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Cycling photography for January

Doha International GP
Wildside MTB
Domina Vacanze presentation
Kalev Chocolate-Merida presentation
Orwell Wheelers presentation
Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
Liberty Seguros presentation
Brioches La Boulangère training camp
Kansai Cyclocross Series
Joe Sunde Memorial
Superprestige #6 Hoogstraten
Revolution Track Race Series #2
24 hours in the life of a bike rider in China
21st Six Days of Stuttgart
T-Mobile men's presentation
Relax-Bodysol presentation
Euskaltel-Euskadi presentation
Alessio-Bianchi presentation
T-Mobile women's training camp
More from the USPS training camp
USPS presented by Berry Floor training camp
The Advertiser Superdrome Challenge
Saeco team presentation
RAGT Semences-MG Rover 2004 presentation
T-Mobile 2004 presentation
GP Pierre Kellner
Cyclo-Cross World Cup #5
CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels
Landbouwkrediet-Colnago presentation
Phonak presentation
Rabobank presentation
McGee, Renshaw Olympic qualification
Dutch Cyclo-cross Championships
Bettini at Italian road championships
German Cyclo-cross Championships
Belgian Cyclo-cross Championships
Italian Cyclo-cross Championships
Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Cofidis presentation
Quick.Step-Davitamon presentation
Paola Pezzo's birthday
Team Webcor
GP Selle Italia
Cycling Ireland meeting
Celo Pacific Cyclocross - Dec. 28
Pilarcitos Creek Cyclocross
Randwick Botany CC - Jan. 3
Hong Kong Cycle Classic
Be Active Cycle Instead series, Perth
Centrumcross Surhuisterveen

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

Doha International GP

Images by AFP/Karim Jaafar

• Italian Simone Cadamuro (far R) poses with his team before the start of the race.
• France's Thomas Voeckler (2nd R) leads the pack in the Doha GP.
• Two veiled Qatari women watch riders breeze past in the first Doha International Grand Prix.
• Sheikh Khaled Bin Ali al-Thani, head of Qatar Cycling Federation, watches the peloton in Doha.
• Roberto Petito (Fassa Bortolo, L) rides alongside his teammate on Persian carpets laid on the road at the start of the Doha International GP.
• Winner Simone Cadamuro (De Nardi) tells the press how the race was won.
• Simone Cadamuro (De Nardi, L) holds the winner's trophy as he stands next to Sheikh Khaled Bin Ali al-Thani.

Images by Christiaan Beyers

• The Rabobank boys get ready before the start.
• Hey, what do we have in here? - the T-Mobile boys suss out what's in the boot.
• Some Lotto-Domo and Phonak riders warm up before the start.
• A Rabobank rider takes a flyer on lap 1.
• The peloton react swiftly, and begin the chase.
• The peloton still chasing on lap 2, with the Rabobank rider still in front.
• The chase is really on in lap 3 before the first prime, with the bunch strung out single file.
• Another attempted breakaway on lap 4.
• Servais Knaven (Quick.Step-Davitamon) leads the chase group.
• More riders trying to break clear.
• The peloton strung out as they mitigate any breakaway attempts.
• The bunch single file on the penultimate lap.
• With the peloton at full speed, the break is doomed.
• At the start of the final lap, the peleton is one long line, travelling at high speed.
• Nobody leaves a gap now!
• The final sprint started at 300m to go, with Simone Cadamuro (De Nardi) outsprinting Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) and Francesco Chicchi (Fassa Bortolo) for the win.
• Riders talk about another hard day in the saddle.

Wildside MTB

Stage 1 - January 31: Cradle Mountain, 16 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree

• The SRAM testing area powering Wildside '04.
• Paul Rowney talks the talk.
• And they're off!
• The concentrated look of the winner: Sid Taberlay (TIS/Cyclingnews.com)
• Jase Chalker 4th in the X-terra World Champs last year, contemplates his first Wildside experience.

Stage 2 - January 31: Que River, 20 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree

• The TIS-Cyclingnews.com team car
• The full lunch get up
• Trent Lowe does the SPOKE(n) thing.
• Sid Taberlay (TIS/Cyclingnews.com) a confident leader going into stage 2
• Lisa Mathison and Niki Gudex await their start
• Paul Rowney leads in Peter Hatton and Sid Taberlay for second behind Jai Crawford.
• Rob Eva (SRAM-Rock Shox) comes home for another top ten placing overall.

Stage 3 - February 1: Stirling Valley, 13 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree

• Trent Lowe (Spoke(n)-SRAM-Rock Shox-Yeti) finished a strong 3rd.
• Pete Hatton (Trek) is Lowe's main competition for the U23 GC.

Stage 4 - February 1: Montezuma Falls, 27 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree & Forestry Tasmania

• The gaps open up on the road ascent up toward Montezuma falls
• Peter Hatton (Trek) nice and dirty
• Lisa Mathison (Ghost) too clean!!

Stage 5 - February 2: Spray Tunnel ITT, 5 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree

• Hooking into the first corner of the ITT.
• Mark Frendo rugged up in the rain.
• Youngster Al Farley has really come into some form.
• Perren Dealcour holds a nice line.

Stage 6 - February 2: Granville Harbour, 22 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree

• Mathison, Kiraly and Maebus battle through the 'cruise stage'
• Paul Rowney cleans up.

Stage 7 - February 3: Hells Gates, 36 km

Images by Mikkeli Godfree

• Sid Taberlay points to his web sponsor - cyclingnews.com
• The riders sweep out of picturesque Strahan
• The bunch still together as they make their way to the dunes
• The Mexican Wave begins thanks to Kiraly, Crawford, Taberlay and Jongewaard
• The boys chat before racing gets serious
• Jongewaard (Avanti) pushes the pace
• Kiraly (SRAM - Rock Shox - Mongoose) hits the front
• Jongewaard, Rowney (Yeti) Lewis (Yeti) and Eva (SRAM-Rock Shox) put Kiraly under pressure.
• Jongewaard gets a gap while bunches form off in the distance.
• The front group on the fastest part of the beach.
• The gaps start to open up at the front.
• Jai Crawford (TIS-Avanti-cyclingnews.com) contemplates his second stage win.
• The happy winners stage and overall, Crawford and Taberlay
• Rob Eva the event title sponsor with SRAM shows us his helmet cam.
• Tour winner Sid Taberlay thanks Nic Deka and Rob Eva for Wildside '04 powered by SRAM.

Domina Vacanze presentation

Images by

• Gian Matteo Fagnini (R) will be a key helper for Cipo in the sprints
• Mario Cipollini with team boss Vincenzo Santoni (R) and team sponsor Ernesto Preatoni (L)
• Lake Como, Italy provided a stunning backdrop for Mario Cipollini and his Specialized
• Domina Vacanze 2004
• Mario Cipollini poses in the Domina team strip with his Specialized
• Mario Cipollini looking as fit as ever
• Team sponsor Ernesto Preatoni at the launch in his hotel on Lake Como
• Mario Cipollini has lost none of his enthusiasm for racing, as he explains at the Domina Vacanze presentation

Kalev Chocolate-Merida presentation

Images by Toomas Tuul and Jaan Martinson/SL Õhtuleht

• Following in the footsteps of Jaan Kirsipuu: New Estonian team Kalev Chocolate-Merida
• The members of Kalev Chocolate-Merida examine their new bike

Orwell Wheelers presentation

Images by Shane Stokes/Irishcycling.com

• Former top professional and Orwell Wheelers member Stephen Roche with club rider Eddie Lynch.
• Stephen Roche and Eddie Lynch with sponsors (L-R) Pat Steward of YBN, Martin Holfeld of Holfeld Pumps and Mary Rose O'Shea and Noel Reid, representing Dundrum Shopping Centre.
• Orwell/Dundrum SC's new team jersey
• Stephen Roche with Orwell SC rider Eddie Lynch, Dave McLaughlin and Ronnie Brannigan
• Stephen Roche with Lynch and McLaughlin

Image by Paul Tansey

• Orwell/Dundrum SC members model the new team strip before an evening training spin

Kansai Cyclocross Series

Images by Yoji Okuda

• The bunch goes through the mud.
• The field skip over the barriers.
• A Cat 4 rider goes up the stairs.
• Masahiko Mifune (Miyata Subaru racing) way out in front.
• Masahiko Mifune (Miyata Subaru racing) looking fast.
• The Cat 1 podium, with Masahiko Mifune (Miyata Subaru racing) on top.

Superprestige #6 Hoogstraten

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/www.actiefotos.be

• Christian Heule rode a nice race, but fell back in the second half
• Sven Nys is still searching for his 2002 level, finishing 4th today
• Dutch rider Camiel Van den Bergh finished in 14th place
• Another rider ready for the World's: Dutch champ Richard Groenendaal
• American Champion Jonathan Page finished 18th in Hoogstraten
• Belgian rider Davy Commeyne
• Mathew Ellis (GBr) has had better days: 37th place
• Swiss rider David Rusch ended 28th
• Bart Wellens (Spaar Select) in his new combined World/Belgian champion's outfit
• Czech rider Peter Dlask finished 17th
• Tom Van Noppen took revenge for his non-selection for the World's
• Bart Wellens had a fall and mechanical problems in this Superprestige race
• Van Noppen takes the lead
• Dariusz Gil from Poland
• The leading trio climbing
• Saeco rider Beat Wabel
• Ben Berden (John Saey-Deschacht) finished 7th
• A strong race again for Arne Daelmans: 6th place
• Wellens in front going into the last lap
• French rider Maxim Lefebvre finished a great 5th place again
• The final sprint: Wellens enjoys the victory of his teammate Vervecken
• Erwin Vervecken (Spaar Select) demonstrated that he is ready for Pont Chateau
• The podium Tom Van Noppen (2nd), Erwin Vervecken (1st) and World Champion Bart Wellens (3rd)

Images by AFP/Peter De Voecht-STR

• Erwin Vervecken (Spaar Select) wins the sprint ahead of Tom Van Noppen

Images by Delphine Page/www.cycling-photos.net

• Christian Heule warming up
• Maxime Lefebvre (Fra) dancing in the dirt on lap one
• Roger hammond in British national champ colours
• Björn Rondelez onthe first lap
• Tom Van Oppen enjoying the first-lap sunshine
• Roger Hammond on the way to 19th place
• Sven Nys on the way to fourth place
• Bart Wellens grits his teeth for four more laps
• Richard Groenendaal leads a pack mid-race
• Erwin Vervecken looking strong on lap three
• Sven Vanthourenhout in lap five
• Sven Vanthourenhout on his last lap
• Bart Wellens leads Tom Vannoppen and Erwin Vervecken into the finish
• Bart Wellens powers to the line
• Sven Vanthourenhout outsprints Richard Groenendaal for ninth place

Revolution Track Race Series #2

Images by Nick Rosenthal/www.fatnick.com

• Austrian six-day rider Roland Garber shows how to make the most of his assets... for publicity purposes! Fat Nick heartily recommends a visit to Roland's web site to buy his excellent 2005 calendar.
• Roland Garber manages a big smile whilst warming up on the rollers...
• ... but not as big a smile as Chris Newton, warming up alongside!
• The crowd get a cheery wave from Roland Garber at the start of a pursuit race.
• A big happy smile from Roland Garber.
• Jerome Neuville of France shows off his national champion's jersey. He also has a couple of world madison champion's jerseys hanging in his closet at home.
• Steven De Neef, silver medallist in the 2003 European Derny Championships, came over from Belgium for tonight's track meeting at Manchester.
• Jerome Neuville is presented to the crowd.
• World hour record holder Chris Boardman came along to watch the evening's racing.
• Jamie Staff rolls around gently at the Manchester Velodrome.
• Britain's Tony Gibb, silver medallist in the scratch race at the 2002 world track champs, is back from injury.
• ... and Gibb shows that he is eager to get stuck in!
• After winning the points race, Chris Newton got to meet his friends again!
• Evergreen Malcolm Elliott is enjoying his comeback ... even when riding a pursuit.
• Towards the end of the points race, Roland Garber shows signs of perspiring gently.
• Rob Hayles grimaces during a pursuit event.
• Malcolm Elliott at speed in the pursuit. A former Milk Race winner, former Tour de France pro, stage winner in the Vuelta... Malcolm claims to just ride a bike for fun nowadays.
• Tony Gibb shares a joke with one of his helpers.
• Rob Hayles knuckles down to a day's work.
• Paul Manning grits his teeth.
• Jerome Neuville in his French champion's jersey
• Roland Garber and Steven De Neef (in yellow and black) use their six-day experience for some close-quarters riding.
• John Tamouridis seemed to enjoy the victor's spoils!
• Bradley Wiggins is presented with some victory flowers, wearing his new Crédit Agricole strip.
• Steven De Neef during the derny-paced pursuit match.
• Chris Newton shows his class during the pursuit.
• Bradley Wiggins salutes the crowd after winning the derny-paced pursuit match.
• Only just! Jamie Staff pips Barney Storey on the line in the keirin final.
• John Tamouridis surprised a few of the big names by winning the pursuit event.
• Brad Wiggins during the derny-paced pursuit.
• Roland Garber enjoying a pursuit race.
• Jamie Staff gets the winner's treatment after the keirin race... and seems to like it!
• Tony Gibb in the pursuit.
• Jon Norfolk at speed.
• Brad Wiggins, paced by Peter Deary in the derny-paced pursuit match.
• Points race action - Roland Garber clings to Brad Wiggins' rear wheel.
• Group shot from the first race of the night at Revolution 2, the derny-paced scratch race.
• Bradley Wiggins gets serious in the derny-paced scratch race, with Roland Garber (top) and Rob Hayles eager to get past.
• Jamie Staff and his tattoo!
• Like most of the big names, Jamie Staff took time out to sign autographs.
• Bradley Wiggins makes someone's day during an autograph signing session.
• Jamie Staff, Barney Storey and one of the Downing brothers (I'll confess, I can't tell which one!) in action during the keirin.
• Barney Storey sits behind the derny in the keirin.
• Class field - Bradley Wiggins leads from Tony Gibb, Chris Newton and Roland Garber. That's one current world champion, one former world champion, and two former silver medallists from the World's.
• The derny rides high on the Manchester banking during the derny-paced scratch race.
• Big boy's rules - Jamie Staff and Ian George get physical during the keirin.
• Quality - in the centre of the picture, Tony Gibb leads Bradley Wiggins and Roland Garber.
• The bunch in the evening's opening race.

21st Six Days of Stuttgart

Images by Christine Schramm/tourfoto.de

• Waiting for the next sprint
• During the hour race
• Start of the stayer race
• Bruno Risi leading the pack
• During the team presentation
• Winner of the youth race

Relax-Bodysol presentation

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/actiefotos.be

• The Spanish riders at the Relax-Bodysol presentation in Wevelgem.
• Dutch rider Niels Scheuneman was second in the espoirs time trial at the World Road Championships in Hamilton.
• A few of the riders have a laugh on the podium.
• Miss Belgium, Ellen Petry, poses with Santiago Blanco Gil.
• Belgian rider Wim De Vocht is one of five riders coming from Quick.Step-Davitamon.
• Omega Pharma (Bodysol) manager Marc Coucke gives his perspective on the team's line-up for 2004.
• Belgians Wim De Vocht (L) and Nico Mattan (M) with Dutch rider Niels Scheuneman.
• Johan Van Summeren was second in the espoirs road race at the World's Road Championships in Hamilton.
• Nico Mattan transfers from Cofidis, and is looking pretty happy about his new team.
• Nico Mattan relaxes on one of the team cars.
• Drum roll please... Nico Mattan takes the role of a PR person, albeit for just a moment.
• Look Mum, no hands! One of the Relax-Bodysol team members shows off his latest party trick.
• Once the team manager (L) shows up, the fun and games stop.

Euskaltel-Euskadi presentation

Images by Iban Gorriti

• The Euskaltel-Euskadi team is presented in Bilbao
• Members of the Euskaltel-Euskadi team at the presentation
• The team's accomplishments are told by an aseginolaza (comedian)
• Juan José Ibarretxe (president of the Basque Goverment) with Miguel Madariaga (team manager), Mikel Sánchez (famous doctor) and José Luis Bilbao (politician)
• José Antonio Ardanza president of the Euskaltel phone company and also a former president of the Basque Goverment
• We are gathered here today...
• Julián Gorospe - Euskaltel's team director
• Julián Gorospe answers the media's questions
• Unai Etxebarria and David Etxebarria. They are not related.

Alessio-Bianchi presentation

Images by

• The brothers Alessio and Italian cycling legend Felice Gimondi
• Felice Gimondi shows off the new Alessio-Bianchi jersey and bicycle
• Pietro Caucchioli (l), Franco Pellizotti, Felice Gimondi, and Andrea Tafi
• Riders from Alessio-Bianchi pose with the Alessio brothers and Felice Gimondi
• The Alessio-Bianchi team was presented in Milan
• Classics specialist Andrea Tafi joins Alessio-Bianchi for 2004
• The team poses with a model showing off the new uniform and bike
• Andrea Tafi, ready to tackle the spring classics again
• Fabio Baldato (l), Pietro Caucchioli, Andrea Noe, and Franco Pellizotti listen to the presentation

The Advertiser Superdrome Challenge

Images by Rachel Burke/Maximum Attack Photography

• Mark Renshaw making it look easy in the 3000m Individual Pursuit qualifying attempt (official time: 3mins 20.96 seconds).
• Brett Aitken attempting to break the Adelaide Superdrome 5km and then 10km Motor Pace record (official times: 5km - 4.58.81 / 10km - 10.20.67).
• Shane Kelly and Shaun Perkins battling it out to the finish line in The Advertiser Kierin Challenge (Shane Kelly came first in both races).
• Jobie Dajka getting the crowd involved during his victory in The Advertiser Sprint Challenge finals.
• Natalie Mcfarlan, winner of the Junior U/17 Women's 5km Scratch Race.
• Sean Hennessy (Bicycle Express) being interviewed after a well-deserved win in the Mark Quinn Memorial Scratch Race.

Saeco team presentation

Images by Olympia Photo

• Gilberto Simoni has his hair done
• Thumbs up: Danilo Di Luca, Mirko Celestino, Gilberto Simoni and Dario Pieri with Cannondale team bike
• Dario Pieri and Gilberto Simoni having fun

Images by

• The Saeco team is presented in the Kappa headquarters in Turin
• Team Saeco in all its glory
• Dario Pieri can't get enough of Dario
• Danilo Di Luca with a picture of himself
• Mirko Celestino as large as life
• A well-groomed Danilo Di Luca
• Gilberto Simoni and Mirko Celestino
• Saeco's stars with sponsors from Saeco and Kappa
• The sponsor of Saeco introduces the team
• Gibo takes the mike

RAGT Semences-MG Rover 2004 presentation

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews

• Alain Fabre, chairman of RAGT, opened the ceremonies with an overview of the agricultural company
• Directeur sportif Jean-Luc Jonrond will guide the new RAGT Semences-MG Rover team
• Jonrond introduces several members of the team's technical staff
• Eric Berthou was the first rider to be introduced
• Mickaël Buffaz begins his second full season as a pro in 2004
• Time trial specialist Guillaume Auger, former European champion in the discipline
• Christophe Rinero, king of the mountains and 4th place overall in the 1998 Tour de France
• David Lefèvre returned to Jean Delatour in 2003 after a year away from cycling in 2002
• Former Midi Libre stage winner Jérôme Bernard is a good man for a breakaway
• Christophe Rinero (l) and Frédéric Finot strike a pose
• Multiple French national champion Eddy Seigneur is RAGT's team captain
• The new RAGT Semences-MG Rover team is presented for the first time at the Maison du Sport Français in Paris
• French manufacturer LOOK will provide the bikes: the KX Light, with Shimano components and wheels

GP Pierre Kellner

Images by Hervé Dancerelle

• Johannes Sickmuller (Ger) had a good ride to finish fourth behind the Belgian trio
• Frenchman Pascal Perrin finished 6th in the elites
• Jens Reuker (Ger) was 8th in the elite race
• Stijn Penne (Bel) placed 11th in the elite race
• The elite men's podium (L to R): Peter Van Santvliet (2nd), Arne Daelmans (1st) and Davy Commeyne (3rd)
• Paul Voss (Ger) won the junior race
• Belgian Quincy Vens was third in the juniors
• Davy De Scheemaeker (Bel) finished 10th in the junior race
• The junior men's podium (L to R): Jempy Drucker (2nd), Paul Voss (1st), and Quincy Vens (3rd)

Cyclo-Cross World Cup #5

Images by AFP

• Bart Wellens (Belgium) off the bike and running
• Wellens powering home to take the win
• Bart Wellens cements himself as the top favourite for the Cyclo-cross World Championships in two weeks' time

Landbouwkrediet-Colnago presentation

Images by Tim Maloney/Cyclingnews.com

• The Landbouwkrediet-Colnago team
• Team stars (L to R): Jacky Durand, Yaroslav Popovych, Ernesto Colnago and Gerard Bulens
• Tom Steels is ready to rock in 2004
• Jacky "Dudu" Durand speaks
• The three headed monster Popovych, Steels and Dudu
• Happy again New beginnings for Geert Van Bondt
• Young guns Tomas Vaitkus and Sergey Lagutin

Images by AFP Photo

• Jacky Durand ready to rock and roll
• Yaroslav Popovych , Tom Steels and Jacky Durand

Phonak presentation

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews

• Under the red kite and into the 2004 Phonak team presentation
• No mistaking who will be the main attraction
• Phonak manager Urs Freuler greets invited guests at the company's Stäfa offices
• Phonak's carbon BMC "team machine" for 2004
• Team bikes await their riders and attract a crowd of curious guests
• Phonak CEO Andy Rihs said in no uncertain terms that his team would ride the 2004 Tour de France
• BMC's Andy Kessler (right) gives the rundown on the newest team model
• Directeur sportif Alvaro Pino said, "the buck stops here" when it comes to results
• Alexandre Usov will be one of Phonak's key sprinters
• Nicolas Jalabert (right) followed Tyler Hamilton from Team CSC to Phonak
• Swiss national champion Daniel Schnider shows off his distinctive uniform and bike
• Daniele Bennati of Italy is one of Phonak's investments in the future
• Slovenian national champion Tadej Valjavec glides toward the stage
• Oscar Pereiro of Spain was one of Phonak's top performers in 2003
• Former world champion Oscar Camenzind looks forward to new opportunities in the single day races
• Oscar Sevilla provides Phonak with a second leader alongside Hamilton
• Tyler Hamilton makes his grand entrance at the Phonak presentation
• Tyler Hamilton will be Phonak's undisputed leader for the Tour de France
• Who says Switzerland isn't exciting?
• Team Phonak for 2004, along with honourary '25th member'
• Phonak's top four (from left): Alex Zülle, Oscar Sevilla, Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Camenzind

Images by AFP Photo

• Team Phonak hopes to emerge from the fog in 2004
• Cranking into action
• Phonak manager Urs Freuler
• Phonak CEO Andy Rihs
• Oscar Sevilla salutes the crowd
• Oscar Sevilla and Tyler Hamilton are two of Phonak's top men
• Alexandre Usov looking pensive

Images by Lars Ronbog/Picturesport.com

• Oscar Sevilla and Tyler Hamilton enjoying the show
• Tyler Hamilton rides on stage

Rabobank presentation

Images by Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl

• The Rabobank team surround Erik Breukink
• Breukink signing his contract
• Erik Breukink smiles for the press
• Erik Dekker poses for the media
• Dekker does his "Mr. Serious" look
• Dekker towers over the amassed media
• Grischa Niermann has his turn to pose
• Karsten Kroon tries to wipe a smale away
• Levi Leipheimer in smile mode
• Leipheimer in serious mode
• Michael Boogerd after the presentation
• Boogie and Dekker telling lies
• Michael Rasmussen feels his ears burning
• Rasmussen pretends to model
• Boogie checking his new bike
• Oscar Freire smiles for the press
• The Rabobank team, all lined up
• Remmert Wielinga the last to be photographed
• I'm not sure what to say to this, so I will say nothing at all
• Again, I make no comment. Unless someone can explain this.

McGee, Renshaw Olympic qualification

Images by Paul Mirtschin/Cyclingnews

• Brad McGee and Mark Renshaw warming up prior to their Olympic squad tryout
• Renshaw is first out, spinning a few warmup laps as the timing is set up
• Concentrating hard on the 3000m trial
• Due to a problem with the timing, Mark had to get back out on the track for a few more warmup laps
• Renshaw's trial is on, with a smooth first lap
• Putting the power on with one lap to go
• Sadly falling short of the cut-off time
• Brad McGee concentrates as the equipment is prepared for his run
• 3km can seem a long way at this point
• Ready for the start of the 3000m trial
• And McGee is off and flying
• First lap, and already looking like a great run
• Keeping the power nice and steady
• A collected McGee with a lap to go
• And a lunge for the line, and a place in the squad
• A very happy McGee after his trial
• Hot and happy, with a place in the Athen's Olympic squad
• A dejected Renshaw warms down after the trials
• McGee talks to reporters about his plans
• The brothers McGee with Renshaw
• Working out plans for Renshaw's next trial
• Both ends of the emotional spectrum at the end of the night
• Renshaw talks to reporters about his failed run
• McGee withsom rising track stars
• Preparing to push a junior towards the future
• I hope you are ready to go…
• … because I won't hold back
• Pedalpedalpedal!
• McGee watches the juniors
• The launch of the McGee-NSWIS development team
• Fielding questions from the media

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews

• Rod McGee gives Brad some last minute instructions
• The temperature and relative humidity at Dunc Gray Velodrome
• Mark Renshaw does some last minute stretches before his first attempt
• Mark Renshaw locked in
• Mark Renshaw gets ready to set off ...again
• Mark Renshaw powers out of the start gate
• Brad McGee focuses in the start gate
• Mike Tomalaris (SBS) interviews Brad after his ride

Dutch Cyclo-cross Championships

Images by Dick Soepenberg/www.wielerfoto.nl

• Mirjam Melchers clenches her fist as she soloes home for the win. She will not start the World's.
• Towel please - fourth-placed rider in the elite men, Jean-Pierre Leijten, looking a little grubby.
• Third placed finisher Maarten Nijland not looking much cleaner.
• Camiel van Den Bergh leaps over the barriers.
• King Richard - Richard Groenendaal adds yet another cyclo-cross title to his palmares.
• Sonic Boom - U23 rider Lars Boom was outstanding, taking out the espoirs cyclo-cross title by more than two minutes.
• At a mere 18 years of age, Lars Boom became the youngest Dutch espoir cyclo-cross champion in history.
• Corine Dorland placed sixth in the women's race.
• Always consistent Mirjam Melchers on her way to winning the women's title.
• World champion Daphny van den Brand on the first of the 20 stairs.
• Big smile - Mirjam Melchers nears the top of the stairs.
• Tell me the way to the showers, pleads Micha de Vries.

Paolo Bettini at Italian road championships

Images by Olympia

• Italian champion Paolo Bettini rides through Santa Croce sull'Arno, where the next Italian championships will be held
• Paolo Bettini cruises through Santa Croce sull'Arno on a cold, grey January day
• Paolo Bettini, showing good balancing skills, points out the location of the next Italian road chammpionships

German Cyclo-cross Championships

Images by Team Stevens-Jeantex

• Jens Schwedler focuses on holding onto his podium place in the elite men's race.
• Johannes Sickmüller cocks his head as he puts down the hammer in the espoirs' race.
• The espoirs' podium - (L to R) Johannes Sickmüller (2nd), Thorsten Struch (1st) and Andre Greipel (3rd).
• Malte Urban glides over the barriers on his way to victory in the elite men's race.
• Oh my god, the frites! A worried Malte Urban looking like he left some frites cooking on the stovetop fryer back home.
• Malte Urban puts his worried look behind him, and goes on to take a great win and the German championship.
• The elite men's podium - (L to R) Jens Schwedler (2nd), Malte Urban (1st) and Reto Matt (3rd).

Belgian Cyclo-cross Championships

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/www.actiefotos.be

• Mario Lammens (Maldegem) on his way to winning the Masters' B race.
• A delighted Mario Lammens crosses the line triumphant.
• The masters B podium - (L to R) Dirk Mertens (2nd), Mario Lammens (Maldegem, 1st) and Erik Teck (3rd).
• Tom Meeusen's face a picture of determination in the novice championship race.
• Second placed novice rider Dries Govaerts shows his face of suffering, and what a good one it is.
• Tom Meeusen's got his victory salute sorted as he crosses the line a winner in the novice category.
• The novice podium - (L to R) Dries Govaerts (2nd), Tom Meeusen (Essen, 1st) and Ben Arnouts (3rd).
• European champion Niels Albert (Tremelo) puts his head down on the way to victory in the junior men's championship race.
• Bart Verschueren fights with his bike in a tricky section of sand.
• Davy De Scheemaeker goes for a run on his way to third place in the junior category.
• The junior podium - (L to R) Bart Verschueren (2nd), Niels Albert (Tremelo, 1st) and Davy De Scheemaeker (3rd).
• Bart Wellens (Spaar Select) comes home a winner in the elite men's race.
• World champion Bart Wellens (Spaar Select) steadily wore down his closest rival Mario De Clercqa to win by a slim margin of 10 seconds.
• Bart Wellens and winning have gone hand in hand this year, with today being no exception.
• The under 23 men's podium - (L to R) Bart Aernouts Wesley Van der Linden (Brakel, 1st) and Geert Wellens (3rd).
• The elite men's podium - (L to R) Mario De Clercq (Palmans-Collstrop, 2nd), Bart Wellens (Spaar Select, 1st) and Sven Nys (Rabobank, 3rd).
• Wellens leading, De Clercq follows
• Wellens with a smile when commencing the last lap
• Mario DC goes for silver medal
• Sven Nys took third place
• Peter Van Santvliet
• Berden made a fall in the first lap. And never came back on the lead-group
• David Willemsen. Belgian Champion Elite without contract
• Wim Jacobs took 12th place
• Jan Verstraeten having a rough time
• Belgian rider Bjorn Rondelez
• Teammates Vervecken and Van Santvliet
• Wellens goes into the sand
• Very tough race for this Belgian rider
• Wellens looking confidant
• Arne Daelmans suffering in one of the toughest passages in Lille
• Davy Commeyne finished 9th
• Mario De Clerq trying to catch Wellens again
• Sven Nys must leave the Belgian Jersey to Wellens
• Sven Van Tourenhout at the finish line
• Peter Van Santvliet's finish
• Homerider Erwin Vervecken was disappointed with 7th place

Italian Cyclo-cross Championships

Images by Olympia

• Enrico Franzoi on his way to taking out the men's U23 title for the fourth time.
• Daniele Pontoni in action, confident as ever on his machine. in action, confident as ever on his machine.
• Daniele Pontoni continues his run of success, winning the elite men's race for the fifth year running.

Cofidis presentation

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews

• The first wave of Cofidis riders (l to r): Arnaud Coyot, Cédric Vasseur, Peter Farazijn, Iñigo Cuesta, Médéric Clain
• Cédric Vasseur outlines his goals for speaker Daniel Mangeas
• Mickaël Bourgain, French kilometre champion on the track, rides into the limelight
• Dmitriy Fofonov carries the Kazakh torch for Cofidis
• Philippe Gaumont chats with the omnipresent Mangeas
• Estonian national champion Janek Tombak salutes the crowd as new recruit Stuart O'Grady looks on
• Stuart O'Grady makes his first appearance in Cofidis colours
• Matt White, half of Cofidis' new Australian contingent
• French climber David Moncoutié looks forward to another strong early season
• The hat trick: world champions Laurent Gané (left), David Millar, and Igor Astarloa are presented rainbow jerseys from UCI president Hein Verbruggen
• David Millar and Igor Astarloa, world championships time trial and road race winners
• Cofidis team management: Alain Bondue, Francis Van Londersele, Alain Deloeuil, and Bernard Quilfen
• David Millar gets serious at the team presentation
• Cofidis for 2004, world champions included

Quick.Step-Davitamon presentation

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/actiefotos.be

• Tom Boonen, Patrick Lefevere and Johan Museeuw make up the main Belgian contingent
• Johan Museeuw: "Are you talking to me?"
• Belgian legend Rik Van Looy (C) was there at the presentation
• Quick.Step-Davitamon on stage
• Italians Paolo Bettini, Stefano Zanini and Luca Paolini wait for their turn
• Quick.Step boss Marc Coucke is a big supporter of the team
• New signing Laurent Dufaux rugs up against the cold
• The Quick.Step-Davitamon team in its glory
• Tom Boonen and Johan Museeuw will be looking to tag team in the classics
• The stars of Quick.Step (L to R): Paolo Bettini, Michael Rogers, Richard Virenque and Johan Museeuw
• Richard Virenque and Johan Museeuw strike a pose
• Tom Boonen (L) will be a key man to help Bettini win the World Cup again
• The Spanish imports
• Young riders Frederic Amorison, Sven Vanthourenhout and Jurgen Van Goolen
• All the Belgian riders in Quick.Step
• Serge Parsani, Davide Bramati, Paolo Bettini and Alvaro Crespi represent the strong Italian connection in the team
• Italians Davide Bramati and Paolo Bettini: brothers in arms
• Johan Museeuw and Patrick Lefevere - the team's two elder statesmen

Images by AFP Photo

• Paolo Bettini is vocal about his goals
• Team stars: Tom Boonen, Paolo Bettini, Michael Rogers, Richard Virenque and Johan Museeuw
• Team Quick.Step-Davitamon 2004
• The Spanish connection with Pedro Horrillo on the left

Paola Pezzo's birthday

Images by Olympia

• Paola Pezzo with one of her Birthday presents, an Olympic watch
• Birthday girl Paola Pezzo blows out the candles on her cake
• Paola Pezzo will leave long time sponsor Gary Fisher for Specialized in 2004

Team Webcor

Images by Bikezen.com

• Members of the 2004 Webcor Professional Cycling Team help Chris Horner get acquainted with his new kit.  L to R: Dario Falquier, Marc Hagenlocher, Chris Horner, Ted Huang, Ben Stafford, Ben Haldeman, Greg Drake.
• Andy Ball, CEO of Webcor Builders (center), meets with 2004 Webcor addition Chris Horner and Webcor rider/manager Ted Huang.
• Rabobank's Levi Leipheimer takes a pull on a recent California training ride with Webcor riders Marc Hagenlocher and Greg Drake.

GP Selle Italia

Images by Pisoni

• Geert Wellens (L) crosses the line to win in front of brother Bart
• The podium (L to R): Bart Wellens (2nd), Geert Wellens (1st) and Enrico Franzoi (3rd)

Cycling Ireland meeting

Images by Shane Stokes/irishcycling.com

• Double world rowing champion Sam Lynch was the first speaker, giving a good insight into the mentality necessary for excellence.
• Phil Collins of Cycling Ireland has injected considerable energy into the organisation of late.
• Attendance was good at the meeting with a healthy number of junior riders showing up
• Cycling Ireland brought former Olympic champion Chris Boardman across.
• Chris Boardman gave an entertaining and insightful talk, which revealed some of the pressures of the pro life
• A year ago Martin O'Loughlin was sidelined from racing with a broken collarbone. Twelve months on, he's back to international duty, but this time as Olympic team manager. He's got a busy year ahead.

Celo Pacific Cyclocross - Dec. 28

Images by Mitchell Clinton/clintonphoto.com

• Jonathan Livesay (Merrill Lynch) & Rickey Russell (Cycles Veloce) struggle up hill throught the eucalyptus trees
• Rickey Russell (Cycles Veloce) on the single track, comming out of the woods
• Brian Starr (Family Cycling Center) in the woods, showing his handling skills
• Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Felt) concentrates on a short piece of single track ahead
• John Behrens (Celo Pacific) powers up a small hill
• Emilio Cervantes (Excel Sports) flies by.
• Thad Sparrow (Celo Pacific) takes the turn into the woods
• John Behrens (Celo Pacific) stays focused on the single track ahead
• Jeff Herring (Kelly) in hot persuit goes into the single track
• Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Felt) does his best to keep it smooth in a turn on the single track
• Garnet Vertican (ODI) powers into the woods

Images by Richard Murphy

• Chris Gallup and Charles Morris (Universal Cycle) in a Celo Pacific jersey had built up enough of a lead on the first lap that they had time to keep their feet dry as they raced through the mud (Men's 40+).
• Kevin Reilly (SDBC) at the front in the mud (Men's B).
• Eric Peterson hits the water hard.
• David Bales (Celo Pacific) saw his second place for the series disappear on the first lap when he had mechanical problems (Men's 40+).
• Mike McMahon (Velocity) showing good form on the off camber run up in the woods (Men's 35+).
• Guy Sutton (Trek SD/Cliff Bar) ridding the rock garden section of the course (Men's 35+).
• Kelli Roberts (PAA) running through the double barrier section of the course (Elite Women)
• Ben Mata winner of the Men's B race.
• Dan Breyer riding for race sponsor Bike 101 of Solana Beach Ca., rode well for third place in the men's B race.
• Dorothy Wong (Kelly Bike Company) rode strongly to take the win in the women's elite race.
• After a tough climb the course dropped down a step fire rode, which didn't cause Brian Keate (Velocity) any problems.
• Jeff Herring (Kelly Bike Company) on the second of 2 run ups on the course (Elite Men).
• Dan Breyer (Bike 101) race two races back to back and the climb started to hurt on during the second race (Elite Men).
• Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific) rode a strong race and took first place going away (Elite Men).
• Thad Sparrow (Celo pacific) bunny hopping the double barriers (Elite Men).
• Emilio Cervantes (Excel Sports) rode well for second place in the elite men's race.
• Thad Sparrow (Celo Pacific) takes off for big air in the rock garden section of the course (Elite Men).
• Thad Sparrow (Celo Pacific) makes it all look easy has he goes flying by (Elite Men).
• John Behrens (Celo Pacific) rode well but after a flat early in the first lap it was to work his way up through the field and not a podium spot (Elite Men).
• Paul Hernandez (Bicycle John's) riding home on the last lap (Elite Men).
• Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Felt Bicycles) crosses the line for the win (Elite Men).

Pilarcitos Creek Cyclocross

Images by Mitchell Clinton/clintonphoto.com

• Michael Hosey in the Jr. race a little crossed up, body going one way and his body going another.
• Adam Switters at the front of the Jr. race from start to finish
• Rachel Lloyd did a good job of controlling the women's race
• Andy Jacques-Maynes (Clif Bar) was watching his teammate's back most of the race
• Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Felt) Ben Jacques-Maynes (Family Cycling Center) were fighting it out for 3rd and 4th
• Andy Jacques-Maynes (Clif Bar) sets up for a turn
• Jackson Stewart (Clif Bar) ploughs right through the soup for the win

Randwick Botany CC - January 3

Images by Tony Horneman

• Robert Cater on his way to victory in A Grade
• Robert Cater with Peter McDonald behind
• Jeff Jones leads the A Grade chasing group as it passes B Grade solo breakaway Roger Crawford

Be Active Cycle Instead series, Perth

Race 1 - January 2: 2004 Australian Open Men's Criterium Championships, Joondalup

Images by Bruce Hunt/www.idealcycles.com

• David Betts (Qld) navigates carefully
• Nic Brown (WA) heads for victory
• The bunch cruises the Promenade.
• Peter Dawson Andrew Sime & Leon Vogels (WA)

Race 2 - January 3: Bien Cafe Cup Of Wheels, Perth

Images by Steve Lack/www.idealcycles.com

• Upmarket King Street but the riders had no time to stop and browse on the tight 800m circuit.
• Riders take to the pavement after the tight right hander into King Street
• A bad start for Henk Vogels breaking his handlebars. Henk Snr. takes the offending bike away
• Aaron Kemps
• Jason Rigg leads new Australian Criterium Champion Nic Brown
• Caleb Manion (Tasmania) rides solo to victory
• The hard chase behind: David Betts, Andrew Sime, Hilton McMurdo
• Winner Caleb Manion waits for the podium
• The podium (L to R): Edmund Hollands (3rd), Hilton McMurdo (2nd), Caleb Manion (1st), Chris Sutton (Sprint King)
• Hilton McMurdo with partner Jane Second place at 42 years of age.
• 3rd placed Edmund Hollands showing off his new Giant Asia team issue bike

Race 3 - January 4: Cheers Bar & Grill Classic, Victoria Park

Images by Steve Lack/www.idealcycles.com

• The Vogels brothers, Leon & Henk. Henk (R) sports a few grazes from the previous nights fall which he says won't delay his comeback in 2004.
• Australia's newest champion for 2004: Nic Brown National Criterium Champion (WA)
• Peter Dawson, West Australian Sportstar of the Year with Darryn Harry.
• Hayley Rutherford solos to victory in the Women's event
• Hayley Rutherford en route to the win
• On the attack: Hilton McMurdo (WA)
• Winner of race 1/2 (main race was split into 2 events) Joel Pearson (Vic)
• The attacking style of Andrew Sime (WA)
• Chris Sutton attacks with Leon Vogels on his wheel
• Chris Sutton in full flight & heading for victory.
• From left to right: Sponsor Tim Willing, Victoria Park race 2/2 winner & series leader Chris Sutton plus uncle Shane Sutton (British Coach)

Images by Bruce Hunt/www.idealcycles.com

• New Zealander Jaaron Poad always near the front.
• Local climber Nathan Jones & series teammate of Chris Sutton.
• Rodney McGee leads local rider & placegetter Ryan Suckling.

• A comfortable win for Chris Sutton (NSW) in the second race

Race 4 - January 5: W J Moncrieff Pty Ltd Leederville Loop, Leederville

Images by Bruce Hunt/www.idealcycles.com

• David Betts as he has been all week: attacking
• The race winning break Betts, McGee and Brown
• Steven Evans (WA) gives the VIP's an impromptu floorshow.
• Leederville stage winner Rodney McGee leads Jason Rigg (WA)
• Chris Sutton in Yellow until the end plus 4th place on the stage.
• Nic Brown shadowed by all the main players.
• Grit and determination as you would expect from a Vogels (Leon Vogels, WA)

Centrumcross Surhuisterveen

Images by DCP/Bert Geerts

• Richard Groenendaal and Bart Wellens at the start
• No energy drinks for Marc de Maar
• Bart Wellens (Spaar Select) leads Mario De Clercq and Richard Groenendaal
• Japanese rider Keiichi Tsujiura in action
• Mario De Clercq (Palmans) in action
• Czech rider Peter Dlask
• Gerben de Knegt (Rabobank) finished 11th today
• Bart Wellens (Spaar Select) beats De Clercq to win
• The men's podium Mario De Clercq (2nd), Bart Wellens (1st) and Richard Groenendaal (3rd)
• The women's podium Reza Ravenstein (2nd), Marianne Vos (1st) and Bernadine Boog-Rauwerda (3rd)

For more photos, e.g.Azencross Loenhout (GVA Trofee 5), Cyclo-cross World Cup 4 Koksijde, Großer Weihnachtspreis, Tour of the South China Sea, Carnegie Caulfield CC - December 23, Carnegie Caulfield CC - December 21, Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series 6, Baden-Württemberg 'Cross Championships, Kressbronn, Surf City cyclo-cross, Rabobank TT III Team Presentation, Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series 5, GP Rouwmoer Cyclo-cross, Colnago's Xmas party, Rosebery Athletic Club Carnival, US Cyclo-cross Nationals, Wellington Veterans CC Short Course TT Champs, please consult our archives.