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2003 Giro d'Italia presentation
Team presentation - May 8, 2003
Press conference - May 9, 2003
Stage 1 - May 10: Lecce, 201 km
Stage 2 - May 11: Copernico-Matera, 177 km
Stage 3 - May 12: Policoro-Terme Liugiane, 145 km
Stage 4 - May 13: Terme Luigiane-Vibo Valentia, 170 km
Stage 5 - May 14: Messine-Catane, 176 km
Stage 6 - May 16: Maddaloni-Avezzano, 218 km
Stage 7 - May 17: Avezzano-Terminillo, 146 km
Stage 8 - May 18: Rieti-Arezzo, 214 km
Stage 9 - May 19: Arezzo-Montecatini, 160 km
Stage 10 - May 20: Montecatini-Faenza, 211 km
Stage 11 - May 21: Faenza-San Dona, 222 km
Stage 12 - May 22: Dan Dona-Monte Zoncolan, 185 km
Stage 13 - May 23: Pordenone-Marostica, 155 km
Stage 14 - May 24: Marostica-Alpe Pampeago, 162 km
Stage 15 - May 25: Merano-Bolzano, ITT, 42.5 km
Stage 16 - May 26: Arco Trento-Pavia, 207 km
Stage 17 - May 28: Salice Terme-Asti, 117 km
Stage 18 - May 29: Santuorio Vico-Chianale, 175 km
Stage 19 - May 30: Canelli-Cascata Toce, 239 km
Stage 20 - May 31: Canobio-Cantu, 133 km
Stage 21 - June 1: Idsroscalo-Milan, ITT, 33 km
Stage 21 - June 1: Idsroscalo-Milan, ITT, 33 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Serguei Gontchar (De Nardi) knows how to ride against the clock, and he was rewarded with the win today
- Serguei Gontchar (De Nardi) powered to a time of 38'04 in the final 33km time trial of the Giro to win
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) powers around a corner
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) even tried super long socks to ride faster, but they didn't quite have the desired result
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) takes a corner en route to 7th place
- A lean looking Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) takes a corner en route to the finish
- Maglia rosa Gilberto Simoni rode a calm time trial to finish in 18th place, but his jersey was never in danger
- All in the best possible taste - Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) on his pink TT machine
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) rode a much better time trial today to finish 7th, and keep his second place overall
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) clearly wasn't going to give in without a fight today
- Sweating pink Gilberto Simoni takes his sunglasses off after crossing the line in Milan
- Gilberto Simoni is dwarfed by the cathedral and the crowd, but is still the big winner of the Giro d'Italia 2003
- Serguei Gontchar (De Nardi) was happy as he stood on the podium as the winner of the final stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) raises his Giro d'Italia trophy above his head
- The final podium (L to R): Stefano Garzelli (2nd), Gilberto Simoni (1st) and Yaroslav Popovych (3rd)
- Victory is sweet for Gilberto Simoni, who kisses the trophy atop the podium
- Alessandro Petacchi, winner of six stages, got a special award at the end, as well as a trophy
- Mario Cipollini was awarded a medal in Milan for breaking Binda's stage win record
- Gilberto Simoni greets his family right after winning the Giro
Images by Marco Bardella
- All eyes were on Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI), who was separated by his younger rival Yaroslav Popovych (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) by just two seconds.
- Gibo Simoni (Team Saeco) pretty in pink? Well, the colour choice is debatable, but his victory ain't.
- Cyclingnews diarist Scott Sunderland (Team fakta-Pata Chips) pedals through the final 33 kilometres of the 86th Giro d'Italia.
Stage 20 - May 31: Canobio-Cantu, 133 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- The peloton pass by Lago Maggiore during stage 20
- Saeco's Treno Rosso did another great job of keeping Simoni out of trouble today
- The 27 man break passes a throng of Italian fans during stage 20
- The peloton, led by Saeco and Lampre follows at 1'00 behind the break
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) again helped animate the race today
- Sandy Casar (FDJ) and Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) lead the chase group of 23 behind the four leaders
- A massive crowd gathered on the day's only climb at Cucciago
- Giovanni Lombardi (Domina Vacanze) gives it everything with Marco Velo on his wheel
- Giovanni Lombardi (Domina Vacanze) and Marco Velo (Fassa Bortolo) work hard during their two man escape
- Eddy Mazzoleni (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) attacked almost immediately after he and Figueras caught Lombardi and Velo with 6 km to go
- Figueras and Velo lead the chase behind Mazzoleni
- Giovanni Lombardi (Domina Vacanze) smiles as he beats Eddy Mazzoleni in the sprint
- Giovanni Lombardi (Domina Vacanze) salutes after crossing the line
- Giovanni Lombardi (Domina Vacanze) on the podium
- Giovanni Lombardi (Domina Vacanze) salutes from the podium after winning stage 20
Stage 19 - May 30: Canelli-Cascata Toce, 239 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) crosses the line in Cascata del Toce to win the 19th stage
- The efforts of the last few days have taken their toll on Simoni, but he's still come out a winner
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) celebrates his third stage win
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) is happy with his victories
- Who wants some? Gilberto Simoni prepares the cork
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) smiles on the podium as the winner of the stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) gets to show his Saeco colours on the podium again
- Only two more days of this to come for Gilberto Simoni, the Maglia Rosa in this year's Giro
- More time in pink for Gilberto Simoni
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) finishes behind teammate Cristian Gasperoni in the 19th stage
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) will live to fight another day, but was plainly disapointed with his result on Cascata del Toce
- Marco Pantani's opinion of his result today clearly shows
Stage 18 - May 29: Santuorio Vico-Chianale, 175 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Before the stage Marco Pantani was happy to sign autographs
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) immediately after his crash
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) was back on his feet again, but it wasn't easy for him
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) is helped back on his bike after his bad crash
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) struggles to get going again
- Scott Sunderland (fakta-Pata Chips) and Wladimir Belli (Lampre) lead a group of nine away from the early break
- Cyclingnews diarist Scott Sunderland was in the action for much of the day, eventually finishing 21st
- Scott Sunderland (fakta-Pata Chips) leads the break during the early part of stage 18
- Scott Sunderland (fakta-Pata Chips) drives the break along in stage 18
- It's a long way to go for these riders behind one of several caravans
- Am I on the right road?
- If you can't get out in bad weather you're clearly not worthy of being a tifoso!
- Mazzoleni and Garzelli lead the group out of a tunnel
- It's a lonely ride for this Selle Italia rider
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) struggles on the mountain during stage 18
- The break ascends a snow lined climb during stage 18
- In bleak conditions the break struggled up the second climb in stage 18.
- The tifosi had to brave the snow today to see their heroes
- There's a devil behind me and he won't give up!
- Frigo and Simoni had extra incentive to ride fast!
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) battles to finish the stage
- Garzelli (R) and Mazzoleni (L) tried to limit the damage to Simoni's group
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) had another excellent ride to finish 4th and almost move into second on GC
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) leads a small group of riders during the 18th stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) didn't have much time to admire the incredible scenery today
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) and Franco Pellizotti (Alessio) leave their companions to suffer on the mountain
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) rides hard in the rain, with Franco Pellizotti on this wheel
- Despite terrible conditions Dario Frigo (L) was able to beat race leader Gilberto Simoni in today's toughest stage
- Dario Frigo, Georg Totschnig and Gilberto Simoni were a level above the rest today
Stage 17 - May 28: Salice Terme-Asti, 117 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Saeco's treno rosso perfectly matched by the flora during stage 17
- The peloton roll past a field of red flowers during stage 17
- All Saeco had to do today was to keep Simoni out of trouble for two and a half hours, which they managed
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) was calm and composed during stage 17
- Marco Pantani's Mercatone Uno train feels the heat in stage 17
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) is looking forward to tomorrow's mountain stage
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) doing it tough in stage 17
- Alessandro Petacchi lunges for the line in front of Jan Svorada
- This time there is a victory salute from the still bandaged Alessandro Petacchi
- One arm held high Alessandro Petacchi crosses the line in front of Jan Svorada (L) and Giovanni Lombardi (R) to win stage 17
- Count the victories: Alessandro Petacchi has now equaled Cipo's success of last year, with six stage wins
- Alessandro Petacchi gets ready to unleash a bottle of Asti's finest(?) on a suspecting crowd
- Another day, another podium for Fassa Bortolo's Alessandro Petacchi
Images by AFP
- The peloton takes a turn into the sun
- Gilberto Simoni looks pretty in pink
- Alessandro Petacchi and Daniele Bennati have a chat
- Saeco fly the colours
- Whoaaa!! Simoni in the peloton
- Petacchi takes out another stage
- Simoni slips on the pink again
Stage 16 - May 26: Arco Trento-Pavia, 207 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) heads for the line in Pavia, in front of Jimmy Casper (FDJeux.com, L) and Daniele Bennati (Domina Vacanze, C)
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) prepares for a victory salute after beating Casper
- Due to the pain Alessandro Petacchi can't raise his arms any higher after the sprint
- Owwwww! Petacchi feels the pain after giving everything to win once again
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) is losing count of how many podium kisses he's received
- One arm is in slightly better shape than the other for Alessandro Petacchi on the podium
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) is congratulated by his teammates after stage 16, given his injuries from the crash the previous day
- A winning combination: Alessandro Petacchi and his Fassa Bortolo teammates
- Guido, lend me your ear
Images by Iain Ashworth/www.herneweb.com
- Fabio Sacchi (Saeco) prepares for the stage
- A detail from Gilberto Simoni's "Spider" Cannondale bike
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) plugs in for a long day
- Bernhard Eisel (FDJeux.com) leaves Arco
- Dario Pieri prepares for the day ahead
- Surely that bike breaks UCI regulations
- The Selle Italia riders in discussion at the start
Images by AFP
- Gilberto Simoni offers the photographer a drink
- The peloton rides along the shore
- It can't be snow, not at this time of the year
- A hurting Alessandro Petacchi crosses the line
- Another day in the pink for Alessandro Petacchi
Stage 15 - May 25: Merano-Bolzano, ITT, 42.5 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) rode an excellent time trial to win by 50"
- Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) during his winning ride
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) rode very well to finish 7th in the TT
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) concentrates on the climb
- The aerodynamic form of Gilberto Simoni during the time trial
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) was smooth and strong on his TT machine
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) suffered all day today
- Garzelli gave it everything but couldn't gain time on Simoni
- Serguei Gontchar (De Nardi) pounds along in the time trial
- Always consistent Serguei Gontchar (De Nardi) managed third place
- Andrea Noe (Alessio) didn't have a great ride and lost 3'00
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) finished a strong 6th in the TT and moved into 3rd overall
- Raimondas Rumsas (Lampre) had some bad luck and bad legs to finish 17th
- As expected Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) lost time today
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) had a solid ride for 26th
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) was very determined
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) gives it everything in the 15th stage
- Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) rides during the time trial
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) towels down after finishing
- Stage winner Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) raises his arms on the podium
- Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) celebrates on the podium
- I'm back guys - Aitor Gonzalez on the podium
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) can smile in pink again
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) puts another bottle of Italian sparkling wine to good use
Cyclingnews diarist Scott Sunderland in action
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- "Stay on target" Scott Sunderland focuses on his upcoming ride
- Scott Sunderland (team fakta-Pata Chips) rolls up for his race of truth
- Scott Sunderland (team fakta-Pata Chips) discusses the plan
- Scott Sunderland (team fakta-Pata Chips) waiting for his call up
- Scott Sunderland (team fakta-Pata Chips) enters the start house
- Scott Sunderland (team fakta-Pata Chips) waits for the countdown
- Scott Sunderland gets ready to start his ride
- Go! Scott Sunderland takes off for the race of truth
Images by AFP
- "All da peeps in da house go whoaa-o"
- Who wants some bubbly?
Stage 14 - May 24: Marostica-Alpe Pampeago, 162 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- There were dark clouds on the horizon but everyone stayed dry in stage 14
- The peloton ascend a sinuous climb during stage 14
- Saeco's 'treno rosso' lead the peloton in stage 14
- The Dolomiti: the high mountains of the Giro d'Italia
- Race leader Gilberto Simoni rides on top of the clouds in stage 14
- The peloton fly down a descent in the Dolomiti during stage 14
- Marco Pantani (L) and Stefano Garzelli (R) concentrate to stay at the front of the group
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) has his sights on a podium place in the Giro
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) makes his first acceleration on Pampeago
- Simoni and Popovych catch and pass Constantino Zaballa (Kelme)
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) leads Rumsas and Popovych on Pampeago
- Garzelli, Rumsas and Popovych tried to keep Simoni in sight
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) gave it everything to win today
- Simoni got encouragement from young and old alike
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) needed plenty of "grinta" to win today
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) crosses the line to win the 14th stage of the Giro
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) was tired at the end of today's stage
- You're a wonderful audience, thank you. And now for my next trick...
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) has mastered the art of spraying the podium bubbly
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) is still king of the Giro
- Another day in pink another kiss on the podium for Gilberto Simoni
- I get a second bottle too? Gilberto Simoni makes the most of it...
Images by Iain Ashworth
- Charlie Wegelius (Colpack) finished 25th at Alpe di Pampeago
- Scott Sunderland (fakta - Pata Chips) on the final climb
- Andrea Noe (Alessio) and Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) couldn't stay with the leaders on the Pampeago
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) and Julio Cuapio (Ceramiche Panaria) dig deep to limit their loses to Simoni
- Jurgen Bo Petersen (fakta) on the final climb.
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) in full flight nobody could stay with him on the final climb up the Pampeago
- Dario Frigo (Fass Bortolo) suffering on the Pampeago
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) could not repeat his performance from the Zoncolan
Stage 13 - May 23: Pordenone-Marostica, 155 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) had no problems in taking his fourth stage win of the Giro in Marostica
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) crosses the line in front of Bennati and Garzelli
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his arms in a victory salute
- How many wins? Four, but maybe eight is the target
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his arms on the podium after his fourth stage win
- Alessandro Petacchi on the podium
- Alessandro Petacchi lets it go
- Four wins, count 'em Alessandro Petacchi's stage victory tally at this year's Giro
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) shortly after finishing stage 13
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) raises his arms on the podium in pink
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) is as tight lipped as ever in the pink jersey
- Simoni gets ready to spray the crowd
Stage 12 - May 22: Dan Dona-Monte Zoncolan, 185 km
mages by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Casagrande and Garzelli leading the way
- Simoni's pace on the Zoncolan rapidly thinned out the group
- It didn't take long for the selection to be made once they started the final 3.7 km
- Simoni, Casagrande and Garzelli were the top 3 today
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) concentrates on the climb with Casagrande on his wheel
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) leads the group past early attacker Wladimir Belli
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) makes his move on the Zoncolan, as Casagrande and Garzelli try to follow
- Simoni gets encouragement from a fan as he drops Casagrande
- Gilberto Simoni alone on the mountain
- Gilberto Simoni rides through crowds of people on the Monte Zoncolan
- Marco Pantani and Yaroslav Popovych were in the hunt during stage 12
- Maglia Rosa Gilberto Simoni was in his element today on the steep climb of Monte Zoncolan
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) en route to victory on Monte Zoncolan
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) can't believe how steep it is on the Zoncolan
- Marco Pantani and Francesco Casagrande suffer on the Zoncolan climb
- Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) was dropped by Simoni and caught by Garzelli
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) grits his teeth as he rides away from Popovych and Pantani
- Gilberto Simoni was too good today on Zoncolan
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) had a great ride for fifth in stage 12
- Garzelli opts for the granny gear as he tackles Zoncolan with Pantani
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) realises that the next bit will require some serious effort
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) and Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) battled together most of the way up the climb
- Former teammates, similar haircuts Stefano Garzelli (top) and Marco Pantani (bottom)
- Casagrande and Popovych near the top of the Monte Zoncolan
- Popovych and Casagrande in pursuit of Pantani
- Yaroslav Popovych (Colnago-Landbouwkrediet) nears the top of the climb
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) receives some encouragement on the Zoncolan climb
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) wins the stage atop Monte Zoncolan
- Saeco's Gilberto Simoni on the podium after winning the 12th stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) kissed on the podium atop Monte Zoncolan
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) prepares to pop the bubbly
Stage 11 - May 21: Faenza-San Dona, 222 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Gilberto Simoni tries his hand at the sand game
- Giuliano Figueras (Panaria) takes aim
- Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) in the traditional(?) pre-stage sand game
- Franco Pellizotti (Alessio) works out where to shoot
- We're not sure of the rules but Marco Pantani seems to know them
- Gilberto Simoni enjoying his day in pink
- Fabio Sacchi leads the Saeco squad with Gilberto Simoni now in pink
- What's for lunch? Gilberto Simoni has a bit to eat during stage 11
- Maglia Rosa Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) rides along in varying shades of pink and red
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) wins the 11th stage from Alessandro Petacchi and Crescenzo d'Amore
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) raises his arms as he wins stage 11
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) waves to the sodden crowd from the podium
- A happy Robbie McEwen on the podium
- A sore Mario Cipollini rides across the line, nursing his injuries
- World Champion Mario Cipollini painfully gets off his bike after crashing with 150m to go
Stage 10 - May 20: Montecatini-Faenza, 211 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Maglia Rosa Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) and Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) not looking comfortable during stage 10
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) put in a powerful attack on the Monte Casale that no-one could match
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) on his own on the Monte Casale
- Garzelli's teammates work as hard as they can to chase down Simoni.
- Maglia Rosa Stefano Garzelli (R) was definitely suffering today
- Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze, L) and Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) attack Garzelli's Maglia Rosa group
- Scarponi and Casagrande give it everything to stay away
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) drives the breakaway, making Zaballa suffer at the back
- Norwegian champ Kurt Asle-Arvesen (Team fakta-Pata Chips) crosses the line to win stage 10
- Kurt Asle-Arvesen (fakta-Pata Chips) was justifiably proud with his win, having been in front for much of the stage
- Kurt Asle-Arvesen (fakta-Pata Chips) celebrates his victory
- Kurt Asle-Arvesen (fakta-Pata Chips) salutes from the podium after winning stage 10
- A happy Kurt Asle-Arvsen (fakta-Pata Chips) "How are you going to carry all that home?"
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) on the podium with the Maglia Rosa for the first time in the race
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) enjoys the moment of pulling on the Maglia Rosa
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) gets a kiss as the new wearer of the Maglia Rosa
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) on the podium in pink
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) prepares to unleash the bubbled fury
- Careful where you're pointing that thing...
Stage 9 - May 19: Arezzo-Montecatini, 160 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Mario Cipollini tried to be as diplomatic as possible after learning of his team's non-selection in the Tour de France
- Mario Cipollini explains his views to journalists
- Domina Vacanze manager Vincenzo Santoni voices his frustration to journalists after his team was ignored for the Tour de France
- The sign says it all
- Despite learning of his team's non selection in the Tour only hours before Mario Cipollini was still in good spirits at the start of stage 9
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) fights hard on the last lap to keep his position during stage 9
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) sprints for the line ahead of Robbie McEwen (Lotto, L) to win stage 9 and surpass the record of Alfredo Binda
- Although this camera angle shows differently, Mario Cipollini (R) beat Robbie McEwen by a clear margin to win stage 9
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) finally equalled Binda's record by beating Robbie McEwen (L) and Alessandro Petacchi (R) in Arezzo
- For the second time in two days Mario Cipollini could raise his long arms on the podium
- Watch that bubbly... Someone could get hurt!
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) gets some more quality time on the podium
- Cipollini is congratulated for breaking Alfredo Binda's 70 year record
Stage 8 - May 18: Rieti-Arezzo, 214 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Race leader Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) - can we expect to see pink shorts tomorrow?
- It was up to Vini Caldirola to defend the Maglia Rosa today, and they did it well
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) just had to hold his teammates' wheels during the long stage
- Stefano Garzelli's Vini Caldirola team did much of the tempo work during stage 8
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) finally equalled Binda's record by beating Robbie McEwen (L) and Alessandro Petacchi (R) in Arezzo
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) raises his arms after crossing the line in Arezzo
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) salutes to the crowd after his victory in stage 8
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) can smile at last on the podium
- There were hugs all round between Mario and his Domina Vacanze teammates after his stage win
- Mario Cipollini recieves congratulations from team director Vincenzo Santoni
- Race leader Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) shortly after the finish of stage 8
Stage 7 - May 17: Avezzano-Terminillo, 146 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Mario Cipollini and soon to be ex-Maglia Rosa Alessandro Petacchi, ride in the bus on the Terminillo climb
- Julio Perez Cuapio (Panaria) and Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) in the bunch on the climb during stage 7
- Garzelli's teammate Eddy Mazzoleni was responsible for the early damage on the climb
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) leads Scott Sunderland (fakta-Pata Chips) on the Terminillo climb
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) had to fight all the way for his 25th place
- Gilberto Simoni put in a strong attack with 6 km to go to drop everyone save Garzelli
- Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) fights hard to stay in contact on the climb of Terminillo
- Franco Pellizotti (Alessio) is dropped from the leading group on the climb
- Gilberto Simoni and Stefano Garzelli did not give each other an inch on the climb to Terminillo
- Gilberto Simoni and Stefano Garzelli ride side by side on the Terminillo climb during stage 7. Andrea Noe is just behind them.
- A comfortable looking Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) couldn't shake off Garzelli and Noe on the way to Terminillo
- Simoni, Noe and Garzelli approach the finish at Terminillo
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) crosses the line to win stage 7
- Garzelli celebrates while Simoni has to be satisfied with second
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) salutes from the podium after his win
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) sprays the bubbly on the podium after his second stage win
- Who's got the biggest smile? It should be Garzelli
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) in pink after stage 7
Images by Yuzuru Sunada/www.yuzurusunada.com
- Mazzoleni and Garzelli did the early pace making on the climb until Simoni took over
- Stefano Garzelli leads Gilberto Simoni on the climb of Terminillo during stage 7
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) in suffer mode on the climb
Stage 6 - May 16: Maddaloni-Avezzano, 218 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) just pipped Galvez to win stage 6
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R) crosses the line to beat Isaac Galvez (Kelme)
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R) wins the sixth stage
- Moments after crossing the line - 'I won again?'
- Fifth time on the podium in five days for Petacchi
- Don't get the camera wet!
- Another bouquet for Alessandro Petacchi
- Alessandro Petacchi kissed in pink
- Alessandro Petacchi prepares to unleash the spray
- Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) concentrates on holding the wheel
- Stefano Garzelli and the Vini Caldirola train riding hard with 30 km to go
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) looked comfortable with 30 km to go, but wasn't able to produce the goods in the sprint
Images by Yuzuru Sunada/www.yuzurusunada.com
- Constantino Zaballa (Kelme) leads Cristian Moreni (Alessio, L) and Magnus Backstedt (fakta-Pata Chips, R) during their long breakaway
- Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bortolo) doing his work for the team on the front in stage 6
Stage 5 - May 14: Messine-Catane, 176 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) puts his head down as Cipollini tries to come round him
- Petacchi and Cipollini approach the line, head to head
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R) wins stage 5 from Cipollini with a well timed throw
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R) starts to celebrate his victory
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his arms on the podium after winning stage 5
- Alessandro Petacchi gets a kiss on the podium, as the stage winner
- Alessandro Petacchi struggles with the Maglia Rosa, his fifth of this year's Giro
- It's a tight fit put Petacchi manages to pull the Maglia Rosa on
- A happy Alessandro Petacchi kissed on the podium in the Maglia Rosa
- Alessandro Petacchi realised his dream of winning a stage in the Maglia Rosa
- Alessandro Petacchi also wears the ciclamino points jersey
Images by Yuzuru Sunada/www.yuzurusunada.com
- The peloton cruise along the Sicilian coastline in stage 5
- Mario Cipollini and Alessandro Petacchi spent a lot of time together during stage 5, and in the end there wasn't much separating them
- Daniele Pietropoli (Tenax) bridged up to Ignacio Gutierrez and Fredy Gonzalez in the latter part of stage 5, but it was too late
- Ow. Gert Steegemans (Lotto-Domo) crashed near the end of stage 5, and lost 2'35
Stage 4 - May 13: Terme Luigiane-Vibo Valentia, 170 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo, R) comes of Alessandro Petacchi's wheel in the final 30m to win stage 4
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) lunges to beat Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa, L) on the line to win stage 4
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) raises both arms as he walks onto the victory dais
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) waves to the crowd from the podium
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) clearly enjoying his time on the podium
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) smiles from the podium after his stage win
- A happy Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) on the podium after his stage win
Images by Yuzuru Sunada/www.yuzurusunada.com
- A beachgoer watches the peloton go by in stage 4
- Elio Aggiano (Formaggi Pinzolo) leads the main break of the day in stage 4
- Gerolsteiner's Marcel Strauss with his two Kelme companions in the break near the end of the stage
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SO.DI) rides in the ciclamino points jersey during stage 4
- Robbie McEwen gets it on the line from Maglia Rosa Alessandro Petacchi
Stage 3 - May 12: Policoro-Terme Liugiane, 145 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SoDi) crosses the line to win the third stage of the Giro
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SoDi) was very happy to win the third stage ahead of Casagrande and Petacchi
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SoDi) puts both arms in the air to celebrate his win
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SoDi) celebrates, while Petacchi (L) and Casagrande (R) battle it out for second
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) crosses the line in third place at the end of stage 3, thus keeping the maglia rosa
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) kept his leader's jersey for another day
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SoDi) on the podium
- Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola-SoDi) smiles from the podium after his win
Images by Yuzuru Sunada
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) did pull on the blue intergiro jersey today, and also worked on his tan
- Alessandro Petacchi and Mario Cipollini swap stories and compare tan lines during the stage
- Hernan Dario Munoz (Colombia-Selle Italia) leads the break on the climb of Fagnano Castello
Stage 2 - May 11: Copernico-Matera, 177 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- This was the move that cost McEwen the second stage, as he moved into Fabio Baldato in the final metres. He was later relegated to last place in the bunch, and Baldato was given the win
- Baldato (L) throws his arm up as McEwen powers away from him
- Baldato gesticulates as Robbie McEwen gets ready for his victory salute
- Fabio Baldato (Alessio) disagrees about the winner of stage 2
- Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) celebrates crossing the line first, but he didn't get past the race jury
- Fabio Baldato (Alessio) salutes from the podium as the finale winner of the stage
- Fabio Baldato (Alessio) realises he's won another Giro stage
Stage 1 - May 10: Lecce, 201 km
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) beats Mario Cipollini and Angelo Furlan to win the first stage of the Giro d'Italia
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his arms as he crosses the line
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) beats Mario Cipollini and Angelo Furlan to win the first stage of the Giro d'Italia
- Mario Cipollini after stage 1 - "So what did I do wrong?"
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his arms on the podium
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) gets a stage winner's kiss
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) salutes the crowd
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his winner's bouquet
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) smiles in pink
- Two kisses for Pettachi now in pink
- Stage one winner Alessandro Petacchi was delighted to have the maglia rosa
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) kisses his pink jersey
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) lets fly with the bubbly after winning stage 1
Images by Makoto Ayano/www.cyclingweb.jp
- The peloton cruise through the southern Italian province of Lecce during the first of 21 stages.
- Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) comes through with the goods, comfortably beating a confused-looking Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze-Elitron) and Angelo Furlan (Alessio).
Press conference - May 9, 2003
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Stefano Garzelli (Caldirola-Sidermec) looks very, very serious
- Stefano Garzelli (Caldirola-Sidermec) hopes to be one of the protagonists this year
- Aitor Gonzalez and Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) exchange words
- Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) hopes to be one of the team's top men
- Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) also hopes to be one of the team's top men
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) - if looks could kill
- Dario Frigo and Stefano Garzelli think that the Cipo look is a bluff
- Looking very Tarzan-like Mario Cipollini is ready for action
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) has his rivals clearly worried, as he explains how to win a sprint
- And then the killer blow says Cipollini
- Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) hopes to do better than last year
- Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (Panaria) can't wait for the mountains
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) answers questions at the press conference
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) and Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) look like they've had a long day
- Pavel Tonkov is CCC-Polsat's key man
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) ponders a question
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) speaks his mind at the press conference
- Carmine Castellano explains how the Giro will go
- Some of the protagonists of the 2003 Giro: Pantani, Perez Cuapio, Simoni and Tonkov
- More protagonists of the Giro: Cipollini, Gonzalez, Garzelli and Frigo
- Aitor Gonzalez and Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) are best buddies
- Best friends Marco Pantani and Carmine Castellano
Team presentation - May 8, 2003
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- The 2003 Giro d'Italia team presentation opened to the sound of a fairly popular song
- Dazzling is one word to describe the team presentation at the Giro d'Italia.
- Giro boss Carmine Castellano interviewed on stage
- Citizen Castellano - the big boss of the Giro
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) rides on stage to a huge round of applause
- Domina Vacanze-Elitron assemble on stage
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) rides on stage
- The Mercatone Uno-Scanavino team presented on stage
- Marco Pantani (Mercatone Uno) looks happy to be back at the Giro
- The Fassa Bortolo boys presented on stage
- Dario Frigo and Aitor Gonzalez are the lynch-pins of Fassa Bortolo
- The Saeco team presented on stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) interviewed on stage
- Stefano Garzelli (Caldirola-Sidermec) could easily be mistaken for someone else
- Caldirola-Sidermec on stage
- Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) signs autographs for his delighted tifosi
- Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) is quietly confident
2003 Giro d'Italia presentation
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- The 2003 Giro route is presented to the crowd
- Garzelli looks happy with the route
- Garzelli and Savoldelli shake hands for the cameras
- Formigoni hands Cipollini another trophy
- Simoni and Savoldelli looking very sharp
- The map, as presented to the crowd
- Part way through the presentation
- Ugo Nespolo's artwork and the 2003 Maglia Rosa
- The 2003 hopefulls stand in front of the map
- Everybody smile, and no making faces
- I wonder where Cipo got his suit?
- One more photos, then we can relax
- Savoldelli thinks about the Maglia Rosa
