94th Tour de France - ProT

France, July 7-29, 2007

Photography

Stage 20 - Sunday, July 29: Marcoussis - Paris Champs-Élysées, 130km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) wins the 2007 Tour de France.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) wins the sprint on the Champs Elysées.
• The Italian held off Hushovd and Zabel.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) dons polka dots as final mountains classification winner for 2007
• Daniele Bennati on the final stage podium
• Cadel Evans waves while the skies weep overhead
• Cadel Evans takes his lap with the Australian flag
• New Zealander Julian Dean the new Mayor of Credit Agricole, with team-mates Charteau and Fofonov.
• Lance Armstrong watches on during the final stage as his Discovery Channel team completes a successful Tour de France.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The tired peloton finally made it to Paris after a long, emotionally taxing Tour
• Gloomy skies loomed over the peloton but they all arrived safe to the line.
• Contador on his new bike yellow clad and focused
• Contador is attentive knowing the race isn't over until it's over.
• The peloton heads up the Champs Elysées again.
• Discovery protected the yellow very well throughout the Tour and in the final day.
• The break stayed away for a few laps.
• Soler is more comfortable in the mountains but staying close to Boonen in green wasn't a bad choice.
• Barloworld had a great Tour but couldn't get the ultimate sprinter's dream through Robby Hunter.
• The peloton near Place de la Concorde during the spectator-friendly spectacle.
• The break still ahead but the peloton is closing in.
• Discovery Channel protects their man on the finishing circuits
• Contador on a special yellow Trek
• Contador in the best seat in the house behind big George Hincapie
• Barloworld tried to set up Hunter but their sprinter came in 4th.
• Alberto Contador concentrates on getting through the final stage safely
• Daniele Bennati capitalised on Quick.Step's lead-out train to win the final stage.
• Tom Boonen came in behind Bennati happy to take home green for once
• Bennati gets the final stage
• Thumbs up, Contador rode the last stage uncontested into Paris
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) got his dream win in Paris
• Contador's yellow jersey made possible by Rabobank's decision to pull Rasmussen from the Tour
• By just 23 seconds, Alberto Contador wins the Tour
• Alberto Contador isn't much bigger than the young podium assistant below him
• Contador has a few stuffed lions to take home after the Tour
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) holds the cup high
• The Tour win was no pie in the sky for Alberto Contador
• Contador receives the trophy for the Tour winner
• Contador embraces Leipheimer the team-mates were 1-3 on the final classification
• Cadel Evans, Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer on the final GC podium
• Discovery Channel was best team and received what looks like a copy of Windows Vista for their efforts?
• The jersey podium Mauricio Soler (KOM), Tom Boonen (Points), Alberto Contador (GC) and Amets Txurruka (Young rider)
• The final podium in Paris Evans, Contador and Leipheimer, from left to right.
• Boonen and Contador congratulate each other.
• The polka-dot arm grabs the yellow as the celebrations make the round.
• The 2007 Tour and its jersey winners.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) gets the congrats from team-mates after winning the final stage.
• The podium is very much yellow o all accounts.
• Contador is led home by the Discovery Channel team.
• Peloton on the cobbles
• L'Arc de Triomphe is the familiar sight on the final day.
• The peloton on the back side coming down the Champs Elysées.
• Contador hasn't won the stage but the accounting after three weeks, which is why he raises his arms across the line.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) wins the final stage into Paris.
• Tom Boonen in green and dream come true.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) doesn't quite fit into the polka dot anymore after three weeks of calorie-burning labour, but is happy nonetheless.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) also wins the young rider classification.
• The top three with flowers on the podium.
• Discovery won big and also took the teams classification.
• The jersey winners Soler, Boonen, Contador and the most aggressive rider, Amets Txurruka of Euskaltel.
• The polka dot prize.
• Alberto 'the Kid' Contador won the young rider's award.
• But Contador really wanted yellow and the 'real' award.
• Cadel Evans can be very proud of what he has accomplished and will try again next year.
• Evans is the first Aussie on the podium.
• Contador listens to the Spanish national anthem
• The podium smile
• Shake-hand between Evans and Leipheimer
• Contador wins the overall.
• The men in the suits didn't catch on to the fact that the colour of choice is yellow.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Tom Boonen concentrates on the cobbles in Paris.
• Alberto Contador's only goal was to not crash.
• Cadel Evans is the first Podium Aussie in the history of the Tour de France.
• Discovery Channel in the lap of honour
• Boonen and Contador share the podium. You can tell they are about the same height.
• Podium wavers Evans, Contador, Leipheimer (l-r)
• Tom Boonen gets green flowers to go with his jersey.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) realizes the sprinter's dream come true.
• Bennati beats Hushovd (l, green/white) and Zabel (far left).
• Contador with family.
• The most beautiful cycling avenue in the world.
• Aussie Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) was in a break for a while up and down the Champs.
• The most talked about topic in this year's Tour.
• Lots of dots here as Soler gets celebrated.
• The peloton rides in Paris at high speeds.
• Team-mates on the podium Leipheimer and Contador do a group hug.
• Bruyneel guided Contador do his first TdF win, but it's Bruyneel's eighth.
• The remnants of the Quick.Step Innergetic team after the race.
• Bennati gets the congrats from a team-mate.
• Julian Dean (Crédit Agricole) did not get arrested for speeding, he just poses with a 'flic'.
• Gerolsteiner riders don't always drink water.
• Oscar Pereiro takes over from Robbie McEwen for the traditional wheelie as Garcia Acosta looks on in amusement.
• Axel Merckx (T-Mobile) in a 'break' during the lap of honour in his last Tour.
• Contador with lion and yellow flowers on the podium.
• Contador with white flowers on the podium.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) smiles as he carries the Australian flag around the Champs Elysées.
• This happens when the Gerolsteiners celebrate with a lass of wine. They are only used to sparkling mineral water.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) celebrates.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) poses with the special Guards.
• Tom Boonen points out his green socks.

Stage 19 - Saturday, July 28: Cognac - Angoulême, 55km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) came close, but stays in second
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) has all but secured his Topur win.
• Going forward, looking back: Armstrong watches Contador heading toward possible Tour glory.
• Lance Armstrong returned to the Tour de France on Saturday to watch his young rider Alberto Contador defend the yellow jersey on the penultimate stage.
• Pat McQuaid wasn't invited to the Tour by organiser ASO but accepted a French television invite to come to the world's largest cycling event.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alejandro Valverde took 17th not a great Tour for the pre-race favourite
• Leipheimer gasps for air on the very painful final metres
• Levi Leipheimer pulled out a fantastic performance
• Levi Leipheimer lunges to his stage win
• Cadel Evans digs deep and grits out a second place in the TT and overall
• Cadel Evans gave it a great effort in the final 5km, holding on to second overall
• Alberto Contador gets constant encouragement from his team car
• Alberto Contador struggles to the line just barely keeping his yellow jersey
• Leipheimer does the robot walk with a more emphatic style than his Spanish team-mate Contador
• Leipheimer failed to overtake Evans but got his stage win
• The Americans get their stage win courtesy of Levi Leipheimer
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) blasted to a first Tour stage win in the TT
• Alberto Contador had to work hard for this yellow jersey
• A kiss for Mr. Lion from yellow jersey Contador
• Contador and the lion on the yellow jersey podium
• Alberto Contador does his best robot impression
• Fabian Cancellara wags his tongue
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) powers to the line but the world champ only managed 12th
• Stefan Schumacher catches his two minute man Aleksandr Kuchynski at the finish
• Thomas Dekker showing his tongue is bigger than Moreau's.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) hammers up the final 50m
• George Hincapie gives it his all on the tough final 25m
• George Hincapie powered to a 7th place
• Spanish TT champ Gutierrez grits his teeth to a solid 6th place
• Vladimir Karpets held the fastest time for much of the day
• Iban Mayo comes in 66th place - not a great day for the Spaniard
• Michael Boogerd moved up to 12th on GC
• Oscar Pereiro put in a good effort to take 8th on the day
• Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi) held onto his top ten spot on GC
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) set blistering splits for his GC men
• Mauricio Soler in the climber's jersey
• Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile) keeps 7th overall
• Haimar Zubeldia kept his top ten overall
• Carlos Sastre was caught and passed by his three minute man Leipheimer
• The inflatable podium moves from town to town with the Tour
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) was awoken early in the morning for blood testing
• Fabian Cancellara the world TT champ had a less than satisfactory ride
• Patrick Lefevre "I've got a banana and am not afraid to use it"
• The photo crew await the arrival of the yellow jersey
• Linus Gerdemann chugs some juice after the TT
• George Hincapie sports some whacky Oakleys
• The sweat pours from George Hincapie after a superb effort in the TT
• Pereiro finished 8th
• Oscar Pereiro put in a strong TT
• One day, Pereiro may be awarded the '06 Tour win
• Soler finished 42nd
• Soler gets a drink
• Leipheimer towels off in the crush of the cameras
• Cadel Evans went straight from an all out effort into the scrum of the press
• Leipheimer steps up to receive his accolades
• Levi Leipheimer wins the day
• For a while it looked like Leipheimer might win the Tour
• Alberto Contador really struggled to keep his yellow in the TT
• Bernard Hinhault zips up the yellow for Alberto Contador
• Contador seemed much more comfortable with earning the yellow jersey than having it handed down
• Who needs podium girls I can kiss this Lion
• Contador earned this yellow jersey
• Alberto Contador "I am Cornholio!"
• Contador happy in yellow

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) and his tight aero tuck
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) looking low and focused
• Fabian Cancellara (Team Csc) showing battle scars from the Tour
• Sebastien Rosseler (Quickstep suffering through the final TT
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) in the Green skinsuit
• Leif Hoste (Predictor Lotto) the Belgian TT champ, sets time splits for Evans
• Charly Wegelius (Liquigas)
• Thomas Voeckler concentrates
• David Millar had terrible problems with disintegrating wheels, scuttling his chances for a TT win
• Benoit Vaugrenard crashed in the time trial
• Contador had to really pour on the gas to keep his overall lead
• Contador sucks wind to try and hold the yellow
• Evans shows that he wants yellow
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) faded and was caught by Leipheimer.
• Popovych put in a strong TT
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) rockets past the vines
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) looms large
• José Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne) the Spanish TT champ
• Hincapie powers past vineyards
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) went nearly the same time as the World TT champ, Cancellara

Stage 18 - Friday, July 27: Cahors - Angoulême, 210km

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) signs for the fans.
• The stage sign on in Cahors.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) mobbed at the start.
• Photographers ready for the riders under the ceremonial start.
• French countryside.
• Church along the race route of the 94th Tour de France.

Images by AFP Photo

• Sandy Casar crashed into a dog and looked pretty banged up, but recovered well to win the stage.
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) wins the stage into Angoulême.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Casar celebrates with his right hand which got damaged in the encounter with a dog.
• Yellow numbers and yellow shirt - all is well for Discovery.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) hides behind his sunglasses.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) does the same; it was worm after all.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) shows the effort of the final sprint.
• The Belgian looks set to take green and looks good in it, too.
• Christian Prudhomme can't always smile with bad news trickling in every day.
• Discovery in yellow again and the continuation of the dominance of the American team for yellow.
• Contador is a young winner but he may be around for a few years and win a few more.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) is leading the overall and the young rider classification.
• The sprint of the break and it's uphill. Ouch.
• Axel Merckx (T-Mobile) would have liked to end his Tour de France career with a win.
• Casar and Boogerd sprinting after a long escape.
• Boogerd wanted another stage win, but couldn't pull it off.
• Casar came close before but finally got his victory in the 2007 Tour.
• The French crowd loved it that a French won the stage into Angoulême.
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) wins despite his crash.
• He hit a dog early and his opponents later.
• He showed tremendous will and won the most aggressive rider award.
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) finally gets his win after coming close on a couple of occasions this Tour.
• Axel Merckx couldn't pull it off but can be happy about his performance today.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) also would have liked to end his career with a win, but it wasn't meant to be.
• The sprint for green and it was Boonen who prevailed once again.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) couldn't get his wheel ahead of the Belgian's.
• Zabel looks at green rather than wearing it.
• Boonen looks set for a nice ride into Paris.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) had an easy day.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) didn't have to defend his jersey today. He has it secured, baring accidents or other unforeseen misfortunes.
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) on the podium.
• Casar is banged up on his right arm but things are looking better on the left.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• The polka dot with sun protection signs autographs before the stage.
• Sun protection is indeed important but the French police relies on sun screen.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) before the start of the stage.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) concentrated before another hard work day ahead of him.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-Fondital) signs in.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) needs to apply the sun screen a bit more evenly.
• Gert Steegmans (Quickstep-Innergetic) signs in. He was doing his leadout duties again and helped Boonen get more points.
• Dario Cioni (Predictor-Lotto) signs in on a day where he didn't have to labour too much for Evans.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) is finally in yellow.
• The Spaniard intends to keep it until Paris
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) continues the Colombian climbing tradition.
• He wore the polka dot many days but sometimes on loan. Now it's his for good.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) is also looking to keep the jersey until Paris.
• Casar wins with incredible courage. Chapeau!
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) was quickest up the final uphill stretch.
• The Frenchman overcomes bad luck to beat the three other breakaway companions.
• Frederik Willems (Liquigas) was less lucky. He crashed over Casar and was caught by the field. At least he finished the race, even though badly damaged.
• Boonen gets congratulated by Hunter in the sprint for 5th.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) couldn't get around the Belgian in the end.
• The finish line slightly rose making a sprint rather challenging.
• Axel Merckx came ever so close with his first ever Tour stage win.
• Boonen enjoys the podium and the gifts.
• Casar looks exhausted but it was well worth the effort.
• He hugged DS Madiot earlier in an emotional celebration as Madiot was talking to French media.
• The yellow ladies with the yellow jersey.
• This looks familiar.

Stage 17 - Thursday, July 26: Pau - Castelsarrasin, 188km

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Media scrum around Prudhomme and Clerc.
• Prudhomme and Clerc address the media.
• Rabobank arrives.
• Discovery Channel receives the attention with its race leader Contador.
• Johan Bruyneel looks towards a clean cycling.
• Disco Team Manager Johan Bruyneel speaks of Rasmussen case.
• Discovery's Bruyneel speaks at the start of stage 17 about his rider taking the race overall lead due to Rasmussen's departure.

Images by AFP Photo

• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) wins stage 17

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) takes the win.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) celebrates winning Stage 17.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) has plenty of time to celebrate.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) makes it look easy.
• All smiles on the podium for stage winner Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital).
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) raises his arms in celebration.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) gets to wear the yellow now.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) doesn't look too sure about the yellow jersey.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) holds up the lion.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) wins the yellow jersey in the post-Rasmussen part of the Tour.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) accepts the winner's flowers.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) adjusts his new yellow jersey.
• Contador pulls on his first maillot jaune
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep - Innergetic) smiles as he dons the green jersey again today.
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) gazes skyward
• A little message on a Rabobank helmet.
• David Millar (Saunier-Duval) smiles after Stage 17.
• David Millar answers questions despite his apparent exhaustion
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) assumed the lead today.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep - Innergetic) crosses the line.
• The best of the rest Tom Boonen (Quickstep - Innergetic)
• David Millar (Saunier-Duval) after a long day in the saddle.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) was denied again
• The lead group of eight riders motors on.
• Juan Antonio Flecha shows the mood of Rabobank
• Grischa Niermann was without both GC leaders after Rasmussen's sacking and Menchov's withdrawal
• Michael Boogerd has a long look after yesterday's GC leader Michael Rasmussen was fired.
• Frederik Willems concentrates before the start.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) crashed on Wednesday's stage, but would have a chance to celebrate Thursday night
• The peloton streams down a long straight road.
• The lead group flies down the road.
• A message for the Tour from would-be fans

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) stands atop the podium.
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) comes in for the win.
• Italian Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) won stage 17.
• Stage 17 winner Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital)
• Not the happiest yellow jersey wearer ever, Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) dons his new outift.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Jens Voigt battles for scraps behind Bennati
• Bennati made easy work of the sprint win from the break of four
• Bennati salutes after winning his first Tour stage
• Benna shows the pearlies
• A hard day's work worth the effort for Daniele Bennati
• They have nice flowers in France Bennati admires his bouquet
• Pleased with his stage win Daniele Bennati celebrates
• Bennati gets face time with Bernard Hinault
• Contador dresses in yellow after taking the leader's role from the sacked Rabobank rider Michael Rasmussen
• Zip me up, says Contador
• It's starting to sink in for Alberto Contador
• Contador looks right
• Alberto Contador is serious on the yellow jersey podium
• Bernard Hinault greets Contador
• Bennati has plenty of time to celebrate after winning stage 17 by lengths
• Clap for me! Bennati wins
• One for Italy!
• At long last! Daniele Bennati gets his stage
• Bennati celebrates his first Tour stage win
• Millar not pleased with missing the final split
• Tosatto looks pained after a day in the break
• Quniziato and Righi come trailing in
• The sprint from the peloton
• Boonen dares anyone to come around
• Boonen leads the peloton home
• The softspoken Italian Daniele Bennati gets his first Tour stage win
• Bennati greets the crowds
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) on the stage winner's podium
• Contador steps up to the leader's podium
• Contador seems thrilled with his new outfit
• His first trip onto the leader's podium Alberto Contador waves
• Contador accepts the yellow begrudgingly?
• Alberto Contador looks apprehensive on the yellow jersey podium
• Soler basks in polka dot glory
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) resplendent in dots
• Daniele Bennati after winning stage 17

Stage 16 - Wednesday, July 25: Orthez - Gourette - Col d’Aubisque, 218km

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) waits to start the last Pyrenean stage.
• Start line in Orthez.
• A small meeting before the start of the day.
• Riders line to start stage 16, the day after the rest day chaos.

Images by AFP Photo

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) awaits the start of stage 16. The French teams staged a protest, and started the race minutes after the rest of the peloton following news of Vinokourov's doping positive
• Prudhomme gives encouraging words to the riders before stage 16
• Race director Christian Prudhomme stands in front of the peloton before stage 16
• Cofidis' Cristian Moreni finishes stage 16 to face news of his positive doping control for testosterone
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) wins on the Aubisque

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) rode strongly and put time into Evans.
• Cristian Moreni (Cofidis) was suffering on the climb, but it was likely the last time in this Tour.
• These Fuentes helpers predict chaos.
• The fans don't want doping.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) has to look like he is riding through hell.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) goes uphill with the jersey unzipped for more air.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) could ride his own pace after his team duty was done.
• Zubeldia and Cobo on the climb. The Spaniards were partly riding through their own country today.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) was also motivated by the fact that the race went through Spain.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) fought very hard at the final climb and was able to limit his losses. If he makes the podium will be decided in the time trial now.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) was the former KOM leader, but has since dropped in the rankings for the polka dot.
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) comes up the slopes
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) battered but not beaten.
• Patrice Halgand (Crédit Agricole) was in the yellow jersey group until fairly late, but had to ride up the last bit by himself.
• Charles Wegelius (Liquigas) finished in the top25, less than 8 minutes back.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is a man for the mountains, but is not in the run for the polka dot this year.
• Manuel Beltrán (Liquigas) looks like he is suffering a bit. The Spaniard fought well, though, and lies 19th overall now.
• Juan Manuel Gárate (Quickstep-Innergetic) had a good day and was only a little more than six minutes behind the winner.
• Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) did his team duty to perfection, then rolled in by himself.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) lost time in the end.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) leads the autobus up the Aubisque.
• Everybody was inside the time limit. What a great day for the sprinters!
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) in a small group after his work was over. He rode on the front a lot.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) finally got the polka dot back for real.
• Fans, and mostly Basque ones lined the climbs in the Pyrénées.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) rides up to the finish after his work was over; well, almost over.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) set the pace for Rasmussen early on the final climb.
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-Fondital) and Christian Vande Velde (Team CSC)

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Riders have a protest sit-in at the start.
• The Pyrénées offered a scenic background to a day full of action.
• Rasmussen wins the stage
• Moreni on his final kilometres in the 2007 Tour
• The Italian was questioned by police at the finish line and is now due to suspected doping.
• His whole team Cofidis is out, in fact.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) out of the saddle in the final part of the race.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) found the climb to be taxing.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) is glad the hard work is over and all he has to do is finish.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) pushes towards the finish line.
• Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile) had a so-so day, but stayed in the top 10 overall.
• Manuel Beltrán (Liquigas) labours upwards.
• Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) enjoys pedalling in at his own pace after working for captain Evans earlier.
• Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
• Tadej Valjavec (Lampre-Fondital) the Slovenian champion.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) with the jersey wide-open.
• The stunning view from the top.
• The autobus takes in the scenery as they had not much trouble making the cut today.
• The autobus on the last bends before the finish.
• 250 metres to go for the last group.
• The speaker of the house.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) in the finish, his dreams of a podium shattered, but he still wants to finish the race for once.
• Rasmussen looks back and sees no rivals, other than the mountains.
• Time to celebrate even though that may have cost a couple of seconds.
• Rasmussen crosses the line no hands, on an uphill.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) wins on the Aubisque
• The Dane wins his second stage
• Leipheimer finished strongly in second.
• Contador lost some ground to Rasmussen.
• The Spaniard was a bit more than half a minute behind, plus lost a net of 12 seconds in time boni.
• Evans is now only concerned with keeping third
• Soler pumps fist as he realizes that he will get polka dot for real again.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) finished ahead of Cobo.
• Cobo did well on the 'hilly' affair.
• Sastre stops the clock but unfortunately a little later than expected.
• The Caisse duo of Pereiro (front) and Valverde.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) finishes after a strong ride for the team.
• The first thing on his mind was water.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) rolls in. He was hoping that CSC would be still in contention by now.
• 'Popo' smiles for the camera.
• Leipheimer in the finish after getting second and taking time out of Evans.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) extended his lead.
• The autobus passes the police motorbikes.
• Rasmussen during his late attack taking out more time on Contador.
• The Dane rode a tactically brilliant race.
• Leipheimer guides Contador before taking off for getting time on Evans.
• Evans fought hard but lost some more time to the trio ahead.
• Soler's fifth secured the lead in the polka dot, for now.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
• Juan José Cobo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) with another strong showing.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) was hoping to be closer to the GC top after the mountains.
• Pereiro and Valverde near the top.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Leipheimer at the finish.
• Boogerd looks beat. No wonder, after the monster stage.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) fights his way through the spectators.
• Rasmussen on the podium and celebrating his second stage win.
• Rasmussen gets another yellow jersey. He intends to do this procedure until Sunday.
• Soler smiles on the podium as he finally gets the jersey back for real and doesn't have to beg Rasmussen to borrow it anymore.
• Contador is the best young rider and will likely stay atop until Sunday. His overall victory changes were slightly diminished, however.
• One of the groups coming in.
• The spectators enjoyed it more than the riders.
• The fans were waiting for the big showdown.
• The 500m sign.
• Rasmussen to another victory.
• Leipheimer checks on Contador but the latter didn't quite have it.
• Soler on a brilliant day for him.
• The Caisse d'Epargne double jet.
• Frankie goes to Aubisque
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) close to the finish
• 800 more metres and all are uphill, you can bet on it.
• Spot with a view
• The sun in the back and the finish up ahead.

Stage 15 - Monday, July 23: Foix - Loudenvielle - Le Louron, 196km

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) at the start.
• Ralf Aldag cats at the start.
• A fan watches the start of stage 15.
• Sunflowers typical of this area.
• Foix post office.
• Château Comtle in Foix
• Caravan Volkswagen bus truck.
• Château Comtle in Foix
• Carlos Barredo (Quickstep-Innergetic) signs for the fans.

Images by AFP Photo

• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) is back on top of his game!
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) wins the second stage in the Pyrénées

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• The Pyrénées were stunning for spectators and the racers wished they could enjoy it, too.
• Sylvain Chavanel smiles in the mountains. He even held the polka dot for a few days.
• Tadej Valjavec (Lampre-Fondital) the Slovenian champion.
• Christian Knees and Laurent Lefèvre were part of the break of the day.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) could not gain points to really get the polka dot that he has on loan from Rasmussen.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) was aggressive today, but still is not 100% after his crash a few days ago.
• Christian Vande Velde (Team CSC) rode strongly today.
• Juan Manuel Gárate (Quickstep-Innergetic) had a good day in the break and in the mountains.
• Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile) recovered from yesterday and got second.
• Juan José Cobo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) was also a factor and was rewarded with 4th.
• Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi) showed great form in the area close to the Basque country.
• Fans were cheerful as the Pyrénées provided them with a stunning setting for stage 15.
• Dropped riders get the occasional push to get them over the gradients.
• The fans came out in numbers and cheered the riders on.
• John Gadret (Ag2r Prévoyance) had an ok day in the mountains.
• Stage winner Alexander Vinokourov celebrates as he wins stage 15.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) has to dig deep to be able to hold Contador's wheel.
• Alberto Contador tried everything but couldn't shake the Dane.
• This looks like cheating.
• Le Mevel crashed out of the Tour with a broken collarbone.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Juan Manuel Gárate (Quickstep-Innergetic) is digging deep on the Peyresourde.
• David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne) is trying to stay on the wheel of the compatriot Garate.
• Christian Vande Velde (Team CSC) had an excellent day out in the mountains and was pretty happy about it.
• Contador checks on the whereabouts of Rasmussen.
• The mano a mano was a fan's delight
• Contador tried very hard to distance the Dane.
• Rasmussen gave it all and responded to each attack.
• Contador attacked the hairpins like a man possessed.
• Evans and Leipheimer were further back with the American unable to pull as Contador was up the road.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) lost some time today. It looks like it's over for first place.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) with another strong showing in the mountains, but held back by team tactics.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) was there to help team-mates
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) couldn't respond to attacks on the front.
• The domestiques stayed together from left to right: Schleck, Horner, Popovych
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) showed heart today.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) won the stage.
• Rasmussen is still in yellow.
• Contador leads young rider classification.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) wins the stage to Loudenville
• The Kazakh attacked solo off the remainder of the break.
• The ever aggressive Vino secured his second stage win in this year's Tour
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana)
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) got third after a good day for him.
• Kirchen showed better form than the day before to get second.
• Juan José Cobo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) also rode a good race and finished fourth.
• Juan Manuel Gárate (Quickstep-Innergetic) showed a lot of courage, but couldn't hang with the very top guys.
• David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne) was another highly motivated Spaniard.
• Kohl and Van de Velde come in
• Ludovic Turpin (Ag2r Prévoyance) had a good showing for the Ag2r team, after Moreau's overall hopes were dashed.
• Contador and Rasmussen finish together and made sure that the overall is between them only now.
• Contador in white
• The sprint of the Evans group
• The group with the main overall threats behind the two leaders.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) would rather have the mountain stage replaced with a time trial.
• The Aussie has still a shot at the podium.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) celebrates victory
• Tour de France madness in the mountains.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rides through the crowds.
• Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) tries to squeeze every drop out of his seemingly empty bottle.
• Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) shows off his descending skills.
• The Quick.Step Innergetic mountain train
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) took the honours on stage 15
• Michael Rasmussen with another yellow jersey and lion.
• Alberto Contador once again extended his lead in the young rider classification.
• French champ Christophe Moreau fights his way past some Basque fans.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) on the climb.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) in his terrain.
• Vinokourov showed his courage again.
• The Kazakh attacked hard at the bottom and was never to be seen again until the finish.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) enjoyed the encouragement of 'his' fans.
• Kirchen chases Cobo.
• Kirchen got second at the end. Job well done.
• Bernhard Kohl in the action again to finish seventh this time.
• Christian Vande Velde (Team CSC) likes the encouragement.
• Ludovic Turpin took over from Moreau as main guy for Ag2r.
• Hincapie rides towards Spanish flag and the top of the climb.

Stage 14 - Sunday, July 22: Mazamet - Plateau-de-Beille, 197km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) wins on the Plateau de Beille.
• Leipheimer fan club along with a fan who doesn't know yet who he is rooting for.
• Contador and Rasmussen have to deal wit fans who come close, sometimes too close for comfort.
• Antonio Colom (Astana) had more fun in the break
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) bites into a sandwich before the doping control. The dude in the background is hopefully making sure Rasmussen doesn't trick anybody.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) gets a bottle. But one wasn't enough and he should have gotten the second one as well. He lost almost two minutes on the day.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) has shoe troubles again, but today it didn't matter to stop and sort it out. He finished over half an hour behind.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) wins on the Plateau de Beille.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) does not need to be disappointed; stage win narrowly missed but overall lead extended.
• Contador showed class to stay with Rasmussen and then out-sprint him.
• Contador on the podium and rightfully smiling.
• Rasmussen got second and quietend those that says he can only go for the long, lone attack.
• Soler rode great and is within two points of Rasmussen in the mountains classification.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) rode a great race, both for the team and himself, and is up to fourth.
• Leipheimer passed Klöden in the overall.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) moved up one place in the overall, but lost time to Rasmussen.
• Evans and Klöden come in, a bit beaten and battered.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) was hoping to stay in touch with Rasmussen today, but lost almost two minutes.
• Colom leads in team-mate Kashechkin after the Spaniard spent most of the day in a break and even lead the race solo for a while.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) and his bandages are testimony for the Astana struggles these days. They had another spill today when a fan's flag got caught in Ivanov's wheel.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) did a tremendous amount of work today for the team.
• A pat on the 'Popo' from Michael Boogerd.
• Caisse d'Epargne rode together but a little further back than they wanted to.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) doesn't even want to smile for the cameras. Good bye, Tour.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) worked hard again for the team.
• The Scot is fighting a skin allergy and his legs don't look particularly like cyclist's legs these days. But it doesn't affect his work ethics.
• The whole Saunier Duval team was put to work early, but the result was not as desired.
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) with the jersey unzipped and the bandages revealing he is still handicapped.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) rode his heart out for the team today, caught up in the flats and put himself on the front before his job was done prior to the final climb.
• Michael Rasmussen was doing fine today and even if he couldn't or wouldn't win today, he extended his overall lead.
• The main contenders early on the final climb, where nobody struggled yet, except for Vino, of course.
• Hincapie worked for the team like crazy today.
• The fans came in masses and saw a great battle, just as promised.
• The French and Norwegian flags didn't do much today; Danish and Spanish were the colours of choice
• Rasmussen was well protected by his Rabobank train early on.
• The Dutch team would love to win the Tour de France.
• Thomas Dekker's tongue hangs out but as long as it doesn't get caught in the chain he'll have to work on the front.
• Rasmussen, the former mountain biker can also handle the downhills.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) on the downhill. He added more red points to his jersey.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) when the world was still ok.
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) did not have problems with crashing today.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) attacked at a downhill, but very far from the finish.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) wished that the downhill would have led right to the finish line.
• Iban Mayo struggled on the first climb and had to go all out to catch back on in the descent.
• Discovery Channel rode well with Yaroslav Popovych and George Hincapie.
• The American champion rode for three domestiques today.
• John Gadret (Ag2r Prévoyance) finished less than five minutes behind Contador.
• Jens Voigt (Team CSC) after another hard the day in the mountains.
• Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile) didn't have his best day and dropped out of the top ten in the overall.
• Tadej Valjavec (Lampre-Fondital) made up some places he lost in the time trial.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) and his day he'd rather forget about quickly.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) gets congratulations from Bernard Hinault.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is very professional, puts on a hat and won't let a cold interfere with his ambitions.
• Rasmussen on the podium.
• And yet another toy
• The scenery was stunning in stage 14.
• The Pyrénées offer incredible landscape, if only that damn racing wouldn't interfere with the vacation.
• Rasmussen looked relaxed most of the stage.
• The Dane wears yellow proudly.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) thought his last season wouldn't require so much work for a yellow jersey at Rabobank.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) seems to smile knowing he had good legs.
• Contador relaxes during the stage it is all the little details that count.
• The Saunier Duval train
• And the Dutch equivalent of Rabobank
• A stunning arch that the riders came by.
• The peloton on the early slopes of the climb.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Contador takes the stage ahead of the yellow jersey.
• Klodoen douses himself with water, a common sight today.
• Rasmussen attacked a few times before finally getting away with Contador
• Geraint Thomas recieves some mechanical help from the team car.
• The peloton making its way along this beautiful river.

Stage 13 - Saturday, July 21: Albi - Albi, 54km

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Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) the Spanish time trial champion, during stage 13.
• Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) during his time trial. He finished 30th.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) overcame a crash to finish strongly in sixth.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) won the day's affair with his typical fighting spirit that shows he is not out yet.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) thought that one cat 4 was just not hilly enough.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) on a "jour sans". Rien ne va plus in the overall now.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) managed a top 20 performance.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) did a brilliant ride and added to Astana's fortunes.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) finished strongly after being behind in the early time checks and oved up to 5th overall.
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) was surprisingly slower than team-mate Alexander Vinokourov, but still got third.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) did very well and extended his young rider classification lead over Gerdemann.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) had a great day by himself and pmoved up to second overall.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Eargne) had a bad day and even got passed by Rasmussen, who had started three minutes later.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) did the time trial of his life and did what many didn't expect - he defended yellow.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• World Champion Fabian Cancellara was one of the many crash victims and couldn't compete for the win.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) finished strong despite a crash.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) is back with a stunning performance.
• The Kazakh beat the specialists and is now looking forward to the Pyréréenes.
• Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) fought hard to stay in contention for white, but Contador is even considering yellow.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) checks clock after the race. He did finish in the top 20.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) had a day that he'd rather forget. Combined with the mishap on the flattest stage of the Tour he has lost enough time that he has no pressure to win anymore.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) completed the "Astanashing" performance.
• The Kazakh was the last of the trio but only five seconds behind Klöden.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) had a great time trial and is now 5th overall.
• His tiredness shows but he is enjoying the Tour so far.
• Leipheimer and Contador have now two cards to play in the mountains.
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) had a good time, but was slower than Evans.
• The German crashed and lost some time.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) continues to amaze.
• The Discovery rider seeks Tour win after already clinching Paris-Nice.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) rode a great time trial.
• The Aussie finished second on the day and in the overall.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is not too fond of riding time trials. His preferred terrain is coming up, though.
• Rasmussen passed Valverde for a gain of more than three minutes.
• Rasmussen gives everything.
• The Dane did the time trail of his life and saved the yellow jersey.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) did not have a great day and conceded a lot of time.
• Rasmussen exhausted after the race.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) is back.
• And he shows it, too. He won't give up yet on a podium spot in Paris.
• Vino celebrates his time trial win.
• Rasmussen celebrates his yellow jersey.
• Vino gets stormed by reporters right after the race.
• Lots of questions to answer!
• But first a well-deserved drop of water.
• Vino has the attention.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) wipes of the sweat of a hard day's work.
• The Kazakh is already plotting plans to challenge his rivals in the upcoming mountains.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) analyses his ride right after the finish.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) keeps white, but even eyes yellow.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) cools off after his great ride.
• Evans needed a full bottle of water before being able to give some interviews.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) did the ride of his life.
• The Dane conserved the maillot jaune by one minute.
• The smiling Kazakh shows his Trophée for the day, but isn't satisfied until he gets the big one in Paris.
• Rasmussen with lion, flowers and podium presenters on hand.
• The Dane may not be riding the Worlds but with a Tour de France victory looming who cares?
• Vino wipes the sweat off.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) was a blur to most as his speed proved too much for everyone else.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) defended his lead and has now a few days to increase the gap again before the final time trial a day before the Tour's end.

Stage 12 - Friday, July 20: Montpellier - Castres, 179km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) wins again and stays in green

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) gets another win in stage 12 to Castres.
• Double joy for Quick.Step
• Boonen used his head but mostly his legs to overpower the other sprinters.
• Boonen indicates his second win in this Tour to the public.
• Tom Boonen celebrates his victory, which brings him closer to green in Paris.
• He said it helps with motivation and we can't argue with that.
• He needs the motivation to get him across the Pyrénées.
• Michael Rasmussen just needs motivation or the Albi time trial.
• Tom Boonen extends his points lead by beating Erik Zabel.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) was also beaten and conceded points to the Belgian.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) has a tough Tour with crashes and sickness preventing him to be on top of his game.
• Quick.Step teammates received the news about Boonen's win quickly.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) had another good day on the road and wasn't disturbed much by the day's news of his missed doping tests.
• Tom Boonen on the podium
• The smiling Belgian got his second win of the Tour.
• The smiling Dane with another yellow. Will he be in yellow still after tomorrow's time trial?
• Boonen puts on 'his' shirt.
• The Quick.Step reflects on the sprint and hopes he can survive the next few days.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Pot Belge, anybody?
• Me too, me too!
• This yellow jersey arrived an hour before Rasmussen.
• Freebies for the kidees.
• The French celebrate the Tour.
• Grandma's coffee is simply the best.
• The real reason for fans to come out to the Tour. Lots of goodies.
• Everything about the Tour.
• Spectators getting sprayed.
• The kids love Le Tour and they usually get off school when the race comes by. Coooool.
• Pierrick Fédrigo and Amets Txurruka during their break that only got caught one kilometre form the line. Sprinters' timing.
• Leif Hoste (Predictor-Lotto) leading the bunch.
• Axel Merckx (T-Mobile) in his last Tour and just another good week of work ahead of him.
• Julian Dean (Crédit Agricole) on terrain that is not known to be good for sprinters.
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) and Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) in the French Champ jersey before the final KOM of the day.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) rides up the hill.
• One kilometre to the top.
• The Vikings were out in force but Hushovd couldn't them give reason for celebrating.
• Tom Boonen wins the sprint.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• The riders head to the start in Montpellier.
• Montpellier arches.
• Port into Montpellier.
• Calling home from the Tour.
• Haircut to look good for an important stage.
• Doctor Porte's ride gets a shine.
• Michael Rasmussen is waited on by the media for both good and bad reasons.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) talking about the mountains to come.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) will likely figure in the Pyrénées.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Boonen gets his second win of this Tour
• See mum, two, thats how many I got so far.
• Boonen and Voelker having words en route to the finish.
• The break making their way through the fields.
• The peloton screaming through this tunnel.
• Ongarato doesn't look happy to be here.
• Press conference before the start.
• Rasmussen was popular with the press this morning.
• Somewhere in there is the leader of the tour.

Stage 11 - Thursday, July 19: Marseille - Montpellier, 180km

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) ponders his stage win.
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) is a two-time stage winner.
• The first kilometre out of Marseille.
• Marseille attractions greet the riders in the first kilometres.
• Marseille was hot (at 27°C) but beautiful for the start of stage 11.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) signs in.
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) won yesterday in Marseille.
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) interviewed at the start.

Images by AFP Photo

• Packing it ZDF and ARD, the public German channels, stopped their broadcasts starting with stage 10, following the positive controlew of Patrik Sinkewitz.
• Marseille offered a unique backdrop to the start of stage 11, after also hosting the finish the day before.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) came close but didn't quite manage to pull off the sprint win.
• Robert Hunter gave Barloworld the second stage win.
• Hunter is the first South African to win a stage in the Tour de France.
• Hunter shows the winning smile on the podium
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) celebrating another polka dot, which he doesn't get to wear because yellow goes first and it's too hot for two jerseys anyway.
• Tom Boonen has solidified his points classification lead.
• Rasmussen in yellow and happy about it.
• It takes three to put on a green jersey.
• Hunter is one of two sprinting Roberts left in the race, but Förster was stuck behind. McEwen is already out.
• The Tour podium is quite large but the centre of attention is still clearly visible.
• Hunter gets the first team hugs right after the finish.
• The first South African to win a Tour stage, right after the finish.
• Roadside distractions but the riders were going too fast today to notice anything.
• The break that was doomed by Astana cleaning up behind.
• The American Champion George Hincapie before the start.
• Mauricio Soler sheds hair to be lighter for the Pyrénées; he'll try for another win.
• Former KOM subscriber Richard Virenque works for Eurosport and poses in front of yellow.
• Patrick Lefevere, the Quickstep boss
• Soler in the Tour village that offers all kinds of perks.
• A signed yellow jersey
• David Millar checks out the hardware before the stage. He carried his bike into a break, but it was doomed due to the overall and points battles.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) is reflective.
• Bram Tankink (Quickstep-Innergetic) before the start of the race.
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) won the day before and can now retire happily, having won his second Tour stage 10 years after the first.
• Feed zone is danger time as the musettes can get stuck in an opponent's wheel by accident.
• Feed zone offers a break from racing and some delicious foods as well.
• Christophe Moreau in the feed zone when overall situation was still OK.
• Rasmussen shadowed Vino all day, which turned out to be a good idea.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) in the feed zone.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Fabian Cancellara does the Tiger but it didn't help against Hunter
• Rob Hunter celebrates the victory in Montpellier
• He's the first South African to win a stage at Le Tour.
• Hunter was overjoyed by his feat.
• Tom Boonen couldn't get points due to his holdup behind the crash. Amazingly, he didn't go down
• Vinokourov showed his aggressiveness today and even attacked the sprinters a few kilometres before the end.
• His face shows the effort involved, but he is a true fighter.
• Barloworld gets its second victory. of the Tour
• Hunter is all smiles as he wrote South African and Tour history.
• Michael Rasmussen said that we have seen that Vino hasn't given up yet.
• The Dane rode clever and easily stayed in yellow.
• It's celebration time at Barloworld
• Soler's and Hunter's victories make the boss happy.
• Hunter right after the win and still exhausted from the effort.
• The podium arrives.
• The two Liquigas' cannot prevail.
• The sprint into Montpellier in full swing.
• A tête à tête of the three guys fighting it out for the victory.
• Hunter hunts the victory and is successful.
• Robert Hunter wins the first for South Africa
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) comes in more than three minutes later.
• Française Des Jeux had a bad day in the office.
• The French Champ Moreau is bruised and battered after what was thought to be a transitional stage.
• Lampre was looking for stage win, but couldn't get it.
• Christophe Moreau was humble in defeat and didn't think all was lost.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) didn't mind that all sprinters were eliminated when the sprint started.
• The South African could handle Fabian Cancellara and the Liquigas team.
• Hunter would have liked to sprint against all the top guys and come out on top, but didn't mind winning the way he did.
• Rob Hunter gets the congrats from five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) keeps yellow by not missing the crucial cut in the field.
• Rasmussen already thinks about the time trial in Albi.
• The Dane would prefer the Pyrénés right away
• Rasmussen doesn't want to surrender his yellow jersey and the yellow lion.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The excitement of Hunter clearly shows.
• In contrast he seemed shy to get onto the podium.
• But once up there he actually enjoied it very much.
• Cancellara and Fisher sprint for podium, while the big screen shows the action live.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) shows his shoes.
• YEAH! Hunter wins and shows his emotions.
• With a little help from Bernard Hinault Robbie Hunter finds the way around the podium.
• Michael Rasmussen's thoughts are spinning these days. Will the time trial in Albi put him out of contention?
• Sunflowers are an integral part of thh Tour de France and rumour has it they are planted just for the race.

Stage 10 - Wednesday, July 18: Tallard - Marseille, 229km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) wins the stage

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The winning break crosses the line with Vasseur on the very left being the quickest.
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) raises his hands. Even though it was a centimetre affair, he knew he had won it.
• Scheirlinckx (red) and Bossoni didn't have the legs for the final surge of the group.
• Paolo Bossoni (Lampre-Fondital) is visibly exhausted after a long day in the French summer heat.
• Marcus Burghardt (T-Mobile) started things and then joined the winning break, but could not contend for victory.
• The yellow jersey rolls in with another day gone by where Rasmussen could easily control his opponents.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) crosses the line in the main field
• Winner Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) who took a lesson from teammate Tom Boonen to win the stage.
• The sprint into Marseille in full swing
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) came very close but not close enough
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) is the one who gets to laugh last.
• Jens Voigt (Team CSC) grimaces as he gets beaten in the sprint. He'd preferred to go solo, but the others wouldn't let him.
• Vasseur wins at the Tour again after ten years.
• Chavanel outfoxes Boonen but the latter takes more points from Zabel.
• Tom Boonen stays green after a hot day under the yellow French sun.
• Vasseur likes being on the podium as he doesn't get to do it frequently in the Tour.
• It may be Vasseur's last time on the Tour podium as he retires at the end of the season.
• Vasseur with the winner's trophy
• Michael Rasmussen celebrates another bouquet of flowers, along with lion and, last but not least, the yellow jersey.
• Vasseur on the podium in Marseille
• Flower-waving Vasseur in the Mediterranean.
• Michael Rasmussen with another yellow jersey and one of the hottest days so far checked off .
• The Danish lion roars towards the Pyrenees

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) wins stage 10 in a close showdown with compatriot Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux)
• The lighter side of te Tour
• The heat was on as spectators tried to stay cool in the French summer sun.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) in his victory pose
• The five who broke clear fought it out like real men.
• Jens Voigt (CSC, centre) started the sprint from the front but was overpowered by the others.
• Sandy Casar (Française Des Jeux) in white was ahead of Vasseur, but only after they crosses the line.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) gets another trophy and embrasser-ed again. No wonder he doesn't want to give up green
• Tom Boonen with another green jersey that fits. Well, if Bernard Hinault puts it on himself, it'd better fit.
• Cédric Vasseur (Quickstep-Innergetic) on the podium.
• Vasseur's first Tour victory was ten years prior.
• The exhaustion shows of the hot day's activities.

Stage 9 - Tuesday, July 17: Val-d’Isère - Briançon, 161km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) wins after a great escape to hold off the favourites
• Rasmussen gets congratulations from French president Nicolas Sarkozy.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor) is accompanied by a fan for a little while.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) rides in the Alps, which offers skiing even in the summer.
• Thousands of fans lined the road up the Galibier.
• The field would see spectatcular scenery if they only had a moment to stop and enjoy it.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Iseran offered a spectacular view but most riders enjoyed its ascent better on the rest day.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) storms up the mountains
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) and French president Nicolas Sarkozy, both winners in their own right, share a lighter moment
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) rides well in the mountains, came back from behind and passed the front group immedately.
• Soler went solo and came in more than half a minute ahead of the rest to give Barloworld its first win in the Tour.
• The Colombian had a scenic backdrop but all he had eyes for was the prize ahead.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) wins with a bold solo attack on the Galibier
• Rasmussen and Sarkozy share a laugh on the podium.
• Soler happy on the podium giving Colombioans the first victory in Brianço sionce Botero.
• French president Nicolas Sarkozy in Prudhommes car. He talked to Laurent Jalabert during the race.
• Soler in the stunning Alps and the Alps see a stunnign perfomance of the Barloworld rider.
• Soler liked riding alone as he didn't trust his sprinting capabilities.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) in tears after coming to realize his injuries were really bad.
• Vino wipes off the tears and rolls off. His Tour dream is dashed.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Saunier Duval before the start.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) signs in.
• The start line in Val d'Isère.
• Looking down to the riders starting in Val d'Isère.
• Start Village.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) starts a hard day.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) wins the stage into Briançon b y going all out, all solo.
• Soler gets a handshake from the French president. That doesn't happen everyday.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) keeps yellow and the best wishes from France.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) takes over the white jersey from Gerdemann, thanks to his incredible performance today.
• Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) helped Evans as long as he could do before setting into his own rhythm.
• Bikes of cyclo-tourists are parked while Pereiro, Valjavec and Kashechkin (r-l) ride by.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) struggling up the barren hills of the Galibier.
• The fans lined the roads and the cyclists lined up. If you are not a mountain goat, it's a bad day in the office.
• Maxim Iglinsky (Kaz) Astana tows his captain Vinokourov over the Galibier.
• George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel finished 39th on the day.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis dropped to eight and will now definitely surrender the polka dot that he wore for Rasmussen.
• Linus Gerdemann struggled all day and lost the white jersey a day after he lost yellow.
• The French flag was flying high as the riders flew by.
• The scenery was incredible and the fans were out in force.
• Rabobank led CSC up the hill.
• The fans have polka-dot hats and the strugglers behind zip up their vests and drink a coke.
• The Alpine mountains are beautiful for some bike racing action.
• The road is not very wide sometimes, but the only accident happened in the valley with a dog.

Stage 8 - Sunday, July 15: Le-Grand-Bornand - Tignes, 165km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Michael Rogers in the break but he had to abandon following a crash.
• Michael Rogers looking good in the break
• The yellow jersey Gerdemann saw the lead evaporate, but kept the white jersey at least.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) did well today and was able to hold Moreau.
• George Hincapie carries bottle in the best way possible up the hill.
• Michael Rasmussen won the stage and got the polka-dot and yellow jersey as a reward.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) crosses the line in first place after dropping everyone else.
• Rasmussen's tongue reveals how hard the day was.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) attacked the main contenders at the right time to gain a few seconds, the runner-up spot and a few bonus seconds as well.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) has the kick to get the third place ahead of the remaining group.
• Moreau, Evans, Kashechkin, Schleck (r-l) coming in shortly after Valverde.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel)not far behind either, with a solid perfomance, losing some strength due to his untimely mechanical.
• Menchov followed by Sastre did not lose too much time either.
• Vino thanks Klöden for dropping back and helping the captain, who was a bit in trouble in the final climb.
• Gerdemann comes in knowing he has lost the jersey.
• Rasmussen is now in yellow after a stunning performance.
• Gerdemann keeps the white and is n ot yet sure if he should be happy or depressed. His facial expression is somewhere in the middle.
• Rasmussen did the lion's share of the work in the break and gets rewarded appropriately.
• Rasmussen wears his favourite shirt
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) heads to the line to an unforgettable victory.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gets second on a memorable day.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) and three other hopefuls for the overall arrive.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) rode strongly and could have finished higher without a mechanical.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) arrives at the scene. He hasn't been able to repeat a mountain win, but shows he's a force to reckon with.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) finished strongly in 12th place.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) may not make it to the podium this year, but was solid and should be able to help Valverde.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Soler of Barloworld is descending cautiously.
• Soler overshoots a turn anyway and is helped back onto the road.
• Le Mevel shows fighting spirit and had a good day in the break.
• A happy Rasmussen takes the yellow jersey for the first time in his career.
• The yellow jersey is struggling on the final hill. Gone with the yellow, but at least he can still wear white instead of pink.
• Gerdemann comes down the descent with his yellow still on his shoulders ad the red number showing yesterday's accomplishment
• Not only riders need a push but sometimes the team cars as well.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) flying solo on the final ascent to the Tignes ski resort.
• French champion Christophe Moreau (Ag2r) leads Alejandro Valverde and Cadel Evans in the chasing group.
• Alberto Contador is now the highest placed Discovery rider overall.
• Former yellow jersey Fabian Cancellera (CSC) will be thinking of the first long time trial stage on Saturday.
• The new maillot jaune Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) proudly displaying his position in the general classification.
• The autobus winds its way along stunning Alpine roads.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) was aggressive all day in the break.
• Kanstantin Siutsou (Barloworld) leads Jens Voigt (CSC) on the final climb.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) lost almost four minutes to Rasmussen and now sits 13th overall.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r) had a great ride in the mountains today.
• The yellow jersey of Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) shepherded by team-mate Kim Kirchen.
• T-Mobile at the start in Le Grand-Bornand
• Iban Mayo (R) keeps his legs fresh before a big ride in the Alps.
• Mountains leader Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis).
• Dario Cioni (Predictor-Lotto)
• George Hincapie (Discovery) followed by Axel Merckx (T-Mobile) on the climb to Tignes.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) being chased by Yaroslav Popovych (T-Mobile).
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) suffered big-time today hung tough on the final climb.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• The start village in picturesque Le Grand-Bornand.
• Liquigas' Cannondales ready for the mountains.
• The Rabobank armada prepares to hit the road.
• The media throng waiting for the yellow jersey of Linus Gerdemann to emerge from T-Mobile's bus.
• The town of Le Grand-Bornand.

Stage 7 - Saturday, July 14: Bourg-en-Bresse - Le-Grand-Bornand, 197km

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) before the start of what will be hard day in the saddle.
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) is one of many weapons the team has along with Pereiro, Valverde and Karpets.
• Cofidis is trying to defend Chavanel's jersey.
• French village along the route on stage 6
• Marc Sergeant The directeur sportif of Predictor-Lotto
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) has no pressure after already winning a stage

Images by AFP Photo

• Oscar Pereiro and Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) chase back on after Karpets had an incident
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) is quietly confident in his chances
• Bram Tankink (Quickstep) stayed with the break until Gerdemann rode them all off his wheel
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabonank) couldn't hold the on to the front of the break on the final climb
• Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) wins the seventh stage of the Tour in Le Grand Bornard
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) douses himself with water on the long, hot ride to Le Grand Bornard
• Gerdemann basks in the glory on the overall leader's podium
• Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) takes over yellow on stage seven
• Gerdemann was elated to win a Tour de France stage
• Gerdemann cherishes the yellow
• Linus Gerdeman took risks on the final descent into Le Grand Bornard
• Predictor-Lotto and CSC chase as the race heads toward the first category 1 climb
• Fans hold up signs "no to doping"
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) in the main group of GC contenders, ahead of Discovery's Alberto Contador
• Caisse d'Epargne leads the chase up the final climb of stage seven

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Wim Vansevenant Hallo? Yes, I'll be on the front all day again… yes, it's fine, I'll roll in with the grupetto
• French champion Christophe Moreau always has time for young fans
• Predictor-Lotto gets ready for the long haul
• Credit Agricole relaxes in the village depart
• Axel Merckx reads the paper
• Vladimir Karpets' bike gets a quick adjustment
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Tom Boonen in green getting ready for the first big mountains
• Benjamin Noval is mighty bandaged up but still riding
• Boonen signs autographs
• Mark Cavendish at the start
• Former Swiss champ Martin Elmiger at the village depart
• Sunflowers! Imagine that in the Tour de France?
• The field passes sunflowers
• Linus Gerdemann on his heroic descent
• Barloworld's Mauricio Soler attacked on the final climb
• Laurent Lefevre (Bouygues Telecom) descends to the finish
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval) gets low and aero for the plummet to the finish
• Gerdemann hammers into town
• The citizens of Capponex were out in force to cheer on the Tour
• Yellow jersey Fabian Cancellara descends
• Boonen leads the autobus

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The field is coming up the Colombière.
• Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) is solo in the front
• The German is cheered on by many spectators as he is approaching the summit.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) chases the German in vain.
• Martin Elmiger (Ag2r Prévoyance) was in the break all day before settling into his own rhythm.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) had a good day in the mountains and stayed with all the overall contenders.
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) was in the main break as well.
• Wegmann got caught but attacked again to finish sixth. Chapeau.
• All the favourites stayed together and Vino and Klöden were able to hold the tempo.
• Erik Zabel (Milram) knows a thing or two about descending fast.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) looking good on the final downhill of the day.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) worked all day for his team, but then did the last climb easy.
• The peloton coming down the final descent.
• Iñigo Landaluze (Euskaltel-Euskadi) has Gerdemann in sight, but can't close the gap.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) struggles up the hill to catch the two guys in front.
• Valverde leads Contador and Evans.
• Evans looks good and has Moreau on his wheel.
• Christophe Moreau is happy that on Bastille day he can stay with all the favourites on this first real climb of the Tour.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) stayed in the group also.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) on the right (111)
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) suffers from his injury, but was able to hold the pace.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) crashed earlier in the Tour and is bandaged up.
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) lost the White Jersey to the stage winner.
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) grits his teeth.
• Iñigo Landaluze (Euskaltel-Euskadi) chased in vain for several kilometres.
• He came close a couple of kilometres from the top, but then bonked and lost a few seconds on the remaining uphill.
• The Spaniard couldn't match the German on the descent.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is not unknown to good mountain showings.
• De La Fuente got third today, the same place he finished in the overall mountains classification in the last Tour
• Christophe Moreau finishes in the group with all the GC favourites. Good Bastille Day for him.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) was also looking good for the day.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) looks exhausted after a hard day in the mountains.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) could count on team and he and Rasmussen finished in the top group.
• Linus Gerdemann (Ger) T-Mobile wins the stage to Le Grand Bornand.
• The German gets his first Tour stage win.
• He can't quite believe it yet himself.
• Gerdemann was extremely happy with his solo win.
• The German received the yellow jersey.
• And the jersey fits very well which is another reason why the young gun is smiling.
• And the sun shades fit into the new jersey as well. Cool.
• Stage winner Gerdemann with flowers and lion.
• The young German wins the white jersey as well. What a day.
• The new young rider classification leader smiles to the crowd.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Cancellara enjoys the downhill after he worked for his team all day long.
• Red-dotted Sylvain Chavanel couldn't climb with the best but saved his polka dot for another day.
• Predictor-Lotto worked for Evans and shared lots of bottles on a hot day in the French Alps.
• Thousands of people lined the roads on the first big climb of the Tour, the Col de Colombière.
• Flecha zooms by the French spectators, who are always willing to dress up and get picked out by the photographers.
• Gerdemann passes the polka-dot spectator. He left the real mountain's leader behind earlier, but could 'only' manage stage, overall and young rider's classification.
• Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) suffers up the final climb, dehydrated and cramping. But he held off the chasers. Chapeau.
• Linus Gerdemann in his best-ever career moment so far.
• Paolo Savoldelli (Astana) known for descending like a maniac, but unfortunately it is the uphill he got dropped from the main break.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) passes spectators that are also trying to draw attention. They couldn't get the German's eye contact, though, who was concentrating on finishing the climb.
• Communities always celebrate Le Tour and come with special ways of doing so, but all centred around the bicycle.
• Cows were not interested in the passing cyclists as they enjoyed the hot summer day with other activities.
• Vino follows Valjavec up the climb that didn't offer the attacks of the favourites just yet.
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) was in the main break then got joined by peloton before attacking again to finish sixth, honouring his German Championships jersey.
• Gerdemann doesn't really have to hide now after his refreshing performance. He'll be getting lots of attention in the coming days.

Stage 6 - Friday, July 13: Semur-en-Auxois - Bourg-en-Bresse, 200km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) finally gets his first win of this Tour in stage six
• Enrico Degano (Barloworld) crashes in the feed zone
• Cancellara takes a drink on the long hot day
• Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis) was the lone breakaway for 190km

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• A castle along the route in stage five.
• Fans crowd the Bouygues Telecom bus.
• Milram bikes of Alessandro Cortinovis (182) and Enrico Poitschke.
• Lampre bikes look small against their gigantic team bus.
• Saunier Duval is all set for the day.
• The Astana bus was swamped by fans who wanted to know how Vino and Klöden are doing.
• The rollout with Cancellara in yellow and Chavanel in the polka dot.
• The start on cobbles required concentration from the first turn on.
• The field is still not together as some riders took longer in the coffee shops.
• José Vicente Garcia (Caisse d'Epargne) is the last guy leaving the start town.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) finally gets his stage win after a two year wait.
• Tom Boonen wins double by getting not only the stage win but also the green jersey back.
• Tom Boonen puts on green that he had lost the day before.
• The Belgian is all smiles as the luck has come back.
• Bernard Hinault is happy for the Quickstep rider Tom Boonen as well.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) believes he can stay in the Polka-dot even in tomorrow's first rendezvous in the Alps.
• Chavanel gets help to put on another red-dotted jersey.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) in his fourth day in yellow.
• Cancellara is well aware that his days in yellow are numbered, with the Alps looming.
• Cancellara puts on another yellow jersey after the sprinters' teams helped him bring back Wiggins.
• Vinokourov (Astana) was relieved that the pace was slow, but will have a rough weekend ahead of him.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) dons his helmet before stage six
• Stage five winner Pozzato (Liquigas)
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) looking surprised to see the cameras
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) will be interested in a repeat win in Bourg en Bresse.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r) smiles at the start of stage six
• Vinokourov started stage six despite being wrapped in bandages
• Cancellara greets Vinokourov at the start of stage six
• Both knees bandaged Vinokourov still signed in to start stage six
• A visibly pained Vinokourov descends the stairs after signing in
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval) isn't having anything to do with the neon Oakleys - he prefers white
• Photographers swarm Vinokourov to get photos of his injuries
• Vinokourov at the start in neon glasses and gauze
• ASO president Patrice Clerc and Bernard Hinault at the start of stage six
• The four jerseys Zabel (green), Chavanel (polka dots), Gusev (white) and Cancellara in yellow
• The sprint in full swing.
• Boonen comes to the line ahead of the others.
• The Belgian throws his bike over the line just before Freire in orange on the left and Zabel on the right.
• Zabel in green sees the man ahead of him take the green away.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) wins the stage and the green jersey. Almost better than a birthday.
• Freire lets his head hang as he collects another second place two days running.
• Cancellara gets a pat on the back for yet another day in yellow survived. There may not be another pat tomorrow.
• Vinokourov and Astana teammates roll in, having survived a day that wasn't too fast so he could recover a bit.
• Boonen salutes and Zabel can only look behind to see where the rest is.
• Boonen smiles on the podium.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) is happy with another day in yellow.
• Boonen has the green back and is therefore in a good mood.
• A smiling Boonen celebrates his return to Tour de France greatness..
• Cancellara gets a lion for his daughter, who made a surprise visit with the rest of the family
• Boonen back in green after a perfect sprint in his 50x11, which was all that was left after a tangle with another rider one kilometre from the line.

Stage 5 - Thursday, July 12: Chablis - Autun, 184km

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Images by AFP Photo

• An ever aggressive Chavanel attacks early on with the goal of the Polka-dot Jersey in mind.
• Filippo Pozatto (Liquigas) wins the stage into Autun
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) grits his teeth as he tries to chase back after his crash

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) escapes through an unusual exit after stage four.
• The whole Saunier duval escaped the same as the Scot.
• The bike of Filippo Pozatto (Liquigas) before the start of stage 5.
• Pippo's bike waiting to go for a ride through French countryside.
• The polka dot jersey chats before the start of stage 5.
• Tom Boonen's bike is appropriatetly coloured.
• The Cyclingnews' Audi in the French contryside
• Thor Hushovd is very popular even when he's not winning. The previous day's stage win made him the target of all media outlets.
• The Liquigas car got hit by the car of Française Des Jeux. Everyday life in the Tour.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• French bulls are big Tour de France fans, at least in July every year.
• Vinokourov came in a minute later as the peloton, which couldn't wait for the crashed Kazakh.
• Klöden crashed also but in a tranquilo phase of the race and easily got back on.
• Miss Tour is on hand to shoot some pictures herself.
• Filippo Pozzato blows the winning kiss as he crosses the line ahead of Oscar Freire.
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) caught up with the break and did what Barloworld promised - riding an aggressive race.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Oscar Pereiro signs autographs for the yellow-clad kids who were fortunate enough
• Levi Leipheimer uses one foot to pedal back from the sign-in.
• Christophe Moreau is easily recognized in his French Championship jersey.
• Erik Zabel rests on a flower pot. Cyclists don't like to waste any energy. Now if he only had a kickstand
• Erik Zabel (Milram) adjusts his speedometer. It clocked the incredible speed of almost 79 km/h during the sprint today.
• Oscar Freire leaves the sign-in area to get ready on what could be a good stage for him.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) at sign-in with his fellow teammates.
• Zabel also adjusts his helmet but fortunately didn't need it today.
• Alejandro Valverde in good spirits is still thinking about the overall.
• Zabel is always in a good mood and happy to pose for the photographer.
• Bennati hoped for a sprint in today's stage.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) with his race machine before the start.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles in the sign-in area.
• Pereiro poses with kids for a moment they won't forget.
• Tom Boonen with green bike which was painted to match his jersey colour.
• The yellow jersey on yellow background does not provide much contrast.
• Christophe Moreau smiles after signing in and is ready to tackle the day.
• A quietly confident Stefan Schumacher awaits the day's actions.
• George Hincapie went for the sprint in Autun, but was just off the mark
• The yellow jersey of Cancellara was spotted right behind the sprinters
• Bennati was denied by Pozatto and even coasted across the line
• Pozatto salutes after winning stage five
• Freire is annoyed at losing another sprint by such a small margin
• Pozatto number one on stage five in Autun
• Vinokourov finishes 1'20 down on the leaders
• Vino grimaces as Bernard Eisel (T-Mobile) offers condolences
• Show off the trophy Pippo!
• Pippo shows his tattoo when raising his arms on the podiums
• Zabel gets a new color to replace the blue of Milram
• Zabel in green after taking the jersey from Tom Boonen
• Bernard Hinault congratulates Zabel on the points leaders' podium
• Happy in spots Chavanel leads the grimpeurs classification
• The stage winner, Pozatto gives a wave after taking stage five
• The tour comes rolling in to Autun
• Freire comes up fast on the right of Bennati and Pozatto, but was too late
• Everybody lunge! The sprint to the line was a close one
• Zabel finishes third to take over the green jersey from Boonen, who was dropped
• Vinokourov leads the chase group home more than a minute down
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) finishes with bloody knees after crashing 25km from the finish
• The stage winner weaves his way through the crowds on his way to the podium
• Job well done for Pozatto
• Filippo Pozatto (Liquigas) said he'd win this stage and followed through
• Erik Zabel (Milram) in green again after all these years
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) in polka dots after taking all the mountain points in the stage except the final climb

Stage 4 - Wednesday, July 11: Villers-Cotterêts - Joigny, 190km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) rockets to victory in stage four
• The breakaway rides through the Burgundy vineyards
• Sunflowers turned their backs on the racing peloton
• The stage four break of five Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank), Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel - Euskadi), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) and Christian Knees (Milram)

Images by AFP Photo

• Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel - Euskadi) and Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) made up part of the long breakaway on stage four
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) lead the break ahead of Christian Knees (Milram) and Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom)
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) roars after winning stage four
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) tries to get ahead of Thor Hushovd, but just misses.
• Hushovd leads the finale in Joigny
• Hushovd exults in his win
• Thor Hushovd wins his first stage of the 2007 Tour
• Hushovd sends Erik Zabel (Milram) and Oscar Freire (Rabobank) to the back seat
• The sunflowers were out with the sun on stage two
• Hushovd waves from the podium
• Cancellara is still in yellow after stage four
• Hunter gives a push but can't get Hushovd
• Boonen kept the green jersey and McEwen fell to third.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) before the start of the race.
• The Spaniard is coleader together with Alejandro Valverde
• Tall women at the pre-race activities in Villers-Cotterêts
• The entire Astana team on the podium at the sign.
• Relaxed before the start the riders can gather their thoughts before heading off to race.
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) is in the white jersey leading the young rider classification.
• The Tour village allows riders, management and to relax and get their hair done.
• Jersey signed by Cancellara and then displayed for everyone to see at the start who's the boss.
• Saunier Duval's bikes feature drawings such as this 'coq sportif'

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The sprint in Joigny and Hushovd wins!
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) came on strong but was inches behind Hushovd
• Thor leaves the rest disappointed
• Vroom! Thor Hushovd zooms to victory
• Hushovd was all smiles after winning stage four
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) on the stage winner's podium
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) stands atop the leader's podium
• Tom Boonen gets another green jersey
• Nearly celebrating too soon Hushovd begins his salute as Hunter comes up fast on the right
• The sprint in Joigny Hushovd comes out on top
• All cheer for Hushovd hail the mighty Norwegian!
• Thor Hushovd roars into Joigny winning stage four
• Cancellara rolls through the line with David Millar
• Bernard Hinault won the Tour five times and now works for it
• Hushovd gets his blooms on the stage podium
• Hushovd looks surprised to have won the stage today
• Fabian Cancellara enjoys another day in yellow
• Tom Boonen kept the green but was annoyed in the sprint
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epagne) prepares to mount his steed for stage four
• Cancellara sees the tour through rose tinted lenses
• Schleck and Cancellara chat with Bernard Hinault at the start
• Cancellara in yellow at the start of stage four
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) was in third at the start
• Robbie McEwen was feeling stiff after the crash on stage two
• Tom Boonen in green led the points competition ahead of McEwen at the start

Stage 3 - Tuesday, July 10: Waregem - Compiègne, 236km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• The early breakaway Mathieu Ladagnous and Nicolas Vogondy
• Mathieu Ladagnous (FdJ) and Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel)
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) shocks everyone by taking the sprint victory
• George Hincapie (Discovery) crashed in stage two

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) tricked all the sprinters with a bold move triggered by the famous cobbles.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) with another green jersey and the objective to keep it until Paris.
• 'Tommeke' likes the colour green.
• And Cancellara likes yellow, although he won't have the objective to arrive in Paris with it.
• Flowers, Lions and the podium ladies. What else do you need?
• How can you tell a happy man? Just look at Cancellara.
• Cancellara was "very proud to have won in France with the yellow jersey."
• During the stage the Swiss must have already thought about the stage finish and "his" cobbles that were closely located to the finish.
• The break that was gone most of the day but couldn't pull it off due to tactical errors.
• Gert Steegmans (Quickstep-Innergetic) takes a well-deserved drink to get some energy back after his crash.
• Française Des Jeux shows up on the front.
• Tom Boonen rode into France with the green jersey on his shoulders.
• The long straight roads with their rollers really took everything out of the four-man break.
• Jersey holder's talk.
• Steegmans assures the officials that the crash didn't affect him too much.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Cancellara went out of the saddle and squeezed every ounce of energy to win the stage.
• Cancellara just before the line
• The stage winner celebrates before Zabel, who is not unfamiliar with runner-up.
• Robbie McEwen is on the very left, behind Zabel, and is still suffering from his injuries sustained in stage one.
• Cancellara used the cobbles to beat the sprinters at their own game.
• The yellow jersey shows tremendous panache to take a stage designed for sprinters.
• Zabel beat all the top sprinters today but it wasn't enough to win.
• Fabian Cancellara crosses the line in first.
• German speakers Haussler, Cancellara, Eisel (left to right).
• Cancellara gets a well-deserved hug.
• CSC is one happy family these days.
• The Swiss power attacker gets to wear another yellow jersey.
• He is wearing the real version behind a picture of the same.
• Stéphane Augé (Fra) Cofidis finally got what he wanted since stage 1 - the polka-dot jersey.
• The bunch at the finish. You can tell by the happy smile of Christian Vande Velde (37) that a CSC guy won.
• Cancellara didn't stretch his overall lead, but he sure stretched the sprinters' patience today.
• Cancellara does not mind the ceremonial trying on of clothing.
• Tom Boonen didn't win again but was comforted with the green jersey.
• Fabian Cancellara celebrates his unexpected stage victory on the podium.

Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com

• Fans across Flanders waiting for the "Ronde van Frankryk".
• Velo course is on hand with information for the fans
• The French Gendarmerie is very experienced with the event and they clear the roads for the riders.
• The "Lion of Flanders" is everywhere, of course. It's the official flag for the province.
• The French theme in form of music was not missing, of course.
• The fans lined the Belgian roads in anticipation of the peloton.
• The car number three of the assistant t director drives by. The field can't be far.
• The moment that every fan waits for.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) has the flag of Flanders handy.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) smiling in yellow, seemingly having left the stress and pain of the crash the day before.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) was pretty banged up to and wears a bandage on his left arm.
• David Zabriskie (Team CSC) on the left and teammate Stuart O'Grady on the right.
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) smiles away in the neutral rollout in Waregem in his black-red-gold jersey.
• Kjell Carlström (Liquigas) leaves Waregem together with his fellow riders.
• Wim Vansevenant (Predictor-Lotto) who got the go ahead yesterday to be able to greet his family in his hometown.
• Sprinter's talk between Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) on the left and Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile).
• Sébastien Rosseler (Quickstep-Innergetic) on the left talks to someone who apparently has not had breakfast yet.
• Marcus Burghardt (T-Mobile) drops back to the team car early, in the neutral rollout.

Stage 2 - Monday, July 9: Dunkirk - Gent, 167km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Gert Steegmans looks to his team-mate Boonen after winning the second stage of the 2007 Tour
• Tom Boonen happy with his team's win on Belgian soil
• Fabian Cancellara grimaces with pain after going down in a big wreck with 2km to go
• The final uphill sprint into Gent was dominated by the Quickstep train
• Gert Steegmans (Quickstep) thrills to his first Tour win
• Unlucky, George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) went down in the crash and hurt his arm
• Gert Steegmans (Quickstep) on the podium after his first Tour stage win
• Tom Boonen took over the green jersey from Robbie McEwen
• Boonen got around to the victory salute before Steegmans could manage one!
• Tom Boonen and Gert Steegmans (Quickstep) hit the peloton with a one-two punch

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) picks up his bike to start stage 2
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) at the sign in, still waiting for the mountains.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) lifts his bike out of the 'bike rack' after having signed in.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) enjoys another day in yellow.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) doing his superstar duty.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) had only one goal in mind: finish the stage and ensure another day in the leader's jersey.
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) prepares for the stage that started out with heavy rains.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) in a quiter moment before the start.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) is confident before the start.
• Belgian Tom Boonen returns from the sign-in.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) after the sign-in. German Champ Fabian Wegmann in the background on the podium.
• Thomas Dekker (Rabobank) at the sign-in.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) doing his superstar duty.
• Cancellara in yellow makes last adjustments on his bike.
• The Swiss rider enjoys another day in yellow.
• Paolo Savoldelli (Astana) before the start.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) before the start.
• The peloton waits before the roll-out.
• Two Agritubel riders are at the back of the field.
• Levi Leipheimer checks to make sure his bike is ready to get to Belgium.
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) happy before the start to the second stage.
• Gusev and Hincapie posing for the camera.
• Valverde and Pereiro can't wait for the mountains to start.
• Fabian Wegmann enjoys the Tour in the German Championships jersey.
• The field is rolling.
• Erik Zabel is ready to sign-in.
• The few riders who escaped the crash sprint for the win.
• Boonen celebrates the win of his usual leadout man.
• The finish in Gent was quite steep and the sprinters are struggling to get on terms wit it.
• Boonen raises his arms but it is the man to his right, teammate Steegmans, who takes the stage.
• The two Quickstep celebrate a rare 1-2.
• Boonen and Steegmans really enjoyed the ride into Belgium
• The two Belgians made sure that they will be the talk of the town for quite some time.
• Steegmans (Quickstep) on the right sends his thanks to teammate Boonen, who is usually the man to win.
• Fabian Cancellara makes a face that sums up his day. He'll hope that his wrist is not badly affected.
• American Fred Rodriguez (Predictor-Lotto) also got to experience the Belgian tarmac in a way he didn't expect.
• Gert Steegmans gets to enjoy the limelight for once.
• The yellow jersey and other riders caught in the crash in the last couple of kilometres are crossing the line, not looking happy.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) hurt his writs in the pileup.
• Gert Steegmans (Quickstep) on the podium.
• Steegmans kisses a well-deserved trophy.
• Steegmans on the podium is extremely happy.
• The Belgian
• Fabian Cancellara is already in a better mood as he receibed another yellow jersey.
• The leader of the Tour since the prologue.
• Tom Boonen may have 'only' gotten second on the day, but he at least won the green jersey.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Who-hoo! Gert Steegmans pumps his fists in joy after winning the sprint he was only leading out
• Yeah, baby! Steegmans shows the guns
• At the crest of the hill Steegmans takes his first Tour win in Gent
• Quickstep was an indomitable force on the finish in Gent
• What it feels like to win a Tour stage
• Patrick Lefevere gives a hug to Gert Steegmans
• Tom Boonen was in high demand with Belgian reporters after the finish
• Robbie McEwen congratulates Steegmans on his Tour win
• Steegmans gives the thumbs up as Boonen tries to resist the crush of reporters
• The Tour heads out for stage two from Dunkeque to Gent
• Fans cheer on the peloton
• Yellow jersey Cancellara is surrounded by the CSC team at the start
• CSC, Astana and Cofidis lead the neutral roll out
• The peloton rolls out from Dunkeque
• Fans mill around waiting for the peloton to come
• Large crowds gathered to see the riders in Dunkerque
• Fans look to see where the riders are

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• The peloton looking eager to get underway as they swarm around the lead car before being released
• David Millar shows off his KOM jersey
• Le Tour makes it's way over from Dover
• Cancellara sticking out in his yellow jersey and helmet in the peloton
• CSC on the front, keeping the pace high
• Cancellara focus' on the road ahead
• The break makes its way through Belgium
• Steegmans gets it from fellow team mate and country man Boonen
• Tomas Vaitkus doesn't look happy after his crash
• Cancellara nursed his arm as he crossed the line after crashing
• Millar crosses the line after being held up behind the crash
• Gert Steegmans happy to be on the top step of the podium in his home country of Belgium
• Cancellara happy to have survived another day in yellow
• Boonen didn't get the stage but got the green jersey
• Millar looking a little shocked on the podium

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Looks a lot like Tornado Tom thought he had it won , but Steegmans ended up on the podium.
• Cancellara looking very fast all kitted out in yellow.
• Mighty Thor, making some Norwegian fans very happy before the start of the stage.
• Pozzato laughing at a joke en route to 3rd place on the stage.
• The rain came teeming down during the stage, so Vino made his way towards the front.
• A lion, came out during the stage to cheer on the break away.
• The break heading towards the bad weather in the distance.
• The tour always has a festival atmosphere , and with Gent having its yearly festival, it was a big party.

Stage 1 - Sunday, July 8: London - Canterbury, 203km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Queen's Guard in London.
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) with his fan club.
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas)
• Manuel Quinziato and Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) with London's finest.
• Pippo Pozzato tries on a new hat.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) with his girlfriend.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) enjoys London with his ragazza.
• Pippo with the paper. La Gazzetta dello Sport
• Tower bridge
• Queen's Guard in London.
• Queen's Guard plays music for the start in London.
• Houses of Parliament
• London Eye
• Tower Bridge for the official start
• Tower Bridge
• Tower Bridge was the official start for stage 1.
• The sprint into Canterbury.
• The sprinters battle it out into Canterbury.
• The Australian came by everyone with an incredible speed.
• The peloton bunches up at the finish.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) heads the other way to receive another yellow jersey.
• Predictor-Lotto did an incredible job to ride McEwen back into the race after his untimely crash 23 kilometres before the finish.
• Predictor-Lotto is happy to celebrate another victory after hard work.
• McEwen on the podium.
• Cancellara puts on another yellow jersey.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) has done it again.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) was as invisible as the Canterbury Ghost to take stage one.
• Cancellara comes in with the same time and keeps his jersey. Hincapie is on the left.
• Thumbs up even if his right hand got the brunt of it during the crash.
• Cancellara has build a comfortable lead over the sprinters with his stunning time trial performance.
• Cancellara in yellow.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) wearing 'his' colour.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) did enough to secure the Polka-dot Jersey.

Images by AFP Photo

• Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas) leads the escape.
• Robbie unbelievable! Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) takes the stage 1 sprint.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) heads to the sprint win.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) over Boonen in stage 1.
• For Predictor-Lotto Robbie McEwen takes the win.
• 12th win for Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) in the Tour de France.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• The riders cross the Tower Bridge to a big crowd of fans
• Yellow jersey Fabian Cancellara greets the London Mayor Kevin Livingstone
• The Tower Bridge
• Riders line up on the Tower Bridge for the ceremonial start
• McEwen gets to the point winning stage one
• Cancellara reaches an arm into his second yellow jersey of the 2007 Tour
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) looking spotty in the climbers' jersey
• Robbie McEwen gets a zip from former Tour winner Bernard Hinault
• McEwen embraces Wim Vansevenant who was the first on the scene to help chase McEwen back into the pack after he crashed
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) gives McEwen a pat of congratulations
• Cancellara glows in yellow at the sign-in
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) at the start
• CSC's Stuart O'Grady gets direction from his young son
• The jersey holders of stage one Andreas Klöden, Fabian Cancellara and Vladimir Gusev
• The Tour heads out of London
• Cancellara gets a push from his team
• Alejandro Valverde is happy to start in the sunshine on the second day of Le Tour
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) gets his bottle of champagne

Images by Tim Maloney /Cyclingnews.com

• Ag2r Prevoyance directeur sportif Laurent Biondi
• Gilles Magnien the new driver of the Tour director's car
• The Tour director's car has a sophisticated communications system
• Magnien watches the parade go by before heading up the race

Prologue - Saturday, July 7: London - London, 8km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) powers away in his new Spanish Champ jersey.
• Andreas Klöden (Astana) took second for the day.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel)
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) powered away to give himself taking the Maillot Jaune in the coming sprint stages.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC)
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) in his TT Worlds jersey.
• World TT Champion Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) on his way to taking the prologue and Maillot Jaune.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) rode well.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) finished outside of the top ten.
• A fan watches in London.
• 2007 Tour race leader Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC).
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) puts on the coveted Maillot Jaune.
• Podium times for Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC). He took the stage, the Maillot Vert and the Maillot Jaune.

Images by Cyclingnews.com

• Powerful domestique Steven De Jongh (Quickstep) is by no means a prologue specialist.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) was uncertain over his Tour participation due to an ongoing problem with a saddle sore.
• Frederik Willems will play the domestique role for Liquigas.
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) is the newly crowned Russian TT champion.
• French hope Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom).
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) was over a minute off the pace.
• Huge crowds gathered in front of Buckingham Palace.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) looked solid and is always a good bet for a stage win.
• Johan Van Summeren (Predictor-Lotto) pours on the power.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) sporting his customary grimace.
• Alberto Contador (Discovery) might be an outside hope for the overall.
• Gert Steegmans (Quickstep) will form part of Tom Boonen's formidable leadout train.
• Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) will celebrate his 33rd birthday during this Tour.
• British rider Charles Wegelius (Liquigas) doesn't race at home too often.
• Mark Cavendish (T-Mobile) was conserving his legs for tomorrow's sprint into Canterbury.
• Belgian TT champ Leif Hoste (Predictor-Lotto)
• Rabobank youngster Thomas Dekker had a storming ride for eighth place.
• George Hincapie (Discovery was disappointed with his third place having trained specifically for the prologue.
• Andreas Kloden (Astana) showed his form is right on track by finishing second.
• Dario Cioni (Predictor-Lotto)
• Paolo Savoldelli forms part of a formidable-looking Astana team.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) was feeling the pressure in London today.
• The Tour made its first ever visit to London, and the crowds turned out in force.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) wanted to stay within sight of the yellow jersey for the upcoming sprint stages.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) was there or thereabouts in seventh.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) was sporting some super-fast overshoes but couldn't get close to Cancellara's time.
• Last year's prologue winner Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
• Levi Leipheimer has been billed as Discovery's undisputed leader.
• Axel Merckx (T-Mobile) is riding his last Tour de France.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) was the last man off the ramp.
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) is looking for a podium finish in this year's Tour.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) made the top 20.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis) had a great ride in his home city but was no match for Cancellara.
• Spanish TT champion José Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery)
• David Zabriske (CSC) wasn't holding anything back.
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Eparge) looks to have maintained his good form from the Tour de Suisse.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) during the prologue in London.
• The reigning world champion during his effort, the only one that lasted less than nine minutes.
• Cancellara has been dreaming about taking the yellow in London since the route was announced.
• Cancellara in yellow, lion in hand.
• The Swiss Champion celebrating even with the jersey not completely zipped up yet.
• Cancellara is all smiles
• Fabian Cancellara also gets to enjoy the stage win on the podium.
• The prologue stage winner also will get the green jersey.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• London had plenty of nice scenes to offer, like Tower Bridge
• The crowds in London came out in full force and the police had everything under control.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) on his winning ride through London.
• Cancellara starts his winning ride
• The world champ near Buckingham palace
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC)
• The Swiss rider had his dream come true.
• Cancellara on the podium in London.
• The yellow jersey fits well.
• A winning smile.
• The podium is clad in yellow.
• David Zabriskie (Team CSC) is the American Champion in this discipline.
• Riders warming up on the course.
• Buckingham Palace was a nice backdrop.
• The area attracted many, many spectators.
• The crowds were five deep.
• Police had a watchful eye on everything.
• Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne) the Spanish Champion heads into a turn.
• Off we go with the first rider, Enrico Degano of Barloworld, the 2007 Tour is underway.
• German Champion Bert Grabsch
• Nice scenery all along.
• Paolo Savoldelli (Astana) heads off.
• Johan Bruyneel who heads the Discovery Channel team, is all smiles.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) takes the start of the race he hopes to win in three weeks.
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) concentrating before the start.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) adjusts his helmet before the start.
• Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis) enjoyed racing at home.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) concentrated before the start.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) stretches before the start.
• And this is the face of Stefan Schumacher.
• Leipheimer heads off into the 2007 Tour.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) right before the start.
• Fabian Cancellara about to start his winning ride.
• Oscar Pereiro starts this year's Tour without knowing how he had done the year before.
• Cancellara kisses the yellow jersey.

Images by David Reinhardt

• Oscar Pererio checks out the route
• Barloworld takes a moment to enjoy the spectacular location
• David Millar tests lines through the corner
• Stuey O'Grady was the first big name of the day to come through
• Popo (Yaroslav Popovych) powers through
• Robbie McEwan is caught in the flashlight
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom)
• Fabian Wegmann shows the strain
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank)
• Jens Voigt almost makes it look easy

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Andreas Klöden (Astana) showed he is in good form and only lost out to Mr. Chrono.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) rode a brilliant TT to get third on the day.
• Mark Cavendish (T-Mobile) could start Le Tour on home soil and is now looking for sprint finishes.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) said the day was "magic" and reckons he can try to win other stages.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) tried hard to stay close to yellow, but with 46 seconds behind it'll be hard to get enough time bonsues.
• Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis) enjoyed the day but could not fulfill the dream of winning the prologue.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) had a good day and finished in the top 10
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) accomplished his mission for the year.

Images by Andrew Kennedy/www.kennedyimages.co.uk

• The Devil entertains the crowd in front of Buckingham Palace, London.
• Mark Cavendish (T-Mobile) excites the massive crowd as he passes Buckingham Palace
• Welshman Geraint Thomas looks comfortable in his 1st Tour de France.
• David Millar lays down the power as he attempts to secure the yellow jersey on the London stage.
• Londoner Bradley Wiggins received huge applause from his home crowd.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) adopts a tucked-in ski position to keep his speed high in the London prologue.
• World Champion Cancellara takes control in London, and puts his rivals in the shade.

Images by Rick Wilson

• Robbie McEwen looking focused on the job at hand
• Tom Boonen stomping around the prologue
• The low position of Boonen
• Brad Wiggins was one of the favourites but only managed 4th

Teams presentation - Friday, July 6, 2007

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by David Reinhardt

• Announcing the world's biggest bike race. Tour director Christian Prudhomme (left) and Mayor Ken Livingstone
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) eyes the prologue win.
• Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval) rather wants to see the road go uphill.
• A pensive Erik Zabel reflects about the turbulent weeks since his doping admission.
• Erik Zabel (Milram) - in his 13th Tour he wants to improve on his 12 stage wins.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) will ride the Tour in the American champion jersey.
• Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) with the slightly redesigned jersey for the team's green campaign.
• George Hincapie is getting introduced.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) is very popular with the French crowd.
• Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) gets warm applause from the spectators.
• Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) seems already concentrated fully on the Tour.
• Fred Rodriguez (Predictor-Lotto) before the start of La Grande Boucle.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) smiles to the crowd.
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is looking for another polka-dot jersey.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) hopes to overcome his health problems and win some stages.
• Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance) hopes for his best-ever Tour, which would put him on the podium.
• Axel Merckx (T-Mobile) all smiles before his last Tour de France.
• Paolo Savoldelli (Astana) is not looking for time trials or uphills, but downhills.
• Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) enjoys the team presentation better than the press conferences.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) is ready to compete for the overall win.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic) will enjoy the first week more than most of the remaining stages.
• Team Barloworld rides their first Tour de France
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) - the Paris-Roubaix has had a great season so far and wants to continue it this way.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) waves to the crowd. He hopes top do the same in three weeks as winner of the 2007 Tour.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Tour presentation near Nelson's Column
• A great stage to present the teams.
• David Millar with Saunier Duval on the stage.
• There was quite a crowd.
• T-Mobile presentation
• Astana with Vinokourov.
• Livingstone, Leblanc, Prudhomme
• Agritubel got a wild card.
• Saunier Duval with good hopes for the prologue.
• Milram will be trying for stage wins.
• Liquigas from Italy
• Leipheimer and Hincapie of Discovery Channel
• Discovery Channel
• French team Bouygues Telecom
• Predictor-Lotto
• Euskaltel-Euskadi
• Gerolsteiner will be trying to sparkle
• Française Des Jeux
• Lampre
• Rabobank
• Rasmussen and Boogerd (l-r) are hoping for a good race.
• Ag2r
• T-Mobile
• Astana
• Crédit Agricole will be trying to win stages in its home race.
• Caisse d'Epargne
• Caisse heads Karpets, Pereiro, Valverde (l-r)
• Quickstep-Innergetic
• Barloword in its first Tour
• Team CSC is ready.
• Australian Stuart O'Grady with Schleck and Zabriskie
• Cofidis
• Livingstone, Leblanc, Prudhomme
• David Millar
• Erik Zabel
• Leipheimer and Hincapie
• Aussies Cadel Evans (left) and Robbie McEwen.
• German Champion Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner)
• Stefan Schumacher hopes to win stages.
• French Champion Christophe Moreau
• Australian Michael Rogers (right) eyes the podium.
• Andreas Klöden on the right could also be riding into the top 10.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) wants to win a sprint.
• Pereiro (left) and Valverde with the red bandana, celebrating the Fiesta de Pamplona.
• Tom Boonen
• Patrick Lefevere head of Quickstep
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC)
• Bradley Wiggins hopes to win the prologue

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Liquigas is up at the presentation
• Bjarne Riis decided to not function as official team manager this time.
• The Dane enjoyed the opening ceremony nonetheless.

2007 Tour Launch, part 2 - Friday, October 27, 2006

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Patrice Clerc, President of ASO, at the presentation gives his thoughts on the 2007 version
• Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme unveils the 20-stage 2007 Tour de France, will run in total around 3,600 kilometres
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) can't escape the attention of the gathered media
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) receives attention that is well deserved
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) attend the presentation … the Spaniard was the highest ranking 2006 TDF rider there
• Patrice Clerc, President of ASO, speaks about doping and the Tour
• Big crowds for the presentation in Paris of the 2007 Tour
• London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) recognise their cities for the Tour route
• Former Tour race director, Jean-Marie Leblanc speaks at the 2007 presentation

Images by Tim Maloney/Cyclingnews.com

• Mr. Pereiro Meets The Media In the only mad media moment of the 2007 Tour De France presentation, Oscar Pereiro tells the media he does not feel like the winner of the 2006 Tour. Maybe because he ain't.
• Richard Virenque In Da House Three months after his crash in a cyclosportif event, Richard Virenque makes his comeback at the Tour De France presentation. Virenque is still France's most popular cyclist years after his retirement from the peloton.
• Swingin' London Meets Le Tour (L-R) Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport For London - Jean Marie Leblanc, Tour De France - Hon. Ken Livingstone, Mayor Of London

2007 Tour Launch - Friday, October 27, 2006

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

• Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) speaks at presentation
• Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) thinks future is good for Tour … hoping to grow from current problems in the sport
• Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) presented an impressive 07 route
• Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) in front of grand Tour at presentation
• Former Tour race director, Jean-Marie Leblanc at the 2007 presentation
• Mayor Ken Livingstone was present at the TDF presentation speaking of two stages in London
• London Mayor Ken Livingstone happy to have Tour visit his city
• London Mayor Ken Livingstone speaks at presentation about the Tour visiting England
• London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) happy with route of 2007 Tour
• The 2007 Tour de France on display at the presentation in Paris
• Christian Prudhomme (TDF Race Director) reviews notes at presentation

Images by AFP Photo

• Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme unveils the 20-stage 2007 Tour de France, will run in total around 3,600 kilometres
• Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme with route of 2007 Tour
• A colourful look at the 2007 Tour de France presented in Paris

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Compiégne the typical start town of Paris-Roubaix

Images by Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

• Buckingham Palace, home of the British Royal Family the queen is not in today