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Cycling photography for February 2009
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Women Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Quick Step Omloop reconnaissance ride
Giro di Sardegna
Tour du Haut Var
Trofeo Laigueglia
Sluitingsprijs Oostmalle
Singapore Criterium
Sunshine Cup #1
Volta ao Algarve
Mas O Menos 100k
New Zealand South Island Downhill #2
New Zealand South Island Cross Country #3
Vuelta a Andalucia (Ruta Ciclista Del Sol)
SP Vorselaar
Tour of California
GP Heerlen
Silence Lotto presentation
Le Tour de Langkawi
Tour Méditerranéen
Challenge de Mallorca
Ladies' Tour of Qatar
GP Costa degli Etruschi
GP d'Ouverture La Marseillaise
Tour of Qatar
Parkcross Maldegem
Etoile de Besseges
Australian Track Championships
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Women Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
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Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- The uphill sprint in full swing.
- Suzanne De Goede (Nürnberger Versicherung) celebrates her victory
- De Goede is happy about her win in this tough race.
- De Goede immediately went to her teammates and celebrated with them.
- Trixie Worrack recaps the race although it wasn't always as flat as she points out here.
- Noemi Cantele (Bigla Cycling Team) finished second.
- Flowers for the first placed rider...
- Cantele, De Goede and Druyt (l-r) on the podium.
- De Goede received an extra prize for the win.
- Kelly Druyts (Topsport Vlaanderen-Thompson) is all smiles after her third place, despite starting the sprint too early.
Quick Step Omloop reconnaissance ride
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Images by Tim Van Wichelen/CyclingView.be
- Wouter Weylandt was Quick Step's highest finisher in last year's Omloop.
- Stijn Devolder will be a marked man
- Sylvain Chavanel smiles confidently in his first season with the Belgian Classics team.
- A long training ride requires a few stops along the road, too.
- Stijn Devolder won the Ronde van Vlaanderen last year and as such will be a favourite for the upcoming races.
- Quick Step rides along the Flemish roads
- The team checks out the Berendries climb
- The gradient doesn't force the riders out of the saddle in the training ride, but that will be a different story on Saturday.
- Quick Step checks out the course
- Sylvain Chavanel gets his reconnaissance ride in
- Kevin Van Impe (l) and Stijn Devolder lead the group.
- Van Impe and Devolder chat about the season opening this weekend.
- Quick Step on one of the many long, flat roads in the Vlaanderen region of Belgium.
- Sylvain Chavanel tests the cobbles of the Molenberg climb, which will be the last climb of the day in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
- The team is close to home – the finish will be in Gent.
Tour du Haut Var
Stage 2 - February 22: Draguignan - Callian, 194km
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Images by Christophe Mury
- Hmmm, feeding time! Here for Rein Taaramae (Cofidis)
- Lars Bak (Saxo Bank) has the arm warmers rolled down
- Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) wins the stage on the second day.
- David Moncoutié (Cofidis) shows good early season form in France.
- German champion Fabian Wegmann comes in and finishes tenth overall.
- Luis Leon Sanchez dropped from first after day one to 15th in the end.
- Alejandro Valverde returned to racing after a turbulent week off the bike for him.
- Cyril Gautier (Bbox) was happy that his teammate won.
- Thomas Voeckler won the stage and the overall.
Stage 1 - February 21: Saint-Raphaël - Grimaud, 160km
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Images by Emmanuel Isnard
- Allan Davis (Quick Step)
- Andrey Amador Bipkazacova (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Assan Bazayev (Astana)
- Eric Berthou (CarmioOro - A-Style)
- Dario Cataldo (Quick Step)
- Dimitri Champion (Bretagne Schuller)
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Saxo Bank)
- Dominique Cornu (Quick Step)
- Daniel Navarro (Astana)
- Daniel Moreno (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis)
- Julien El Farès (Cofidis)
- Imanol Erviti (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Francisco Pérez (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Johannes Fröhlinger (Milram)
- Juan Manuel Gárate (Rabobank)
- Riders start stage one.
- Mathew Hayman (Rabobank)
- Frank Hoj (Saxo Bank)
- Fabian Wegmann (Milram)
- Yauheni Hutarovich (Française des Jeux)
- Jesús Hernández (Astana)
- Roman Kireyev (Astana)
- Vasil Kiryienka (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Christophe Le Mevel (Française des Jeux)
- Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Luis Pasamontes (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Maxim Iglinsky (Astana)
- Amaël Moinard (Cofidis)
- Christophe Moreau (Agritubel)
- Nicki Sørensen (Saxo Bank)
- Peter Velits (Milram)
- Dominik Roels (Milram)
- Thomas Rohregger (Milram)
- Ronny Scholz (Milram)
- Hubert Schwab (Quick Step)
- Matthieu Sprick (Bbox Bouygues Telecom)
- The start of the Tour du Haut Var.
- Yannick Talabardon (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun)
- Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Jussi Veikkanen (Française des Jeux)
- Vladimir Efimkin (AG2R La Mondiale)
- Fabian Wegmann (Milram)
- Haimar Zubeldia (Astana)
Images by Christophe Mury
- Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) races in stage one of the Tour du Haut Var.
- Française des Jeux keeps watch.
- Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis)
- Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) wins stage one of the Tour du Haut Var.
- Riders finish the Tour du Haut Var stage one.
- The end of stage one of the Tour du Haut Var.
- Assan Bazayev (Astana)
- Fabian Wegmann (Milram)
- David Moncoutié (Cofidis)
- Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) takes the leader's jersey after stage one of the Tour du Haut Var.
- Spaniard Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) awarded for the race leadership of the Tour du Haut Var.
Trofeo Laigueglia
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Riders lined up for the start of the Trofeo Laigueglia in Alassio, Italy.
- The start of the Trofeo Laigueglia.
- World Champion Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-NGC) signs in to start the race.
- Fans gather for the start of the Trofeo Laigueglia.
- Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) comes off the stage after signing in for the Trofeo Laigueglia.
- Chris Froome (Barloworld) and Dario Cioni (ISD), r & l.
- Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-NGC)
- Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni-Androni) on the loose.
- Filippo Pozzato (Katusha)
- Steve Cummings (Barloworld)
- Davide Rebellin (Diquigiovanni-Androni) leads teammate Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni).
- Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
- The Trofeo Laigueglia.
- Evgeni Petrov (Katusha)
- The waterfront in Italy's Liguria region
- Italian Davide Rebellin (Diquigiovanni-Androni) leads teammate Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni).
- Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni-Androni) rode free until the final kilometre of the Trofeo Laigueglia.
- Maxim Belkov (ISD)
- Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni)
- Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni) and Team Manager Gianni Savio, r.
- Mauricio Soler (Barloworld)
- Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) after finishing second to Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni).
- Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni) charges for the line in the Trofeo Laigueglia.
- Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni) wins the Trofeo Laigueglia over Filippo Pozzato (Katusha), r.
- Italy's Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni) wins the Trofeo Laigueglia over Filippo Pozzato (Katusha), r.
- Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni-Androni) tops the Trofeo Laigueglia podium with Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) and Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce), l & r.
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni - Androni) takes his first win of the season with a victory at the 46th Trofeo Laigueglia.
- TheTrofeo Laigueglia podium (l-r) Filippo Pozzato (Katusha), Francesco Ginanni (Diquigiovanni - Androni) and Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce).
Sluitingsprijs Oostmalle
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Images by Cyclingnews
- Belgian Champ Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) in action.
- Lars Boom (Rabobank)
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) followed by Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus)
- Lars Boom (Rabobank)
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) followed by Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago).
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team)
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) with Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus).
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) followed by Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus).
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) wins the Oostmalle.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) wins in Oostmalle, Belgium.
- Belgian Champ Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago).
- World Champ Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) finishes second.
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) finishing.
- Zdenek Stybar (Fidea Cycling Team) and Bart Aernouts (Rabobank) finishing, l-r.
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) in the background.
- Lars Boom applauds the finish of Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) in the GVA Trofee cyclo-cross in Oostmalle.
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) comes over the line for the last time.
- Daughter of Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) on the podium.
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) on the podium in the GVA Trofee cyclo-cross in Oostmalle.
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) hangs up his bike in Oostmalle.
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team)
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team) says goodbye to his fans on the podium.
- Dutchman Richard Groenendaal (AA Drinks Cycling Team)
- David Willemsens waves goodbye to his fans on the podium.
- David Willemsens on the podium in the GVA Trofee cyclo-cross in Oostmalle.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) tops the podium with Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb), l & r.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) and Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) on the podium, r-l.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) tops the podium with Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb), l & r.
Singapore Criterium
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Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International
- Riders fight the rain in the OCBC Cycle Singapore Criterium.
- David McCann (Panasonic)
- The bunch sprints in the rain.
- The Singapore flyer.
- Passing the F1 building.
- Riders pass through the start line.
- David Pell (Savings & Loans) wins the OCBC Cycle Singapore Criterium
Sunshine Cup #1
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Images by Jan Nemec
- Sweden's Alexandra Engen and Emil Lindgren won and now lead the overall standings.
- Alexandra Engen celebrates her win as she approaches the finish line.
- The start of the Cyprus Sunshine Cup opener.
- Alexandra Engen of Sweden rides to a win.
- Emil Lindren (Felt International Team) outsprints Periklis Ilias (ISD Cycling Team) for the win in the opening round.
- Women's podium
- Men's podium
Volta ao Algarve
Stage 5 - February 22: Vila Do Bispo-Portimão, 168.8km
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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.com
- The peloton comes through just after Aljezur.
- The peloton heads over one of the day's smaller climbs.
- The small break gives its all to stay away from the field.
- It was hard going for the break.
- The breakaway just a few metres from the Alto da Foia KOM.
- Bruno Pires (Barbot-Siper) with the peloton right behind.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) looks around to see Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista). Carlos Nozal (Liberty Seguros) leads the pair.
- Ruben Plaza (Liberty Seguros) leads Toni Colom (Team Katusha), Tiago Machado (Madeinox-Boavista) and Damiano Cunego (Lampre) before alto da Foia
- Danail Petrov (Madeinox Boavista) leads another group.
- Heinrich Haussler (l) takes on Greg Van Avermaet in the sprint.
- And it's time to celebrate for Haussler and his teammate behind.
- Heinrich Haussler takes the final sprint in Portimão.
- Haussler takes his second win in the Volta ao Algarve.
- Alberto Contador conquered the 35th Volta ao Algarve.
- Party time for the various winners on the final podium.
- Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista) before the sign on.
- Tiago’s Viner waiting for the action.
- João Benta and Bruno Lima (Madeinox-Boavista) roll to the sign on.
- Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) was the Metas Volantes classification leader.
- Mauro Santabroggio (Lampre) didn't look very chipper this morning.
- The breakaway after Aljezur had a reasonable gap.
Stage 4 - February 21: Castro Marin-Tavira (ITT), 33.7km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Italy's Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) finished 36th.
- Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista)
- Antonio Colom (Katusha) rides to defend his race lead in the Volta ao Algarve stage four.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) rides in stage four of the Volta ao Algarve.
- Spaniard Alberto Contador (Astana) rides in the Volta ao Algarve stage four time trial.
- Pistol out: Alberto Contador (Astana) fires his gun after winning stage four and taking over the classification lead in the Volta ao Algarve.
- Yellow: Alberto Contador (Astana) took the Volta ao Algarve race lead after winning stage four's time trial.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) on the Volta ao Algarve stage after claiming the race lead in stage four.
Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.com
- Gerald Ciolek (Milram) isn't known for his time trialing.
- Toni Colom (Katusha) won yesterday's stage, but couldn't do it again today.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) took out the time trial.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) had a decent day in the saddle to finish 36th.
- Pablo De Pedro (C. C. Loulé- Louleta) on his way to take 61st place.
- Benny De Schrooder (An Post - Sean Kelly Team) gives it all he's got.
- Martin Garrido (Palmeiras Resort / Tavira) made it to 86th today.
- Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre - N.G.C.) is one of Lampre's young guns.
- Simon Gerrans (Cervélo Test Team) finished in the top 15 today.
- Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) rides his first time trial for his new team.
- Markel Irizar (Eukaltel-Euskadi) finished one place below Gerrans.
- Andreas Klöden (Astana) chased the time of his teammate, Contador.
- Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista) put in a great display to take fourth.
- David Millar (Garmin-Slipstream) rode to ninth place.
- Sergio Paulinho (Astana) was another good performer for the boys in sky blue.
- Santiago Perez (Madeinox Boavista) finished way down in 96th place.
- Bruno Pires (Barbot - Siper) put in a solid performance today.
- Ruben Plaza (Liberty Seguros) finished in fifth.
- Madeinox Boavista rider Sergio Sousa didnt' set the world on fire.
- Matteo Tosatto
- Alberto Contador caught his minute man on the way to winning stage four.
- More big crowds waited in Tavira for the riders.
- Contador stood on the podium as the new race leader.
- Candido Barbosa Palmeiras Resort / Tavira was a mid-pack finisher today.
- Joao Benta (Madeinox Boavista) isn't known for his time trialing.
- David Blanco (Palmeiras Resort / Tavira) rounded out the top 20.
- Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) again proved he's a very good time trial rider and took second.
- Matteo Tosatto (Quick Step) finished in 35th.
Stage 3 - February 20: V.R-S.Antonio - Malhao(Loule), 175km
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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.com
- Mauro Santambrogio, Damiano Cunego and Manuele Mori lined up for Lampre on the final stage.
- Koldo Fernadez (Euskaltel) waiting for the start.
- Theo Bos (Rabobank) seems to be having a good time as a road rider.
- The peloton before the breakaway.
- Riders from the veteran team of Benfica de Almodovar training near Ameixial.
- Today’s six-man breakaway didn't stay away until the finish.
- The peloton on the way to Ameixial.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) gives it some gas on a climb.
- The breakaway before the fourth KOM
- Astana remained watchful for its man Contador.
- Samuel Caldeira (Palmeiras Resort-Prio-Tavira) leads the peloton.
- Katusha’s Serguei Ivanov staying relaxed on the climb.
- Miguel Angel Candil (Fercase-Peredes Rota dos Móveis)
- Toni Colom (Katusha) beat Alberto Contador in the third stage.
- The day's podium with Toni Colom now in the leader's jersey.
- Theo Bos has impressed thus far in his career on the road.
- André Miltenburg with Rabobank’s Dennis van Winden before the start.
- Celestino Pinho (Fercase Rota dos Móveis).
- Samuel Caldeira (Palmeiras Resort-Prio-Tavira).
- Manuel Soares dos Reis with Tiago Machado and Bruno Lima (Madeinox-Boavista).
- Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista).
- Santi Perez (Madeinox-Boavista).
- Sérgio Paulinho (Astana).
- Alberto Contador (Astana) the most wanted rider in Algarve.
- Luís Silva (Palmeiras Resort-Prio-Tavira) Carlos Pereira (Barbot-Siper), Pedro Lopes (CC Loulé-Louletano-Aquashow) and Bruno Castanheira (Barbot-Siper).
- Matteo Tossato and Sébastien Rosseler (Quick Step).
Stage 2 - February 19: Lagoa-Lagos, 183.5km
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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.com
- Tiago Machado (Madeinox Boavista) before the start
- Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) is interviewed before the start.
- Damiano Cunego's Wilier is ready for the little prince.
- António Colom (Katusha) looks a little like he's just woken up.
- Sérgio Paulinho (Astana) is on home turf.
- One of the entertainment girls with Filipe Cardoso and Rui Sousa (Liberty), César Quitério (CC Loulé-Louletano-Aquashow) and António Amorim (Barbot Siper).
- Hello ladies... The podium girls of the Volta ao Algarve.
- Peter Wrolich (Team Milram) after signing on.
- Steven De Jongh (Quick Step) was ready to work for Wouter Weylandt again.
- Candido Barbosa (Palmeiras Resort-Prio-Tavira) with Vítor Leandro from cycloweb.com and Cândido's book "À Volta de Cândido Barbosa"
- This isn't in the wild west but the Algarve landscape on the way to Alferce.
- A Sean Kelly Team supporter on the way to Alferce.
- Four of the six-man breakway on the way to Alferce, with Pero Lopes (CC Loulé-Louletano-Aquashow) in the lead.
- Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) and Celetino Pinho (Fercase-Rota dos Moveis) were right behind.
- The main field climbs during stage two.
- Tomas Vaitkus (Astana) was on the front doing the hard yards.
- Serguei Ivanov (Katusha) in the peloton.
- The leading sextet makes it way through some turns after the descent on the way to Selão.
- Cervélo and Astana patrol the front in pursuit of the leaders.
- Astana's Alberto Contador was tucked away safely amongst his teammates.
- And Lampre was doing the same for its man Cunego.
- Robbie McEwen (far left) keeps himself out of trouble.
- The peloton safely negotiates this turn on the way to Selão.
- With 25m to go it looked like Manuel Cardoso had the win in the bag.
- Koldo Fernandez kicked hard to win in Lagos.
- Euskaltel-Euskadi's Koldo Fernandez on the podium after his win.
- Sergio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) now leads the sprint and Best Portuguese Rider classifications.
- Sergio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) gets the kisses for his efforts today.
- Heinrich Haussler remained in pink as Best Young Rider.
- And there were more kisses for Sergio Sousa.
- Celestino Pinho (Paredes Rota Dos Moveis) now leads the mountains classification.
- Koldo Fernandez is in prime position after stage two.
- And has the yellow jersey to prove it.
- The stage two podium (l-r): Heinrich Haussler, Koldo Fernandez, Celestino Pinho and Sergio Sousa.
- The Barbot-Siper team bikes before the start.
- Robbie McEwen's Ridley awaits its Aussie master.
- Alberto Contador (Astana)
- Robert Foerster (Team Milram)
- Bernhard Eisel (Team High Road)
- Santi Perez (Madeinox Boavista) before the start in Lagoa
- The bunch comes up the hill
- The peloton before Alferce
- Astana’s Sérgio Paulinho and Alberto Contador
- António Amorim (Barbot Siper) and Eladio Jimenez (CC Loulé-Louletano-Aquashow)
- Danail Petrov (Madeinox Boavista) and David Blanco (Palmeiras Resort-Prio-Tavira)
- Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista), one in the six-man breakaway
- The Lampre team
- The uphill sprint opens
- There were two sprint lines forming in those final 400 metres.
- Every man for himself
- Gerald Ciolek (Milram) is in a good position behind his teammate.
- Once you are dropped it was all over for contesting the win.
- Less than 400 metres to the finish, time to Rock’n’Roll!
Stage 1 - February 18: Albufeira-Olhao, 173.6km
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Images by João Dias/www.cycloweb.com
- Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox-Boavista) is the metas volantes leader
- Willian Frishkorn (Garmin) is the overal Mountain classification Leader
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) is the points classification leader
- Cervélo's Heinrich Haussler is called on to the podium after winning stage one.
- The most wanted jersey belongs to Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) after stage one.
- The various classification leaders on the stage one podium.
- And it's time for some champagne...
- Which needs to be sprayed.
- Smiles for everyone after the first stage of the Volta ao Algarve.
- The day's final celebration in Olhão.
- Hélder Oliveira (Barbot-Siper) before signing on.
- The Francaise des Jeux crew huddle before the start.
- Guennadi Mihailov and Robbie McEwen of Katusha go up to the sign on.
- Blake Caldwell (Garmin Slipstream) is looking mighty lean and fit.
- Last year's winner Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) signs on.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is making his season debut in Portugal.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) is also starting the season at the Volta ao Algarve.
- Madeinox Boavista’s Santi Perez having a chat with Euskaltel friends.
- Marcel Sieberg (r) lines up for the start.
- Spain's Alberto Contador waits for the start.
- And Alberto's away... in his first race of the year.
- Having stated that he's feeling strong, Alberto Contador will be hoping to do well in Portugal.
- Julian Dean (l) would be looking for a sprint win in Olhão.
- Tomas Vaitkus (Astana) was another sprinter looking to put runs on the board in stage one.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) kicks off the Volta a Algarve.
- Damiano Cunego (c) was all smiles after the start.
- Dennis Van Winden (Rabobank), Simon Gerrans (Cervélo) and Robbie McEwen (Katusha) get their race underway in Albufeira.
- The breakaway, headed by Willian Frishkorn (Garmin), Hélder Oliveira (Barbot Siper) and Thomas Berkhout (Rabobank) on the way to the first KOM on the day at Picota.
- Thomas Berkhout (Rabobank) leads Sérgio Sousa (Madeinox Boavista) and Pedro Lopes (CC Loulé-Louletano-Aquashow)
- The peloton just before Picota KOM.
- The breakaway was making good progress before Querença.
- The peloton on the way to Querença with Katusha’s Guennadi Mihailov in the head.
- Katusha brings up the rear of the field after Querença.
- The six-man breakaway before the secont KOM in Barranco do Velho.
- Astana stacks the front before the second KOM.
- Alberto Contador was safely tucked away as the peloton headed up to the second KOM.
- The peloton approches the second KOM.
- Kids wait at the stage finish in Olhão.
- What's with the hats, fellas?
- Heinrich Haussler opens the sprint heading into the finish.
- Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) launches himself off the front in the sprint.
- Dennis Van Winden and Heinrich Haussler duke it out in Olhão.
- Haussler gets the win in Olhão and he's certainly happy about it!
- There was plenty from the public in Olhão.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) the first stage winner.
- Bruno Lima (Madeinox-Boavista) was the best Portuguese rider.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) was also the best young rider.
Mas O Menos 100k
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Images by Crystal Allbright/www.crystalallbright.com
- Race director, Mike Long, leads out the 2009 Mas O Menos 100k MTB Endurance Fest on an 80' long, 7 seater rattlesnake created by the Austin Bike Zoo.
- Night riders, led by local guide Jeff Renfrow, curled through the Lajitas Trail System on one of the organized Fun Rides at the event. Over 70 cyclists participated in the fun rides which also included the Contrabando Dome trail in the Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- Rebecca and Passeo on Double Trouble – another Austin Bike Zoo assemblage.
- Sandi Turvan (Terlingua, TX) cheered racers at the road crossings.
- Jason Collier of Bike World in San Antonio warms up on race morning.
- Rick Willing of Bloomfield Bicycle Company in Ontario, Canada leads out a category of the over 440 racers.
- Ocotillo and other Chihuhuan Desert thorn laden flora greet the riders.
- Dusty start from the Chili Appreciation Society International host site.
- Fun with hula hoops... how about hoop bowling?
- Pleased at the finish line is first place 100k Men's open winner, Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus) of Austin, Texas. He finished the grueling two lap course with a time of 04:08:05. Bryan also won the Starlight Theatre Fastest Man Award and the New Revolution King of the Hill fastest time to the top of Tres Cuevas.
- Texas men dominated the top eight places in 100k Men's open. JT Cody (Solar Eclipse) of San Antonio, Texas is completing his first lap and placed 2nd with a time of 04:14:41
- Breaking the Women's 100k open record by six minutes is Rebecca Rusch (Specialized/Red Bull) from Ketchum, Idaho. Her time 04:45:25. Rebecca also won the Starlight Theatre Fastest Woman Award and the New Revolution Queen of the Hill
- Alice Pennington (S&M/Desalvo Custom Cycles) of Hood River, Oregon, places second in the 100k Women's open with a time of 05:07:28 beating her 2008 time by 9 minutes. She's here with her dad, James Pennington, and Rebecca Rusch.
- Rebecca Rusch shares her victory with Lee Neathery (Bike Barn/Gary Fisher) of Houston, TX. Lee rode her single speed to a 2nd place finish in the 40+ Women's 50k
- The event would not be successful without our dedicated volunteers shown here hydrating racers with water, fruit and Cytomax.
- Sydney Reuter of Cedar Park, TX won a handmade hoop in the Shimano Youth Series Kid's Kup. She is the daughter of Noel Reuter (Bicycle Sport Shop) and Leslie Reuter (Bicycle Sport Shop/Austin Flyers). Leslie held the 100k course record in 2005 & 2006 and returned this year to win her category.
- Spinning wheels, spinning hoops, a spinning success!
- Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus) (center) displays his custom made 1st place trophy with timing and scoring folks, Tobin Behling (left) and Cap Carter (right).
- Winding down around the campfire after a dance with the local band, Pinche Gringos, at the CASI site.
- Massage therapist, Ceil Drucker (Terlingua, TX), takes a final spin on the Austin Bike Zoo snake. Ride the animals, feed the riders.
New Zealand South Island Cross Country Cup Round 3
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Images by Shanine Hermsen
- Mike Northcott puts his water bottle back in its cage while racing on his way to a win in round three of the South Island XC series in Queenstown.
New Zealand South Island Downhill Cup Round 2
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Images by Shanine Hermsen
- Coronet Peak Ski Area hosted round two of the New Zealand South Island Downhill Cup.
SP Vorselaar
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Images by Cyclingnews
- Where Niels Albert is you can be sure that Sven Nys is not far away.
- Nys is the absolute king of Superprestige races
- Nys also won the overall classification once again.
- The podium with a not-so-happy second-placed Albert (l) as well as winner Nys and third-placed Erwin Vervecken.
- The Superprestige podium around winner Sven Nys is all Belgian. Runner-up Klaas Vantornout (l) was only ten points behind in the end, while Bart Wellens finished third, another eight points less.
- The flowers for the Superprestige heroes.
- The SP podium is made up of the most consistent riders of the season.
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team)
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team)
- World Champ Niels Albert (BKCP - Powerplus) leads Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago)
- Erwin Vervecken (Revor Cycling Team)
- Eddy van Ijzendoorn (AA Drink - BeOne)
- Bart Aernouts (Rabobank)
- Lars Boom (Rabobank)
- Lars Boom (Rabobank)
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) leads Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago).
- Thijs Al (AA Drink - BeOne)
- Richard Groenendaal (AA Drink - Be One)
- Ben Berden (Revor Cycling Team)
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) leads Niels Albert (BKCP - Powerplus) on some steps.
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team)
- Lars Boom (Rabobank)
- Niels Albert (BKCP - Powerplus)
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago)
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago)
GP Heerlen
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Images by Tom De Meyer/www.tomdemeyer.be
- Mitchell Huenders (AA Drink) leads after the first lap
- Eddy Van Ijzerdoorn
- Patrick van leeuwen (left) and Tim Vannuffel (right)
- Marco Bianco on the run-up
- Roy Van Heeswijk
- Mitchell Huenders (AA Drink)
- Thijs Al (AA Drink) on his way to the win.
- Lars Boom (Rabobank) back in his national champions jersey in Heerlen.
- Thijs Al (AA Drink) takes his second win of the season in Heerlen.
- Ben Berden (Revor) gets ahead of Gerben de Knegt (Rabobank) for second place.
- The podium: Ben Berden, Thijs Al and Gerben de Knegt.
Silence-Lotto presentation
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Images by Bert Geerts/dcp-bergeerts@xs4all.nl
- Evans's dried up flowers from the last Tour were still around.
- Aussies Matthew Lloyd And Cadel Evans share a laugh.
- Cadel Evans will start his season in Spain this weekend.
- Cadel Evans and Thomas Dekker are two of the most prominent riders
- Cadel Evans reflected on the bad things that happened in Australia, with the bush fires.
- Thomas Dekker (r) will support Evans in the Tour de France.
- Thomas Dekker feels really well in the team and its relaxed atmosphere.
- Dekker feels it is more like a family at Silence-Lotto.
- The three riders getting introduced from left to right are Gorik Gardeyn, Roy Sentjens and Johan Vansummeren.
- Johan Vansummeren sees himself as the captain of the second string.
- Swedish champion Jonas Ljungblad.
- Belgian champion Jürgen Roelandts.
- Leif Hoste and Cadel Evans answer questions.
- Leif Hoste is looking forward to the Classics.
- Cadel Evans was weighed for a little guessing game. 76.4.
- Some of the youngsters are (l-r) Mickael Delage, Jürgen Roelandts and Francis de Greef.
- Philippe Gilbert is looking forward to the Classics.
- The Canyon time trial bikes.
- Sebastian Lang and Charles Wegelius listen carefully.
- Thomas Dekker is motivated for the Classics to begin.
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- The flower bouquet that Evans received at the 2008 Tour de France has wilted.
- Evans explains how flowers need water....
- Leif Hoste is ready to get up and go to the Classics.
- Philippe Gilbert finally moved to a Belgian team after six years with Française des Jeux.
- Thomas Dekker is much happier than he was in the second half of 2008.
- Dekker looks forward to the Classics
- Gilbert wants his chances at some races while he is willing to work in others.
- Cadel Evans puts everything on the Tour this year and will not use the Giro as preparation.
- Every rider had their name displayed along with a picture.
- Francis de Greef gets a Big Brother-style haircut while everyone was watching.
- The young sprinters Jürgen Roelandts (l) and Greg van Avermaet are likely to take lots of victories for the team in 2009.
- Each group had to answer question. Australian Matthew Lloyd sits on the left.
- Nice and shiny after the cut.
- Thomas Dekker was the only one born in 1984 so he was introduced alone.
- Dekker and Van Avermaet played along in the Benelux 'competition'.
- Charly Wegelius on the right moved over from Liquigas.
- Cadel Evans is flanked by Leif Hoste (l) and Christophe Brandt
Tour Méditerranéen
Stage 6 - February 15: Nice - Toulon (Mont Faron), 165km
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Images by AFP Photo
- David Moncoutié bagged his first win of the season on the Mont Faron.
- The Frenchman stormed to victory after the grueling climb near Toulon.
- Moncoutié started the season well
- Luis Leon Sanchez took the overall victory
- Sanchez took the lead on Friday and was able to hold on to his advantage.
Stage 5 - February 14: Brignoles - Marseille, 160km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Yauheni Hutarovich (Française des Jeux)_ takes the win in a sprint.
- Hutarovich had to throw his bike in order to advance Robert Hunter (Barloworld).
- A happy Hutarovich on the podium with the trophy.
Stage 4 - February 13: Greasque - Bouc Bel Air, 155km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Robert Hunter sprinted to victory from the small group.
- Hunter beat Luis Leon Sanchez in the sprint.
- Robert Hunter (Barloworld) waves from the podium after he took stage 4.
Stage 3 - February 12: Maubec-Coustellet - Istres, 108km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Kevin Ista (Agritubel) celebrates his victory.
- Kevin Ista (Agritubel) wins the third stage ahead of Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) and José Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne).
- Kevin Ista (Agritubel) on the podium.
Stage 2 - February 11: Narbonne - Gruissan (ITT), 25km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Caisse d'Epargne had the fastest time in the 25km team time trial.
- Luis Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne) took the overall lead after stage two.
- The Garmin-Slipstream team did not have a perfect ride and fell to second place.
- The Francaise des Jeux team of overall leader Yahueni Hutarovich took fourth place in the team time trial.
Stage 1 - February 11: Beziers - Narbonne, 100km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Yahueni Hutarovich (Francaise des Jeux) edges out Robert Hunter (not pictured) and Jimmy Casper (L) for the stage one victory.
- The bunch sprint on stage one went to Hutarovich (Francaise des Jeux)
- Yahueni Hutarovich (Francaise des Jeux) was thrilled to take the leader's jersey even if he'd only keep it a few hours.
Challenge Volta a Mallorca
Stage 5 - February 12: Trofeo Calvia, 147.6km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Antonio Colom (Team Katusha) prepares to defend his overall lead heading into the Challenge Mallorca's final stage.
- The peloton in action during the final stage of the Challenge Mallorca.
- Gerald Ciolek (Team Milram) wins ahead of Team Columbia-Highroad's Edvald Boasson Hagen and Marcel Sieberg.
- Gerald Ciolek (Team Milram) with the trophy he won for taking the Challenge Mallorca's final stage.
- Antonio Colom (Team Katusha) hoists the trophy which he received for winning the Challenge Mallorca general classification.
Stage 4 - February 11: Trofeo Inca, 143.3km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Antonio Colom (Katusha) gets the win near his Mallorcan home in Bunyola.
Stage 3 - February 10: Trofeo Pollensa - Puerto de Alcudia, 182.6km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) rides in the peloton during the third stage of the Challenge de Mallorca.
- Daniele Bennati celebrates his victory.
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) wins the third stage of the Challenge de Mallorca.
- Daniele Bennati accelerates away from the field in the final meters.
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) poses with the winner's trophy.
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) admires the winner's trophy.
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) on the podium.
- Gerald Ciolek (Team Milram) finished in fifth place.
- Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram) leads Milram teammates Gerald Ciolek and Fabian Wegmann.
- Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram) in action on a climb.
- Jérôme Pineau (Quick Step) and Tom Leezer (Rabobank) (l-r) finished third and second respectively behind Bennati.
- Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) at the team bus prior to the third day of racing in Mallorca.
Stage 2 - February 9: Trofeo Cala Millor-Cala Bona , 176.5km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha) wins the second day of racing at the Challenge de Mallorca.
- Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha) approaches the finish line.
Stage 1 - February 8: Trofeo Mallorca, 116km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Oscar Pereiro is ready to start the season.
- The bunch rides past the boats in the harbour of Palma de Mallorca.
- The peloton whizzes by the church.
- Steegmans gives the thumbs up as he wins the race ahead of his teammate, Robbie McEwen, who unclipped.
- Steegmans waves from the podium
Images by Franklin Tello/www.franklintellophoto.com
- Team Katusha's bikes
- Xacobeo Galicia's bikes
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha)
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha)
- Mallorcan Antonio Colom (Katusha)
- Joan Horrach (Katusha)
- Serguei Ivanov (Katusha)
- Mallorcan Olympic and World Champion Joan Llaneras
- Bombardier Kuota Team
- Orbea Continental Team
- Plowman Craven Madison Team
- Andalucía Cajasur Team
- Olympic Champion Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Ivan Raña (Triathlon World and European Champion).
- Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Ivan Raña (Triathlon World and European Champion).
- Mallorcans Antonio Colom (Katusha) and Joan Llaneras at the start.
- The peloton during the second lap of the 116 km day.
- The first breakaway of the day.
- All teams were well represented during the first day of the Challenge.
- Vladimir Karpets (Katusha) leads the peloton on a windy stretch.
- The Xacobeo Galicia team was very active in breakaway attempts all day.
- La Seu the only Cathedral by the water serves as the backdrop to this first stage.
- The peloton goes by this Cathedral by the sea which dates back to 1230.
- The breakaway of the day finally formed along the 16km circuit of Palma de Mallorca city.
- Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) looking fit and comfortable on his first race of the season in Mallorca.
- The ProTour teams start to reel in the breakaway after they left them just over a minute.
- Spanish Champion Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) and his Caisse d'Epargne team lead by Oscar Pereiro.
- Rabobank starting to come to the front on the last lap.
- Team Katusha makes it clear that they want to win this first stage of the Challenge a Mallorca.
- Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) comes to the front to prepare the sprint.
- Steegmans and McEwen (Katusha) take the double for Team Katusha in Mallorca.
- Gert Steegmans (Katusha) looking tired after taking his first win of the season in Mallorca.
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha)
- José Joaquín Rojas (Caisse d'Epargne), the best Spanish rider for the first day of the Challenge a Mallorca.
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha) is happy to take second place for the day in Mallorca.
Ladies' Tour of Qatar
Stage 3 - February 10 : Camel Race Track - Al Khor Corniche, 109km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) wins the final stage of the Ladies' Tour of Qatar, her second of the Tour.
- Giorgia Bronzini (r) wins a tight sprint against Rochelle Gilmore (l) and Kirsten Wild.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team), yellow jersey, finished third on the final stage.
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy), left, talks to a teammate after winning the stage.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- At the Camel racetrack in Al Shahaniyah, Qatar.
- Kirsty Broun and Tiffany Cromwell (Australia), r-l, sign in.
- Man with the robot camel jockeys.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) before the start of the final stage.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) relaxes at the start of the final Tour of Qatar stage.
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) prepares in the silver points jersey.
- US National Team.
- Katheryn Mattis (US National Team)
- Silvia Valsecchi (Selle Italia-Ghezzi)
- Giada Borgato (Selle Italia-Ghezzi)
- Noemi Cantele (Bigla Cycling Team)
- Policeman during the race.
- Team Australia celebrates after the race.
- Alessandra Borchi (Italy)
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team)
- Team Flexpoint riders.
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia-Highroad)
- Members of Team Australia relax before the final stage.
- Kirsty Broun (Australia)
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) on the podium for her second stage win in the Tour of Qatar.
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy)
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) celebrated for her overall win in the Tour of Qatar.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team)
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy), Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team), 82
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) also won silver jersey of the points classification.
- Best young rider Ellen van Dijk (Columbia-Highroad)
- Best Team, Flexpoint
- Team Flexpoint won the team competition.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team)
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) with her teammates
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team)
Stage 2 - February 9: Qatar Foundation - Oryx Farm, 110km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Eva Lutz (Nürnberger Versicherung) outsprints breakaway companion Veronica Andreasson (Bigla Cycling Team) to win the second stage.
- Eva Lutz (Nürnberger Versicherung) powers to the line.
- The field sprints for third place.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- Team Selle Italia bikes.
- Eddy Merckx with Team South Africa.
- Team Giant Pro Cycling.
- Sigrid Corneo (Selle Italia-Ghezzi)
- Marta Tagliaferro (Italy)
- Team Cervélo relaxes before the start.
- Team Flexpoint bikes.
- Team France
- Team Columbia-Highroad bikes.
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia)
- Team USA
- Tiffany Cromwell (Australia)
- Linda Villumsen (Columbia) stretches before the start of stage two.
- Linda Villumsen (Columbia) prepares for the second stage.
- The start of stage two of the Ladies' Tour of Qatar.
- Camel crossing.
- Stage winner Eva Lutz (Team Nürnberger Versicherung).
- Eva Lutz (Team Nürnberger Versicherung) awarded.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) takes the overal leader's jersey.
- Race leader Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team).
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) puts on the silver jersey denoting the overall points classification leader
- Points leader Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team).
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia) takes the young rider's jersey.
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia) is the best young rider.
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia), Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) and Eva Lutz (Team Nürnberger Versicherung), l-r.
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia), Kirsten Wild (Cervélo Test Team) and Eva Lutz (Team Nürnberger Versicherung), l-r.
Stage 1 - February 8: Museum Of Islamic Art - Doha Shafallah, 94km
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Images by AFP Photo
- The women's peloton starts the first ever Ladies Tour of Qatar.
- The bunch rode out neutralised at first over a few cobbles.
- Then they were stopped for the real start
- The French team gets its picture taken in front of the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- Doha's Museum of Islamic Art
- Cervélo signs in for the Tour of Qatar.
- Team Bigla's Jennifer Hohl
- Team Flexpoint
- Team Columbia-Highroad
- Leontien.nl's Monique Van De Ree
- Martine Bras (Sella Italia), l.
- The escape.
- USA Champion Brooke Miller
- Kirsten Wild of Team Cervélo
- Ellen van Dijk of Team Columbia
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) awarded for the Tour of Qatar stage win.
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) and Eddy Merckx.
- Italian Giorgia Bronzini is the first winner of the first professional women's race held in the Middle East.
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) celebrates in the the overall leader's jersey.
- Italy's Giorgia Bronzini leads the 1st Tour of Qatar.
- Kirsten Wild of Team Cervélo puts on the silver point's jersey.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo) takes the silver point's jersey.
- Ellen van Dijk of Team Columbia
- Ellen van Dijk (Columbia)
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy), Ellen van Dijk (Team Columbia) and Kirsten Wild (Cervélo), l-r.
- Giorgia Bronzini (Italy), Ellen van Dijk (Team Columbia) and Kirsten Wild (Cervélo), l-r.
GP Costa degli Etruschi
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Giovanni Visconti is honoured a day before the start of the race.
- Visconti received the Premio Torre d'Argento in San Vincenzo.
- Paolo Bettini chimed in as well and wished Visconti all the best for the season.
- Vittorino Mulazzani was in attendance as well
- A bottle of wine is never a bad idea.
- Bettini doesn't need an introduction but he gets it anyway.
- Visconti also received a nice painting
- People were speechless after the good dinner.
- Visconti was happy with the prize he received.
- Petacchi gets a challenge in the sprint by Jacopo Guarnieri (Liquigas).
- Petacchi gets the win, but it was close.
- It's Petacchi by a wheel over neo-pro Jacopo Guarnieri (Liquigas).
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR) takes his fifth consecutive win.
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR) celebrates after taking his first win of the season.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre)
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Petacchi is back!
- The Italian won on home soil
- Basso races in Italy for the first time since his doping suspension.
- The podium of the GP Etruschi (l-r) with Jacopo Guarnieri (Liquigas, second), Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Farnese Vini) and Robert Hunter (Barloworld)
- Visconti tests his legs early in the season.
Ouverture La Marseillaise
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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com
- Rémi Pauriol (Cofidis) escapes during the 140.8 kilometre race.
- Rémi Pauriol (Cofidis) took a 27 second victory over Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom).
Etoile de Bessèges
Stage 5 - February 8: Gagnières - Bessèges, 145km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) held on to the overall win.
- Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) was ecstatic to get the stage win on Sunday.
- Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) gets the trophy for his stage win.
Stage 4 - February 7: Allègre-les-Fumades - Allègre-les-Fumades, 150km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Voeckler sprinted opened the sprint and distanced Sandy Casar (Française des Jeux, behind Voeckler), but had no response to Leukemans.
- Leukemans sprints for the line to take the stage.
- After a difficult year Björn Leukemans is back in the action.
- The Belgian won the fourth stage ahead of Thomas Voeckler.
- Voeckler took over the lead in the overall classification.
- Leukemans on the podium with his trophy.
- It is fun to put on the leader's jersey.
Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com
- Voeckler leads the escape group
- A smiling Voeckler in the leader's jersey on the podium after stage 4.
Stage 3 - February 6: Branoux Les Taillades - La Grande Combe, 134km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Jure Kocjan wins the stage in bad conditions.
- Kocjan outsprinted Yury Trofimov (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) in the rain.
- Kocjan celebrated a great win on the uphill finish.
- The Slovenian won the trophy for the stage win.
- Kocjan also took th eleader's jersey and is now two seconds ahead of Trofimov.
Stage 2 - February 5: Nîmes - Saint Ambroix, 149km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Jimmy Casper sees the line and prepares to salute.
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures-Sojasun) won his second stage in a row.
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures-Sojasun) dons his second leader's jersey of the season.
Stage 1 - February 4: Bellegarde - Le Grau du Roi, 150km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures-Sojasun) was sure he had it but the judges had to look at the photos to determine the winner.
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures-Sojasun) takes the win
- Jimmy Casper took the stage ahead of Sebastian Chavanel.
- Casper also got the leader's jersey thanks to the bonus seconds for the stage win.
- Jimmy Casper starts his season off with a trophy.
Tour of Qatar
Stage 6 - February 6: Sealine Beach Resort - Doha Corniche, 121km
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Images by AFP Photo
- A happy Cavendish smiles after his second Qatar win.
- Cavendish once again dominated the sprint.
- Cav goes all out while Boonen in gold sits up, but won the overall.
- The mad dash to the line in Doha.
- Cavendish with his trophy
- Boonen congratulates the Cervélo team which had an outstanding week.
- Heinrich Haussler won the young rider classification
- Haussler would have liked to win a stage but this nice podium time, too.
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Quick Step on the ocean front
- The peloton during the final stage of the 2009 Tour of Qatar.
- The bunch huddles together in the desert.
- Quick Step blasts by.
- Cavendish takes the win in Doha.
- Tom Boonen won the overall classification for a third time.
- Cavendish showed that he is a force to be reckoned with later in the season.
- Cav and Robert Förster (Milram) go one on one.
- Haussler also sprinted hard while Boonen already sat up at that point.
- It was well worth eating all the sand during the week for Cavendish.
- Quick Step kept the field in check so Boonen could keep the lead.
- Boonen won the Qatar race again and showed he is on good form.
- Cavendish on the podium.
- Boonen shares a laugh with an official.
- Cervélo won the teams classification
- The Briton celebrated his second stage win at the 2009 Tour of Qatar.
- Cavendish is happy to receive the winner's trophy in Doha.
- The king of sprint shows early season form.
- On the final podium Boonen was flanked by Cervélo riders, second-placed Heinrich Haussler (l) and Roger Hammond.
- The GC podium
- Next year there will be a little less sand and more buildings.
- Haussler is the best young dude in the Middle East
- Boonen receives flowers.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) relaxes in the sun.
- Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) signs in for the final stage.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) smiles confidently before the start.
- The start of stage six of the Tour of Qatar.
- Mikhail Ignatiev (Katusha) looks forward to the stage and a potential breakaway ride.
- Belgian fans in Doha, Qatar for the Tour of Qatar.
- Cervélo TestTeam wins the best team of the 2009 Tour of Qatar award.
Stage 5 - February 5: Camel Race Track - Qatar Foundation, 147.5km
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- Belgian fans were shocked when hearing the news.
- It was not a day to take pictures or think about racing.
- Overall leader Tom Boonen (Quick Step) was somber after hearing of his compatriot's passing.
- The peloton had a short ride in honor of Frederiek Nolf.
- Riders head back to the hotel after a 40km lap of honour for Frederiek Nolf.
- Milram riders help each other don black arm bands in honour of Frederiek Nolf.
- Kilian Patour (Garmin-Slipstream) wears the black arm band in memory of Frederiek Nolf.
- Eddy Merckx talks to reporters about the death of Frederiek Nolf.
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- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha, r) at the start of Tour of Qatar stage five.
- All riders wore black mourning bands.
- Belgian Eddy Merckx at the start of the neutralised Tour of Qatar stage five
- Filippo Pozzato (Katusha), Mauro Da Dalto (Lampre-NGC) and Danilo Napolitano (Katusha), l-r, before the start of the neutralised stage five.
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Friederik Nolf died only days before his 22nd birthday.
- Nolf was a strong talent who won the junior's Route de l'Avenir in 2005.
- Nolf still called his parents the night before his death and told them he wanted to try an attack in stage 5.
- The race responsibles were stunned upon the news, including Eddy Merckx on the right.
- The mood was down in the hotel as the riders started getting the news.
- The riders find out the news in the lobby and are informed that the stage will be shortened and neutralised.
- A Belgian fan watches the start of the neutralised stage.
- The peloton arrives at the finish after the neutralised 30-kilometre stage.
- Nolf's bike was displayed in honour of the rider.
- A memorial service was held in the evening.
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- Each team put a jersey down to remember the young Belgian rider.
- Nolf's picture was added to his bike and his jersey with his race number, 145.
Stage 4 - February 4: Doha Old Souq - Madinat Al Shamal, 141km
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- Mark Cavendish receives his trophy from Qatar Cycling Federation official Salim al-Nuaimi.
- Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) on the podium with his winner's trophy and flowers.
- Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) wins the fourth stage.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo) took second on the stage and kept the young rider's jersey.
- Hans Dekkers (Garmin-Slipstream) rides in the peloton on the fourth stage.
- Silence-Lotto leads through the turn on the fourth stage.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) in the leader's jersey showing the effort of a day battling strong winds.
- The race passes the Zubara Fort on stage four.
- High winds caused chaos, and Robert Wagner (Skil-Shimano) crashed.
- Robert Wagner (Skil-Shimano) and Belgian champion Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) were one of the many crash victims on the very windy and dangerous fourth stage.
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Eddy Merckx is part of the race organisation and gets to have the best view in the house.
- In Qatar there are occasional car crossings amid the wild life.
- Breakin' sweats in the hot sun... I fought the bunch and the bunch won.
- Cavendish takes his first win of the 2009 season.
- Cavendish wins the sprint without contest from Boonen.
- Cav takes stage four ahead of Heinrich Haussler who kept his blue jersey.
- Cavendish did not find his trainers at the finish and was walking around for a few minutes, trying to find his team.
- Cavendish on the podium.
Stage 3 - February 3: Al Zubarah - Doha Golf Club, 137.5km
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- Boonen takes the win ahead of Danilo Napolitano.
- Boonen celebrates as compatriot Jürgen Roelandts rolled across the line in third.
- Boonen in a familiar Qatar pose
- Tom Boonen receives the trophy after winning the third stage.
- Boonen once again on the podium and standing next to Khaled bin Ali al-Thani, the president of the Qatar cycling federation.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- Castle in Al Zubarah
- Filippo Pozzato (Katusha)
- Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre-NGC) signs in.
- Pre-race prayers
- Riders relax at the start.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) meets local supporters.
- Bert Grabsch and Marcus Burghardt (Columbia-High Road)
- Marcin Sapa (Lampre-NGC) during his break attempt
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) post-stage.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) with trophy
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team)
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Eddy Merckx congratulates Tom Boonen on the podium.
- It's a drag race to the line between Danilo Napolitano (l) and Tom Boonen.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) edges Danilo Napolitano (Katusha ) at the line.
- Sand and blue sky dominate the scenery.
- A Cervélo Test Team rider leads the peloton.
- Riders spread across the road forming several echelons early in the third stage.
- The peloton passes a castle.
- The peloton split into echelons in the opening kilometers.
- Riders assembled on the start line.
- Crosswinds split the peloton into several echelons.
Stage 2 - February 2: Khalifa Stadium - Al Khor Corniche, 134km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) receives the leader's jersey.
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) on the podium.
- Roger Hammond is pleased with his stage two performance.
- Roger Hammond won stage two and took over the general classification lead.
- Echelons formed out on the road during stage two.
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) wins stage two.
- Kevin Hulsmans (Quick Step) crosses the finish line exhausted after working hard for teammate Tom Boonen.
- Roger Hammond earned the leader's jersey with his victory in stage two.
- The peloton's all together at the moment.
- Roger Hammond solos to victory in stage two.
- A sun-drenched peloton contests stage two.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) speaks to the media.
- Teammates Roger Hammond (l) and Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team) on the podium wearing their respective leader's and young rider's jerseys.
- The peloton rolls along through arid Qatari terrain.
- Not a typical sign for riders to see while racing in Europe.
- Roger Hammond wins stage two with an attack about 3km from the finish.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- Riders' bikes arrive at the start of stage two.
- Sheets of plastic protect the bikes from the elements and each other.
- The bikes have arrived!
- Marcin Sapa (Lampre-NGC) relaxes.
- The Khalifa Stadium
- Liquigas riders await the start of stage two.
- Danilo Napolitano and Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) arrive.
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia-High Road)
- Rabobank riders relax before stage two's start.
- Rabobank riders prepare for stage two.
- Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto)
- Mikhail Ignatiev (Katusha) signs in.
- Race leader Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream)
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia-High Road) and Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team)
- Riders gather at the start line for stage two.
- Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) waits for the start.
- Marcus Burghardt (Columbia-High Road) exhibits the traditional professional cyclist's custom of number orientation when riding with number 13 on one's back.
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) on stage for the leader's gold jersey.
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team)
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) holds a slim, six second lead over Tom Boonen in general classification.
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) on stage with Christian Prudhomme of ASO for the silver point's jersey..
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) shakes the hand of ASO's Christian Prudhomme.
- Roger Hammond (Cervélo Test Team) and Christian Prudhomme.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team) takes the young rider's jersey.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team) has a solid 2 minute lead in the young rider's classification.
- Roger Hammond and Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team)
- Roger Hammond and Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team) lead the overall and young rider classifications respectively.
Stage 1 - February 1: Doha - Doha, 6km
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- Members of the US cycling team Garmin-Slipstream celebrate after winning the first stage of the 2009 Tour of Qatar cycling race.
- American cycling team Garmin-Slipstream competes in the team time trial at the Tour de Qatar.
- British rider Bradely Wiggins gets the gold jersey after stage one.
- Dutch Huub Duyn celebrates after winning the blue jersey
- Tom Boonen (right) and his Belgian team Quick Step race through Doha.
- Tom Boonen (right) and Sebastien Rosseler (left) of Team Quick Step
- Team Quick Step on the starting line for the team time trial.
- Team Lampre-NGC
- The BMC Team is on a mission to get some top results this season.
Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com
- Korean Sung Baek Park (Meitan Hompo - GDR) is one of the top sprinters in Asia.
- The local Doha squad made the most of the shade before the start.
- Two of Team Doha's riders relax in the shade ahead of the first stage.
- Team Doha riders and staff line up for a photo.
- Garmin - Slipstream line up after winning the opening team time trial.
- 54.822 km/h was the average speed for Garmin - Slipstream's winning ride.
- Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) dons the leader's jersey.
- After a short six kilometre team time trial Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) leads the middle east event.
- Briton Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) celebrates being in the leader's jersey.
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Katusha on the way to the finish
- Lampre sprints to the line
- Katusha on the ocean front
- Cavendish looks forward to the sprint stages.
- Lotto enjoys the weather away from home.
- Liquigas looked fluid
- AG2R heads to the line
- BMC is racing in Qatar as well.
- Columbia-Highroad headed home with all members together.
- Skil-Shimano in its first serious race for 2009.
- Rabobank hits the road
- Garmin-Slipstream on the way to victory.
- Boonen didn't look too happy after the first stage.
- Wiggins receives the yellow jersey
- Wiggins was happy he could lead his team home in first
- Garmin won the opening team time trial.
- The American team has shown in the past that it can time trial
- Wiggins in yellow
Parkcross Maldegem
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- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) was on hand to show of his new rainbow banded jersey.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) got back to his winning ways.
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) receives a gift at the start.
- Niels Albert , Philipp Walsleben and Sven Nys (l-r) at the start.
- Niels Albert's girlfriend Ellen was at the race to cheer for the new world champion.
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) adjusts his sunglasses on the start line.
- Bart Wellens leads Thijs Al and Gerben de Knegt up a climb.
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) leads Richard Groenendaal (AA Drink Cycling Team).
- Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb - Projob) churns through the sand.
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) finished on the podium in 3rd place.
- Sven Vanthourenhout (Sunweb - Projob) finished in 2nd place, one second behind Nys.
- Sven Nys is urged on by fans as he muscles through the sand.
- Belgian Champion Sven Nys prepares to hop on his Colnago after clearing the barriers.
- Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb - Projob) puts his long legs to good use in the barrier section.
- Kevin Pauwels (Fidea Cycling Team) on his way to a 4th place finish.
- Kenneth Van Compernolle (Sunweb - Projob) finished in 14th place.
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) races for the first time since earning his rainbow-striped jersey.
- Philipp Walsleben (BKCP - Power Plus) finished 12th, four days after winning the U23 world championship.
- Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team) leads Sven Vanthourenhout and Sven Nys.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) leads Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb-Projob) through the barriers.
- Bart Aernouts (Rabobank) flies over the barriers on his way to an 11th place finish.
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) tackles a section of barriers.
- Sven Nys in action.
- Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) powers through the sand.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) looks back to make sure no one will sneak by in the closing meters.
- A familiar gesture for Belgian national champion Sven Nys.
- Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) wins in Maldegem.
- World Champion Niels Albert finished in 10th place.
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