Nature Valley Grand Prix - NE

Minnesota, USA, June 10-14, 2009

Photography

Stage 6 - June 14: Stillwater Criterium, 60/50min

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

The women head up the brutal Chilkoot climb on the first lap.
The front of the women's race tackles the climb.
An elite selection. Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo), Andrea Dvorak (Colavita) and Shelly Olds (ProMan Hit Squad) were the three that got away.
Andrea Dvorak (Colavita) looking good in the front group.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo) was out to show the women who was boss today.
A massive crowd cheers on the women's break.
Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita) rode strongly today after bike mishaps yesterday.
Alison Powers (Team Type 1) had her work cut out for her today.
The women get a little spread out on the climb.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo) leads the women's break.
Coryn Rivera (ProMan Hit Squad) hung in there all week dispite only having junior gears.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo) again pushing the pace on the climb.
Webcor tried to limit the damage done by the break.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo) was relentless on the climb.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo) launches her attack with one lap to go.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo) fights her way through the crowds for the win.
The men's field drew big crowds to watch them ascend the Chilkoot climb.
Floyd Landis (OUCH) attacks just after the race gets underway.
Davide Frattini (Colavita) leads the group that bridged up to Floyd Landis (OUCH).
The Bissell and OUCH teams were all over the front of the race today.
The break maintains its gap on the hard chasing field.
C'mon Floyd! Floyd Landis (OUCH) gets some encouragement from fans.
The peloton gets strung out on the back side descent.
Tim Johnson (OUCH) leads a chase by the field.
The break kept going hard on the climb.
Anthony Colby (Colavita) bridges up to the break.
OUCH riders continue to patrol the front of the group along with Bissell.
Colavita launches another attack on the climb.
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) on his way to get the best climber jersey on todays stage.
Bissell worked amazingly hard all week on the front of the race.
Phillip Mamos (Amore & Vita) leading the break through the crowds with 2 laps to go.
Anthony Colby (Colavita) just takes second place over Rory Sutherland (OUCH).
Rory Sutherland (OUCH) looks over to see if he has gained enough time for the overall win.
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) happy to be on the podium with his climber jersey.
Rory Sutherland (OUCH) all smiles with his new yellow jersey.
Phillip Mamos (Amore & Vita) took the win today with Anthony Colby (Colavita) second and Rory Sutherland (OUCH) third.
The overall podium for the week (l-r): Tom Zirbel (Bissell) in second, Rory Sutherland (OUCH) first and Sabastian Haedo (Colavtia) third.
Bissell was the top men's team for the week.
Team TIBCO took top honours in the women's team classification.

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

The women's field gets underway in the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
After a few laps Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad) and Andrea Dvorak (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) were the only two riders to stay with Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team)
Allison Powers (Team Type 1) leads the chase group through the start area.
The break crests the top of Chilkoot Hill climb.
Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad) out of the saddle on the climb.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) celebrates the stage and race win in her final US race of her career.
The stage six women's podium (l-r): Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad), Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team), Andrea Dvorak (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light).
The final Nature Valley Grand Prix jersey holders: Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) - Nature Valley Grand Prix Winner/Sport Beans Queen of the Hill/Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive, Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad) Wheaties Sprint Winner, Amanda Miller (Lip Smacker) APC Best Young Rider
Team TIBCO was the top team at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) presents one of her leader's jersey to Veronica, her penpal and someone she considers the future of women's cycling.
First lap and the men's field charges to the top of Chilkoot Hill.
Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO) goes after the first Wheaties Sprint of the day.
Floyd Landis (Ouch pb Maxxis) initiated the stage's break.
The Bissel team leads the peloton up Chilkoot Hill.
Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling) and his shadow Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis) follow the Bissel team up the climb.
Anthony Colby (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) heads off to join Landis in the break.
Two to go and Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis) attacks the main group on the climb.
Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling) attempts to follow the attack of Sutherland.
\Phillip Mamos (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness - Velo Vie) wins the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Stage six podium (l-r): Anthony Colby (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Phillip Mamos (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness - Velo Vie), Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis)
The Nature Valley Grand Prix jersey holders: Wheaties Sprint Winner Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO), Sport Beans King of the Hill Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness - Velo Vie), Nature Valley Grand Prix Winner Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis), APC Best Young Rider Bobby Sweeting (Land Rover-ORBEA; Benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation), Nature Valley Top Amateur Matthew Busche (IS Corp Cycling Team), Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive Floyd Landis (Ouch pb Maxxis)
Bissel Pro Cycling the top men's team of the 2009 edition of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Stage 5 - June 13: Mankato Road Race, 138.4km/86mi

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Images by Frank Rowe/FrankRowe.photoReflect.com

Team Kenda prepares for the start of stage five of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
The men's start of the Mankato Road Race is a swirl of colour.
The women's field travels through rural southern Minnesota.
Kelly Benjamin (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) helps teammate Andrea Dvorak chase back on after a mechanical.
The view from the rear of the caravan during the women's stage five.
Silke Wunderwald (Team Kenda) takes a bottle from the team car.
The women's peloton climbs out of the Blue Earth River valley.
Dotsie Bausch (Jazz Apple) rode strongly on the Main Street climb to finish second on the stage.
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) was part of the day's main break and finished on the podium.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) limited the damage today and kept the yellow jersey.
Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) rode strongly but lost the Sport Beans QOM jersey to Alexis Rhodes (Webcor Builders).
Starla Teddergreen and her MBRC/Flanders teammates were impressive on the finishing circuit.

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

Tyler Stanfield (Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy) and Chad GERLACH (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness - Velo Vie)
With the break up the road, the amateur teams were in control of the peloton.
Mike Northey (Land Rover-ORBEA; Benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation) and Andrew CRATER (Wheel & Sprocket) try to chase down Chad GERLACH (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness.jpg Velo Vie) on the finishing circuit hill.
Andrew Crater (Wheel & Sprocket) celebrates the win in stage 5.
The men's podium: Chad GERLACH (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness.jpg Velo Vie), Andrew CRATER (Wheel & Sprocket) , and Mike NORTHEY (Land Rover-ORBEA; Benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation)
The jersey holders after stage five with the Mayor of Mankato (l-r): APC Best Young Rider - Mike Northey (Land Rover-ORBEA; Benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation) , Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive - Tyler Stanfield (Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy) , Nature Valley Grand Prix Race Leader - Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling), Wheaties Sprint Leader - Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO), Top Amateur - Matthew Busche (IS Corp Cycling Team).
The women's field rolls through the countryside around Mankato.
Alexis Rhodes leads the way during the fifth stage.
Alexis Rhodes (Webcor Builders) out of the saddle on the tough finishing hill won stage five in Mankato.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) leads the peloton up the Main Street Hill trying to preserve her race lead.
After winning stage four Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) climbs the Main Street Hill and finished third on the day.
The women's podium (l-r): Dotsie Bausch (Jazz Apple Women's Cycling Team), Alexis Rhodes (Webcor Builders), and Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO).
The jersey holders (l-r): Wheaties Sprint Leader - Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad), Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive - Katheryn Curi Mattis (Webcor Builders), Sport Beans Queen of the Hill - Alexis Rhodes (Webcor Builders), APC Best Young Rider is also Alexis Rhodes but Amanda Miller (Lip Smacker) wears the jersey, Top Amateur - Kate Veronneau (Altarum Women's Cycling Team).

Images by Jonathan Devich/

The women arrive at the climb in Mankato.
Brooke Miller (TIBCO) goes on the attack on the climb.
Kirsten Armstrong (Cervelo) had a hard battle today to hold onto the yellow jersey.
Alexis Rhodes (Webcor) decides its time to make her move.
Alexis Rhodes (Webcor) wins as Dottsie Bausch (Jaxx Apple) takes second and Brooke MIller (TIBCO) third.
Team Bissell went to the front right from the start today.
The men get strung out on one of the few inclines today.
A group of riders starts to get a decent gap on the field.
The field wasn't too concerned about the group up the road.
The main bunch takes no interest in the riders up the road.
The group of 14 that finally separated from the field.
Riders pass by an old train trussle along the route.
Tom Zirbel (Bissell) seemed to be enjoying himself today after the past couple of hard days.
Tim Johnson (OUCH) leads the break.
Davide Frattini (Colavita) bridged his way up to the break.
Crossing over into Blue Earth county.
Ciclismo Racing decides the break has gotten too far up the road.
The break continues on through the Minnesota countryside.
Kirk O’Bee (Bissell) made it up to the break to cover the moves.
The field gets a little more organised as it draws in on Mankato.
Riders in the break start to look at each other to see who will do what.
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) and Tyler Stanfield (Kenda) tried to sneak off the front of the break away group.
The field attacks the climb for the first time.
Floyd Landis (OUCH) pushes the pace up the steep grade.
Mike Northey (Land Rover/Orbea) leads breakaway companion Andy Crater (Wheel & Sprocket).
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) fighting to stay away solo with more laps to go.
Andy Crater (Wheel & Sprocket) just beats in Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) and Mike Northey (Land Rover/Orbea).

Stage 4 - June 12: Uptown Minneapolis Criterium, 60min

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Images by Frank Rowe

Early in the stage, US champ Brooke Miller and her TIBCO teammates chase Andrea Dvorak (Colavita/Sutter Home).
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) defends her yellow jersey in the Minneapolis Uptown stage.
The neutral OnSupport vehicle is standing by and ready to assist.
The women's field rounds a tight corner at high speed.
With one lap to go the women speed down Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) wins the long sprint to the line over Shelley Olds (PROMAN).
In the staging area pre-race defending champ Rory Sutherland (OUCH-Maxxis) talks things over with race leader Tom Zirbel (Team Bissell).
The Shimano Dura-Ace spare bikes all prepped and ready to go.
Andy Jacques-Maynes and Frank Pipp (Team Bissell) work hard to defend the yellow jersey of Tom Zirbel.
The Team Bissell train looks mighty impressive defending the yellow jersey.
The men's field safely negotiates one of the many tight corners on the Uptown course.
Colavita worked hard to bring sprinter Lucas Sebastian Haedo to the line for the team's second consecutive win.
Team Jelly Belly threatened to take control of the race with just a few laps to go.

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

The women's field awaits the race start.
The real battle of the day. Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad) and Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA) battling for the Wheaties Sprint Leaders Jersey. At the end of the race Shelly Olds took over the jersey by a slim margin.
A bandaged Erinne Willock makes here way around the last corner.
Lauren Tamayo (Team TIBCO) tried to escape from the field with less than 10 laps to go.
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) takes the stage win in the Uptown Minneapolis Criterium
The women's podium (l-r): Shelley Olds (PROMAN Hit Squad), Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO), Laura Van Gilder (Altarum Women's Cycling Team)
The men's field receives its final race instructions.
An early break attempt was lead by Colavita.
Thomas SOLADAY (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO) fought hard to keep his Wheaties Sprint Leader's Jersey.
An easy day for the race leader Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling) as he was able to relax as his teammates controlled the race.
The Jelly Belly team took over the pace setting at 9 to go as the sprinters gathered up behind them.
Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) takes his second stage win in the Uptown Criterium
The men's podium - Brad Huff (Jelly Belly), Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Andrew Pinfold (Ouch pb Maxxis)

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Hard. Fast. Two perfect words to describe the stage.
The Bissell boys control the pace on the front of the peloton.
As the peak of summer approaches the racing heats up in Minneapolis.
The Colavita riders took matters into their own hands and held the front for Haedo.
Sebastian Haedo didn't disappoint and took the team's third win.
The men await the starters gun in Minneapolis.
Cervelo's Kristin Armstrong leads the peloton.
Rachel Miller (TIBCO) wins the Minneapolis Uptown Criterium.

Stage 3 - June 11: Cannon Falls Road Race, 96.6km/60mi

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

That's a lot of horsepower at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
The peloton stayed together early in the stage.
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita - Lifetime Fitness) was the day's most aggressive rider.
A Bissell rider pushes hard at the front of the peloton.
Rory Sutherland (OUCH Presented By Maxxis) keeps an eye on the action up front.
It's a dusty road, but someone's got to ride it!
Fortunately for the riders at the rear, there wasn't too much dust.
OUCH-Maxxis heads to the front of the peloton as the run to the finish gets underway.
Double take: Alejandro Alberto Borrajo and Lucas Sebastian Haedo celebrate Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light success.
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita - Lifetime Fitness) was the day's most aggressive rider.
The sun was starting to set during the women's race.
The women's peloton hits the dirt section as the sun goes down.
Webcor's riders were left with cuts after the pile-up.
Colavita / Sutter Home thought they had it all under control in the women's race after the men's event.
Erica Allar claims a win during her guest apperance at ValueAct Capital Cycling Team.
The women's jersey holders pose for a photo as the sun sets.
A little action at the front but nobody really wants to do anything.
Chad Gerlach (Amore-Vita) heads out on the long lonesome road by himself.
The peloton rolls through the lush Minnesota countryside.
Rory Sutherland (OUCH) works his way up to the front group.
Jelly Belly comes to the front to set tempo.
Lauren Tamayo (TIBCO) navigates the gravel road the caused much trouble in the womens race.
OUCH gets on the front coming into the final circuits.
A couple riders try to escape on the fast finishing circuits in Cannon Falls.

Images by Frank Rowe

Start 'em young! Each stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix includes a Shimano/Hoigaard's Tour de Kids fun race.
Each kid not only has a lot of fun, but receives a medal as well.
OUCH-Maxxis leads the peloton on the sketchy gravel road back into town.
The caravan rumbles into Cannon Falls during stage three of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
On the finishing circuits OUCH-Maxxis stays at the front to protect its team leader Rory Sutherland, who is wearing the Sports Beans KOM jersey.
With two laps to go OUCH-Maxxis is on the front, but Colavita/Sutter Home is getting ready to set up its sprinter for the win.
Approaching the last lap of the finishing circuit yellow jersey Tom Zirbel (Bissell) is tucked in behind some yellow-clad Land Rover/Orbea/LAF riders.
Rory Sutherland (OUCH-Maxxis) attacks on the final lap, while team-mate Karl Menzies checks on the damage behind.
Race leader Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) stays near the front in Cannon Falls.
Sports Beans QOM leader Alison Powers (Team Type 1) during stage three of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Tina Pic is well positioned at the back of the Colavita/Sutter Home train.
Erica Allar (Value Act Capital) wins stage stage in Cannon Falls, beating a clearly unhappy Tina Pic.
Erica Allar is surrounded by her Value Act Capital team-mates as she describes the win.
Local fans get to meet Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team).

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

Ian Gray (Ciclismo Racing) take a flyer off the front to grab the first King of the Hill points
The men's field rolls through the countryside outside Cannon Falls.
Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness - Velo Vie) was off the front solo earning him the Most Aggressive Rider award for stage 3.
Floyd Landis (Ouch pb Maxxis) brings the field to the line with 1 to go on the lap card.
Colavita takes their second stage win this time with Alejandro Borrajo finishing first followed by his teammate Lucas Sebastian Haedo.
The men's podium for stage 3 Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), John Murphy )Ouch Presented by Maxxis)
The Nature Valley Grand Prix Jersey's: Wheaties Spring Leader Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b Ep-No), Nature Valley Grand Prix Leader - Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling), Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita pb Life Time Fitness - Velo Vie) , Top Amateur - Nick Frey (Ciclismo Racing), APC Best Young Rider - Kevin Soller (Waste Management )
Christina Smith (Veloforma) tried to go solo early in the women's race.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) tucked safely in the field with Toni Bradshaw (Lip Smacker) and Erica Allar (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) close by.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) and the Colavita team lead the field through the start/finish area.
Erica Allar (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) out of the saddle with Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad) to her right and Tina Pic (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) on her left.
Erica Allar (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) celebrates the stage 3 win.
The women's podium for stage 3 Tina Pic (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) , Erica Allar (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) , Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad)
The Nature Valley Grand Prix Jersey's: Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive - Erica Allar (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) , Apc Best Young Rider - Jacquelyn Crowell (Team Type 1), Nature Valley Grand Prix Leader - Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team), Best Amateur - Kate Veronneau (Altarum Women's Cycling Team), Sport Beans Queen of the Hill - Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Wheaties Sprint Leader - Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA)

Stage 2 - June 10: Downtown Saint Paul Criterium, 60min

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Riders speed past a local building during the women's race.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) had to work hard during the second stage to keep the leader's jersey.
The women's peloton speed past some art work.
A Tibco rider looks over her shoulder to check out what's unfolding behind.
Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA) claims a stage victory at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Women's podium (L-R): Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO), Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA) and Gina Grain (Webcor Builders).
Bissell riders control the peloton during the second stage.
Team Mountain Khakis has been active during the North American races of late and today was no different.
Tyler Wren (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) puts the hammer down during stage two.
Floyd Landis (OUCH-Maxxis) leads his team-mates as he pulls at the front of the peloton.
Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) proves to be too quick for Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis).

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

Alison Powers (Team Type 1) the Wheaties Sprint Jersey leader as well as the current Women's Prestige Series leader.
Erinne Willock (Webcor) shows off the Sport Beans Queen of the Hill Jersey
Rebecca Much (Webcor) the current leader of the young rider competition in the Women's Prestige Series
Best Young Rider Alexis Rhodes of Webcor before the stage start
Kori Seehafer (Team Type 1) the current sprint leader in the Women's Prestige Series
Nature Valley Grand Prix leader Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) waves to the Saint Paul fans
Rounding corner four the women's field raced as all together as no break could get established
The women's field enjoyed dry weather and good crowds in Saint Paul
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) was never seen far from the front of the field
Tammy Wildgoose one of the collegiate champions riding for the Ryan Collegiate Women All-Stars
Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA) emerges from the field to take the stage 2 victory
The second wave of the Kid's Fun rolls out to take their one lap of the criterium course.
Kristin Armstrong escorts Victoria during the kids fun race
Stage 2's Podium - Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO), Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA), Gina Grain (Webcor)
The women's jerseys: Wheaties Sprint Leader/Most Aggressive - Kirsty Broun (Riverstone CDA). Sport Beans Queen of the Hill Erinne Willock (Webcor), Nature Valley Grand Prix Leader - Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team), Best Amateur - Kate Veronneau (Altarum Women's Cycling Team), APC Best Young Rider - Alexis Rhodes (Webcor)
A relaxed Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling) gets his introduction as the race leader
Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis) all smiles before the start
Nick Frey (Ciclismo Racing) the current top amateur rider
Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling) stayed safely in the front part of the field.
Michael Woell (MBRC/Flanders) rounding corner 4
The four rider break - Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO), Adam Bergman (Texas Roadhouse), Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Will Routley (Jelly Belly Cycling Team)
Bissel Pro Cycling controlled the front of the field until the last few laps
Colavita takes over the peloton with one lap to go
Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) celebrates the stage win
Stage 2's Podium - Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO), Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Alejandro BORRAJO (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
The men's jerseys: APC Best Young Rider - Kevin Soller (Waste Management ), Sport Beans King of the Hill - Peter Latham (Bissel Pro Cycling), Nature Valley Grand Prix Leader - Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling), Top Amateur - Nick Frey (Ciclismo Racing), Wheaties Spring Leader and Most Aggressive - Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO)

Stage 1 - June 10: St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial, 7.2km/4.5mi

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Images by Bruce Adelsman/www.skinnyski.com

Images by Frank Rowe/ frankrowe.photoreflect.com

Two riders in the women's field cross paths on the out-and-back course.
The Nature Valley Grand Prix podium after stage 1: Alison Powers (2nd), Kristin Armstrong (1st), and Erin Willock (3rd).
Morgan Kapp (Nature Valley) puts in a huge effort on the uphill finish.
Evelyn Stevens (Velo Classic Tours) powers her way to the finish during the opening stage time trial.
Alexis Rhodes en route to a sixth-place finish.
On this drizzly morning, Linda Sone represents the local MBRC/Flanders team.
Veronica Leal (Team Type 1) is out of the saddle with 200 meters to go.
Kat Carroll (TIBCO) just missed out on the podium, finishing 5th.
Devon Haskell of Team BH is a former Ryan Collegiate All-Star.
Christen King (PROMAN) zips up the hill.
Kendi Thomas (Ryan Collegiate All-Stars, Whitman College) catches her one-minute man.
Ruth Corset of the delicious Jazz Apple squad.
Erin Willock (Webcor) rounded out the podium with a third place finish.
Lauren Tamayo (TIBCO) put in a top-ten performance.
Karla Kingsley (MBRC/Flanders) and Anne Meyer (Team BH) approach the finish together.
Defending Nature Valley champ Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) sails to victory.
Kristin Armstrong's postrace interviews under the umbrellas.
US time trail champ Alison Powers (Team Type 1) finished second in the opening time trial.

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

Rebecca Much (Webcor) had one of the early fast times.
With the city of Saint Paul in the background Nature Valley Pro ride qualifier Morgan Kapp makes her way to the finish.
Erinne Willock (Webcor) out of the saddle headed to the finish line.
Lauren Tamayo (Team TIBCO) finished 5th in the opening time trial
Rider #1 Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) made stage 1 look easy.
Stage 1's top 3 Allison Powers (Team Type 1), Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team), Erinne Willock (Webcor)
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) talks about her post retirement plans.
Kate Veronneau (Altarum Women's Cycling Team) was the top amateur rider
Alexis Rhodes (Webcor) with the Best Your Rider Jersey
3rd Place in Stage 1 - Peter Latham (Bissel Pro Cycling)
Collegiate Road Champion Nick Frey (Ciclismo Racing) in route to the finish and the top amateur jersey
Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling) set the fastest time in stage 1 with a 12:36
Floyd Land (Ouch pb Maxxis) in his first trip the Nature Valley Grand Prix
Defending champion Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis) finished 2nd in the morning time trial
The men's podium Rory Sutherland (Ouch pb Maxxis), Tom Zirbel (Bissel Pro Cycling), Peter Latham (Bissel Pro Cycling)
Nick Frey (Ciclismo Racing) in his Nature Valley Top Amateur Jersey