go and held the rest of the field (and a commissaries car) at bay.
• An interesting place for energy pills
• The women begin slowly
• Rebecca Larson (Aaron's) climbs.
• US champion Mara Abbott (High Road)
• Race leader Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) takes a quick drink.
• A small break did try to escape.
• Jamaican champion Iona Wynter (Colavita-Sutter Home).
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's) climbs strong for her teammates.
• Still some snow
• Race leader Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) hanging tough.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) bleeding after crashing in the QOM sprint.
• Jeanie Longo-Ciprelli puts in another attack.
• The field covers Longo
• Tiffany Cromwell gives Pic a hand
• 1km to go and it's all together
• Joanne Kiesenowski (TIBCO) regains the race leader's jersey with a climbing sprint win ahead of Jeanie Longo.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe’s) prepares for the start with a smile.
• The HealthNet-Maxxis boys relax before the start.
• Bradley White (Successful Living) has a flat just off the line.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) pedal along in silence.
• The peloton rolls by some beautiful Oregon scenery.
• The peloton slowly headed for the first climb of the day.
• Up, up, up they go. The climbing begins.
• Bissell Pro Cycling patrols the front and picks up the pace.
• Welcome to synchronized cycling.
• Matt Cooke (HealthNet-Maxxis) rode a strong race taking a few intermediate sprints.
• Bissell Pro Cycling turns up the heat and strings out the field on the second lap.
• The things you see on the side of the road during a bike race!
• Neil Shirley (Jittery Joe’s) and Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) lead a small break up the road on the second circuit.
• Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefits/Medifast) does his part to keep the break rolling.
• The pack rolls through the beautiful orchards of Oregon.
• Matt Crane (HealthNet-Maxxis) shows that he can hold his own with the big boys as he takes a pull.
• The break got down to business and put some time on the field.
• A little dissention among the troops as they attempt to get things back organized.
• BMC Pro Cycling steps up and lends a hand to the chase.
• Darren Lill (BMC Pro Cycling) out-sprints Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) and a Toyota MR2 for the victory.
• The women's peloton climbs out of the gorge.
• It seemed that know one was inspired to do any work today.
• The women descend past one of Mt. Hood’s bed and breakfast facilities.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprille (River City) drives the pace.
• The field sorts itself as it enters the final circuit.
• The peloton goes curb-to-curb as the field creeps along.
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) starts the attacks on the final climb.
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) sprints home for the win.
• Men’s podium (L-R): Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis), Darren Lill (BMC Pro Cycling), and Christian Meier (Symmetrics).
• Women’s podium (L-R): Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (River City Racing), Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco), and Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Pro Cycling).
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) earns the yellow jersey for her efforts.
• Darren Lill (BMC Pro Cycling) picks up the yellow leaders jersey with his victory today.

Stage 2 - May 14: Mt. Tabor Criterium, 90/60 minutes

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Images by Mark Zalewski/mzphoto.printroom.com

• Large crowds greeted the large peloton.
• Omer Kem (Bissell) takes the turn at the top of the climb.
• Phil Zajicek (Health Net-Maxxis) is wearing the number one as the highest placed finisher from last year with second.
• Escorting the leader Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) was done here by Aaron Olsen.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) was primed for the win.
• Almost perfect roads except for one hole in the crux of the turn at the top of the climb.
• There is sun in Portland after an opening day of rain.
• US Crit champ Kirk O'Bee (Health Net-Maxxis) was active on the front.
• A long descent made the speeds high and the breaks short.
• Twisting and turning.
• A beautiful course.
• Some small breaks tried in vain to escape.
• More failed breaks.
• The main descent.
• Lots of trees in Oregon.
• The reservoir building built in 1911.
• Everyone looking around.
• Bissell rode the front well but could not keep the leader's jersey.
• Keeping an eye on things.
• Kirk O'Bee (Health Net-Maxxis) made a solo attempt with five laps to go.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) watches the Bissell train chase O'Bee.
• Race leader Ben Jacques Maynes (Bissell) rode on the coattails of his team today.
• One lap to go and Toyota-United is on the front, led by Ben Day.
• Australia's Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) claims victory ahead of team-mate Ivan Stevic.
• Jeanie Longo-Ciprelli (River City) leads the peloton to make the race hard.
• The women's field climbs.
• Oregon means big trees.
• Going up in two directions.
• Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) in her US crit champion kit.
• Race leader Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO) made a valiant attempt at keeping her leader's jersey.
• Downtown Portland off in the distance.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's Pro) leads with Jeanie Longo-Ciprelli also making the race tough.
• Around the final turn it is Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) with race leader Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO) close behind.
• Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) continued to show strong form, clocking another victory.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) looked a bit apprehensive at the start.
• The men's field heads out for 90 minutes in the park.
• The climbing began just after turn one.
• The field stayed together for most of the race, even on the hill.
• Bissell Pro Cycling sent a few men up the road to test the waters.
• Tim Johnson (HealthNet-Maxxis) leads the peloton up the first climb.
• Ben Day (Toyota-United) focuses on the descent ahead.
• The field climbs to the start/finish line.
• Tim Johnson (HealthNet-Maxxis) looked strong on the front today.
• A two man break went up the road early on.
• Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling) descends the backside of the course.
• Bissell Pro Cycling had the entire team assembled at the front of the field.
• Matt Crane (HealthNet-Maxxis) takes a flyer in the Best Young Rider jersey.
• Edward King (Bissell Pro Cycling) goes up the road in search of the break.
• Alessandro Bazzana (Successful Living) prepares for the fast descent.
• Bissell Pro Cycling strongman Graham Howard powers through the final turn.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) has his eye on a podium position in the final moments of the race.
• Kirk O'Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) launches a late race attack on the climb.
• In the final laps the Toyota-United train was assembling at the front.
• In the end it was Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) sprinting home for the win.
• Men's podium (L-R): Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United), Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) , and Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis).
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) happy in yellow after today's stage.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's Pro Cycling) on the line at call ups.
• Dotsie Buasch (Colavita/Sutter Home) rolls to the line in her Most Aggressive jersey.
• Meredith Miller (Aaron's Pro Cycling) leads a small break away group in the early going.
• Mara Abbott (High Road) hangs out in the middle of the pack.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) keeps an eye on things up front.
• Rebecca Larson (Aaron's Pro Cycling) pulls the field through the shady park.
• Lauren Franges (Tibco) takes her pull as the peloton brings back the break.
• The peloton descends surrounded by the lush Oregon greenery.
• Megan Guarnier (Proman Racing) looks for any aerodynamic advantage as she descends.
• Andrea Dvorak (Colavita/Sutter Home) patrols the front of the peloton as the group comes back together.
• The women's field spreads out on the descent in front of the reservoir.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) rounds the final turn and winds up for the sprint.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) wins the sprint by a comfortable margin.
• Women's podium (L-R): Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco), Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home), and Julie Beveridge (Aaron's Pro Cycling).
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) takes the yellow race leader's jersey.
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) is making podium appearances a habit at this event.
• Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) has a word with the media after her race.

Stage 1 - May 13: Portland Prologue, 1.7 miles

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Images by Mark Zalewski/mzphoto.printroom.com

• Sticklers for the rules. 2mm too long is 2mm too long, so sayeth the UCI.
• Mmmmm, time for a pint. The local amateur team, represented here by Zach Winter, has a lovely sponsor.
• Watch the feet. Please keep your children within arms reach!
• Justin England (Toyota-United) grinds it out in the short prologue.
• Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) makes his return to racing with Rock Racing.
• Freddie Rodriguez (Rock Racing) drops it into the 11.
• Edward King (Bissell Pro) had a good result with fourth.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) despite being off top form, had a good ride with third.
• Former US time trial champ Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) will be looking more to the longer time trial in a few days.
• Recent Joe Martin winner Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) rides under the sponsor's banner at the start.
• All the way home: Sutherland grits his teeth to the finish.
• Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) waits for his start.
• Aaron Olsen (Bissel Pro) is glad to be racing near his home.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell Pro) sets off for his winning ride.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) shows his war face.
• After second last year, Phil Zajicek (Health Net-Maxxis) is ready for his turn at the top of Mt. Hood.
• Phil Zajicek (Health Net-Maxxis) finishes within six seconds of the leader.
• 50 years young: Jeanie Longo (River City Racing) shows she still has it at 50.
• Canadian champion Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) flying the maple leaf.
• Former Canadian champion Julie Beveridge (Aaron's Pro) working hard for top five.
• Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) sets off for her winning ride.
• Alison Shanks (Jazz Apple) made it a one-two podium for the Kiwis.
• Dotsie Bausch (Colavita-Sutter Home) fresh off her Pan American win came in third.
• Defending champion Leah Goldstein (ValuAct Capital) gets the honour of starting last.
• Felcia Gomez (Aaron's Pro) will be one to watch this week.
• Leah Goldstein (ValuAct Capital) was happy with a decent ride.
• Everyone likes a champ: The stars and stripes always attracts attention.

Alcobendas

Stage 3 - May 11: Alcobendas - S.S.De Los Reyes, 72.9 km

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Images by Karpin Galicia

• Ezequiel Mosquera (Karpin Galicia) during the final stage of the three-stage race.
• The mayor delivered the final yellow jersey for the Spaniard.
• Mosquera looks like he can't believe his luck just yet.

Tour de Kumano

Stage 3 - May 11: Taiji Hanto Circuit, 105.6 km

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Images by Hitoshi OMAE / PhotoSport International. UK - US - Asia.

• The two-man breakaway of Leon Van Bon (Trek - Marco Polo) and Kazuyuki Manabe (Nippo) ride along the Taiji Peninsula.
• The Meitan Hompo team control things for their leader Miyataka Shimizu.
• Manabe leads Van Bon along the Taiji peninsula circuit course.
• The veteran Van Bon was far too strong for Manabe at the finish.
• Race leader Miyataka Shimizu (Meitan Hompo-GDR) took the bunch sprint for third and kept his yellow jersey.
• The final podium (l-r): Satoshi Hirose (Aisan Racing Team), Miyataka Shimizu (Meitan Hompo) and Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan Hompo).
• Leon van Bon celebrates as he crosses the line.
• Van Bon and Kazuyuki Manabe (Nippo - Endeka/Nippo) make their way toward the line to fight out the win.
• Van Bon with flowers.
• Stage 3 podium (l-r): Miyataka Shimizu (Meitan Hompo - GDR), Leon Van Bon (Trek - Marco Polo Cycling) Team & Kazuyuki Manabe (Nippo - Endeka/Nippo).

Stage 2 - May 10: Kumano Sangaku Circuit, 112.1 km

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Images by Hitoshi OMAE / PhotoSport International. UK - US - Asia.

• The three-man break is led by Arashiro
• Yukiya Arashiro wins a wet stage on the second day.
• The peloton heads across some dangerously wet railroad tracks.
• The rain was good for the rice fields.
• Yukihiro Doi leads another break.
• Yukiya Arashiro preferred to ride solo for the last art of the race.
• The peloton is heading over the Fudatate pass for some wet KOM points.

Stage 1 - May 9: Akagigawa Seiryu Circuit, 105.1 km

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Images by Hitoshi OMAE / PhotoSport International. UK - US - Asia.

• The peloton heads over a bridge.
• The peloton is highly concentrated as they tackle a tricky descent.
• Satoshi Hirose takes the win in the 10-man group.
• The peloton is reflecting on the Tour de Kumano's country side.

Trophée Centre Morbihan

Stage 3 - May 11: Radenac - Locminé, 95.3km

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Images by Fabrice Lambert

• Wesley Kreder (DCM-GB Vorselaar) claimed the final stage victory.
• Nathan Brown's Hot Tubes Cycling Team team-mates congratulate him on his victory.
• The peloton rolls through the country side in France.
• Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) collects his yellow jersey on the podium.
• American Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) celebrates on the podium after his win.
• Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) and his team's director were pleased with the result.
• Nathan Brown (Hot Tubes Cycling Team) also claimed the young rider jersey.
• DCM-Gb Vorselaar topped the team's classification.
• Thomas Opdebeeck (Avia Cycling Team) topped the points classification.
• Tosh Vandersande (Avia Cycling Team) took the sprinter's jersey for his team.
• France's Arnaud Demare (Team Wasquehal Juniors) claimed the combination classification...
• ...as well as the mountains jersey.

Stage 2 - May 11: Réguiny Naizin (ITT), 7.2km

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Images by Fabrice Lambert

• Tom David with his trophee.
• The top three (l-r) Jonathan Breyne, Tom David and Zico Waeytens.
• The overall leader Clément Bouton
• Bouton was happy to get the lead but he is only two seconds ahead.
• Bouton during his time trial.
• The classification leaders

Stage 1 - May 10: Réguiny - Naizin, 106.5km

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Images by Fabrice Lambert

• One rider from each of the 28 teams posed for a picture.
• The peloton struggles up one of the little rises that take the energy out of legs if done at race pace.
• Mickaël Delage was the first to attack and the rider for the Dordogne selection woke up the bunch.
• Florian Taillefer tried to escape in the finishing circuit in Naizin.
• Jérémy Rouyer (Poitou Charente) leads the first break with Boris Zimine on his wheel.
• The arrival of Thomas Opdebeeck ahead of the small group.
• Thomas Opdebeeck wins the first stage.
• The peloton comes home.
• The joy of the Avia Cycling Team.
• The podium with all the jerseys.
• Thomas Opdebeeck won the stage and is presented with flowers on the podium.
• The US team Hot Tubes ended up on the top of the teams classification after day one.

Dirt Sweat and Gears

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Images by DS&G / www.dirtsweatandgears.com

• Gary Fisher
• Fuzzy John Mylne
• Mark Hendershot
• Greg Martin
• Nat Ross
• Rebecca Rusch
• Pua Sawicki
• Tinker Juarez
• Josh Tostado
• Dejay Birtch
• Dejay Birtch
• Brandon Draugelis

Giro del Friuli

Stage 5 - May 11: Alesso - Pontebba, 148.9 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Luca Gasparini (SC Pagnoncelli-NGC-Perrel ASD).
• Luca Iattici (Danton Caparrini Vibert Italia).
• Miholjevic Hrvoje (BK Loborika) & Luca Gasparini (SC Pagnoncelli-NGC-Perrel ASD).
• The peloton passed through some beautiful countryside.
• Alessandro Bisolti (Palazzago Elledent Rad - Grigolin Solaris).
• The podium (l-r) : Alessandro De Marchi (G.S. Brisot Cardin Bibanese), Alan Marangoni (Fausto Coppi Gazzera Videa) & Marco Stefani (Danton Caparrini Vibert Italia).
• Federico Vitali (Faresin Panni VC Breganze) & Gabriele Tassinari (Gs Zalf Desiree Fior).
• Alan Marangoni (Fausto Coppi Gazzera Videa) takes the win.
• Italy's Alan Marangoni (Fausto Coppi Gazzera Videa) took the victory from his 4 other break-away companions.

Stage 4 - May 10: Pozzuolo del Friuli - Monte Matajur, 155.1 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Ferraro and Vitali were driving the break.
• Defending champion Alexander Filippov wears number one.
• Vitali was in a good mood before the start, but little did he know...
• Ervin Haxhi gives the thumbs up as the peloton headed out.
• Most of the peloton were ready to sit down on a chair and take a rest.
• Romas Sinicinas during the stage and showing the efforts of the hills.
• Slovenian Robert Vrecer out of the saddle and trying hard to stay in contention.
• The moment when Miholjevic got rid of his last companion in the break.
• A jubilant Hrvoje Miholjevic takes the stage win.
• Miholjevic rode away solo on the last climb.
• Miholjevic takes a hard earned win on the mountain top finish.
• Goodness me, who made the climb so steep? Federico Vitali (Faresin Panni VC Breganze) was trying to hang on to the white jersey.
• The podium with the winner Miholjevic being a bit cold, but happy.

Stage 3 - May 9: Trieste - Gradisca dIsonzo, 139.3 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• The start in Trieste on the big piazza, in the centre of town.
• The huge peloton rides along in stage 3.
• Oleg Berdos (G.S. Brisot Cardin Bibanese) wins stage 3.
• The podium with Oleg Berdos in the centre.
• Oleg Berdos on the podium and getting celebrated for a glorious solo win.
• Vitali the new leader and gets to wear white.
• Uros Silar lost the white jersey in stage 3.
• Federico Vitali was strong during the stage and knew what he had to do in order to win.

Stage 2 - May 8: Pordenone - Casarsa della Delizia, 158 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Broken glasses is the least of pain for this rider, who hurts where most cyclists fear the worst: The collarbone.
• The peloton is rock solid as it makes its way through the Italian country side.
• The podium gets crowded
• Andrea Piechele was concentrated throughout the stage.
• A happy stage winner Piechele celebrates his triumph.
• The top three of the stage
• Piechele's team-mates took a quick shower right after the stage.
• Uros Silar is the race leader and gets to wear white.
• Federico Vitali (Faresin Panni VC Breganze) during stage 2.

Stage 1 - May 7: Ormelle - Vittorio Veneto, 153.8 km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Uros Silar tackles a downhill section of the course.
• Silar in the break
• The finish sprint of stage 1 was marred by a crash in the final metres.
• The jubilant winner Uros Silar
• The peloton eagerly awaited the start of the first stage.
• A bit of chaos in the first kilometre as riders swarmed in from all sides.
• The podiumfrom l-r Valeriy Dmitriyev, Uros Silar and Rudy Campa.
• Andrea Tincani (filmop) is out of the saddle during his break.
• Tincani leads his breakaway partner through a patch of forest.
• Federico Vitali (Breganze Faresin) feels the gradient in the vineyards.

4 Jours de Dunkerque

Stage 6 - May 11: Dunkerque - Dunkerque , 128.4 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Norway's Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) claimed victory on the final stage.
• France's Stéphane Augé (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) held out for the overall win after claiming victory on the six day event's opening stage.
• Stéphane Augé (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) took a start to finish victory in the tour.

Stage 4 - May 9: Wasquehal - Calais, 193 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Pierrick Fédrigo (Bouygues Telecom) takes out the fourth stage from Allan Davis (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) and Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Caisse d'Epargne).
• The Frenchman climbed up to third position in the overall standings.
• Fédrigo enjoys his moment on the podium.
• Stephane Augé (Cofidis) has led the race since winning stage one.

Stage 3 - May 8: Le Cateau-Cambrésis - Saint-Quentin, 193 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Kenny De Haes (Topsport Vlaanderen) out sprinted Norwegian Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) to claim victory on the third stage.
• Stéphane Augé (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) continues to lead the event after his first day break away.

Stage 2 - May 7: Henin-Beaumont - Le Cateau Cambrésis, 192.2 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) takes the bunch sprint in stage two.
• Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) still leads the general classification.

Stage 1 - May 6: Dunkerque - Roost-Warendin, 179.4 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) took the win from a two-man breakaway which gained over two minutes, beating Clement Lhotellerie (Skil Shimano)
• Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) gained the leader's jersey.

GP Copenhagen

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Images by Cyclingworld.dk

• The Designa Køkken team was very active in the race.
• The weather wasn't so great but then it can be expected to rain that time of the year.
• The break that stayed clear.
• Allan Johansen was strong and bridged to the break, then left them behind.
• Johansen rode for a CSC but switched to Designa Køkken during the season.

Rund um den Henninger Turm

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Images by AFP Photo

• Karsten Kroon (Team CSC) takes the 48th GP Henninger Turm
• Kroon shows his guns and behind him, Rebellin is disappointed.
• CSC's Kroon gets his second win at the Henninger tower after 2004.
• Kroon gets congratulations from team-mates and fellow riders.
• Kroon holds off Gerolsteiner's Davide Rebellin
• The local brew is one of Kroon's rewards for a job well done.
• German fans don't want doped riders.

Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Doping – No Thanks is the underlying slogan of this year's Henninger.
• The only dope that the organisers allow is the beer from the local breweries.
• Henninger is the drink of choice but the Binding brewery has taken over the sponsorship for now. They won't return in 2009, though.
• A model of the earlier days.
• This is the Henninger Turm after which the race was named.
• Henninger everywhere.
• Radler means cyclist but in Germany it also happens to be a favourite drink in the summer time: Beer mixed with a sparkling lemonade.
• Fabian Wegmann was greeted as he entered by many, including Rudi Altig.
• Gerolsteiner Manager Hans Michael Holczer talked openly about doping issues, as always.
• Marcus Burghardt is back after his knee surgery.
• Dominik Roels is only 21 but already rides ProTour races.
• André Korff was out with injury for a few months and has only been riding for three weeks.
• Race organiser Bernd Moos-Achenbach is feeling the pinch.
• Fabian Wegmann smiles a lot and his positive attitude came across even when describing his bitter defeat in Flèche Wallonne.
• Holczer is still looking for a sponsor.
• ASO's Jeremy Botton was present as well during the pre-race press conference.
• Gerald Ciolek wants to improve on his second place which he achieved in 2006.
• Burghardt regrets the races in Germany getting less and less.
• Roels can look to a bright future
• Roels is thinking about the tough years in cycling since his training camp with Jan Ullrich.
• Knees would like to win but won't have a problem to ride for Roels if the latter is in a position of winning.
• Korff is hoping for a sprint so that Pollack or Musiol can win. Korff is a good sprinter, too, but still recovering from injury.
• Andreas Dietziker (Volksbank) gets introduced.
• Allan Davis (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) at the sign-in
• Fabian Wegmann made his final race in his spring campaign a very active one and Gerolsteiner almost got rewarded.
• Björn Glasner is looking for help from Christian Knees.
• Lars Bak seems to smile and maybe he already knew his team would run away with the win today.
• Synchronised pedaling is not an Olympic event just yet.
• Albert Timmer smiled – and who wouldn't with such a big beer mug presented.
• The Dutchman won the mountains classification for the day
• Bernd Moos-Achenbach is the race's organiser.
• Rudolf Scharping is the president of the BDR (the German Cycling Federation)
• Timmer shared his sentiments with Cyclingnews after another break completed.
• Rebellin's mug was just as big as Kroon's, but somehow he didn't seem to happy.
• The podium with runner-up Rebellin on the left, winner Kroon in the centre and Ardila
• Karsten Kroon won for the second time in his career.
• Rabo's Mauricio Ardila Cano gained confidence for the Giro.
• The Colombian felt well but in the end it was too hard against Kroon and Rebellin.
• Kroon with his crash souvenir on his left knee.

Images by Sabine and Rolf Jost / Insidesport

• Karsten Kroon takes a well deserved drink.
• Rebellin took second place in Frankfurt.
• The Rabobank riders ready for the start.
• TinTin with a new trick!
• The peloton between Schlossborn and Ruppertshain.
• Andre Greipel from High Road.
• A rider from the new German Team Issac
• A rider from Rabobank looks to the heavens…
• Fabian Wegmann in his champion jersey

GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) confirms his win in the 32nd GP Industria & Artigianato.
• Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) takes the 32nd GP Industria & Artigianato.
• Italy's Eddy Ratti (Nippo-Endeka) tops the podium with Francesco Ginanni (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) (l) and Luis Felipe Laverde (CSF Group Navigare) (r).

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