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Cycling photography for April - Part I

Ronde van Drenthe
Novilon Internationale Damesronde van Drenthe
Track World Cup Round 3
Briek Schotte's funeral
GP Pino Cerami
Gent-Wevelgem
The Adventure Travel Company Boomerang
Australian national MTB series #5
Circuit de la Sarthe
Croatia-Giant GP Istria
Archer International Grand Prix
Little 500 Individual Time Trials
GP de la Ville de Rennes
Vuelta al Pais Vasco
Ronde van Vlaanderen
Hel van het Mergelland
Tour of the Southern Grampians
Victorian criterium championships
Route Adélie
World Cup Qualifier
Driedaagse van de Panne
Primavera Rosa
Columbia University Grant's Tomb Criterium
Brabantse Pijl
GP Feminas Castilla y Leon
Critérium International
E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
Tour de Normandie

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Ronde van Drenthe

Images by DCP-Bert Geerts

• An early break of six riders hits the cobblestones.
• Karsten Kroon keeps the pace up
• Sanderhup leading early in the race
• Piotr Mazur of Team Moser
• Rudie Kemna (Ned) Bankgiroloterij
• Frank Dressler of Team Comnetsenges
• Erik Dekker wins the 42nd Ronde van Drenthe
• Exhaustion in the eyes of Erik Dekker (Rabobank) at the finish, but for the 33 year-old Dutchman, it was well worth it.
• The podium - (L to R) Simone Cadamuro (De Nardi, 3rd), Erik Dekker (Rabobank, 1st) and David Mckenzie (Navigators Insurance CT, 2nd).
• Erik Dekker is happy with his win

Novilon Internationale Damesronde van Drenthe

Stage 1 - April 9: Coevorden-Hoogeveen, 112.7 km

Images by DCP-Bert Geerts

• World champion Susanne Ljunkskog (Mix Team SATS T-Mobile) finished over five minutes down today.
• Suzanne De Goede was Team Ton van Bemmelen's best-placed finisher in ninth place.
• German champion Trixi Worrack (Eq. Nurnberg Versicherung) looks a little concerned before the start.
• Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (National Team Deutschland) limbers up before the stage.
• Mirjam Melchers (Mix Team Farm Frites) got herself in a break with team-mate Mio Oki in the latter stages of the race, but her group was caught soon afterwards.
• Team Nurnberg Versicherung takes control at the 39 kilometre mark as the race hits the pavè.
• Debby Mansveld (Vlaanderen T Interim) shows plenty of focus in the peloton. Mansveld placed second on today's stage behind Giorgia Bronzini.
• The peloton being led by Mirjam Melchers (Mix Team Farm Frites).
• Race leader Giorgia Bronzini (Mix Safi Pasta Zara Man) makes things easy for the sponsors.
• The podium - (L to R) Debby Mansveld (Vlaanderen T Interim, 2nd), Giorgia Bronzini (Mix Safi Pasta Zara Man, 1st) and Veronique Belleter (Vlaanderen T Interim, 3rd).
• Some mixed emotions on the podium.

Stage 3 - April 11: Circuit Assen Criterium, 60.2 km

Images by DCP-Bert Geerts

• Farm Frites in control - protecting Sissy Alebeek's lead
• The peloton tears round the finishing circuit
• Sissy Alebeek (Farm Frites) rides in the bunch
• Bertine Spijkermann (@Home) takes the final sprint ahead of Olga Slyusareva (SC Nobili Rubinetterie)
• Bertine Spijkermann was pretty happy about her win
• Sissy Alebeek (Farm Frites) in the race-winner's jersey

Track World Cup Round 3

Day 1 - April 9

Images by Nick Rosenthal/www.fatnick.com

• Ooh! One rider almost clips wheels in the men's keirin.
• The tough get going in the men's keirin.
• Eventual winner Shane Kelly (Aus) hits the front in the keirin.
• More than a few faces of strain.
• Shane Kelly (Aus) gets his arms a pumpin'.
• Action from the early rounds of the women's sprint.
• The men's kilo podium - (L to R) Theo Bos (Ned, 2nd), Craig MacLean (GBr, 1st) and Soren Lausberg (Ger, 3rd).
• Susan Panzer (Ger) on her way to winning one of the sprint heats; Panzer finished third overall behind Victoria Pendleton (GBr).
• One ice-cool Russki.
• The men's keirin podium - (L to R) Josiah Ng (Mal, 2nd), Shane Kelly (Aus, 1st) and Florian Rousseau (Fra, 3rd).
• The men's scratch race gets underway.
• Belem Guerrero Mendez (Mex) finished third in the women's points race.
• Hola! Nice legs!
• If looks could kill...
• A photogenic Victoria Pendleton, winner of the women's sprint.
• The women's sprint podium - (L to R) Irina Yanovych (Ukr, 2nd), Victoria Pendleton (GBr, 1st) and Susan Panzer (Ger).
• A German rider gives it some gas.
• Mark Renshaw (Aus) takes a look up ahead in the men's scratch race.
• Robert Hayles (GBr) in full flight; Hayles finished third in the men's scratch race.
• Victoria Pendleton (GBr) on her way through the pain barrier.
• An attentive bunch in the men's scratch race.
• One of the earlier rounds of the women's sprint.
• Riding high on the banking.
• The business end of the bike race in the men's scratch race.
• You lookin' at me?
• The men's scratch race podium - (L to R) Franck Perque (Fra, 2nd), Mark Renshaw (Aus, 1st) and Robert Hayles (GBr, 3rd).
• Eventual scratch race winner Mark Renshaw (top R) starts to make his way to the front.
• Franck Perque (Fra) leads the bunch in the men's scratch race.
• What's half a wheel between friends? Well, a ticket to the next round, actually.
• The women's points race gets underway.
• Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) takes a flyer in the women's points race.
• Katherine Bates (Aus) way out in front in the women's points race.
• Bradley McGee (Aus) stamps his authority in the men's 4k individual pursuit.
• Victoria Pendleton (GBr) made light work of this rider from Mexico to advance to the final of the women's sprint.
• Paul Manning (GBr) about to lap Alexander Serov (Rus) to take the bronze medal in the individual pursuit.
• Brad McGee (Aus) puts down the hammer in the men's IP to take the gold medal and cement his spot in the team for Athens.
• Brad McGee's position on the bike is nothing short of perfect.
• Brad McGee's time of 4'19.696 was almost seven seconds quicker than silver medallist Sergi Escobar Roure (Spa).
• Sergi Escobar Roure (Spa) gave it everything in the men's individual pursuit, but Bradley McGee was a class above the rest.
• The women's points race podium - (L to R) Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger, 2nd), Katherine Bates (Aus, 1st) and Belem Guerrero Mendez (Mex, 3rd).
• Legs of steel set in stone.
• Women's sprint action.
• No love lost here.
• The men's IP podium - (L to R) Sergi Escobar Roure (Spa, 2nd), Bradley McGee (Aus, 1st) and Paul Manning (GBr, 3rd).
• Action from the men's IP.
• More men's IP action.
• This is what happens when you start to blow...
• ... and this is what happens when you don't.

Day 2 - April 10

Images by Nick Rosenthal/www.fatnick.com

• Brad McGee leads the Australian team to third place in the team pursuit at Manchester Velodrome.
• The Dutch team pursuit squad, who surprised and delighted everyone with their second place.
• The victorious British team pursuit squad, demonstrating their experience and power on their way to victory.
• France's Florian Rousseau used all his experience and courage to take the silver medal despite an injury. Here, he battles with Malaysia's Josiah Ng.
• Clara Sanchez of France on her way to eighth place in the 500m time trial.
• Katrin Meinke of Germany heading for seventh place in the 500m time trial.
• Yonghua Jiang of China heads towards a silver medal in the 500m time trial.
• Women? Riding a Keirin? It may be new, but it makes for exciting, hard-packed, tough racing.
• Britain's Victoria Pendleton heading for bronze in the 500m time trial.
• When the Derny pulls off, the gals get serious! Susan Panzer of Germany battles with US rider Jennie Reed, with three more riders close behind.
• Yvonne Higenaar of Holland demonstrates commitment in the 500m time trial. It worked - she won!
• Germany's Jan van Eijden powers ahead of Britain's Chris Hoy in the men's sprint.
• A very happy Yvonne Hijgenaar celebrates her victory in the 500m time trial. Bronze medallist Victoria Pendleton does the smiley thing too, and we think Yonghua Jiang is pleased with second place.
• Relative newcomer Josiah Ng makes experienced sprinter Florian Rousseau work hard.
• Poland's Damien Zielinski, overall winner of the men's sprint series, takes on Germany's Jan van Eijden.
• Mummy, I can see his ass hanging out... One of the Dutch pair had performed a close-quarters inspection of the Manchester woodwork; still, he probably had a spare skinsuit in his bag!
• Australia's Katherine Bates on her way to a win in the final of the 3000 metre pursuit.
• Britain's Emma Davies put up a valiant fight to take silver in the women's 3000 metres pursuit.
• Germany's Katrin Meinke battles with Jennie Reed of the USA, with three maids-in-waiting also eager to get in to the scrap.
• This time, America's Tanya Lindenmuth forms the centrepiece, flanked by Oxana Grishina or Russia and Daniela Larreal of Venezuela.
• In days of old, when men were men and sprinter's didn't cry foul, stuffing somebody right up against the rail was considered perfectly fair play, the ancient demonstrated by Jan van Eijden of Germany and Japan's Kiyofumi Nagai.
• Yes folks, final lap, 125 metres to go, and Mr Van Eijden still has Nagain sandwiched against that rail!
• Compare the smooth, young legs of Damien Zielinski with the, um, more experienced legs of Florian Rousseau.
• The Manchester round of the UCI World Cup track series was sponsored by Kelloggs, who sent Tony the Tiger along to watch the action.
• The Slovak team change during the Madison final.
• Roland Garber gives Franz Stocher a handsling during the Madison final.
• The Danish madison pairing do the sling thang.
• A madison change for the Ukrainian pair. One of them fell on the banking during the madison final, but he quickly remounted and the team went on to claim the silver medal.
• A handsling high on the Manchester banking for the Canadian madison team.
• A close-up shot of the Ukrainian pair doing a handsling on the Manchester banking.
• The Hungarian duo change during the Madison final.
• Juan Llaneras chucks Miguel Alzamora into the race. Llaneras is a former world madison champion.
• Alex Aeschbach gives partner Franco Marvulli a good hard sling into the race when the action gets going. Marvulli is the reigning world madison champion (with Bruno Risi).
• Aeschbach releases Marvulli's hand at the end of the change.
• Experienced six-day Frenchmen Jerome Neuville and Franck Percque do a handsling in the madison final.
• Of course, for all the handslings, the madison is just a bike race. Belgium's Matt Gilmore shows how to race a bike, with one of the Czechs and Franco Marvulli keeping a close eye on this former world madison champion.
• Budget crisis - The Italian madison team in non-matching skinsuits during the afternoon heats.
• The madison features sprints every 20 laps. Here, the guys go three-abreast in the sprint for points.
• Miguel Alzamora throws Juan Llaneras into the thick of things.
• The Czech pairing of Martin Liska and Jozef Zabka on their way to victory in the madison final.
• Franco Marvulli shows the sort of commitment that earned him two world track championships this year. The Swiss star has a phenomenal turn of speed.
• Jennie Reed (USA) cracks a smile on the podium, flanked by Susan Panzer of Germany (silver) and Daniela Larreal of Venezuela (bronze).
• New boy Damian Zielinski of Poland shows off his shiny gold medal. Bronze went to Jan "stick him in the fence" van Eijden of Germany, with Florian Rousseau of France taking silver.

Day 4

Images by Nick Rosenthal/www.fatnick.com

• The Aussies head off the banking
• Last lap, and the strain is showing
• The Slovakian team put the hamer down
• The Chinese team keep the pressure on
• Legs of steel
• The Greek team try to stay in line
• You can almost feel the pain the Czech riders are feeling
• U.S.A. all the way
• Getting a little bit sideways there
• The Great Britain team sprint trio, seen here during the heats
• Olympic Kilo champion Jason Queally is last man for the British Team Sprint trio who qualified for the major final in the Manchester round of the UCI World Cup track series
• The two Australian girls (Alison Wright and Rochelle Gilmore) at the top of the track went on to take first and second place, with the USA's Rebecca Quinn in third spot.
• Rochelle Gilmore tries her damnedest to get round compatriot Alison Wright... but to no avail. The final banking of the final lap of the women's points race at the Manchester world cup track meeting.
• Alison Wright (centre, winner), Rochele Gilmore (left, silver) and Rebecca Quinn (USA, bronze) look happy on the podium after the women's 10 km scratch race in Manchester.
• Top Spanish trackie Joan Llaneras leads the four-man break that gained a lap on the field in the men's points race at Manchester Velodrome. The former world track champion is an expert at taking laps, and gained two laps on the field in this race.
• Joan Llaneras gives it some stick during the points race.
• A special "Big balls" award from Fat Nick for Alexander Aeschbach; after falling heavily during the points race, Aeschbach not only got back on his bike, but continued to race aggressively during the rest of the race.

Briek Schotte's funeral

Images by AFP Photo

• Briek Schotte's coffin is carried by past and current cycling stars, including Roger de Vlaeminck, Rik Van Looy, Freddy Maertens, Benoni Beheyt, Sean Kelly and Frank Vandenbroucke

Images by Frank V/golfy@pandora.be

• The coffin is carried into Sint-Maartenskerk
• UCI president Hein Verbruggen (R) enters the church, accompanied by Belgian cycling federation president Laurent De Backer
• Champions: Eddy Merckx, Sean Kelly, Roger De Vlaeminck, Frank Vandenbroucke, Freddy Maertens and Rik Van Looy
• A large crowd gathered in Sint-Maartenskerk in Kortrijk to witness the funeral of Briek Schotte
• Roger De Vlaeminck and Eddy Merckx at the funeral of Briek Schotte
• Sean Kelly, Frank Vandenbroucke and Rik Van Looy were guests at the funeral
• The hearse carrying the coffin leaves the church

GP Pino Cerami

Images by AFP Photo

• Nico Sijmens (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) wins the 39th GP Pino Cerami
• The podium (L to R): Martin Elmiger (3rd), Nico Sijmens (1st) and Thomas Dekker (3rd)

The Adventure Travel Company Boomerang

Images by Adventure Travel Company

• 2004 World Track Championships manager, Simon Calder, and Dr Michael Makdissi watch the start of the MTB time trial.
• Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson gets ready to start the MTB time trial.
• MTB legend Rob Eva (SRAM) gets ready on the startline of the MTB time trial.
• Topbike physio Emma Colson starts the MTB time trial and puts herself in the yellow jeresy for the rest of the tour.
• Neil Robinson shows off some battle scars after the time trial; fortunately there were minimal injuries at the ATC Boomerang.
• The winery at the end of Stage 2. Team topbike relax, but all they can talk about is that climb!
• Rack 'em up - the bike rack outside the Mt Beauty Bakery had never seen such a plethora of mountain and road bikes on the one weekend!
• The road event was dominated by the very vocal ASF Tri Club who used the event as a wind-down to their season.
• Race volunteer Billy Newton gives the thumbs up for a competitor to enter the "comfort class" category on the hill climb; entrants must be either 80kgs plus or over 90kgs - the women did not have to weigh in, but were self selected by their peers!
• A rare sight - Phil Anderson and his wife Christi head off for the hill climb on Stage 4; Phil did the MTB and Christi the road, with son Aidan taking one of the 50 metre sprints on Saturday night.
• Rob Eva (SRAM) has a good look across at the competition at the start of stage 5 short-course cross-country race.
• Tory Thomas starts in front at the beginning of stage 5 for the open women; Tory took the short-course cross-country stage to finish second overall.
• The start of the women's stage 5 road race. The ASF girls had to work hard to put time into Christine Foster. Christine kept her cool to hold on to her lead and take the overall tour win.
• The women's road podium - Cristine Foster (1st), Katie O'Keefe (2nd), and Bridget Officer (3rd).
• The men's 40+ road podium - Tony Retra (1st), Steven Noske (2nd) and Peter Noske (3rd).
• The teams road podium - Friends of Colin Brown (1st), ASF Tri club (2nd) and Hampton Hammers (3rd).
• The teams MTB podium - Team Sram (1st), Vanderploog family (2nd) and Team Topbike (3rd).
• Acknowledging the nuts and bolts people, with Bernie McCardle, Mt Beauty local and one of the best and most experienced MTB track builders in Australia, David Whitelaw (Brumbies Hampton) and Kate Atkin (Brumbies Hampton).
• The Anderson family at start - (L to R) Christi, Aidan and Phil.
• Rob Eva and Phil Anderson at the start of long stage.
• The tri team nearly comprised the entire road race.
• On the road from Boomerang to Mt Beauty.
• A female road cyclist enjoying the sunshine.
• Phil Anderson on the cross-country course.
• Women's MTB winner, Emma Anna Olle.
• Emma Anna Olle.
• Phil Anderson and Rob Eva fighting for the corner.
• Damian did Boomerang on a single speed!

Australian national MTB series #5

Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Freewheel. For a thumbnail gallery of these pics click here.

• Trent Lowe the men's XC winner by a comfortable margin.
• Michael Kearton - 6th in the junior category, a future talent.
• Emma McNaughton rode very strongly to win the women's category over Tracey Hannah.
• Joel Panozzo - second fastest qualifier, second in the final.
• Crazy man and advertising stuntman, Justin Havukainen was fourth in the final.
• Nuts...
• David Leach on the way down...
• Tracey Hannah, 15yo Australian DH champ couldn't hold it together in the final and was second at Buller
• Liam Panozzo proved rumours about the Panozzo gene pool, here he hits a gap on his way to winning the junior category.
• Ben Cory snapped out a clean run to take out the last event of the National Series
• A solid third spot for Jared Rando gave him the overall series win.
• Winners - Emma McNaughton (women's round winner), Jared Rando (series winner) and Ben Cory (Round winner).

Circuit de la Sarthe

Stage 1 - April 6: Saint-Jean-de-Monts - Vallet, 181.6 km

Images by AFP

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) engages in a pre-race staring contest
• Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) on the road to full recovery
• Frank Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) wins stage 1 of the Circuit de la Sarthe

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is the star attraction at this year's Circuit de la Sarthe
• Jacky Durand (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) took a wrong turn into the FDJeux.com team camper
• Andrea Tafi (Alessio-Bianchi) hopes to recover fitness in time for Paris-Roubaix after a cyst developed at Milan-San Remo
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) was a worthy winner in stage 1
• Philippe Gilbert (FDJeux.com) took the first climber's jersey

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Plenty of Erik Zabel fans at the opening stage beginning in Saint-Jean-de-Monts.
• Landbouwkrediet-Colnago are presented to a particularly youthful audience.
• Rolf Aldag (T-Mobile Team) waits for his leader.
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) was happy to sign autographs before the start.
• Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) looks a little bored.
• The principal 11-man break of the day, being driven by Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole).
• The main break stayed away until 27 kilometres remaining, when Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangere) and Ronny Scholz (Gerolsteiner) launched their race-winning counter-attack.
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangere) wins convincingly, outsprinting Ronny Scholz (Gerolsteiner) to take victory in the first stage.
• Andrus Aug (Domina Vacanze) thinks he's won, but someone forgot to tell him about the two riders who arrived 20 seconds before him.
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangere), the first leader of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Stage 2 - April 7: Vallet - Montreuil-Juigné, 198.9 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Didier Rous drives La Boulangere's buns along
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) during stage 2 of the Circuit de la Sarthe
• Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) during stage 2 of the Circuit de la Sarthe
• Ludovic Turpin (Ag2r) wins stage 2
• Ludovic Turpin (Ag2r) with his trophy
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) with his son Matteo for a second day in a row on the podium

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Ludovic Turpin (Ag2r) was happy to finally get a win close to home
• Andrea Tafi (Alessio-Bianchi) is getting much better prior to Paris-Roubaix and he was awarded with the fair play trophy today
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) with his son Matteo for a second day in a row on the podium

Stage 3 - April 8: Montreuil-Juigné - Evron, 189 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Sandy Casar (FDJ) on the attack during stage 3
• Sandy Casar (FDJ) and Alessandro Bertolini (Alessio) during their long escape
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) during stage 3 of the Circuit de la Sarthe
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) rides in the middle of the pack
• Laurent Brochard (Ag2r) wins the third stage
• Laurent Brochard (Ag2r) with his trophy

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Laurent Brochard (Ag2r) went on stage with his daughters Bianca and Lolita
• Alessandro Bertolini (Alessio-Bianchi) was given the most aggressive rider award in stage 3
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) has doubts about tomorrow

Stage 4 - April 9: Evron - Le Mans, 181 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) next to teammate Erik Zabel during the final stage
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) powering away
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) in action during the final stage of the Circuit de la Sarthe
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) feels the pain of the final climbs
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) crosses the line to win the stage and the overall
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) on the podium as the overall winner

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) collapsed after the finish, as Philippe Gilbert came over to congratulate him
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) on the podium with his winner's bouquet
• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) got the consolation prize: the Fair Play trophy
• Yuriy Krivstov (Ag2r) took home the mountains jersey
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) also won the U23 rider classification
• Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) didn't win a stage, but took home the green points jersey
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJeux.com) on the podium in yellow
• The various jersey wearers: McEwen (points), Krivstov (mountains) and Lovkvist (GC) on the podium

Croatia-Giant GP Istria

Images by Robert Gelo

• Alison Dunlap (Luna Women's MTB Team) descends down into the city of Porec.
• Women's winner Mary McConneloug (Team Seven Cycles) rides her bike like a horse rider down the mountain.

Archer International Grand Prix

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

• The final break containing Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos), John Tanner (Planet X) and Heath Blackgrove (NZ).
• Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos) narrowly wins (no pun intended) the Archer GP from John Tanner (Planet X).
• The podium - John Tanner (Planet X, 2nd), Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos, 1st) and Heath Blackgrove (NZ, 3rd).
• A disappointed John Tanner (Planet X) bows his head while winner Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos) speaks to the press in the background.

Little 500 Individual Time Trials

Images by Mark Zalewski

• Riders had to race under unique conditions on Wednesday evening. Normally the cinder track is sprayed with water to make it faster, but this is overkill.
• This rider makes the wise choice of going around the puddle.
• The rain lightens up just long enough for this Dodds House rider's ITT.
• Clear lens sunglasses were the style of choice.
• Teter's Bri Kovac explains that a mud/cinder facial treatment is great for the complexion. Oh yeah, and she also hammered out a track record.
• Another rider races against the clock in the ITT.
• Lindsey Vanatta (Delta Zeta) waits for the gun to sound.

GP de la Ville de Rennes

Images by Mélanie Leveau

• Christophe Le Mevel (Crédit Agricole) and Nicolas Inaudi (Ag2r) went on a day-long escape
• Inaudi dumped Le Mevel to go it alone in the finale
• Acqua & Sapone did most of the chasing, only to be foiled by Aug
• Andrus Aug takes the GP Rennes sprint ahead of Ruskys and O'Bee
• The podium (from left) - Salius Ruskys, Andrus Aug, Kirk O'Bee
• Aug hefts his GP Rennes trophy
• Roman Luhovyy (RAGT Semences-MG Rover) gets the prize for best young rider

Vuelta al Pais Vasco

Stage 1 - April 5: Bergara - Bergara, 139 km

Images by AFP/Rafa Rivas

• Alejandro Valverde (Kelme-Costa Blanca) realises he's got it in the bag
• Alejandro Valverde celebrates as he crosses the line
• Alejandro Valverde accepts the traditional podium congratulations
• Alejandro Valverde involves the crowd in some bubbly celebrations

Stage 2 - April 6: Bergara - Zalla, 180 km

Images by AFP

• The peloton winds its way over 180km and nine categorised climbs
• The leaders stuck close despite repeated attacks throughout the day
• Beat Zberg (Gerolsteiner) takes the sprint ahead of Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel)

Stage 3 - April 7: Zalla - Vitoria, 169 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Kelme's Carlos Zarate can't believe he's won the third stage
• Alejandro Valverde (Comunidad Valenciana-Kelme) on the podium again after stage 3

Stage 4 - April 8: Vitoria - Lekunberri, 182 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Denis Menchov (Illes Balears) wins the fourth stage of the Vuelta a Pais Vasco
• Denis Menchov (Illes Balears) on the podium after winning stage 4

Stage 5a - April 9: Lekunberri - Lazkao, 72 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Jens Voigt (CSC) takes out stage 5 after a long solo breakaway.

Hel van het Mergelland

Images by Odette Biets

• Stefan Cohnen (Comnet-Senges)
• Sven De Weerdt (Cyclingnews.com)
• Camiel Denis (Team Moser-AH)
• Richard Faltus (Sparta Praha)
• Joshua Fleming (Cyclingnews.com)
• Björn Glasner (Team Lamonta)
• Floris Goenissen (Team Moser-AH)
• David Harrigan (Cyclingnews.com)
• Emil Hekele (Sparta Praha)
• Eventual winner Allan Johansen (Bankgiroloterij)
• David Kopp (Team Lamonta) finished second behind Johansen
• Stefan Kupfernagel (Team Lamonta)
• Frank Kwanten (Team Moser-AH)
• Erik Lievens (Cyclingnews.com)
• Coen Loos (Bert Story-Piels)
• Philipp Mamos (Team Lamonta)
• Zdenek Mlynar (Sparta Praha)
• Wouter Mol (Team Moser-AH)
• Leigh Palmer (Cyclingnews.com)
• Björn Papstein (Team Lamonta)
• Martin Pecenka (Sparta Praha)
• Frederik Penne (Jartazi-Granville)
• Petr Pucelik (Sparta Praha)
• Peter Ronsse (Jartazi-Granville)
• Nathan Russell (Cyclingnews.com)
• Holger Sievers (Team Lamonta)
• Rick Sijm (Team Moser-AH)
• Filip Slajchtrt (Sparta Praha)
• Phillip Thuaux was the best-placed Cyclingnews.com rider in 12th place.
• Christoph Von Kleinsorgen (Team Lamonta)
• Steffen Weigold (Team Lamonta)

Victorian criterium championships

Images by Mal Sawford

• The winning couple Cheryl and Simon Walker
• All smiles before the women get underway
• Gemma Goyne leads the women’s race
• Jenny Macpherson on the attack
• Gemma Kenessey solo
• Walker hangs on by inches to take the Victorian Championships
• Victorian women’s criterium gold medallist Cheryl Walker
• Sean Finning was one of the pre-race favorites
• Defending Champion Barry Woods found the pace too hot in 2004
• Paul Richards and Andy Naylor launched the early break
• Action in the Men’s bunch
• The break of Tim Wilson, Naylor and Finning looked to have the race sewn up
• Four chasers (Richards, Walker, Jackson and England) made contact with the leaders late in the race
• The break at the bell
• Simon Walker wins the 2004 Victorian Elite Criterium Championships
• The elite podium - Richard England, Simon Walker and Paul Richards
• The Under 15s attack the S bend
• Michael Downing took line honours before his technical DQ
• The all-important roll out gear check
• Pete Johnstone - gold medallist in the under 15s
• Georgina Freeland took the bronze medal in the mixed under 15 field
• Grant Bowker-Bell leads the under 17 race
• Pip Grinter was the most aggressive rider in the under 17 race
• Eventual winner Abraham Manly tried a solo break early on
• Manly takes the bunch sprint by a tyre over Leigh Howard
• Men’s under 17 winner Abraham Manly
• Women’s under 17 winner Tess Downing was very competitive in the mixed field
• Erin Downing swears she enjoys her racing, here she leads Freeland and Amy Phillips
• Tori Freeland powers to the win in the under 19 category
• Women’s under 19 gold medallist Tori Freeland
• The Medallists escape in the masters 2 race
• Danny Kah too good for David Buntin
• Four riders escaped in the masters 3 Race
• Peter Galvin celebrates his win in style
• Gold medallist in the masters 3 race, Peter Galvin
• Rob Licciardo leads masters 4 winner Glen Hutchinson and Ago Giramondo
• Ray Smith took gold in the ‘old masters’ event
• Look Ma, no hands
• Mitchell Docker sees who survived his attack in the under 19 men’s race
• Dempster first, daylight second in the under 19 race
• Pat Shaw pips Docker for the silver medal
• Under 19 Victorian criterium champion Zac Dempster

Tour of the Southern Grampians

Stage 1 - March 27: Coleraine, 36km

Images by Paul Logan/Coburg Cycling Club

• D Grade break on Stage 1
• C Grade bunch on KOM Stage 1
• C Grade rider Mick Burke
• Coburg C grader Paul Davine feels the pain
• C Grade bunch strung out on Stage 1
• Walker and Graham away on Stage 1
• A grade on Stage 1 out after the break
• A grade sprint for 3rd on Stage 1
• B grader Karen Hopkinson

Stage 2 - March 27: Coleraine, 75km

Images by Paul Logan/Coburg Cycling Club

• Eventual D grade winner Nick Walker
• Eventual B grade winner John MacKenzie
• B grade leaders on the KOM on Stage 2
• Tozer and Bradford just away at the bottom of Douglas Road
• Walker puts the hammer down on Douglas Road
• Walker keeps the pressure on
• Walker destroys the bunch halfway up Douglas Road
• A grader Tozer chasing on Stage 2
• The police doing a sensational job on the road

Stage 3 - March 28: Coleraine, 111km

Images by Paul Logan/Coburg Cycling Club

• D grade bunch enjoying the scenery on Stage 3
• Bartlett on another lonely ride off the back of D grade
• Yellow jersey goes for another KOM in D grade
• Hamilton and Walker try to get back on after descent
• D grade break nearing the finish
• D grade place getters pose for the camera
• Bartlett happy to finish the Tour
• Encouragement for the final climb of the Tour
• A spectator eagerly awaits the bunch on the climb
• C grade leaders near the summit
• C grade yellow jersey struggles to hold on
• B grade rolls out for the final stage
• Looking towards the final climb after a long escape
• Hopkinson just about to be caught on the final climb
• McDonough cheered on by another McDonough
• Ward looking very determined on the first KOM of the day
• MGZT rider feels the bunch coming
• A grade chasing on the first climb on Stage 3
• Walker crests the final climb on the way to victory
• One of the many corner marshals on duty
• Richards happy to be nearing the finish
• Will Walker victorious in the inaugural Southern Grampians Tour

Route Adélie

Images by Georges Mesnager

• Anthony Geslin (La Boulangere) wins the Route Adelie

Images by Melanie Leveau/Cyclingnews.com

• The final breakaway riding hard

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Christophe Laurent (RAGT) chats with Samuel Dumoulin
• The riders in Vitré during the Route Adelie
• The first serious escape of the day led by Patrice halgand (Crédit-Agricole)
• Laurent Brochard (Ag2r) puts in an attack
• Andrey Kashechkin (Crédit Agricole) was the most combative rider of the day
• Eddy Seigneur and Jaan Kirsipuu leading the chase
• Anthony Geslin (La Boulangere) looks at Franck Pencolé to pull the final break
• Anthony Geslin (La Boulangere) was the winner
• Franck Pencolé (Oktos) was strong but disappointed with the finish
• The podium (L to R): Pierrick Fedrigo (3rd), Anthony Geslin (1st) and Sergio Marinangeli (2nd)

US World Cup Qualifier

Images by Mike Gladu/www.velodrome.com

• Colby Pearce and Marty Nothstein chat before the opening session
• Annette Hanson and Ashley Kimmett do the same
• Kevin Kremke and Christian House reminisce about the old days in Austin
• Another beautiful day for outdoor bike racing in Houston Texas
• Becky Conzelman prepares to open the competition as first rider off in the Women's 500m TT
• Becky Conzelman glides off the holders hands in the 500m TT
• Becky Conzelman on lap two of the 500m TT setting a standard that will be hard to beat at the Alkek
• Martha Dunne goes commando (no aerobars) in the 500m TT to claim third
• Sarah Uhl goes from top seed in the 500m TT to second to Conzelman
• Anthony Galvan rode to fourth in his first ever competitive Kilo
• Bobby Walthour's return to the track was rewarded with second place in the Kilo
• Anton Quist continues the trend of masters success with a win in the Kilo
• Christian Stahl started last, going from top seed to third overall in the Kilo
• Christian House late of Austin, Texas, now Manchester qualifies second in the Men's 4k IP Qualifying
• Mike Beers spent last year in the sprint program, yet rode a to respectable fifth in the Men's 4k IPQ
• Mike Tillman qualified third, but moved up to the round for 1st and 2nd when House scratched from the Men's 4k IP
• Kenny Williams first track race of the year was rewarded with top seeding in the Men's 4k IPQ
• Joey D'antoni fresh off his trip to the Aguascalientes WC set the fourth fastest time in Men's 4k IPQ
• Charlotte Miller opens up Women's 200m Sprint Qualifying
• Tela Crane makes the ride for 3rd and 4th after Women's 200m
• Lori Nock moves into the round for 1st and 2nd with her ride in the Women's 200m
• Martha Dunne qualifies for the ride off for 1st and 2nd after the Women's 200m
• Mike Beers met D'antoni in the ride off for 3rd and 4th in the Pursuit Finals
• Joey D'antoni relaxes after claiming third overall against Beers in the Pursuit Finals
• Kenny Williams came up short against Tillman in the final for 1st and 2nd
• Mike Tillman turned on the jets to beat Williams for 1st in the Pursuit Finals
• Women's 500m podium - Martha Dunne, Becky Conzelman, Sarah Uhl (2nd, 1st, 3rd)
• Ashley Kimmet's 20 extra points for taking a lap propelled her to the win in the Women's Points Race
• Sarah Uhl and Becky Quinn traded sprints in the main group for second and third in the Points Race
• Martha Dunne needed all three rides to defeat Lori Nock in the Women's Match Sprint
• Walker Starr kept things lively in the Men's Scratch Race
• Marty Nothstein, Chris Remaly and Jame Carney form a chase group
• Wallker Starr, Colby Pearce and Joey D'antoni form a late break
• Walker Starr celebrates the Scratch Race win
• Bobby Lea broadening his horizons with some sprinting in the Men's Match Sprint 200m Qualifying
• Kevin Belz qualifies third
• Anton Quist again shows he's in rare form with the fastest 200m
• Stephen Alfred clocks the second fastest time in 200m Qualifying
• Heather Albert opens the Women's Pursuit Qualifying in third
• Erin Mirabella clocks the fastest Pursuit time, moving directly into the round for 1st and 2nd
• Becky Conzelman joins Mirabella with the second fastest clocking in the Women's Pursuit Qualifying
• Sarah Uhl is the last to join the final four riders, setting the fourth fastest time
• Keirin Podium - Aaron Kacala, Andy Lakatosh, Kevin Belz
• Team Pursuit - D'antoni, Friedman, Lea, Williams
• Bobby Lea edges Aaron Kacala to make the ride off for 3rd and 4th
• Ryan Nelman prepares for the Sprint Finals from the hold of his father
• Heather Albert takes the win in the ride off for 3rd and 4th in the Women's Pursuit Finals
• Sarah Uhl finishes fourth overall in the Women's Pursuit
• Erin Mirabella gets a good start in the Women's Pursuit final for 1st and 2nd
• Becky Conzelman had all the best splits on the way to winning the Women's Pursuit
• Ryan Nelman used all three rides to claim the third from Aaron Kacala in the Match Sprint Final
• Kevin Belz took on Bobby Lea in two rides for first place in the Match Sprint Finals
• Marty Nothstein sits out multiple rain delays in the Men's Points Race
• Sarah Uhl gets a quick rub while the track dries
• Heather Albert checks her schedule for the final Sunday session
• Marty Nothstein breaks away from the group on the rain-slick Alkek before the restarted points race was postponed until Sunday morning
• Marty Nothstein shadowed by Colby Pearce in the restart of the Men's Points Race
• Jame Carney, Ryan Oelkers and Joey D'antoni start their improbably long breakaway
• Joey D'antoni takes his pull with Carney and Oelkers in their long, point stealing breakaway
• Marty Nothstein saves something for the Team Sprint, retiring at halfway point in the Points Race
• Ryan Oelkers helps with a pull as D'antoni and Carney rest on their long breakaway
• Jame Carney, Ryan Oelkers and Joey D'antoni finally take a lap on the field 10 minutes before the finish
• Marty Nothstein warms down on the rollers during the Points Race
• Marty Nothstein preps for the Team Sprint Finals
• Curtis Tolson puts his head down with the three leaders on his wheel
• Kenny Williams joins winner Jame Carney at the finish
• Eddy Cocina, Erik Bonser & Mike Beers of Team Gotham qualify for the Team Sprint Finals
• Andy Sparks, Kevin Belz & Anton Quist of Team Brand Spanking set the new fast time
• Andy Lakatosh, Stephen Alfred, Marty Nothstein as Team Navigators
• Women's Scratch Race pack
• Ashley Kimmett leads as Sarah Uhl, Erin Mirabella, Becky Quinn mark the Points Race winner
• Ashley Kimmett, Becky Quinn, Becky Conzelman and Erin Mirabella all want the automatic qualifying spot
• Ashley Kimmett still driving the pace with three laps remaining while Heather Albert moves upon the outside
• Heather Albert helped off the track after going airborn on the final lap in the Women's Scratch Race
• Jame Carney and Colby Pearce controlled the Madison from whistle to bell
• Curtis Tolson and Kenny Williams - Masters Madison champs best the field for second
• Jame Carney puts a shoulder down in the rush to take a lap on the Madison field
• Bobby Lea and Ryan Oelkers held on for third
• Jame Carney and Colby Pearce keep the pace up with their lap advantage
• Curtis Tolson whips the pace up in the final laps of the Madison
• Sparks, Belz, Quist - Team Brand Spanking on their way to third in the Team Sprint
• Massie, Duvendeck, Stahl - Team Cody brings the 1st place trophy home
• Lakatosh, Alfred, Nothstein of Team Navigators miss the mark but take second place
• Women's Scratch Race podium - Uhl, Quinn, Mirabella
• Men's Match Sprint podium - Nelman, Belz, Lea
• Men's Points Race podium - D'antoni, Carney, Oelkers
• Madison podium - Oelkers/Lea, Pearce/Carney, Williams/Tolson
• Team Sprint Podium - teams Brand Spanking, Cody and Navigators
• Team Sprint winners Team Cody - Christian Stahl, Giddeon Massie and Adam Duvendeck
• Anton Quist signs autographs after a great weekend
• Giddeon Massie and Garth Blackburn (sprinter, retired, ex-teammates Focus 2004) catch up after the event
• Christian Stahl and Team USA Coach Andrejz Bek chat

Driedaagse van de Panne

Stage 1 - March 30: Middelkerke - Zottegem, 196 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) wins stage 1 into Zottegem
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) rides up to the podium
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) gives a post-race interview
• Danilo Hondo (Gerolsteiner) on the podium after winning the first stage

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews.com

• Laszlo Bodrogi (Quick.Step-Davitamon) comes through alone with one lap to go
• The peloton led by Lotto-Domo come through with one lap to go
• Magnus Backstedt (Alessio-Bianchi, R) led home the bunch sprint for 21st
• Frederik Willems (Vlaanderen-T Interim) spent most of the day in front, and was awared the climbers jersey and flowers as a result
• Andris Nauduzs (Jacques, L) finished at the tail end of the peloton, together with Matt Wilson (FDJeux.com, C) and Enrico Grigoli (De Nardi, R)

Columbia University Grant's Tomb Criterium

Images by Stephen Chang

• Sarah Chubb of CRCA/SanchezMetro means business!
• Start of Women's 1-2-3 race
• Women's 1-2-3 action
• Nicole Wangsgard, collegiate rider, and eventual podium finisher
• Women's 1-2-3 peloton
• Sarah Chubb and Becky Koh of CRCA/Radical Media
• Frances Harrison and Cindy Ma of CRCA/SanchezMetro
• Eventual race winner Bronwyn Law-Viljoen of Global Locate sprinting for a prime
• Bronwyn Law-Viljoen
• Sarah Chubb and Midori Nakamura
• Elisa Gagnon, CRCA/Aquafina followed by Katrin Davis/Independent Fabrication
• Midori Nakamura
• Sinead Fitzgibbon, CRCA/Aquafina attacking out of a turn
• Katrina Davis and Becky Koh
• Sinead Fitzgibbon putting the hurt on again
• Decisive looking attack from Julie Upton CRCA/Aquafina
• Nicole Wansgard leading the bunch
• Team SanchezMetro setting up their sprinters
• Leadout for the sprint
• Start of the men's 3/4 race
• CRCA/SanchezMetro boys having a chat before the start
• Boys of Westwood Velo from across the Hudson River was well represented with Michael Gisler, John Chapman, Dave Kim, Westwood Velo Cycle.
• David Smith, CRCA/SanchezMetro started off strong and eventually won the race.
• Steve Harvey, CRCA/SanchezMetro
• Greg Fiore and Thomas Pennell of CRCA/Magic-Blue Ribbon Boys
• Jason Parkin, CRCA/Magic-Blue Ribbon Boys
• David Smith, CRCA/SanchezMetro
• Marc Mauceri, Magic-Blue Ribbon, Vinnie Vicari, CRCA/SanchezMetro, and Paulie Castro, CRCA/Foundation
• David Smith, CRCA/SanchezMetro, sitting in the men's 3/4 race
• Thomas Pennell, Magic-Blue Ribbon
• Daniel Byrne, CRCA/SanchezMetro, ninth place finisher
• Green light to go
• Dave Kim, Westwood Velo Cycle
• Daniel Schmalz, CRCA/SanchezMetro
• Lee Sossen, CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, Marc Mauceri, Magic-Blue Ribbon, and Alex Gulla, CRCA/Visitbritain.Com
• Men's 3/4 cresting 122nd Street hill
• Gregg Galletta, CRCA/Conrads
• Pascal Sauvayre of CRCA/Blue Ribbon - Translations.Com
• Pascal Sauvayre
• Scot Willingham and Steve Harvey of CRCA/SanchezMetro
• Scot Willingham and Steve Harvey of CRCA/SanchezMetro
• Scot Willingham, CRCA/SanchezMetro
• David Smith, CRCA/SanchezMetro, and Alex Gulla, CRCA/Visitbritain.Com, starting to form a break.
• David Smith and Alex Gulla
• David Smith and Alex Gulla
• CRCA/SanchezMetro trying to contain the field from the break up ahead.
• Another view of the break
• Another view of the break
• Another view of the break

Brabantse Pijl

Images by DCP/Bert Geerts (click here to view this as a photo gallery)

• Axel Merckx (Lotto Domo) made the break and a respectable fifth place
• Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) ready to start
• Didier Rous (Brioches La Boulangere)
• Maarten Den Bakker (Rabobank) - does "rugged and windswept"
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) at the start of a good day for the Dutch star
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) with his famous impression of Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) - "are you talking to me?"
• Serhiy Honchar (De Nardi) at the start
• Stuart O'Grady (Cofidis) abandoned because of his injuries from the previous day's crash
• Tomas Vaitkus (Landbouwkrediet) and Oscar Freire (Rabobank) ride in the race
• Stefano Zanini and Paolo Bettini (Quick Step - Davitamon)
• Marc Lotz (Rabobank) on the way to sixth place
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) in the closing stages
• Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) looks like a man who has just given everything
• The podium - Michael Boogerd (Rabobank), Luca Paolini (Quickstep-Davitamon) Nico Sijmens (Landbouwkrediet)

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/www.actiefotos.be (click here to view this as a photo gallery)

• Davide Bramati from Quick.Step at left
• Bramati does his best to support the escape with Paolini
• CSC rider Brian Vandborg
• Palmans rider Peter Wuyts leads the group on the Alsemberg
• One of the young talents at Quickstep Kevin Hulsmans
• Gert Steegmans (Lotto-Domo) tried to escape at the Alsemberg
• Vlaanderen's Jan kuyckx rode a splendid race
• Frederic Amorison from Quick.Step-Davitamon
• Axel Merckx (Lotto-Domo) on the Alsemberg, countering every attack he can
• Young French rider Anthony Geslin (La Boulangere)
• Bert de Waele (Landbouwkrediet) taking Michele Bartoli with him
• Tomas Vaitkus from Landbouwkrediet-Colnago
• Max Sciandri (CSC) in search of his team car in the early stages of the race
• Gianluca Bortolami (Tour of Flanders 2002 winner) not in his best shape
• Davide Bramati (Quick.Step) abandoned the race during one of the final laps
• Michele Bartoli (CSC) sets his mind on Flanders this year
• The lead group goes into the final lap
• Xavier Florencio (Brustor) finished 7th, right after the lead group
• Dave Bruylandts (Chocolate Jacques) leads the second group of riders
• Michael Boogerd and Luca Paolini going to the finish
• Lotto rider Serge Baguet

Images by AFP/Etienne Ansotte

• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) leads Didier Rous (Brioches la Boulengere), Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) and Axel Merckx (Lotto-Domo) in the closing stages of the Brabantse Pijl.
• Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) comes round Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) to take a clear victory, while Nico Sijmens (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago, obscured) tries desperately to close the gap at the end, but was content with third.
• Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) points to the sky with both hands, signifying that the victory was for his brother-in-law Marco Rusconi, who died in November last year from a congenital heart condition.
• Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) confirms his status as one of Italy's next generation of class riders.
• The podium - (L to R) Michael Boogerd (Rabobank), Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) and Nico Sijmens (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago).
• Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) points to the sky with both hands, dedicating his win to his brother-in-law Marco Rusconi, who died in November last year from a congenital heart condition.

Images by Gert Starckx/users.pandora.be/gert.starckx

• Ludovic Capelle (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) rides in the bunch
• Gert Steegmans (Lotto) on the Alsemberg
• Xavier Florencio (Bodysol-Brustor) gives it some
• Max Sciandri (CSC) rolls out
• Marcus Ljungqvist (Alessio-Bianchi)
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) worked hard for his second place today
• Xavier Florencio (Bodysol-Brustor) still chasing

Images by Sabine Sunderland

• Serge Baguet (Lotto) gets ready to start
• Axel Merckx (Lotto) before the off
• Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) leads the break on the Alsemberg with 4 finishing laps to go
• The break with Axel Merckx, Luca Paolini (Quick.Step-Davitamon), and Marc Lotz (Rabobank) on Alsemberg with three laps to go
• Michael Boogerd, Serge Baguet, and Didier Rous on the Alsemberg with 3 laps to go
• Baldato and Thijs on the Alsemberg (3 laps to go) trying to reach the Bartoli, Baguet group
• Kuyckx, Tomback, Baguet and Van de Wouwer with 2 laps to go

Critérium International

Stage 1 - March 27: Rethel - Charleville-Mézières, 190.5 km

Images by AFP Photo

• Jean-Patrick Nazon (Ag2r) triumphs in the first stage
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal-Berry Floor) during stage 1 of the Criterium International
• Lance Armstrong and Joseba Beloki rider together during stage 1 of the Criterium International

Stage 2 - March 28: Les Vieilles Forges - Monthermé, 98.5 km

Images by AFP Photo/Franck Fife

• Lance Armstrong and partner Sheryl Crow looking like a happy couple.
• OK, go on, one more happy snap!
• Off to the races - Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow on their way to the start of the second stage in Les Vieilles Forges.
• The mist rises up from the roadside as the sun begins to show its face.
• Finally, the sun shows itself on the second stage of the Critérium International.
• David Moncoutié (Cofidis) riding comfortably in the bunch on the way to Monthermé.
• José Luis Rubiera (US Postal/Berry Floor) and Frank Schleck (CSC) giving it some gas.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Argricole) on the attack.
• Paris-Nice winner Jorg Jaksche (CSC) rides among his team-mates.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) triumphs in Monthermé ahead of his team-mate Frank Schleck (CSC).

Stage 3 - March 28: Charleville-Mézières ITT, 8.3 km

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com

• Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangère) looks for the power
• Nicolas Portal (Ag2r-Prévoyance) sweeps into the final corner
• Belgian Philippe Gilbert (FDJeux.com) suffers through the afternoon time trial
• Time trial specialist Laszlo Bodrogi (Quick.Step-Davitamon) wasn't at his fastest
• Austrian national champion Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) could only manage 63rd best
• David Millar (Cofidis) finished third in the time trial
• Isidro Nozal (Liberty Seguros) leans into a corner
• Mountains leader Constantino Zaballa (Saunier Duval) in the time trial
• Michael Barry (US Postal Service) presents the human air intake
• Previous winner Rik Verbrugghe (Lotto-Domo) - still searching for his best form
• Floyd Landis (US Postal) looking cool with the cameras at his back
• Bobby Julich (CSC) took fifth on the stage and fourth overall
• Lance Armstrong showed good spring form, finishing third overall
• Thor Hushovd finished fifth overall but without the green jersey
• Markus Zberg (Gerolsteiner) using the tongue to good effect
• Jens Voigt (CSC) powering to victory in the Critérium International
• Jens Voigt (CSC) enters the home stretch with victory in hand
• Jens Voigt (CSC) hoists his trophy on the final podium
• Jens Voigt's race-winning time trial machine

Images by AFP Photo/Franck Fife

• Overnight leader Jens Voigt (CSC) not only protected his lead, he won the stage!
• Bobby Julich (CSC) finished in the top five, finishing fourth overall.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Brioches la Boulangère) finished in the top ten.
• Tyler Hamilton (Phonak Hearing Systems) was not at his best, but still managed 12th place.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (T-Mobile) came in 11th to take ninth overall.
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal/Berry Floor) was impressive, finishing fourth on the stage and third overall.
• World time trial champion David Millar's newly-acquired goatee helped him finish to a third place finish.
• José Ivan Gutierrez (Illes Balears-Banesto) finished on the same time as Jens Voigt to place second overall.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) powers down the power to take his second stage win in a row.

Images by Elmar Krings

• Jens Voigt (CSC) looking very pleased after his win in stage two
• Jens Voigt took the points jersey too
• Constantino Zaballa (Saunier Duval-Prodir) shows off the mountains jersey
• Jens Voigt and another one for the trophy cabinet
• CSC team manager Bjarne Riis (left) and krewe
• Jens Voigt is congratulated by his CSC team-mates
• Alexandre Vinokourov (T-Mobile) concentrates
• Lance Armstrong (US Postal) rode to fourth today, showing his time trial ability is undiminished
• Tyler hamilton (Phonak) was eleven seconds back
• David Millar (Cofidis) was just one second off the pace in a very tight TT
• Bobby Julich (CSC) - a fine fifth in a remarkable comeback spring
• Andréas Klöden (T-Mobile) looks focused before the time trial
• Floyd Landis (US Postal) before a strong ride to eighth place
• Isidro Nozal (Liberty Seguros) waits for the off
• Davide rebellin (Gerolsteiner) takes a drink
• Alexandre Vinokourov (T-Mobile) ready to start in the time trial
• Jens Voigt (CSC) does his impression of Desperate Dan in the start gate
• Jens Voigt keeps warm between races

Tour de Normandie

Stage 5 - March 26 : Flers - Domfront TTT, 19 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• The Rabobank DS has a quiet word with one of his charges before the team time trial.
• The Hoop-CCC Polsat boys finished in second place today, 30 seconds behind the winning team of Rabobank.
• Overall leader Thomas Dekker (Rabobank Espoirs) and his team enjoy the fruits of their labour after winning today's 19km team time trial from Flers to Domfront.

Stage 6 - March 26 : Domfront - St Hilaire du Harcouet, 85 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• At the start in Domfront, a mystified peloton turn their heads around to see what the fuss is about behind them.
• Australian Luke Roberts (ComNet) crosses the line victorious in St Hilaire du Harcouet, with a very Juan Antonio Flecha-esque victory salute.
• Oh my god, I can't believe it! Luke Roberts (ComNet) is stunned after his win today.
• Overall leader Thomas Dekker (Rabobank Espoirs) stands alongside stage winner Luke Roberts (ComNet).
• With two stages remaining, race leader Thomas Dekker (Rabobank Espoirs) looks calm and collected.

Stage 7 - March 27 : St Hilaire - Bagnoles de l'Orne, 183 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Riders wait for the drop of the checkered flag at the start in St Hilaire.
• Arm warmers all round.
• Bikes aren't just for riding on.
• A good joke always settles the pre-race nerves.
• The early break (TM).
• Sensing danger, the break begins to split.
• A few faces of pain as the pace heats up leading into the finish town of Bagnoles de l'Orne.
• Overnight leader Thomas Dekker (Rabobank III) stays out of trouble at the head of the peloton.
• Experienced British pro Robert Hayles takes out the seventh stage of the Tour of Normandy.
• That hurt. Robert Hayles (British National Team) takes some time out to recover from his effort.
• Robert Hayles (British National Team) accepts the applause from the crowd.
• Hey, what did you average? One of the Rabobank Div III boys checks out the latest stats from his onboard computer.

Stage 8 - March 28 : Bagnoles - Caen, 147 km

Images by www.velofotopro.fr.st

• Joost Posthuma reads about stage 7.
• Race leader Thomas Dekker in front of the casino at Bagnoles de l'Orne - Dekker hopes to win the jackpot today
• Yannick Talabardon (Auber.93) one of only a few riders to attack the yellow jersey this day.
• Team Hoop - CCC - Polsat chases the escape.
• Sprinter Alexei Markov (Hoop- CCC - Polsat) takes his second stage victory
• Thomas Dekker the overall winner and stage winner Alexei Markov
• Nico Verhoeven is justifiably proud of his young rider.
• Thomas Dekker gets a taste of fame, signing autographs

For more photos, e.g. Track World Cup , Setmana-Catalana, Settimana Coppi-Bartali, Redlands Bicycle Classic, Dwars Door Vlaanderen, Milan-San Remo, Vrienden van het Platteland presentation, Nova Desert Classic, GP Cholet, Classic Loire Atlantique, Australian Madison Championships and Pomona Valley Stage Race, Vuelta de Chile please consult our archives