Tour of California - 2.HC

USA, February 17-24, 2008

Photography

Stage 7 - February 24: Santa Clarita - Pasadena, 93 mi / 150 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) and Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) have a chat at the start.
• Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock racing) tried to get things going from the gun.
• An early break tries to get up the road.
• The break that got away.
• The main bunch exits one of the tunnels along the route today.
• Things get strung out along the route.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) leads the break.
• Things really get rolling in the field.
• George Hincapie (High Road) powers the break.
• Rock Racing riders Victor Hugo Pena and Mario Cipollini.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) had a relatively easy day today.
• The main bunch begins to leave the valley.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) tries to go it alone.
• George Hincapie (High Road) comes up to bring back Michael Creed.
• Jason McCartney (CSC) sits in the break.
• As usual Astana comes to the front to take control.
• George Hincapie (High Road) doing work at the front of the break.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) having a good time out on the road.
• Janez Brajkovic (Astana) leads the field.
• The main bunch heads through one of today's many canyons.
• The bunch begins to climb.
• The break powers along.
• Freddy Rodriguez (Rock Racing) moments before his ugly crash.
• Chaos ensues as riders hit the deck in a dark tunnel.
• It’s Astana back to the front.
• The bunch begins under grey skies.
• Things get hectic at the back of the race when riders slow from a crash.
• The group descends from the fog.
• George Hincapie (High Road) comes through in fine form.
• Riders enter the final circuit with the Rose Bowl in the background.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) makes a last ditch effort to go solo.
• The break begins to feel each other out with one lap to go.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) still solo with one to go on the circuit.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) looks to see if anyone is going to jump.
• George Hincapie (High Road) endures the rain just a little bit longer.
• George Hincapie (High Road) takes the win.
• The BMC team gets awarded the most aggressive award.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) with wife Odessa happy to have another victory in California.
• The top three with Levi Leipheimer (Astana) in first, David Millar (Slipstream) second and Christian Vandevelde (Slipstream) in third.
• Thats all folks...
• George Hincapie (High Road) takes a stage win after a week of trying.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• America's George Hincapie (High Road) wins a wet stage at the Tour of California.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) signing in.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) and Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) swapping stories about their visit to California.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell) attacked in the closing laps, but didn't last to the line.
• A tight pack and lots of rain on the final stage.
• George Hincapie (High Road) keeps a close watch on Rory Sutherland (Health Net) with one lap to go.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) and his wife smile for the crowd.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Big George Hincapie (Team High Road) wins the final stage of the Tour of California.
• George Hincapie (Team High Road) celebrates on a soggy finish line.
• The bunch sprint was close, but safe... everyone remained upright.
• Mark Cavendish (Team High Road) powers through the line.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) celebrates his victory with his wife on stage to share in the festivities.
• There was even a rainbow at the podium presentations.
• Stage 7 podium (L-R): Rory Sutherland (Health Net), George Hincapie (Team High Road), and Jason Mcartney (CSC).
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) alone on the top step of the podium.
• The final jersey winners salute the crowd.
• A colorfully dressed cycling fan waits in "Autograph Alley" for a chance to interact with the riders.
• Frank Pipp & team-mate John Murphy (HealthNet) prepare for the start of stage 7.
• Ermanno Capelli (Saunier Duval) enjoys a brief patch of dry pavement.
• David Zabriskie (Slipstream/Chipotle) battles the elements as the peloton enters the final circuits.
• A small break lead the race into Pasadena with a gap of only 3 minutes.
• This Bouygues Telecom rider attempts a new method of hydration on the final laps.
• ...and then there were seven. The break dwindles in numbers as Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) takes a flier.
• Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling), not content to wait for the rest of the break goes it alone in the final few laps.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) leads George Hincapie (Team High Road) through the line with one lap to go.
• The Astana team, with Levi in tow decided to pull back the break.
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) was spent after the race.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) rode an amazingly aggressive race, powering the breakaway all day.

Images by Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com

• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) signs autographs at the start in Santa Clarita.
• Fabian Cancellera (CSC) keeping the fans happy with team-mate Stewart O'Grady behind.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) alone with the world in Santa Clarita.
• At the start Freddy Rodriguez (Rock Racing) does an interview for U.S. sports network Vs.
• Dimitri Champion (Bouygues Telecom) drinks the downpour while trying to maintain his gap on the field in Pasadena.
• Yannick Talabardon (Credit Agricole), Taylor Tolleson (BMC), Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle), Oliver Zaugg (Gerolsteiner), and Dimitri Champion (Bouygues Telecom) labor to keep the break alive around the Rose Bowl.
• Conditions unlike Southern California greeted the riders in Pasadena.
• George Hincapie (High Road) wins the final stage.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) wins his second Tour of California and underscores his opinion that his team should be in the Tour de France.
• The final leader's board: Robert Gesink (Rabobank), Union Bank Best Young Rider Jersey; Scott Nydam (BMC), California Travel and Tourism King of the Mountain Leader's Jersey; Levi Leipheimer (Astana), Amgen Leader's Jersy; Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United), Herbalife Sprint Leader's Jersy; Alexandre Moos and Team BMC, Tachyon Most Aggressive Rider's Jersey.

Stage 6 - February 23: Santa Barbara - Santa Clarita, 109 mi / 175 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Mario Cipllini (Rock Racing) signs autographs for fans in Santa Barbara.
• Mark Cavendish (High Road) makes some fans happy.
• Riders leave scenic Santa Barbara.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) rolling out in the morning.
• The break starts to form.
• Astana comes to the front early in the day.
• Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) tries to bridge up the break.
• The break that finally got away.
• The break leaves the Ojai valley.
• The field on the way to the first KOM.
• Astana keeps the pace up on the climb.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) sits back safely on the first KOM.
• David Canada (Saunier Duval) works hard in the break.
• The bunch tackles the last KOM of the day.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) climbs up to the last KOM.
• The break continues on.
• High Road starts to send riders to the front.
• Thomas Lovkvist (High Road) heads to the front to do some work.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) sits behind team-mate Chechu Rubiera.
• The field powers along on the way to Santa Clarita.
• Bradley Wiggins (High Road) comes to the front.
• Rabobank drives the chase.
• Bradley Wiggins (High Road) sits in the field.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) sits in.
• Mark Cavendish (High Road) looking forward to the finish.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) staying fresh for the sprint.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) wearing the sprint leaders jersey.
• Steven Cozza (Slipstream) with head down and going hard.
• Karston Kroon (CSC) and David Canada (Saunier Duval) drive the break.
• Astana tries to minimize the time gap to the break.
• The break rolls on.
• The field passes rows of scenic palms.
• The break gets close to the last KOM.
• The field gets some holy encouragement on the climb.
• Big sweeping turns drop the field down from the last KOM.
• Speeding down into the valley below.
• The main bunch rolls along.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) looks ready to be done for the day.
• The field enters the final circuits.
• Rory Sutherland (Healthnet) keeps the break going on the final circuits.
• Quickstep gets things rolling to help its sprinters.
• The break realizes the field is near.
• It was anyones guess as the sprint winds up.
• Battle scars on the leg of Mark Cavendish (High Road).
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) was happy to be third on the podium.
• Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier Duval) with JJ Haedo (CSC) and Paolo Bettini (Quickstep).
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) happy to go into the last stage comfortably in yellow.
• Gerald Ciolek (High Road) celebrates his team-mates win but found out later that Mark Cavendish was disqualified.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Mark Cavendish (High Road) was the first to cross the line… …but the Manxman didn't win the stage after being handed a penalty.
• It was a beautiful sunny day at the start , until start time….
• Danny Pate (Slipstream Chipotle) still a little sore from the day before
• Team Quick Step on the finishing circuit
• Michael Creed (Rock Racing) & George Hincapie (High Road)
• With one more lap of the circuit the break was down to 20 seconds
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana was safely tucked in with his teammates
• Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Scott) proudly drapes himself in the Brazilian flag

Images by Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com

• Stage 6 started in lovely Santa Barbara, California.
• At Casitas Pass, frenzied fans wrapped themselves in tape and started belting out"Olé, olé...olé, olé, olé!" in singsong like they were at a Real Madrid match.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) takes the second KOM of the day.
• Steven Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle) helped initiate a break that stuck all the way to Santa Clarita.
• The field tops Casitas Pass and prepares to descend to Lake Casitas, site of the rowing competition in the 1984 Olympics.
• Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier Duval-Scott) went on to win the stage.
• The University of California Santa Barbara cycling team came out in force to urge the peloton over their local mountains.
• The field storms into Santa Clarita.
• It's all over, boys.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) placed third today.
• The operatically named Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Scott) makes his homeland of Brazil proud with a win in Santa Clarita.

Stage 5 - February 22: Solvang - Solvang (ITT), 15 mi / 24 km

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana.

Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Leipheimer powers to victory ahead of David Millar.
• Leipheimer receives the perks of victory.
• CSC (the company, not the team) offers race spectators real-time GPS tracking of each rider.
• Slipstream/Chipotle's Steven Cozza finished in 27th place in Solvang.
• Stuart O'Grady of Team CSC is making his return to the peloton after a frightening crash last season.
• Danny Pate (Slipstream/Chipotle) looks long and lean on the TT course.
• A Team High Road rider makes the lonely journey through the countryside around Solvang.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) finished in mid-pack and was likely saving himself for the final two stages.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) won yesterday's epic stage in brilliant fashion.
• Tom Zirbel (Team Bissell) is reaping the benefits of wind tunnel testing done earlier in the season.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) may have been showing the signs of a rough day yesterday, finishing 4:12 off the pace.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) tackled the course on Cannondale's new Slice.
• José Luis Rubiera (Astana) accelerates on course.
• Toyota-United's Ben Day streaks across the time trial course.
• Bobby Julich (Team CSC) heads out on the familiar Cervélo P3C along with his trademark O.symetric elliptical chainrings.
• Jens Voight (Team CSC) was happy to be warm and dry today.
• Big George Hincapie (High Road) shows the scabs of an earlier crash and finished outside of the top-twenty.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Team Bissell) grimaces at the effort and earned a spectacular 9th place finish on the day.
• The grey skies threatened rain often during the day but thankfully never really opened up.
• Iker Camano Ortuzar (Saunier Duval-Scott) passes Rabobank's Mauricio Ardila Cano on a roller.
• Thomas Peterson (Slipstream/Chipotle) donned a new Pearl Izumi skinsuit for today's event.
• The face of Alexandre Moos (BMC) shows the pain of the day.
• Christian Vande Velde was one of two Slipstream/Chipotle riders in the top five.
• Chris Horner (Astana) rises out of the saddle.
• This way to Solvang!
• Dave Zabriskie (Slipstream/Chipotle) was unmistakable with his newly grown moustache.
• David Millar (Slipstream/Chipotle) was bested only by Levi Leipheimer with a margin of 29".
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) hasn’t quite hit his form this early in the season.
• BMC's Scott Nydam donned the KOM jersey through Solvang.
• Tim Johnson (Health Net) concentrates on getting to the finish.
• Bradley Wiggins (High Road) gets far forward on the saddle.
• Yannick Talabardon (Crédit Agricole) looks forward to hitting the climbs again tomorrow.
• Victor Peña Grisales (Rock Racing) rounds the corner.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) on his way to the stage win.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) was swarmed by fans and media after crossing the line.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) rounds the first turn and heads for the first downhill.
• David Zabriskie (Slipstream/Chipotle) presses it on the flat.
• David Millar (Slipstream/Chipotle) heads back into town like a man possessed.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) rounds the final turn with "pain" written all over his face.
• David Millar (Slipstream/Chipotle) came within 29 seconds of winning the stage.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) looked fresh at the top of the first climb.
• Christian Vandevelde (Slipstream/Chipotle) looks longingly ahead towards the finish line.
• David Zabriskie (Slipstream/Chipotle) turns up the heat into the home stretch.
• David Millar (Slipstream/Chipotle) the British time trial champion looked great during his ride.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) finished the course with a very vocal crowd pushing him all the way.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) Determination personified!!.
• The typical competitor’s view of Levi Leipheimer (Astana).
• Scott Nydam (BMC Racing) retains his KOM jersey for yet another day.
• Levi celebrates another day in the leader’s jersey.
• All the jersey winners took to the podium.
• The young ladies from Rock Racing help Levi Leipheimer (Astana) enjoy his victory.

Stage 4 - February 21: Seaside - San Luis Obispo, 135 mi / 217 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Dominique Rollin (Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team) takes victory on Stage 4.
• Local cheerleaders were on hand this morning to motivate the riders.
• Dave Zabriskie (Slipstream) keeps dry at the start with the help of a fan.
• Good buddies Levi Leipheimer (Astana) and Scott Nydam (BMC) at the start.
• The weather was not looking very promising at the start of the day.
• Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly) shows the pain of the day.
• The break just starts to get a good gap on the field.
• Riders cross the famous Bixby Bridge.
• The break gets organized and picks up the pace.
• The bunch heads out of Big Sur.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) on track for his big win.
• Team Astana gets control of the front of the main bunch.
• George Hincapie (High Road) has a snack under stormy skies.
• The break keeps rolling along Highway 1.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) and George Hincapie (High Road) power the break.
• A Gerolsteiner rider all bundled up for the nasty weather.
• The break drops down next to the seashore as they get closer to San Luis Obispo.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota United) was not too happy with the weather today.
• The rolly roads of Highway 1 keep the break working hard.
• Team Astana spent the whole day on the front.
• The break powers along despite the bad weather.
• As the sky darkens Astana begins to bring back the break.
• George Hincapie (High Road) comes across the line for second place.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Astana at the front.
• David Millar (Slipstream Chipotle) early in the race.
• Danny Pate (Slipstream Chipotle)
• Stage Winner Dominique Rollin (Toyota - United) just a few miles from the biggest victory of his life.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota - United) brings it home.
• George Hincapie (High Road) and Iker Camano Ortuzar (Saunier Duval) where just happy it was over.
• Dominique Rollin (Toyota - United) is one happy boy.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) Kept the leaders jersey.

Images by Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com

• Riders started the morning in Seaside with lots of clothes.
• BMC's Scott Nydam readies for a rainy day on the bike.
• The distinctive scent of heat rub permeated the air this morning.
• Sanier Duval's Spanish riders Iker Camano Ortuzar and David Canada get prepped by Milan Magliaro.
• The day ahead on the top tube.
• Jens Voit and the CSC boys roll out.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) wonders if he really left rainy Belgium.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) starts the day in yellow.
• Tom Peterson's (Slipstream) Felt is ready for a wet day on the road.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) bundled up against a cold Seaside rain.

Images by www.actionimages.cc

• The peloton crosses a bridge during the scenic fourth stage.

Stage 3 - February 20: Modesto - San José, 103 mi / 152.2km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Tyler Farrar (Slipstream) was all smiles starting the stage in the leader's jersey.
• Scott Nydam (BMC) proudly wore the most aggressive riders jersey for the day.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) can’t believe the size of Tom Boonen's quads.
• The peloton rolls out of Modesto.
• Rolling past the farms just outside of Modesto.
• The bunch makes its way through the scenic Del Peurto canyon.
• Heading up towards the first KOM of the day.
• The CSC car had a bit of trouble when a rider ran into the back of it.
• Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits) on the climb.
• Danny Pate (Slipstream) was either enjoying the climb or heavily grimacing.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) rode super strong on the climbs today.
• The break heads into Del Peurto Canyon.
• Astana comes to the front to take some time out of the break.
• The laughing group nears the top of the Mt. Hamilton climb.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) just off the back of the front group at the bottom of Sierra Road.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) knew today would be important for his Tour of California title defence.
• America's Levi Leipheimer (Astana) worked well with Dutch rider Robert Gesink (Rabobank).
• Robert Gesink is happy with his company.
• George Hincapie (High Road) puts on the most aggresive rider jersey.
• America's Levi Leipheimer (Astana) wears the yellow jersey into tomorrow's Stage 4.
• Robert Gesink (Rabobank) improved on his fourth place finish in San Jose from last year, winning the stage in 2008 ahead of Levi Leipheimer.

Images by Emory Ball/Cyclingnews.com

• Bettini has a Coke but no smile after a rough stage three.
• Cipo barely broke a sweat trying to make the time cut.
• Cipollini signs an autograph after stage three.
• Any question who's bike this is? Cipollini!
• The CSC team car sans rear window after KBS-Medifast rider Kevin Lacombe collided with the car.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• Robert Gesink (Rabobank) wins the two up sprint against Levi Leipheimer (Astana).
• Robert Gesink (Rabobank) celebrates his victory as he crosses the line.
• Stage winner Robert Gesink (Rabobank) wins the best young rider jersey.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) enjoys the spoils of wearing the yellow jersey.
• George Hincapie (Team High Road) wins the most aggressive rider on the day.
• Scott Nydam (BMC Cycling) continues as the King of the Mountain’s Leader.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) takes the yellow jersey on Stage 3.
• The jersey winners take to the podium.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) prepares to do battle on Stage 3.
• Tyler Farrar (Slipstream/Chipotle) Looking spiffy on the line in the yellow jersey.
• There was a slight mishap in the peloton as they were rolling out of town.
• Steven Cozza (Slipstream/Chipotle) was involved in the mishap and needed a wheel from Mavic.
• The riders whizzed by some palm trees as they left Modesto.
• The peloton stretches out as they near the climb.
• The Bissell Pro Cycling Team was helping with the chase as four riders went clear.
• The peloton starts the first climb, all together.
• Paul Martens (Rabobank) leads the escapees through a turn in the lower part of the climb.
• The Astana team sent a few riders up to help with the chase.
• Steven Cozza (Slipstream/Chipotle) bridges up to the break.
• The peloton was cut in half by the San Antonio Valley Road climb.
• The splintered peloton enjoys some great scenery on the way up.
• A bird’s eye view of the descent.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) sights up the road looking for the top.
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick Step) dances on the pedals as he climbs Mt. Hamilton.
• Odessa Gunn (Levi’s wife) was on hand to witness her husband taking the yellow jersey.
• David Millar (Slipstream/Chipotle) leads a small group up the final KOM.
• Paolo Bettini(Quick Step) climbs Mt. Hamilton alone.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) and Robert Gesink (Rabobank) climb the final KOM together.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) climbs with determination.
• Paul Martens (Rabobank) seems to make easy work of the climb.
• Robert Gesink (Rabobank) celebrates his victory.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• The leaders struggle up Sierra Grade.
• David Zabriskie (Slipstream)
• Thomas Peterson (Slipstream) and Jurgen Vandewalle (Quick Step).
• CSC duo: Gustav Larsson and Fabian Cancellara.
• Italy's world champion, Paolo Bettini (Quick Step).
• The peloton couldn't keep the pace with the break-away riders.
• Robert Gesink (Rabobank) ahead of Levi Leipheimer (Astana).
• Stage 3 podium (L-R): Levi Leipheimer (Astana), Robert Gesink (Rabobank) and Jurgen Vandewalle (Quick Step).
• Defending Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer (Astana) has good reason to enjoy the yellow jersey.

Stage 2 - February 19: Santa Rosa - Sacramento, 116 mi / 187.2km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) takes to the line.
• The group heads out on a cold rainy morning.
• Ummm...the sign says it all for this fan.
• The roads gets steep as the the bunch hits the Trinity Road climb.
• The group stayed together on the big climb of the day.
• Close quarters in the bunch.
• Riders stayed bundled up for most of the day.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) and a team-mate have a chat at the front.
• The vineyard covered hills near Santa Rosa.
• Johnny Sundt (Kelly Benefits) spent the day riding solo.
• Heading through some of the dense countryside.
• Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) comes to the front to get the group motivated.
• Scott Nydam (Team BMC) spent the cold and rainy day solo off the front.
• Moss and rocks along the course today.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) has a mid-race snack.
• Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) and George Hincapie (High Road) have a chat.
• More trees along the course.
• One of the unique bridges along the course today.
• California or a winter Belgian countryside?
• A splash of colour lines the road as the group climbs along.
• David Millar (Slipstream) stayed focused heading into the last lap.
• The field enters Sacramento over the famous tower bridge.
• Scott Nydam (BMC) still out front alone after hours in the saddle.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) with the finish line in sight.
• Tyler Farrar (Slipstream) takes over the lead after Stage 2.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) takes his first American win.

Images by Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com

• The armada arrives at the top of Napa's Trinity grade.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) knows these hills well.
• The blonde fan in the yellow jacket is a local who is also married to a certain Tour of California winner from 2007 (Levi Leipheimer, for those who didn't already know).
• This Napa Valley road commentary can be interpreted several ways.
• Thomas Peterson (Slipstream) shows the strain of the category 2 Trinity Grade.
• A Rabobank rider suffers through a wet day on the bike.
• It's Tom Boonen (Quick Step) with ease.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) starts the party after watching team-mate Tom Boonen win the stage in Sacramento.
• If you are a sprinter, this is not a back you want to see in front of you with 100 metres to go.
• California's Governor Arnold Swartzeneger with Jackson Stewart.
• Slipstream-Chipotle's 23 year-old race leader Tyler Farrar.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Charlie Brown & Snoopy of Team High Road?
• Cipo was all smiles at the start.
• Mounted police watch over the finishing circuit.
• As the pack entered the circuit two of the Team Kelly riders had wheel problems.
• This rider had a long wait and wanted to be sure the team car did not miss him.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) focused.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) was third behind Tom Boonen (Quick Step) and Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner).
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) wins.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) takes the Tour of California stage 2.

Images by Kurt Jambretz /www.actionimages.cc

• This young cycling fan was out in downtown Winters California to cheer on the riders.
• Scott Nydam (BMC Racing) took a long solo ride off the front today, building an eleven minute lead at one point.
• The first intermediate sprint was in Winters, a small group of riders off the front in search of Scott Nydam battled for the remaining places.
• Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) pedals along in the light rain wondering if his teammate up the road could bridge up to the leader.
• Karl Menzies (HealthNet) up close and personal.
• The peloton enjoyed some great scenery during today's stage.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) with his brother Jonathon Clarke (Toyota-United) in tow head out through the wine region of California.
• With a small group of leaders off the front Slipstream/Chipotle answered the call and took up the chase.
• There was a minor crash in a wet corner this afternoon that produced a badge of honour for this Rock Racing rider.
• The Big Hair fans were back out on the climb today cheering on the riders.
• A Saunier Duval rider climbs an overpass on the way toward Sacramento.
• Perhaps the the peloton thought that they were on a winery tour early on as the pace was quite leisurely.
• The peloton heads outthrough the Napa valley wine region.
• Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) comes back to his team car to discuss things with director Mike Tamayo.
• The sprint was a thing of beauty on the slick streets as Tom Boonen (Quick Step) beats everyone to the line.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) celebrates across the line as he wins a close one.
• Another view of Tom Boonen (Quick Step) enjoying his sprint victory.
• California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was on hand to assist with the awards presentations.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) accepts his award for a brilliant stage win.
• The Stage 2 podium (left to right) Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner), Tom Boonen (Quick Step), and Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing).
• Scott Nydam (BMC Racing) earned the most aggressive rider award for his spectacular effort on the day.
• Mark Cavendish (Team High Road) earns the best young rider jersey.
• Tyler Farrar (Slipstream/Chipotle)... All smiles as the governor presents him with the yellow jersey.
• Tyler Farrar (Slipstream/Chipotle) in his shiny new yellow jersey has a word with the announcer.
• All the jersey winners on stage to salute the crowd.
• The peloton carefully descends on a rain soaked course.
• There were several scenic areas of the wine country that would have been beautiful had it not been for the rain and fog.
• Team CSC decided that the break had been out there long enough and took up the chase.

Stage 1 - February 18: Sausalito - Santa Rosa, 97 mi / 156 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• JJ Haedo (CSC) takes number five Tour of California stage win, his second in Santa Rosa.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) up close and personal.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) in his national champions jersey.
• The bunch in Sausalito taking an easy spin through town.
• Early in the day the bunch was content to ride easy.
• The bunch passes through town.
• Parade pace on the roll out.
• Riders head up the canyon.
• Up a hill to the coast CSC is still driving it.
• Weather worn trees hover over the riders.
• Saunier Duval sent some riders to chase.
• CSC puts the train to work controlling the gap to Jackson Stewart (BMC)
• It looks a bit like France with the yellow flowers on the road side.
• Saunier Duval is a mix of yellows this year.
• Toyota United sends their team to the front to chase.
• Riders pass through verdant countryside thanks to a wet winter, it's all green.
• Danny Pate (Slipstream) leads Hincapie.
• The 132 riders roll out from Sausalito to Santa Rosa.
• The group holds up traffic with their leisurely pace.
• The peloton spent much of stage one in the tight, wide spread formation of a slow moving bunch.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom)
• George Hincapie (High Road) teaches his young prodigy Mark Cavendish the local lingo.
• Locals watch the race go by.
• High Road drives the pace for Cavendish in the intermediate sprints.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) showing battle scars from a fight with the tarmac in training last week.
• David Millar (Slipstream) is in the British champ's jersey.
• The Slipstream boys kept Cavendish and Boassen Hagen at a distance.
• Slipstream put the hammer down when Cavendish was dropped, keeping Farrar in contention for yellow.
• Cancellara staying safe and near the front of the finish.
• Ouch! Hincapie's bar tape and skin had similar appearances after his crash at the finish of stage one.
• The jerseys: Jackson Stewart, KOM (BMC) Cancellara, overall (CSC), Gerald Ciolek, young rider (High Road) and Haedo second on points to Stewart (CSC

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Cancellara and Wiggins shake hands at the start in Sausalito.
• Cipollini is introduced along with best young rider Edvald Boassen Hagen, Cancellara, Wiggins, Bettini and Freire.
• Cipo rolls out for stage one.

Images by Emory Ball/Cyclingnews.com

• Bobby Julich (Team CSC) enters the finishing circuts with front group.
• Levi Leipheimer comes home in his national champions jersey.
• Quick Step controled the front for most of the finishing circutes and was clearly looking for win with almost all of their riders near the front.
• CSC had its train lurking right behind Quick Step.
• Tom Boonen was looking for his first win on American soil but it was not to be.
• Astana ran into a few problems and some of its riders arrived too late to enter he finishing circuits.
• Edvald Boassen Hagen was in a second group that lost ground every lap.
• Hey boss how far down will we be? the delayed Astana riders get clarification from the team car.
• George Hincapie (Team High Road) looked good in the front group until a crash with 300 meters too go left him on the ground.
• Chechu Rubeira was nice enough to explain some of the races finer points to the fans while he watched the finish.
• Stuart O'Grady cruising in the final lap.
• Quick Step showed they weren't here for a vacation with Paulo Bettini getting a big leadout into the last turn.
• It was great to the the rainbow bands of the world champion in California again.
• The second group gets the signal to go slow due the crash of George Hincapie.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Team Quick Step at the front coming into downtown Santa Rosa
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) & Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
• Juan Jose Haedo (CSC) is ecstatic
• Podium girls doing what podium girls doing what podium girls do!
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) , another day in yellow
• All the leaders jerseys

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Race leader Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) riding.
• Juan José Haedo (Team CSC) takes a nice win.
• Juan José Haedo (Team CSC) flies to victory.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) happy for his team-mate's win and to keep the leader's jersey.

Images by Garrett Lau

• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) enters the finishing circuit.
• Quick Step leads the peloton out of the tunnel for the third time.
• George Hincapie crashes so suddenly that the spectators don't notice.
• Markus Zberg passes the fallen Hincapie.
• The crowd cheers as George Hincapie finishes the race.

Images by Mark Johnson/ironstring.com

• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) at the start in Sausalito.
• The field heads inland into bucolic Sonoma County.
• Rock Racing and its Rolls Royce were turning heads at the start.
• Where Super Mario walks, people swarm.
• The peloton did three parade laps in Sausalito before heading for Mount Tam.
• Slipstream's Danny Pate in Sausalito.
• Jackson Stewart (BMC) spent a long day off the front and won the most aggressive rider jersey for his efforts.
• A gentle climb in Sonoma County.
• Juan Jose Haedo (CSC) puts his fifth-ever Tour of California win in the bag.
• Haedo (CSC) collects a Peanuts trophy in Santa Rosa. Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schultz was from Santa Rosa.

February 18: Tour of California Women's Criterium

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Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Shelly Olds (Proman) was all smiles at the start
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) looking confident
• The pack snakes down the road
• A tight squeeze into a turn
• Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) dives into a turn
• With one lap to go it is Cheerwine at the front
• In a close sprint Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) beats Laura Van Guilder (Cheerwine).
• Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) celebrates.
• Emila Fahlin (High Road) gets her Snoopy and waves to the crowd.
• Laura Van Guilder (Cheerwine) with flowers and Snoopy.
• The women's podium
• The women's podium

Images by Emory Ball/Cyclingnews.com

• Clearly it was not a warm warm up.
• The crowds were out early to watch the women's race.
• Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) has "Hi Mom" written on the front of her bars.
• Team Tibco tried to break the race up while teams like Vanderkitten seemed more intent on bringing it to a sprint.
• Laura Van Gilder charged off the front mid-race in a bid to get a breakaway going.
• Team Tibco was vigilant and covered everything.
• A few riders tried to get away but nothing ever really got more than a few seconds.
• A Team High Road rider takes off with another rider in tow but they would soon be caught.
• As the laps wound down the teams worked to get their sprinters in position.
• Cheerwine had control of the front for most of the last 5 laps.
• Kelly Benjamin moves Laura Van Gilder up into position for the finish.
• Shelly Olds (ProMan) tried to overtake Van Gilder.

Images by Nathan Dauglash/www.mitchophoto.com

• Betsy Bloom (Helen's Cycles) staged and ready.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) get's called up to the front row.
• Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) not only say's "HI" with a wave and a smile, but on her handlebars as well.
• Shelly Olds (Proman Racing) brings her World Cup Track experience to the streets.
• The primes were many and Vanderkitten wants a taste with an attack for the mid race cash prize.
• Kara Vidaca (SDBC) screams past the corner.
• Morgan Kapp (South Bay Wheelmen) dives into turn one.
• Cheerwine, Team High Road, and Team Tibco pick up the pace as the pack races for 4th place.
• Team Tibco takes the victory over Cheerwine and Team High Road.
• Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) slips on a new jersey for the podium.
• Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) on the top step of the podium get's sandwiched by Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) in 2nd, & Emilia Fahlin (Team High Road) rounding out 3rd.
• The podium with key race organisers.
• Brooke Miller also dons on the Amgen Tour of California Leaders Jersey during the men's award ceremony.
• Brooke Miller gives a Team Tibco victory salute.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) goes for the sprint.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) just misses out.
• Race winner Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) smiles before the event.
• Elizabeth Hatch (Vanderkitten) rides in the peloton.
• Elizabeth Hatch (Vanderkitten) finished in 30th place.

Images by Garrett Lau/www.pbase.com/garrettlau

• Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) shows off her “Hi Mom” handlebars at the front of the pack.
• Brooke Miller (Tibco) zooms past.
• An Aaron’s rider leads the pack through a corner.
• Lara Kroepsch (ValueAct Capital) rounds the corner.
• Sarah Bamberger (Cheerwine) leans into the corner.
• Brooke Miller (Tibco) marks Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine).
• Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital) sticks her elbows out while cornering.
• Victoria Bastide (Tibco) sprints for a prime.
• Brooke Miller (Tibco) overtakes Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) 10 metres from the finish.

Aussies at prologue

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Images by Gerard Knapp/Cyclingnews.com

• Rabobank's Matt Hayman was back on his bike and aready to race at the Tour of California, less than one month after a fall at the Tour Down Under that put him into hospital and possibly out for his favoured part of the season.
• The Aussie charm never fails – Rory Sutherland (Health Net) may have been disappointed a tad by his ride in the opening prologue, but he's still popular with the girls.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) – all warmed up and ready to go. He heads out to the start of the 3.4km opening prologue of the Tour of California.

Prologue - February 17: Palo Alto ITT, 2.1 mi / 3.4 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Fabian Cancellara powers to victory.
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) chilling before the start.
• The scene at the start in Palo Alto.
• Is that a burrito in your pocket? Team Slipstream's Chipotle burritos go everywhere with them.
• Everybody was out on bikes even the hounds.
• Viatchislav Ekimov is one of the Astana directors for the Tour.
• David Zabriskie (Slipstream) rocks some awesome facial hair and a loud US champion's kit.
• Norwegian champion Edvald Boassen Hagen is team High Road's secret weapon.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) rode to 28th place.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) heads toward 32nd place.
• Toyota United Pro rider gasps for air.
• A Jelly Belly rider
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) was well down in 81st place.
• George Hincapie seems to be smiling but that's just because he enjoys the suffering.
• An Astana rider tucks down low and aero.
• A Quick Step rider shows the strain of the short, intense effort.
• CSC's Swedish champion Gustav Larsson had one of the fastest early times, but ended in sixth.
• Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) was 55th in the prologue, 18 seconds behind.
• Toyota United's best finisher was Canadian Dominique Rollin
• Levi Leipheimer heads to the finish down the appropriately named Palm Drive.
• Justin Spinelli (Kelly Benefit Strategies) was one of the last riders off.
• Cancellara gives an interview with Versus' Bob Roll.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) takes the first golden jersey of the ToC.

Images by Emory Ball/Cyclingnews.com

• Mario Cipollini was back on the bike as a professional at the Tour of California for Rock Racing
• The Tour of California attracted some of the best in the world this year including Oscar Friere
• Team Slipstream's Danny Pate gives it everything but founds todays short course not to his favor
• This Credit Agricole rider was out of the saddle for most of the oval, perhaps not the most aerodynamic choice
• Former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Thomas Voeckler grits his teeth
• Janez Brajkovic gives it everything at 500 meters to go
• David Millar shows his national championship jersey
• Paolo Bettini wasn't tops in the prolog but is probably thinking of the sprint finishes to come
• World time trial champion Cancellara was on fire and unstoppable today
• George Hincapie (Team High Road) had a ride which positioned him nicely for a run at the overall
• Levi Leipheimer gave everything in am attempt to win his second ToC prologue
• Bjarne Riis seemed to be contemplating just how he could start the season off with and overall win at the 08 Tour of California
• Rock Racing's owner Michael Ball had to content himself with the idea that any press is good press after his riders' exclusions.

Images by Steve Medcroft/Cyclingnews.com

• The Rock Racing team bike by De Rosa.
• Rock Racing's Tyler Hamilton and Oscar Sevilla were banned from starting the prologue by race owner AEG and the UCI. But they were on hand to sign autographs for fans.
• Rock Racing's owner Michael Ball chats with Cyclingnews

Images by Luca Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) cools down after the prologue.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) after his run.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) in his first professional race after a three-year absence.
• Italian Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) gets rolling.
• Super Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) finishes his prologue run.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

• Big Daddy Michael Ball makes his entrance
• Cipos back! Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing)
• David Millar (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) in his national champion jersey.
• Road World Champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step)... 81st place.
• TT World Champ Fabian Cancellara (CSC) proves it is all in the tongue.
• Tyler Farrar (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) was very pleased with his podium spot.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) gives the crowd a smile in his new leaders jersey.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• The Golden Gate Bridge visibly marks northern California.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) re-starts his professional career.
• At 40 years old Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) looks great.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) in his prologue run.
• Bradley Wiggins (High Road) jams the throttle.
• British Champ David Millar (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) looks on form.
• World TT Champion Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) on his winning run.
• George Hincapie (High Road) has the power of a horse.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) in his notable position.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) talks about his day.

Images by Mark Johnson/ironstring.com

• Slipstream-Chipotle's Thomas Peterson heads through the second turn of the 2.1 mile Amgen Tour of California prologue.
• Jurgen Van de Walle (Quick Step) enjoys getting out of the Belgian cold in downtown Palo Alto.
• This talented Stanford local can ride a penny farthing and eat an apple at the same time!
• Slipstream-Chipotle's new rider Tom Danielson warms up on Stanford University's Palm Drive.
• This pup put on her finest for a day at the races.
• Astana's Chris Horner placed 16th with a time of 4'03.
• Jelly Belly's Nicholas Sanderson rounds a corner in Palo Alto.
• Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) placed in the middle of the field today.
• Stanford landmark Palo Alto Bicycles was buzzing inside and out all day.
• Fabian Cancella's (CSC) win showed everyone why he's the best TT man on earth.
• Michael Ball (far left) with scratched riders.

Images by Len Ramirez/www.altapix.blogspot.com

• George Hincapie zooms by as Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC) pulls up trackside to watch the final riders finish.
• Mario Cippolini (Rock Racing) came out of retirement to race in sunny California sporting the colors of his new team, and he managed a 44th place finish.
• Defending TDC Champion Levi Leipheimer (Astana) looks back to check his time, which was only good for fourth place.
• Large and enthusiastic crowds lined Palm Drive at Stanford University.
• David Millar told admirers he felt good enroute to a ninth place finish.
• Fabian Cancellara warms down after his winning ride in the prologue.
• Unidentified Rock Racing covers the flat and fast final kilometer at Stanford.

Images by Peter Krutzik/PKPhotoVision.com

• A Toyota United rider whizzes past fans as he makes his way around the Stanford Oval and Hoover Tower during the Prologue.
• Mario Cipollini (Rock Road) flies past Hoover Tower at Stanford University in front of huge crowds who loudly cheered his return to cycling.
• David Zabriskie (Slipstream) in the Stars and Stripes jersey as the current US Time Trial Champion focuses down the road during his Prologue effort.
• Freddie Rodriguez shows off the bold new colours of his team Rock Racing.
• Tom Boonen (Quick Step) grits his teeth through his Tour of California Prologue.
• Crowd favorite Jens Voigt (CSC) received huge cheers all the way around the Stanford Oval.
• David Millar (Slipstream) is focused on the prize, finishing in the top ten for his team Slipstream.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) shows his winning form as he attacked the Stanford Oval during his Prologue victory.
• George Hincapie (High Road) wags his tongue for Team High Road during the Prologue.
• Levi Leipheimer in his new Astana colours is riding his way to a fourth place finish in the Prologue.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) enjoys wearing his new race leader's yellow jersey, after winning the Prologue.
• Prologue winner Fabian Cancellara (CSC) fields questions from the media after his victory.
• CSC is everywhere at the Tour: Prologue winner Fabian Cancellara wearing CSC colors in front of a background of CSC logos in the Amgen Tour of California.

Images by David Wood/www.coolbikepics.com

• An Astana rider warms up.
• The bikes of Team Astana,
• Mario Cipollini of Rock Racing is warming up.
• Palo Bettini (Quick Step) is out stretching his legs and enjoying the other California.

Pre-race conference

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• The panel of guests today at the Tour of California.
• Jim Birrell from Medalist Sports explains the 2008 route.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) expressed his happiness to be racing in California.
• David Millar (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) talked about the new Slipstream team and what they bring to the race.
• George Hincapie (High Road) was focused on being ready for tomorrow.
• CSC riders Bobby Julich and Jens Voigt.
• Rory Sutherland was jokingly disappointed about the amount of climbing in this years race.
• Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports.
• Bob Stapleton smiles as George Hincapie talks about being part of the new High Road team.
• Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) was all business.
• Rory Sutherland talks about he and his teams role this week.
• Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, explains AEG's goals for the Tour of California.
• Jens Voigt talks about changes that need to be made in the sport.
• Bobby Julich (Team CSC) ready for the week ahead.
• Fred Rodriguez stays incognito for the press conference.
• Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, answers some tough questions about who is allowed to race.
• Sean Petty, from USA Cycling, explains it's role in the Tour of California.
• The media was thick at todays Tour of California press conference.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) at the press conference.

Rock Racing

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

• Rock Racing team owner Michael Ball
• Michael Ball shows off the new team kit at a press conference Saturday.
• Michael Ball announced to the press his roster for the 2008 Tour of California.

Images by Elliot Holland (Stanford University Cycling Team)

• The Stanford University Cycling Team bumped into Mario Cipollini, all decked out in Rock Racing colors, while on a training ride the morning before the Tour of California starts.

Images by Luca Bettini

• Mario Cipollini (front passenger seat) and Tyler Hamilton (rear seat) were spotted in San Francisco before the Tour of California