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International Bayern Rundfahrt
Stage 5 - May 31: Friedberg - Gunzenhausen, 166.4km
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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- Moves came early in the stage as the opportunists tried their hand.
- Christophe Moreau looking focused during the final stage.
- Gerald Ciolek trails Linus Gerdemann as Milram keeps a closed shop in stage five.
- Ruben Perez looks ahead as the Euskaltel boys search for a stage win.
- The road to Gunzenhausen wasn't particularly easy.
- Johannes Fröhlinger did a good job of looking after team captain Linus Gerdemann.
- Linus Gerdemann sees the lighter side of being in the race lead.
- André Greipel stayed in the sprint jersey and claimed it at the finish.
- Columbia-Highroad's Marcel Sieburg was a workhorse yet again.
- Thomas De Gendt (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) gets on the gas.
- Fabian Wegmann (Milram) was playing domestique to look after Linus Gerdemann's lead.
- Maarten Nejens (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) was active in the intermediates during the stage.
- Oleg Chuzhda (Contentpolis-AMPO) was his team's best performer during the race.
- Florian Völk (Heizomat Mapei, left) and Grischa Janorschke (Team Nutrixxion Sparkasse) share pleasantries during their escape.
- Marcel Sieburg works hard on the front to help Greipel take another stage win.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo TestTeam) gets himself neat the front as the stage winds up.
- Linus Gerdemann sits comfortably in the bunch on the final stage.
- André Greipel only knows one way to sprint and that's flat out.
- André Greipel powers through the final metres to take the win over Heinrich Haussler.
- A throw on the line and he's got it. André Greipel wins in Gunzenhausen.
- He's back with a vengeance... André Greipel takes another Bayern Rundfarht win.
- André Greipel winds down the supercharger after crossing the line first.
- More kisses for André Greipel after another stage win.
- The stage podium (l-r): Heinrich Haussler, André Greipel and Koldo Fernandez.
- Thomas De Gendt looks a little bemused on the podium as mountains classification winner.
- Topsport Vlaanderen's Thomas De Gendt on the podium to receive the mountains jersey.
- André Greipel never gets tired of this part... as stage victor yet again.
- Austrian rider Stefan Denifl (ELK Haus) took home the best young rider award.
Stage 4 - May 30: Etappe Einzelzeitfahren Friedberg, 26km
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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- René Haselbacher (Vorarlberg - Corratec)
- René Haselbacher (Vorarlberg - Corratec)
- J. Aramendia Lorente (Euskaltel - Euskadi)
- Dominik Klemme (Team Saxo Bank)
- Peter Velits (Team Milram)
- Christophe Moreau (Agritubel)
- Frank Hoj (Team Saxo Bank)
- George Hincapie (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- George Hincapie (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- George Hincapie (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Luke Roberts (Team Kuota - Indeland)
- Christian Knees (Team Milram)
- Tony Martin (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Tony Martin (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Marcus Burghardt (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Bert Grabsch (Team Columbia - Highroad) is the current time trial world champion.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram)
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Roger Hammond (Cervelo TestTeam)
- Geoffroy Lequatre (Agritubel)
- Geoffroy Lequatre (Agritubel)
- Thomas De Gendt (Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator)
- Michael Morkov (Team Saxo Bank)
- Michael Morkov (Team Saxo Bank)
- Dionisio Galpasoro Martinez (Contentpolis - Ampo)
- Simon Geschke (Skil - Shimano)
- David Le Lay (Agritubel)
- Sylvain Calzati (Agritubel)
- Maxime Monfort (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Maxime Monfort (Team Columbia - Highroad)
- Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram)
- Overnight race leader Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) finished 41st in the time trial and dropped to 5th place overall.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) was unable to defend his leader's jersey in the stage four time trial.
- Tony Martin (Team Columbia - Highroad) on the podium for his stage four victory.
- Tony Martin (Team Columbia - Highroad) won the stage four time trial.
- The top three of stage four are (L-R) Bert Grabsch (Team Columbia - Highroad), Tony Martin (Team Columbia - Highroad) and Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram).
- Stefan Denifl (ELK Haus) leads the best young rider classification.
- Kisses for race leader Linus Gerdemann on the podium.
- Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram) time trialled his way into the overall lead.
- Race leader Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram) and best young rider leader Stefan Denifl (ELK Haus).
Stage 3 - May 29: Bad Aibling - Schrobenhausen, 178.2km
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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- The race leader signs an autograph at the start.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) ready to enjoy his first day in the leader's jersey.
- George Hincapie (Team Columbia-Highroad) was focused on the start line.
- Team Columbia-Highroad team-mates Tony Martin and Marcel Sieberg wait for the race to start.
- American George Hincapie (Team Columbia-Highroad) talks to British rider Roger Hammond (Cervelo TestTeam).
- German rider Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo Test Team) looked happy, despite being over 25 minutes down.
- The jersey holders line up for the start of stage three.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) ready to defend his leader's jersey.
- The whole peloton got an interesting lead out from the start line.
- Kristof Vandewalle (Topsport Vlaanderen)
- Martin Reimer (Cervelo Test Team) and André Greipel (Team Columbia-Highroad) off the front of the peloton.
- You would think that Team Columbia-Highroad were trying to win the stage with this kind of control on the front of the peloton.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) comes off Tony Martin's wheel and sprints towards the line.
- German André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) celebrates another win on home soil.
- German André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) celebrates another win on home soil.
- The rest of the peloton cross the line behind the sprinters.
- Local television talks to André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) who won his second stage.
- German-Australian Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo Test Team) had to settle for a podium place.
- The gentle giant André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) collects his winning kisses.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) continues to lead the race overall.
- The jersey holders following stage three pose for a photo.
Stage 2 - May 28: Mühldorf a. Inn - Ruhpolding, 173.6km
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Images by Suzi Goetze/www.cyclinginside.com
- Markus Eibegger (Elk Haus) takes the victory with a dashing solo escape.
- Markus Eibegger and Stefan Denifl (ELK Haus) on the move in stage two.
- Marcel Sieberg (Columbia) in the breakaway.
- Geoffrey Laquatre (Agritubel) in the escape on stage 2.
- Peter Wrolich (Milram) on the hill.
- Big George Hincapie (Columbia-Highroad) tackles the climb.
- Milram sets tempo with Fabian Wegmann and Linus Gerdemann.
Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- The first group to get away included Michael Morkov (Saxobank), Thomas de Gendt from the team Topsport Vlaanderen, Marcel Barth (Thüringer Energie team) and Garmin -Slipstream's Ricardo van der Velde.
- Marcel Barth (Thüringer Energie team) rides in the lead group early on.
- Geoffroy Lequatre (Agritubel) leads a second group which crossed to the front group.
- The peloton lost significant amounts of time during the stage.
- German André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) rides in the peloton.
- Team Milram looks after the action back in the peloton.
- Austrian Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) makes his move on the front group.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) rides solo on the way to the finish.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) managed to stay away to win the stage.
- Austria's Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) celebrates his solo stage win.
- Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) claims stage two and the race lead.
- Stefan Denifl (ELK Haus) takes the sprint for second place.
- Marcel Sieberg (Team Columbia - Highroad) leads a group home nearly six minutes down.
- There wasn't much racing going on back in the peloton, nearly half an hour behind the stage winner.
- Third placed Linus Gerdemann (Team Milram) takes to the podium.
- Stage winner Markus Eibegger (ELK Haus) has reason to smile.
Stage 1 - May 27: Kelheim - Mühldorf a. Inn, 196.3km
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Images by Monika Prell
- An Euskaltel - Euskadi rider has some fun on the start line.
- Japan's Fumiyuki Beppu (Skil-Shimano) poses with his Koga before the stage.
- France's Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) was all smiles before the start, but probably wasn't as happy after dropping eight seconds on a sprinters stage.
- The peloton rolls out from the race's start in Kelheim.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) was convincing in victory, so much so that Chris Sutton (Garmin-Slipstream) had sat up before the line.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) and Christopher Sutton (Garmin - Slipstream) smile as they watch the ladies move in on André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad).
- All of the jersey holders following stage one on the podium.
Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- Christophe Moreau (Agritubel) doesn't know who the devil is behind him.
- Tony Martin (Columbia-Highroad) gives his autograph to a clearly pleased fan.
- Devil, meet Tony Martin (Columbia-Highroad), Tony Martin, meet the Devil.
- Tony Martin (Columbia-Highroad) is hoping for a strong race after three weeks rest.
- German national champion Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) found something to laugh about on the start line.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) lines up with some of his countrymen on the start line.
- There were plenty of devilish antics before racing got underway.
- The Devil cheers on as the peloton rolls away for stage one.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) looked happy to be back racing.
- The peloton gets settled in as the 196.3km stage commences.
- Jonas Schmeiser (Team Mapei Heizomat) and Martin Reimer (Cérvelo Test team) attacked after nine kilometres.
- Head down, sprint up as André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) rides away with the win.
- German André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) had all the time in the world to celebrate his win.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) returns to his winning ways after sitting out for a few months following a collision with a motorbike at Tour Down Under in January.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) heads to the podium following his stage one win.
- Happy to be here: André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) enjoys the spoils of his victory.
- The jersey holders pose for a photo following the first stage.
Paris-Roubaix Espoirs
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Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.com
- Erwan Clement (Bretagne) takes a photo with his idol Eddy Merckx.
- The bunch started in Péronnes for the Under 23 Paris-Roubaix.
- Taylor Phinney (Trek-Livestrong) can't believe his victory as he rolls around the Roubaix velodrome.
Images by Tom De Meyer/www.TomDeMeyer.be
- Taylor Phinney (Trek-Livestrong) wins in the Roubaix Velodrome.
- Jelle Wallays opens the sprint with Taylor Phinney close behind.
- Dutch rider Ramon Sinkeldam was Rabobank's highest finisher.
- Taylor Phinney gets funky with photographers on the podium...
- And kisses the treasured cobble trophy.
- The Espoirs Paris-Roubaix podium (l-r): Nikola Aistrup, Taylor Phinney and Giorgio Brambilla.
- The Capinordic duo of Thomas Sellebjerg and Thomas Guldhammer ahead of Sam Bewley just before the finish.
- Bevern 2000 rider Jelle Wallays on his way to fifth.
US Air Force Cycling-Crystal City Cup
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Images by
Jonathan Devich/
- Riders line up for the third annual US Air Force Cycling Classic.
- The race started with a fly over by one of the Air Forces largest planes.
- The peloton passes by Arlington National Cemetery with the Pentagon in the background.
- Tim Johnson (OUCH-Maxxis) goes on the attack after catching back on following a mechanical.
- Davide Frattini (Colavita-Sutter Home) was riding aggressive again today causing a split in the bunch.
- Riders pass under one of the many over passes along the route.
- The bunch slows up a bit after all of the attacks.
- The route passed along one of DC's highways.
- Going past one of the entrances to the pentagon.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) leads a break that got going half way through the day.
- Things get strung out as the bunch goes out by the river.
- Andy Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) tries to get back on the group after taking a nasty fall.
- Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) made it into the break.
- The peloton rides under the Crystal City skyline.
- Rory Sutherland (OUCH-Maxxis) on the descent from the Air Force Memorial.
- Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits) gets tucked in on the short but fast descent.
- The break starts to get some time on the field.
- The main bunch heads back by the river and back into downtown.
- Shawn Milne (Team Type 1) takes the sprint.
- Shawn Milne (Team Type 1) happy with his win.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) took home a check for winning the King of the Mountian competition.
US Air Force Cycling-Clarendon Cup
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Images by
Jonathan Devich/
- The women get ready to roll out for the weekend's first race..
- A group leads the women's race as they are told there's one lap to go.
- Two more laps for the breakaway group.
- Erica Allar (BMW-Bianchi) had plenty of time to celebrate her win.
- The kids race is always fun to watch before the men get started.
- The Armed Forces Color Guard set the stage for the beginning of the men's race.
- Rory Sutherland (OUCH-Maxxis) and team-mat Karl Menzies have a laugh on the start line.
- The first men's race for the weekend gets underway.
- Things got moving quickly in downtown Clarendon.
- Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) launches his attack that kept him away for most of the day.
- A chase starts to form on the back side.
- Rock Racing takes up the chase of Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita).
- Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) kept his solo effort going longer than even he expected.
- The main bunch along the back side of the course.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) tried hard to figure into the moves today.
- Davide Frattini (Colavita-Sutter Home) spent a lot of time at the front today working for the team.
- Rory Sutherland (OUCH-Maxxis) might just have been saving himself for tomorrow's circuit race.
- Chad Gerlach (Amore & Vita) never made things easy for the field.
- Things finally start to split up at the front.
- Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita-Sutter Home) moves himself up into a better position.
- Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits) moves up for the sprint.
- Nick Sanderson (Rock Racing) at the front covering for his teammate.
- The breakaway group gets a small gap on the field.
- Teams come to the front to set things up for the final laps.
- The break comes through with only a couple laps to go.
- Alessandro Bazzana (Fly V Australia) leads a late attack on the field.
- Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita-Sutter Home) just barely takes second place over Kenneth Hanson (Team Type 1).
- The final podium in downtown Clarendon.
Tulsa Tough
Stage 3 - May 31: Riverview Criterium,
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Images by Rob Evans /www.otbphoto.com
- And drops the hammer up the hill.
- Only the strong would survive a very selective course.
- Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushrooms) scouts out the final 110 degree downhill off-cambre corner 250 metres from the finish.
- Stacy Marple (Colavita) puts in a convincing attack with two laps to go.
- Only to get caught and countered by Oliva Dylan (Touchstone) with one to go.
- Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad) closes the gap to Dylan...
- And puts daylight between herself and the rest over the final 200m.
- Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad) celebrates back to back NRC wins and the overall Tulsa win.
- A Metro VW rider attacks with five laps to go.
- Daniel Ramsey (Mountain Khakis) attacks the field.
- Jelly Belly gives chase.
- Caleb Manion tries to get across.
- Fly V Australia's Curtis Gunn gives chase.
- Nor Cal's finest Steve Reaney (California Giant Berries) sits in comfortably.
- As Fly V Australia continues to chase Ramsey.
- Emile Abraham sits just behind the chase.
- 1-to-go-1-to-go-1-to-go-1-to-go... as Ramsey has visions of glory.
- However Fly V Australia had other plans with Ramsey dangling at six seconds.
- Ramsey was just too good on this day... holding off the charging pack by metres.
Stage 2 - May 30: Brady Village Criterium ,
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Images by Tulsa Tough
- Brad Huff (Jelly Belly) out runs Jonny Cantwell (Fly V Australia) to claim victory.
- Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad) claimed a win over sprint queen Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom).
Images by Rob Evans /www.otbphoto.com
- Mary Ellen Ash (Sugar CRM) on the start line.
- Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad) hits the front after a massive pile up stops the race for 20 minutes.
- Stacy Marple (Colavita) attacks.
- Alison Powers (Team Type 1)
- Shelley Olds (Proman Hit Squad) sits patiently in the field.
- Olivia Dillon (Touchstone) launches an attack.
- Kat Carroll (TIBCO) gives chase.
- Meredith Miller (TIBCO) and Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushrooms) counter.
- Rachel Neylan (Proman Hit Squad) hits the front to set up her sprinter Shelley Olds.
- Shelley Olds takes her first NRC win ahead of Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushrooms) and Jen Purcell (Colavita).
- Van Gilder and Olds exchange pleasantries on the podium.
- The women's podium (L-r): Jen Purcell, Shelley Olds and Laura Van Gilder.
- Emile Abraham (AeroCat)
- Roman Kilun on the start line.
- Rahsaan Bahati brought out the big guns, albeit filled with water.
- The Tulsa Tough is a brilliantly promoted race and has revived the cycling culture in Tulsa.
Stage 1 - May 29: Blue Dome Criterium,
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Images by Tulsa Tough
- Brad Huff (Jelly Belly) celebrates his win on the podium.
- Podium (L-R): Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing), Brad Huff (Jelly Belly) and Mark Hekman (Mountain Khaki P/B EP-NO).
- Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing) and Mark Hekman (Mountain Khaki P/B EP-NO) shake hands after finishing on the podium together.
Images by Rob Evans /www.otbphoto.com
- The Touchstone ladies warm up in the Saris tent.
- Proman Hit Squad's Cari Higgins and Aussie guest rider Rachel Neylan at the start line of the $10,000 Tulsa Blue Dome Crit.
- Value Act Capital's Emily Zell hits the front early in the race.
- Team Type 1 was all over the front of the race.
- Lip Smackers ladies on the front.
- Shelley Olds was part of the three rider Hit Squad for Proman.
- Eventual race winner Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom).
- Meredith Miller (TIBCO) applies some pressure at the front.
- Allison Powers (Team Type 1) was at the service of Jenn McRae all weekend.
- A massive pileup midway through the race rattled some nerves.
- Multiple national track champion Cari Higgins (Proman Hit Squad)
- 1-to-go-1-to-go-1-to-go-1-to-go!
- Laura Van Gilder (far left) edges out Jen McRae (Team Type 1) for the win.
- Steve Reaney (California Giant Berries) in the mens pro race.
- The perils of racing.
- Jelly Belly sets it up for Brad Huff.
- US Olympian Bobby Lea cools down.
- The Jelly Belly team was all smiles after the race.
Tour of Somerville
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Images by Marco Quezada/www.nyvelocity.com
- Team Type 1's women get a call-up to the line, where they started first as one of their sponsors is the main title sponsor of the race.
- Sarah Chubb from Comedy Central can battle with the top riders of the women’s peloton.
- Only two types of riders can get away with wearing black socks: Lance Armstrong and a New Yorker - Evie Stevens (Radical Media).
- Andrea Dvorak (Colavita/Sutter Home) keeps the pace high in the last lap for the team.
- The Aussies were out in force for Team Type 1. Monique Henley is one of two riders in the race riding well with Type 1 diabetes.
- Vero Leal (Team Type 1) was very active all day but the field never let her get any more then 10 seconds.
- On this Memorial Day the flags were out through out the race course making for good scenery.
- Little Jacquie Crowell (Team Type 1) concentrates on her breathing.
- Bridie O’Donnell (Australian National Team) keeps the pace but can’t repeat her performance from last week's Kelly Cup.
- Allison Powers (Team Type 1) proves why she’s a USA Time Trial Champion and is not shy about wearing her opinions on her wrist.
- Monique Hanley (Team Type 1) sports the OmniPod insulin pump, keeping her “pumped” and in the action.
- Vero Leal (Team Type 1) is kept in check by the Colavita train.
- Tina Pic proves the strength behind Colavita’s big win today.
- Horace Burrowes (Brooklyn’s We Stand United) takes his place at the line.
- Davide Frattini (Colavita/Sutter Home) smiles as he lines up for the team.
- Yesterday’s Bound Brooke Crit winner Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) looks composed at the start.
- Despite the road paint it’s straight ahead to the finish line for these professionals.
- Joe Eldridge, Team Type 1’s founder, takes a moment to remember just what Memorial Day is all about today.
- Eric Brownell (Empire) takes a curve around Old Glory.
- Jermaine Burrowes makes his move on the field on behalf of WSU.
- Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) holds tight with the other teams.
- Spenser Beaner (Mt. Khakis) checks to see if anyone is joining him on his attack.
- Amauri Perez (Team Mengoni) proudly takes a sprint victory.
- Anibal Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) battles on with a shredded shoulder.
- Horrace Burrowes (WSU) is not intimidated by the big boys as he makes his attack.
- Lucca Damiani leads the Colavita/Sutter Home train.
- Colavita/Sutter Home’s Sebastian Haedo shows the determination of a winner.
- Valeriy Kozarenko (Team Type 1) is marked by Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home).
- Davide Frattini (Colavita/Sutter Home) corners alongside an IF rider.
- Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) takes the corner like an Indy Car driver.
- A team Jelly Belly rider takes a shot at the front.
- Fabio Calabria starts the Team Type 1 train toward the finish on the last lap.
- Colavita/Sutter Home’s Sebastian Haedo takes the finish for the second year in a row. Jake Keo of Kelly Benefits is second. Aldo Ino of Team Type 1 rounds out the podium in third place.
- Podium (L-R): Jake Keo (Kelly Benefits), Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home), and Aldo Ino (Team Type 1).
Images by Todd Leister / leister.smugmug.com
- Team Type 1 and Colavita immediately set the pace and took control of the field.
- Winner of a race the week before in Baltimore, MD, Bridie O'Donnell and the Australian National Team rode a quiet race and failed to put anyone on the podium.
- Any attempt at escape was countered by Team Type 1 and Colavita.
- Canadian Julia Farell (Ultralink) selects another gear as she accelerates out of turn two.
- Despite being short on teammates, Laura Van Gilder still managed a podium finish.
- One of the more promising attempts at an escape was quickly reeled in by a field that was determined to duke it out in a sprint finish.
- With one lap to go, all of the podium finishers can be seen in the front five of six positions. Todd Leister \ www.leisterimages.com
- Tina Pic (Colavita) wins another Tour of Somerville.
- The women's podium (L to R): Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Verducci), Tina Pic (Colavita) and Laura Van Gilder (High Gear Cyclery).
- Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Verducci) rode this Delta 7 – IsoTruss spider-web looking carbon fiber frame to a second place finish. Todd Leister \ www.leisterimages.com
- Michael Creed (Team Type 1) does a last minute stretch.
- Aaron Levin (Herriot Sports) prepares to set out with some very fast looking Nike gloves.
- When your teams' sponsor is located just up the road, you better perform. Colavita didn't disappoint. Todd Leister \ www.leisterimages.com
- The 2009 elite men's field would compete the 50-mile race in 1 hour, 41 minutes. A full 26 minutes less than it took back in 1954.
- A few early attacks were tried, but reabsorbed quickly.
- Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita) prepares to help take his team to victory.
- Anibal Borrajo (Colavita) hits the deck at full speed while the entire field safely avoids him.
- Another valiant but failed attempt to get away.
- This escape looked better, but failed, too.
- William Dugan (CCB Racing) lifts his front wheel as he motors down the main straight.
- Ed Beamon (Van Dessel) exchanges his director-sportif hat for a racing kit.
- The elite men's field passes the United Reformed Church, which was founded in 1699.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) makes the first of two attempts to rattle the field.
- Kelly Benefits wasn't going to let Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) get too far up the road before they reacted.
- A few more efforts were made during the second half of the race. Like the women's race earlier, a field sprint would be inevitable.
- The town of Somerville has been hosting this race since 1940 and now even the emergency vehicles come equipped with bike racks.
- A typical Tour of Somerville view - riders spread from curb to curb.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) makes his second attempt to shake things up. This one started to gain time before the field decided enough was enough and closed the gap.
- Team Mountain Khakis shows some muscle during the closing laps of the race.
- With one lap to go, teams begin to position their sprinters.
- The Colavita train delivers Lucas Sebastian Haedo to victory at the 2009 Tour of Somerville.
- The 2009 Tour of Somerville elite men's podium (L to R): Jake Keough (Kelly Benefit), Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita) and Aldo Ino Ilesic (Team Type 1).
FBD Insurance Rás
Stage 8 - May 25: Newbridge - Skerries, 130 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- It has been said that riding the Rás could put years on some of the riders. This young man was in contention for the best placed rider Under 23 after stage two.
- The Britain Halfords Bike Hut team get psyched for the start of stage eight in Clara, County Offaly.
- Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) gives a thumbs up for the start of the final stage.
- The KOM classification was hotly contested on the roads to Skerries in north County Dublin.
- The Rapha Condor team of race leader Simon Richardson were ever vigilant, on the lookout for threatening moves developing after KOM sprints.
- There was no time for chitchat among the riders as the race embarked on the first of two laps of the finishing circuit in Skerries.
- Stage eight saw temperatures rocket and liquid refreshment was in high demand.
- The final 30 kilometres were technical and undulating. Conditions demanded maximum concentration as Paul Griffin’s (Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies) expression illustrates.
- Race leader Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) looking focussed. With overall victory in his sights the final kilometres must have been a anxious time. No chickens could be counted until the finish line was crossed.
- The crowds were treated to the spectacle of bunch sprint with Estonian national champion Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia) making sure of victory with a powerful display of his strength and experience.
- After victory on stage three and numerous podium places during the week Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia) was satisfied with his second stage victory.
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) reaps the rewards for his consistent efforts by taking overall victory in the 2009 Rás.
- Mellow Yellow: Simon Richardson's (Britain Rapha Condor) calm, friendly demeanour off the bike masks a fiery competitive instinct on the road.
- Darren Lapthorne congratulates his team-mate on a well deserved victory. As ever, Richardson was quick to pay tribute to his Rapha Condor team.
- As easy as they made it look, Darren Lapthorne’s expression pays testament to the hard graft that he and his Rapha Condor team-mates put in defending Richardson’s race lead.
- Winner of stage eight, Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia) seemed pleased with his week on the roads of Ireland.
- Yet again, Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) took the prize for best placed county rider on stage eight. There can be no doubt that the 2009 Rás has been an affirmation of his class, if one was needed.
- Best Placed Under 23 Rider overall Mark McNally (Britain Halfords Bike Hut).
- King of the Mountains for 2009 David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) receives the Brendan Carroll memorial trophy.
- The battle for the Points classification went right down to the wire with Belgian rider Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) taking the overall victory.
- After a closely fought contest, Brian Kenneally (Meath Engraveit.ie/BDBC) took home the Cavan Crystal trophy for Best Placed County Rider on the 2009 Rás.
- Winners of the County Team prize the Meath Engraveit.ie/BDBC team.
- Overall victor of the 2009 FBD Rás Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor).
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) celebrates victory in the 2009 FBD Rás.
- The men of the 2009 FBD Rás. The photographer should have mounted my fisheye lens for this one...
Stage 7 - May 24: Clonmel - Roundwood, 177 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- Leader of the points classification was feeling dog rough at the start of Stage 7 in Castlebar, County Mayo.
- Beware the dreaded broom wagon where the only consolation riders have if they drop out of the race is that they get to spend some time in the company of the funniest man on the Rás, Mick Lawless.
- Members of the home cycling club, Castlebar C.C escorted the riders out of town and on their way to Clara in County Offaly.
- Flying solo: Stephen Barrett (Ireland National Team) took on the entire race today on the road to Clara, County Offaly.
- It was déjà vu all over again on Stage 7 with the Rapha Condor team setting a high tempo to discourage any potential threats to Simon Richardson’s race lead.
- Men in black. The Rapha Condor crew dodges the showers on Stage 7 of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- Brian Kenneally (Engraveit.ie/BDBC) tried to get his motor running on Stage 6 but his efforts were neutralised. The multiple stage winner will doubtlessly give his all on the final stage tomorrow.
- With its flat profile and long finishing straight, a bunch sprint was always likely on Stage 7. Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) gave the big guns of the race an exhibition in sprinting, taking his first stage win in his first Rás on Stage 7.
- 18-year-old Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) left the cream of the race's sprinters in his wake on the long run into Clara, County Offaly.
- Go on ya good thing! Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) celebrates his victory on stage 7.
- Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) dedicated his stage win to his mother Helen, who was there to witness her son's achievement.
- The first year senior rider was overwhelmed when the significance of his victory started to sink in.
- Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) realised the dream of every Irish competitive cyclist with his win on Stage 7.
- It was all too much for the young man from Carrick-on-Suir in County Waterford.
- 'Welcome to the club, Sam'... Multiple Rás stage winner David O’Loughlin (An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) congratulates Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) on his stage victory.
- Jaan Kirsipuu (Giant-Veolia) took third place on Stage 7.
- Joachim Tolles (Kuota-Indeland) took second on the stage into Clara.
- The winner of Stage 7 salutes the crowd as he is called forward on the podium to receive his best placed county rider trophy and stage winner’s jersey.
- Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) savours the moment as he dons his stage winner’s jersey.
- There’s a new kid in town. Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey), winner of Stage 7 of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- Note Bennett’s (left) choice of DIY overshoes. Another famous native of Carrick-on-Suir favoured simple sports socks as an extra layer of foot wear in variable weather conditions. No doubt Sean Kelly will take some satisfaction in seeing Sam Bennett realise his considerable potential.
- Stephen Barrett (Ireland National Team) was welcomed on the podium in acknowledgement of his solo efforts on Stage 7.
- It was a laugh-a-minute on the presentation podium with the category leaders and stage winner swapping jokes. C’mon lads, it can’t be all that bad!
- The podium after Day 7 of the 2009 FBD Rás (l-r): Second on the stage, Joachim Tolles (Kuota-Indeland), Best Placed U-23 Rider, Mark McNally (Halfords Bike Hut), most competitive rider on stage 7, Stephen Barrett (Ireland National Team), KOM Leader, David O’Loughlin (An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), winner of Stage 7 and best placed county rider on stage, Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey), Race Leader, Simon Richardson (Rapha Condor), points leader, Niko Eeckhout (An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), third on the stage, Jaan Kirsipuu (Giant-Veolia).
- Winner of Stage 7 of the 2009 FBD Rás Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey). Coming to a podium near you soon.
Stage 6 - May 23: Skibbereen - Clonmel, 180 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- The peloton make their way through the rugged countryside of County Galway on Stage 6 of the 2009 FBD Rás. As the song goes, 'low lie the fields of Athenry.'
- The Britain Rapha Condor team set a high tempo to protect their interests in the race.
- The major breakaway of the day where kept on a short leash by the peloton and under close observation by the TV camera motorbike.
- The race travelled in a north-westerly direction along the N17, a road renowned for picturesque scenery. As the song goes 'I wish I was on the N17, stone walls and the grass is green.'
- No rain fell on Stage 6 of FBD Rás, a welcome relieve from the squally conditions of late.
- The technical final 250 metres was ideal for an all-or-nothing solo move and Paul Healion (Ireland National Team) took full advantage.
- Paul Healion (Ireland National Team) senses victory and begins to celebrate.
- Paul Healion realises that after 159 kilometres of hard and fast racing victory is his on Stage 6.
- The victor and the vanquished: Paul Healion (Ireland National Team) took the gamble and made it pay on Stage 6.
- Paul Healion (Ireland National Team) hits the line and takes a fantastic win on Stage 6.
- David McCann (Ireland National Team) was close enough to witness his teammate's victory and punched the air in celebration.
- The reigning national time trial champion realised a life's ambition by taking victory on Stage 6 of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- Where green is worn: to have taken the victory while riding on his national team may have made it all the sweeter.
- Mark McNally (Halfords Bike Hut) and Nicholas Walker (Cinelli-DownUnder) discuss their day on the road as they wait for the presentations to begin.
- Category leader's jerseys on standby.
- Nicholas Walker (Cinelli-DownUnder) had to settle for third place on Stage 6 but the Australian will be waiting in the shadows on the two remaining stages, on the lookout for another win to complete his hat trick.
- Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia) had to settle for second on Stage 6.
- Winner of Stage 6 Paul Healion (Ireland National team) dons his stage winner's jersey.
- Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) took the First County rider prize for the third day in a row.
- Mark McNally (Halfords Bike Hut) maintained his lead in the Best Placed U-23 rider category.
- KOM Leader, David O'Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly).
- Russ Downing (Candi TV Marshalls) maintained his lead in the Points Classification with eighth place on stage 6.
- Race Leader, Simon Richardson (Rapha Condor) salutes the crowd in Castlebar.
- The podium after Day 6 of the 2009 FBD Rás: (L-R): KOM Leader, David O'Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), Best Placed U-23 Rider, Mark McNally (Britain Halfords Bike Hut), Third on the stage, Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder), Race Leader, Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor), Points Leader, Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls), Second on the stage, Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia), Winner of Stage 6, Paul Healion (Ireland National Team), First County Rider, Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) and First Mayo Rider, Chris Coyle (Mayo Castlebar WesternEdge).
- Spot the stage winner: Paul Healion (Ireland National Team) looks on as the last group of the day arrive with the Broom Wagon in hot pursuit.
Stage 5 - May 22: Tralee - Skibbereen, 141 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- The racing was fast and furious on stage five with 46 kilometres being covered in the first hour.
- Luke Roberts (Germany Kuota-Indeland) leads Rune Jogert (Norway Giant-Veolia) and leader of the Mountains Classification David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly).
- Rob Partridge (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) rolls through in the breakaway.
- Another day of blue skies and sunshine on stage five of the 2009 FBD Rás. The breakaway crossed the River Maigue and passed the ruins of Adare Castle in County Limerick.
- Luke Roberts (Germany Kuota-Indeland) attacked the breakaway and was eventually joined by David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) and Chris Newton (Britain Rapha Condor). The trio were pushing hard with less than 30 kilometres left.
- The remnants of the original breakaway were struggling to catch the leading trio and at the same time stay ahead of the pursuing peloton.
- The breakaway has been swallowed up by a marauding peloton and another uphill bunch sprint is on the cards.
- The sprint was fast, furious and hard fought, a real treat for the crowds who had turned out to cheer on the riders.
- It was very tight but early indications were that Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder) had pipped Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia) to take his second consecutive stage win.
- The Road Warrior: Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder).
- Father and son, Ted and Aidan Crowley (Meath Engrace.it/BDBC) discuss the hectic final kilometres of stage five.
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) chats with winner of stage five Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder) as they wait for the presentation ceremony.
- Having spent most of the day in the eight-rider breakaway, Eugene Moriarty (Meath Engrace.it/BDBC) was understandably disappointed when the group were caught.
- Second on the stage, Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia).
- Considering he was involved in a crash, third on the stage was a strong result for Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut).
- Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) was lucky to get away with road rash and bruising after losing an argument with a ‘cat’s eye’ out on the road.
- Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) collected his second Best County Rider award in as many days and is in contention for the Best County Rider Overall award.
- Mark McNally (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) retained his lead in the Best Placed U-23 rider classification.
- David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) retained his lead in the Mountains Classification.
- Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) successfully defended his lead in the Points Classification on stage five.
- Winner of stage five, Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder).
- Race Leader after stage five, Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor).
- Podium (L-R): Third on the stage, Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut), First County Rider, Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey), Winner of Stage, Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder), Second on the stage, Jaan Kirsipuu (Norway Giant-Veolia), Race Leader, Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor), KOM Leader, David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), Best Placed U-23 Rider, Mark McNally (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) and Points Leader, Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls).
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) took the time to sign autographs for fans at the end of the presentation ceremony.
- It would be fair to say that Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) is enjoying his time in yellow.
Stage 4 - May 21: Corofin - Tralee, 156 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- John Lynch (Meath Martin Donnelly) ended up in a ditch on stage three but was rested and ready for action at the start of stage four.
- The breakaway makes its way along the coast road toward Dingle with Inch strand in the background.
- Peter Hawkins (Dublin IRC Ushers Insulation) suffered a puncture on the road from Inch but made it back into the breakaway without difficulty.
- The breakaway riders grapple with the strength-sapping gradient of the Conor Pass.
- The breakaway riders measured their efforts along the north side of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.
- Meanwhile, back in the main field, the Britain Halfords Bike Hut team were doing their damndest to protect Ian Wilkinson’s race lead.
- After a frantic final kilometre, Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder) lunged forward to snatch victory from Jan Barta (KTM AUSTRIA Arbö KTM Junkers).
- The young Australian celebrates his victory with Belgian team-mate Bert Roesems.
- Tom Southam (Britain Rapha Condor) congratulates Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-Down Under) on his win.
- Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) takes time to reflect on the finish. After spending the day slogging it out in the breakaway, fifth on the stage may have been a disappointing result. No doubt Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) will be motivated to add a second stage win to his tally in the coming days.
- Michael Reddan (Dublin Zilcom-South Dublin) digs deep as he approaches the finish line.
- After a tough day on the road, Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) relinquished his yellow jersey on stage four.
- Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder) receives his stage winner’s jersey.
- Junior European Points race champion Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) took seventh on the stage and the Best Placed County Rider award.
- Former Giant Asia professional Paul Griffin (Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies) receives the First Kerryman award from race organiser Dermot Dignam.
- Mark McNally (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) took the lead in the U-23 rider classification.
- Having taken maximum points on all but one of the climbs on stage four, David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) took the lead in the Mountains Classification.
- Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) was the only classification leader to retain their title after stage four.
- Reasons to be cheerful: Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) waited patiently for his turn on centre stage.
- Meet the new boss: Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) dons the race leader’s yellow jersey after stage four of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) salutes the crowd.
- Podium (L-R): First Kerry Rider, Paul Griffin (Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies), First County Rider, Sam Bennett (Tipperary Dan Morrissey), Winner of Stage, Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-DownUnder), Race Leader, Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor), Second on the stage, Jan Barta (KTM AUSTRIA Arbö KTM Junkers), KOM Leader, David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), Points Leader, Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) and Best Placed U-23 Rider, Mark McNally (Britain Halfords Bike Hut).
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) was obviously pleased with his day on the Dingle Peninsula.
- While the winners celebrated, it was on with organising the road show that is the Rás.
Stage 3 - May 20: Claremorris - Lisdoonvarna, 133 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- The riders leave Cobh under blue skies at the start of stage three of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- The route travelled west through County Cork into County Kerry, passing through some of the most picturesque countryside that Ireland has to offer.
- The leading breakaway approaches the top of the first category climb of The Coom with leader of the Mountains Classification Pete Williams (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) setting the pace.
- David McCann (Ireland National Team) obviously had his eye on the lead in the Mountains Classification.
- David McCann (Ireland National Team) takes maximum points at the top of The Coom.
- Jaan Kirsipuu (NORWAY Giant-Veolia) leads a fragmented main field on the climb of The Coom.
- Heavy rainfall made the climb even more difficult for the main field.
- The peloton reach the top of the The Coom and embark on a very technical descent.
- Despite the soggy conditions, some brave souls stayed on shouting support until all the riders had reached the top.
- Jaan Kirsipuu (NORWAY Giant-Veolia) applied his sprinting prowess and took victory on stage three from Chris Newton (Britain Rapha Condor) and David McCann (Ireland National Team).
- Winner of stage one Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) held off Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) to take fifth on the stage.
- Conor Murphy (Dublin IRC Ushers Insulation) had a particularly active day on stage three, eventually rolling home in eighth place.
- Paul Griffin (Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies) finished 12th on the stage and was the first Kerryman to cross the line.
- Race leader Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) led home a sizeable group at 1’ 49” behind the stage winner.
- Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) congratulates Jaan Kirsipuu (NORWAY Giant-Veolia).
- Brian Kenneally (Meath Engraveit.ie/BDBC) showed his class by taking fourth place on the stage and the First County Rider prize.
- Chris Newton (Britain Rapha Condor) had to settle for second on stage three but seemed to be satisfied with his day nonetheless.
- David McCann (Ireland National Team) took the lead in the Mountains Classification.
- Ole Jorgen Jensen (NORWAY Giant-Veolia) maintained his lead in the Best Placed U-23 Rider classification.
- Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) maintained his lead in the Points Classification.
- Jaan Kirsipuu (NORWAY Giant-Veolia) receives his stage winner’s jersey.
- Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) battled hard to defend his race lead.
- Podium (L-R): Race Leader, Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut), First Kerry Rider, Paul Griffin (Kerry Total Cleaning Supplies), Leader of the Points Classification, Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls), Leader of the Mountains Classification, David McCann (Ireland National Team), Winner of stage three, Jaan Kirsipuu (NORWAY Giant-Veolia), Leader of the U-23 category, Ole Jorgen Jensen (NORWAY Giant-Veolia), Second on stage, Chris Newton (Britain Rapha Condor) and First County Rider on stage, Brian Kenneally (Meath Engraveit.ie/BDBC).
- Jaan Kirsipuu (NORWAY Giant-Veolia) could have his eye on another stage win, with one win already under his belt and five stages ahead.
- The presentations had barely finished before Russ Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) began his reconnaissance for stage four.
Stage 2 - May 19: Ballinamore - Claremorris, 167 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- The first significant breakaway of stage two struggled with a strong headwind as it tried to establish a decent lead over the main field.
- The peloton push on in deteriorating weather conditions.
- Ominous grey clouds lurked on the horizon. The forecast was not good.
- The peloton did its best to dodge the heavy rain showers.
- The heavy rain caused flooding on some sections of the course.
- The breakaway press on despite the conditions.
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) tries to push the breakaway's advantage as it passes over the second category climb of The Sweep.
- David O’Loughlin (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) leads Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut).
- Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) took the win on stage two after a wet and windy 178 kilometres, and a lung-bursting final 400 metres.
- Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) gave it everything en route to the finish line in the hope of maximizing his time advantage.
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) had no answer for Ian Wilkinson's (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) acceleration but managed to hang on to take second on the stage.
- An exhausted Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor) congratulates an exhausted Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut).
- What better way to end a tough day in the saddle than a rest in the sunshine and a cool drink.
- Russell Downing (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) fought hard to defend his Points Leader’s jersey but ended the day in joint second place in the classification.
- After crashing in the final kilometres of stage one Peter Hawkins (Dublin IRC Usher Insulations) won a well deserved First County Rider Prize on stage two.
- Riding his first Rás Philip Lavery (Dublin KTM Winning Solutions) rode well to finish in the top 40 on stage two.
- The final 400 metres ramped up steeply to the line and knocked the stuffing out of most of the field.
- Robin Kelly (Waterford Comeragh CC) takes stock of his day on the road.
- First Cork County Rider home was Michael Hennessy (Waterford Comeragh CC).
- Simon Richardson (Britain Rapha Condor), second on the stage and second in the Points Classification, will wear the green jersey on stage three.
- Mads Christensen (TDK DENMARK Designa Kokken) took third place on the stage.
- Ole Jorgen Jensen (NORWAY Giant-Veolia) took the lead in the Under 23 Rider classification.
- Peter Hawkins (Dublin IRC Usher Insulation) was satisfied with his Best Placed County Rider prize on stage two.
- Pete Williams (Britain Candi TV Marshalls) is the new King of the Mountains.
- Ian Wilkinson (Britain Halfords Bike Hut) celebrates taking the race lead after his victory on stage two.
Stage 1 - May 18: Navan - Ballinamore, 142 km
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- A quartet of pipers opened proceedings under blue skies at the start of the 2009 FBD Rás in Kilcullen, County Kildare.
- Members of the U-23 and Elite Irish teams were keen to get the show on the road.
- Teams from numerous countries had travelled to Ireland to participate in the eight stages of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- John Dempsey (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) and Colin Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly) managed to hold off the peloton until just after the first and only KOM of the day at Knocknacree.
- The peloton in hot pursuit of the breakaway duo.
- There were many heavy downpours during stage one.
- Sunshine on a rainy day: The race was a colourful sight despite the changeable weather conditions.
- Strong winds also contributed to a difficult day on the road.
- The finish line crew were well prepared for every eventuality. If the weather forecast for the next few days is correct, that gas cylinder will not last long.
- The sun had broken through again by the time the race arrived at the finish line in the port town of Wexford.
Images by Stephen McMahon
- Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) applied his sprinting prowess to good effect and took victory on stage one. The Belgian was pushed all the way by (out of shot)
Images by Stephen McMahon
- Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) was reluctant to celebrate until his victory was confirmed by one of the race photographers.
- David McCann (Ireland National Team) managed to crack a smile of relief after a relatively short but hectic day on the road.
- The three amigos: Philip Finegan (Dublin DTC Orwell Wheelers), Stephen O’Sullivan and Eugene Moriarty (Meath Engraveit.ie/BDBC) reflect on their experiences on stage one.
- Colin Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly) congratulates Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) on his victory on stage one.
- Same time tomorrow? Russell Downing (Britian Candi TV Marshalls) offers his congratulations to Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly).
- Fourth on the stage for Daniel Clifford (Kildare Projector World) was good enough to see him take the Cuchulainn Crystal trophy for Best Placed County Rider.
- Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-Down Under) dons the white jersey of Best Placed U-23 Rider after stage one of the 2009 FBD Rás.
- Colin Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly) took maximum points on the stage and the lead in the King of the Mountains classification.
- As winner of stage one Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) took the race lead.
- When his considerable experience and strength are considered, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the Belgian could be a contender for overall victory.
- Podium (L-R): Stage winner and race leader Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), third on the stage Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-Down Under), second on the stage, Russell Downing (Britian Candi TV Marshalls), Best County Rider, Daniel Clifford (Kildare Projector World) and King of the Mountains, Coiln Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly).
- Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) reflects on his victory.
Tour de Picardie
Stage 4 - May 17: Ribécourt-Dreslincourt - Noyon, 95.5 km
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Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Yoann Offredo (Francaise Des Jeux) got the photographer's luck and later won the stage.
- Gert Steegmans (Katusha) not looking to happy before the start, perhaps because his manager was complaining to the Belgian press about him.
- Yellow jersey Lieuwe Westra signs a poster.
- The Vacansoleil team is ready to defend the jerseys.
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) hoped to have his chance for a win on the final stage.
- The peloton fractured in four pieces in the cross winds.
- The second group chased hard.
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha) was in the second group.
- Yoann Offredo (Francaise des Jeux) on his way to the win.
- Yoann Offredo (Francaise des Jeux) took off at the halfway point with Luis Leon Sanchez, but went solo to the line.
- The Vacansoleil controlled the pace for its leader Lieuwe Westra.
- Robbie McEwen and Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) did not get a chance to contest the sprint.
- Yoann Offredo (Francaise des Jeux) soloed to the victory after being in the break for half the stage.
- Jonathan Thire (Auber 93) gives it his all to get back to the bunch.
- Yoann Offredo (Francaise des Jeux) took the win by 46 seconds over the field.
- 22-year-old Yoann Offredo (FdJ) takes his first professional win.
- The bunch comes charging in for second place.
- The sprint for second is hotly contested.
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures) takes the field sprint for second.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) signs an autograph for antidoping control.
- Yoann Offredo is welcomed to the podium by Bernard Hinault.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) sewed up his first pro stage race win.
- Christophe Riblon (AG2R La Mondiale) took home the climber's prize.
- Party at Roman Feillu's house tonight!
- The final jersey holders: Jimmy Casper (?), overall winner Lieuwe Westra, Points leader Romain Feillu and mountains winner Christophe Riblon.
Stage 3 - May 17: Coucy-le-Château Auffrique - Noyon, 84.5 km
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Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Vacansoleils' Marco Marcato wore the jersey of best young rider.
- The first breakaway went with Jimmy Engoulvent and Florian Guillou.
- Anthony Ravard tries to go across.
- Robbie McEwen waited patiently in the peloton.
- The break of the day: Florian Guillou (Roubaix Lille Metropole), Rémy Cusin (AG2R), Andreï Amador (Caisse d'Epargne ) and Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures)
- The Vacansoleil team was responsible for chasing.
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) looks across to his teammate Robbie McEwen.
- Robbie McEwen checks behind him for oncoming sprinters.
- McEwen looks across to Napolitano as if to say, this win is mine!
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) begins his victory salute but McEwen is the man to get the win.
- Two salutes for Katusha.
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha) takes the win ahead of Napolitano.
- "Stay in your place, 'mate!"
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha) was pleased to get his stage win.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) held onto the overall lead.
- Christophe Riblon (AG2R La Mondiale) heads on to the podium to collect his jersey for best climber.
- Christophe Riblon in polka dots for best climber.
- Roman Feillu (Agritubel) earned the points jersey.
- Feillu also took over the best young rider spot.
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures) was most aggressive.
Stage 2 - May 16: Ham - Anizy-le-Château, 179 km
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Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Bjorn Leukemans (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) makes some last minute changes.
- Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha) talks to a journalist at the start.
- Pleasure or pain? Cedric Pineau (Ag2R-La Mondiale) gets some work done by his physio before the stage.
- Lets race! We're pretty sure this guy's bike didn't meet the UCI's rules.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) continues to lead the race.
- Stage one winner Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) waits for the second stage to begin.
- David Deroo (Skil-Shimano) has been riding well during the event.
- The peloton waits for stage two to commence.
- The Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team ride to protect its race leader.
- Christophe Riblon (Ag2R-La Mondiale) collects some more points in the mountains standings.
- France's Cedric Pineau (Ag2R-La Mondiale) lost the mountains classification lead, but it hasn't gone far, with his team-mate now leading the standings.
- Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha) is building up to the Tour de France.
- Alexandre Usov (Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne) lost a lot of time.
- The early escape group on stage two.
- Tim Mertens (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) leads the escape group.
- Still a long way to go for the early escapees.
- Romain Feillu (Agritubel) checks over his shoulder and sees he has it won.
- Frenchman Romain Feillu (Agritubel) takes an easy sprint victory.
- Romain Feillu (Agritubel) had the sprint won before reaching the line.
- Romain Feillu (Agritubel) celebrates his stage win.
- Romain Feillu (Agritubel) enjoys the feeling of claiming a stage win.
- Mountains classification leader Christophe Riblon (Ag2R-La Mondiale) was happy with the day's outcome.
- France's Romain Feillu (Agritubel) leads the young riders classification following his stage win.
- Romain Feillu (Agritubel) also holds the points classification lead.
- Dutchman Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) continues to lead following his solo victory on the opening stage.
- Romain Feillu (Agritubel) takes to the stage after winning the second stage.
- Christophe Riblon (Ag2R-La Mondiale) signs an autograph for a young fan.
Stage 1 - May 15: Chaumont-en-Vexin - Roisel, 179.5 km
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Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Lieuwe Westra with Vacansoleil teammates Marco Marcato and Martin Mortensen.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) captured the mountains jersey.
- Luis Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne) took the most aggressive rider prize.
- Marco Mercato (Vacansoleil) was best young rider.
- Markus Zberg, BMC's Swiss champ gets ready to race.
- Mathieu Drujon (Caisse d'Epargne) took sixth in the sprint behind Roman Feillu.
- Australians Robbie McEwen and Baden Cooke have a laugh before the start.
- The peloton comes home with Jimmy Casper leading the way.
- Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil) and was forced to abandon on the first stage.
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures) takes the sprint from the peloton.
- Katusha's Robbie McEwen didn't contest the sprint.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) donned the first yellow jersey.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) pulled off a surprise victory on stage one.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) might need some new arm warmers after the rainy stage…
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) enjoys his victory salute.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) wins in the pouring rain on stage one.
- Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) steps up on the podium as first Tour de Picardie leader.
Tour of Japan
Stage 7 - May 24: Tokyo stage , 112.7km
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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com
- Blitzen Utsunomiya's Yoshimasa Hirose leads the early breakaway for the new Japanese team.
- Dmitriy Fofonov (Kazakhstan National Team) leads the peloton.
- Aussie Leigh Howard (Team AIS) gets a hat-trick in the Tour of Japan.
- Green leader jersey Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro - A Style) cerebrates at the finish line.
- The riders wait for the final podium ceremony in the rain.
- Winner of the 13th Tour of Japan Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro - A Style).
- Matija Kvasina (Amica Chips-Knauf) gets the red mountains jersey.
- Leigh Howard and Greg Lemond on the podium as Howard takes the blue points jersey.
- The Kazakhstan National Team was awarded the teams classification.
- American Tour winner Greg Lemond is invited to the starting ceremony of the final stage in Tokyo.
- Green jersey leader Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro - A Style) waits for the start with Valentin Iglinskiy (Kazakhstan National Team).
- Be careful, the road is wet! Japanese champion Hidenori Nodera (Shimano Racing) performs at the start.
Stage 6 - May 23: Izu stage, 96km
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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com
- Daniele Colli (Carmiooro - A Style) grabs a video momento before the start.
- The Carmiooro - A Style train looks after green jersey leader Sergio Pardilla.
- Red mountain jersey Matija Kvasina (Amica Chips-Knauf) leads his breakaway mates, Jack Bobridge (Team AIS) and Dmitriy Fofonov (Kazakhstan National Team).
- First Tour of Japan winner Jean Philippe Duracka will win the race again as a team manager with Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro - A Style).
- Green jersey Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro - A Style) and Valentin Iglinskiy (Kazakhstan National Team).
- Red mountain jersey Matija Kvasina (Amica Chips-Knauf) and Dmitriy Fofonov (Kazakhstan National Team)
- Jack Bobridge (Team AIS) beat Dmitriy Fofonov (Kazakhstan National Team) at the finish line.
- It was the second stage victory in the Tour of Japan for Jack Bobridge (Team AIS)
- Valentin Iglinskiy (Kazakhstan National Team) gets the blue point jersey.
- Matija Kvasina (Amica Chips-Knauf) is presented with his red mountain jersey after stage six.
- Spanish rider Sergio Pardilla (Carmiooro - A Style) keeps his green leader's jersey after stage six.
Stage 3 - May 19: Mino stage, 160.7km
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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com
- Beijing Olympic Keirin bronze medalist Kiyofumi Shimizu leads the citizens' ride before the stage.
- Makoto Iijima (Team Bridgestone-Anchor) greets a small fan at the start.
- Stage three started in Mino in the old part of the city.
- Australian Leigh Howard (Team AIS) waited for his chance in the bunch.
- Team AIS rider Leigh Howard dominated the bunch sprint.
- Stage 3 winner Leigh Howard (Team AIS) gets a bit of traditional garb for his efforts.
- Kam Po Wong (Hong Kong, China Team) gets the mountains classification jersey.
- Howard leads the points classification after his second stage win.
- Kam Po Wong (Hong Kong, China Team) shows his appreciation.
- Kam Po Wong gets a massage after the stage.
- Sebastien Fournet Fayard and Daniele Colli (Carmiooro - A Style) are waiting for the start of stage three.
- The classification leaders before the start (l-r): Leigh Howard (Team AIS), Kam Po Wong (Hong Kong, China Team) and Vincenzo Garofalo (Amica Chips - Knauf).
- The riders start stage three from the old street in Mino.
Stage 2 - May 18: Nara stage, 121.2km
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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com
- Race leader Leigh Howard (Team AIS ) and his teammates line up in front of Todaiji Temple.
- Carmiooro - A Style waits for the start at Todaiji Temple.
- Children take part in the starting ceremony for stage two.
- Stage two of 13th Tour of Japan starts!
- Japanese Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team) leads the big first group.
- Hong Kong's Kam Po Wong attacks from the first group at two laps to go.
- Hong Kong's Kam Po Wong wins stage two.
- Kazakh Dmitriy Gruzdev tries to get second place on stage two.
- Kazakh Valentin Iglinskiy finishes in third place and earns the green leader's jersey.
- Kazakh Valentin Iglinskiy prepares for the ceremony.
- Stage two winner Kam Po Wong receives the red mountain classification jersey.
- Australian Leigh Howard (Team AIS ) still holds the blue points classification jersey.
- Kazakh Valentin Iglinskiy wears the green leader's jersey.
Stage 1 - May 17: Sakai stage, 102.6km
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Images by Miwako Sasaki/Cyclingnews.com
- Leigh Howard was all smiles after taking stage one.
- Fans had to deal with the rain on a wet day in Sakai.
- Australian Travis Meyer (right) was amongst the action at the pointy end of the field today.
- Kazakhstan rider Valentin Iglinskiy headed the charge after Howard.
- Yusuke Hatanaka was the best-placed rider in the Shimano Racing Team.
- Jack Bobridge leads Travis Meyer in tough conditions in Sakai.
- Polish rider Mariusz Wiesiak (Nippo Colnago) finished in seventh.
- Valentin Iglinskiy (Kazakhstan National Team) leads Leigh Howard.
- Howard flew the coop and took the spoils on a wet day.
- Leigh Howard (Team AIS) celebrates his win in Sakai.
- Valentin Iglinskiy finishes second in the bunch sprint.
Kelly Cup
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Images by Todd Leister /www.leisterimages.com
- The Australian National Team came to Bike Jam with a plan.
- The plan was to set up Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) for a solo attack.
- With Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) off the front, Colavita and Team Type 1 began to chase. However, the remaining members of the Australian National Team weren't finished executing their plan.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) built a solid lead until a crash in the filed neutralized the race. Upon the restart, Bridie was allowed to retain her time gap.
- With the race back on, Team Type 1 picked up where they left off while Colavita looked back for more support.
- Team Verducci stepped in to help out only to find that those pesky Australian National Team riders had different ideas.
- At one point, with just a few laps remaining, the field came within striking distance. Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) felt the heat and pushed even harder.
- After riding almost the entire race solo, Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) wins the 2009 Bike Jam.
- Laura van Gilder (C3 Sollay) pulled the field for the last 1000 meters and still sprinted for second. Erica Allar (BMW Bianchi) - not pictured - rounded out the sprint for third.
- The quiet before the storm.
- Russ Langley (Battley Harley-Davidson) set the stage for what would become the race theme - solo attack and capture.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) and Jared Babik (Indiana Regional Medical Center) in full pursuit of Russ Langley (Battley Harley-Davidson).
- Russ Langley (Battley Harley-Davidson) looks back as the field reabsorbs him.
- After each capture, another acceleration would occur.
- Brian Butts (Battley Harley-Davidson) keeps a finger on the brake just in case. It may be the camera angle, but does Brian have a bit of toe over-lap?
- Clayton Barrows (CRCA\Empire Cycling) advances his position by taking to the grass. If this was Formula One Motosport, he'd receive a time penalty for that.
- Jon Bruno (IF\Lionette's) follows suit by cutting the corner.
- It looks like majority rules. Everybody begins to use the grass.
- Team Mountain Khakis rode aggressively all day. Here, Will Hoffarth has a go at it, only to be chased down by a Colavita rider.
- Colavita and Kelly Benefits never took their eyes off each other.
- A wide run-in to a slightly narrower finish would cause problems later on in the race.
- Scott Zwizanski (Kelly Benefits) shows the strain of the pace.
- Winner a day earlier in Wilmington, Delaware, Zack Bell (Kelly Benefits) gets a pedal in the spokes and searches for his radio as he runs to the pits. Maybe wearing bib 13 wasn't working out for him.
- Upon arriving in the pits, Zack Bell found that teammate Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits) was experiencing a bit of misfortune, too.
- Next to try and escape was Colavita's Luis Amaran. It wouldn't last for long.
- After that, Jonathan Page (Battley Harley-Davidson) tried to get away but it was not to be today.
- Ramon Benitez (Immediate Mortgage) rode the final few laps with hand, elbow, hip and thigh injuries.
- With the entire field still intact on the final lap, things were going to get a bit crazy.
- Sure enough, riders go down after getting the bell.
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell Cycling) outsprints the field to take the win.
- The men's podium (l to r): Aldo Ino Ilesic (Team Type 1), Kirk O'Bee (Bissell Cycling) and Lucas Sebastian (Colavita Sutter Home).
Images by Marco Quezada/www.nyvelocity.com
- Laura Van Gilder (3D Sollay) looking very happy after winning yesterday at Wilmington.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) thinking on what lap she's going to breakaway.
- It was a start-studded field for the women's race.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) making it look easy.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) looked to be having too much fun.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) working hard to keep the gap on the field.
- Andrea Dvorack (Colavita/Sutter Home) chasing hard for her team.
- Laura Van Gilder (3D Sollay) lead a chase with the Australian National Team and Alison Powers in tow.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) takes a well deserved victory.
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell) tucked away in the field as it prepares for the sprint.
- Frank Pipp (Bissell) worked hard for the win and it paid off.
- Scott Zwizanski (Kelly Benefits Strategy) keeping the pace high.
- Sprinter Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home) tries his hand at a breakaway, but he was brought back.
- Michael Mathis (CRCA/Empire Cycling Team) on a borrowed bike after on accident right before the start of the race broke his bike.
- Michael Creed (Team Type 1) tries out his new machine.
- Shawn Milne (Team Type 1) had a good race.
- Baltimore's Patterson Park provided a great backdrop but the riders did not have time to enjoy it as it was a fast race.
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell) tries to stay out of trouble in a race filled with crashes.
- The previous night's rain left some puddles along the race course.
- A crash took out some of the favorites including Frank Travieso (Champion Porche) and Frank Pipp (Bissell) with one lap to go.
- A pile of bikes at the start line: Not what you want to see with one lap to go.
- Aldo Ino Ilesic (Team Type 1), Kirk O'Bee (Bissell) and Lucas Sebastian (Colavita/Sutter Home) start the sprint.
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell) came from behind in the sprint.
- The sprint gets a little hairy as the riders shift to the barriers.
- Men's podium (L-R): Aldo Ino Ilesic (Team Type 1), Kirk O'Bee (Bissell) and Lucas Sebastian (Colavita Sutter Home).
Images by Diego M. Radzinschi/www.fotonomad.net
- A Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma rider leads the peloton around the Pulaski Monument.
- Time for a quick shortcut... as the peloton passes the Pulaski Monument at Patterson Park.
- The pace was high throughout the pro men's race.
- Probably not the place to be as the pro men turn on the gas.
- Not quite single file but close enough in the pro men's race.
- The Kelly Benefit Strategy boys kept the pace high at the head of the peloton.
- Russ Langley (Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma) leads a three-rider escape.
- Jonathan Page (Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma) leads the peloton in the closing laps.
- Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis) rides at the front of the peloton.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) keeps the pace high in the last lap.
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell Pro Cycling) wins ahead of Aldo Ino Ilesic (Team Type 1) and Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light).
- The pro men's podium (l-r): Aldo Ino Ilesic (Team Type 1), Kirk O'Bee (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
- Lauren Kitchen (Australian National Team) initiates the wave of attacks that were a constant feature of the women's pro race.
- The pro women were even more strung out than the men.
- The Australian National Team stayed active at the front for the entire duration of the women's pro race.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) rides alone to win the women's pro race.
- Cath Cheatley (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) tried to bridge the gap to breakaway Bridie O'Donnell.
- Bridie O'Donnell (Australian National Team) wins in Baltimore after a gutsy solo move.
Images by
- Laura Van Gilder (C3-Sollay) finishes second in the women's pro race.
Bank of America Wilmington Grand Prix
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Images by Todd Leister/leister.smugmug.com
- The Australian National Team made an appearance at the Wilmington Grand Prix and placed Belinda Gross on the podium.
- A large women’s field combined with a short course and fast pace would force the officials to pull many riders early.
- Belinda Gross (Australian National Team) looks relaxed in the field.
- Dale Tye (Altarum) grimaces as she accelerates out of a turn.
- Colavita/Sutter Home and the Australian National Team cover an effort by Team Type 1.
- A SRAM mechanic provides some neutral support to a spectator.
- Having just two riders in the race didn’t stop C3 Sollay from finishing the day with top honours. Here, Kristine LaSasso keeps the pace high.
- Last year’s winner Laura McCaughey (Salamander) shows signs that she will have to wait for another day.
- C3 Sollay’s Kristine LaSasso plays havoc with the other team’s by launching an attack late in the race.
- The pace is flat out as the women get the bell. All the podium finishers can be seen near the front.
- Alison Powers (Team Type 1) pulls the field around on the final lap.
- Laura van Gilder (C3 Sollay) wins the 2009 Wilmington Grand Prix.
- Women’s podium (L-R): Belinda Gross (Australian National Team), Laura van Gilder (C3 Sollay) and Cath Cheatley (Colavita/Sutter Home).
- The men’s field receive final instructions at the start of the 2009 Wilmington Grand Prix.
- Team Bissell was active all race. Unfortunately, its efforts would come up short.
- A big field meant that improving your position was going to be a challenge.
- Kelly Benefits and Colavita/Sutter Home rode with confidence today, shutting out the other teams' dreams of a spot on the podium.
- Zach Bell (Kelly Benefits) leads team-mate Jonathan Mumford down the back straight.
- James Carney (Salamander) launches the first attack of the race.
- James Carney's (Salamander) attack caught the attention of others and the day’s first breakaway was formed.
- Tim Swain (Kenda) sets up for the fast turn three.
- The men’s field makes its way up the short hill between turns three and four.
- After the breakaway was absorbed, James Carney (Salamander) settled back into the field.
- Another breakaway was soon formed with all of the major teams represented.
- The breakaway worked well and gained time on the peloton.
- Team Bissell leads the pursuit to chase down the breakaway.
- Within a few laps, Team Bissell started to close the gap.
- Opportunists tried to escape, but were watched closely by the major teams.
- Bissell, Kelly Benefits and Colavita/Sutter Home set the stage in the closing laps.
- Bissell puts three on the front during the bell lap.
- Zach Bell just nips Colavita/Sutter Home’s Lucas Haedo at the line.
- Men’s podium (L-R): Lucas Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home), Zach Bell (Kelly Benefits) and Jake Keough (Kelly Benefits).
Images by Diego M. Radzinschi
- The peloton focuses on the start line.
- Dave Fuentes (Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma) chases the lead group in the closing laps.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) finished in fourth.
- The peloton flies by an old building typical of downtown Wilmington.
- Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light's Lucas Sebastian Haedo leads the peloton into the corner before the hill.
- The pace was consistently high in Wilmington.
- Thomas Soladay (Team Mountain Khakis) takes a sharp corner.
- Bobby Lea (OUCH/Maxxis) takes the quickest line through this corner.
- The peloton was flying and was stretched out accordingly.
- Keck Baker (Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma) attempted to break away from the chasing group and bridge to the leaders.
- Jonathan Page (Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma, right) tried to bridge the gap to the breakaways but was soon caught by the chasing peloton.
- Rich Harper (KENDA Pro Cycling p/b Spinergy) leads the chasing group.
- Chad Burdzilauskas (KENDA Pro Cycling p/b Spinergy) leads the chasing group in the closing laps.
- Chad Burdzilauskas (KENDA Pro Cycling p/b Spinergy) put in a big effort over the closing laps.
- Daniel Ramsey (Team Mountain Khaki) attempts to break away from the lead group in the closing laps.
- Five laps to go in the pro men's race.
- Zach Bell (Kelly Benefit Strategies) throws for the line to win the 2009 Wilmington Grand Prix.
- Zach Bell crosses ahead of Lucas Sebastian Haedo and his teammate Jake Keough.
- Zach Bell (Kelly Benefit Strategies) took home the bacon in Wilmington, ahead of Colavita Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light's Lucas Sebastian Haedo (left) and teammate Jake Keough (right).
GP Copenhagen-Odsherred Classic
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Images by Kenneth Møller Kristensen/www.cyclingworld.dk
- The leading trio forges ahead in the bleak conditions.
- Jacob Nielsen gets the win after making a solo break from the group of three escapees.
- The podium (l-r): Søren Pugdahl, Jacob Nielsen and Aleksejs Saramontis.
Dutch Food Valley Classic
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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts
- Greg Van Avermaet (Silence-Lotto) was focused on the start line.
- Lars Boom (Rabobank) zipps up and gets ready for nearly 210 kilometre of racing.
- Belgian champion Jurgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) was in contention by day's end.
- Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) was happy to be racing in his homeland.
- Servais Knaven (Team Milram) was looking relaxed on the start line.
- A small group of riders attack the peloton and draw out a small margin.
- The lead group pulled away from the peloton early in the race.
- Belgian Nick Nuyens (Rabobank) attacked in the breakaway hopeful of increasing its chances of survival.
- The lead group was narrowed to five riders as Vacansoleil picked up the pace in the peloton's chase.
- Dutch champion Lars Boom spent the day working for Rabobank team-mate Graeme Brown.
- Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team worked hard to bring the early break back to the peloton.
- Bobbie Traksel (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) tried a solo breakaway but the move failed to stick.
- Kenny van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) rodes safely in the peloton.
- Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) worked to control the front group for team-mate and compatriot Graeme Brown.
- Lars Boom (Rabobank) took over from Matthew Hayman as Rabobank tried to control the race.
- Belgian Sébastien Rosseler (Quick Step) led the group after the escape was caught.
- Servais Knaven (Team Milram) lost nearly a minute during the race.
- Australia's Graeme Brown (Rabobank) gave his all but could only manage second place.
- Podium (L-R): Graeme Brown (Rabobank), Kenny van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) and Steven De Jongh (Quick Step).
- Kenny van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) enjoys the spoils of his race win.
Presidential Tour of Iran
Stage 2 - May 12: Tehran - Qazvin, 120km
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Images by Keyvan Eqbalian
- Abdelbassat Hanachi (Algeria National Team) attacks early in stage two.
- A rider from Azad University attacks
- The riders started stage two at the Azadi Sport Complex.
- The jersey holders on the podium.
- The podium finishers for stage three (l-r) Hossein Nateghi (Azad University Team), Abdelbassat Hanachi (Algeria National Team) and Rafai Chtioui (Doha Team).
- The peloton en route to Qazvin.
Joe Martin Stage Race
Stage 1 - May 7: Individual Time Trial, 2.5 miles
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Images by Tom Ewart/www.nwaphoto.com
- Denise Ramsden (Kenda)
- One of the Jazz Apple riders
- Sabrina Savage (Veloforma)
- Floyd Landis (OUCH pb Maxxis) managed 39th.
- Rory Sutherland (OUCH pb Maxxis) on his way to second place.
4 Jours de Dunkerque
Stage 6 - May 10: Lesquin - Dunkerque, 172km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium to receive his final leader's jersey upon winning the general classification.
- André Greipel Team Columbia - Highroad) wins the final stage of the Four Jours de Dunkerque.
- A thumbs up from race winner Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium.
Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Caisse d'Epargne celebrates with unusual gusto.
- Everyone gets a sip of the celebratory champagne.
- Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa gets fired up with a bit of champagne.
- 'Hey, save some for me...'
- Adam Hansen hard at work as the loyal domestique.
- Caisse d'Epargne rides en masse during the final stage.
- Andre Greipel on the podium as best sprinter.
- Andre Greipel looking serious on the startline of the final stage.
- Greipel, Da Costa and Dumoulin line up before the final stage.
- The Besson Chaussures - Sojasun boys lead the Caisse d'Epargne crew.
- The team of overall winner Da Costa celebrates on the podium.
- Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa looking pleased with his place as overall leader before the final stage.
- And it's time for Da Costa to sign some autographs.
- Da Costa keeps watch at the head of proceedings.
- Da Costa rolls to the sign on ahead of the final stage.
- Portugal's hottest cycling property at the moment is Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa.
- David Boucher (Landbouwkrediet - Colnago) gets kisses on the podium.
- Most aggressive rider was David Boucher.
- David Lelay was best continental rider.
- Andre Greipel (Columbia-Highroad) on the podium to receive his best sprinter jersey.
- Frenchman David Boucher hits out off the front during the final stage.
- The day's second break got away later in the stage.
- Boucher continued to drive the pace in the elite selection.
- Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil) sits in the break that dangled off the front.
- AG2R - La mondiale rider Cyril Dessel sits in fourth wheel.
- Caisse d'Epargne's Luis Pasamontes Rodriguez sits in on the front of the field.
- Andre Greipel wins the final stage in Dunkerque.
- He's back! Andre Greipel is back in top form after a long injury layoff.
- Greipel takes the win over Jurgen Roelandts and Sébastien Chavanel.
- A very pleased Andre Greipel salutes after the finish.
- The day's first escape got clear early in the stage.
- The peloton kept tabs on the break as the stage progressed.
- The peloton wound up the pace at the right time to bring back the break.
- Pierrick Fredrigo hangs out after the stage.
- Alex Rasmussen (l) and Greg Henderson shoot thr breeze before the start.
- Pretty in pink... for Portuguese rider Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa.
- Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa on the podium as overall winner in Dunkerque,
- The accolades go to Da Costa after taking out the 55th 4 Jours de Dunkerque.
- The evergreen Samuel Dumoulin celebrates his mountains title on the podium.
- And he enjoys the kisses that come with that win.
- The jersey fits Samuel in Dunkerque.
- The final podium (l-r): Cyril Lemoine, Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa and David Lelay.
- Caisse d'Epargne's Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa stands on the podium.
- The day's first escape gets away early on.
- It was hard work keeping the break off the front.
- The second break had some diesel power with the likes of David Boucher and Baden Cooke.
- This is going to get messy... as the Caisse d'Epargne boys celebrate with champagne.
- So it's time to hide for cover when the spray gets serious.
Stage 5 - May 9: Hazebrouck - Boeschepe, 195km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Pierrick Fedrigo (BBox Bouygues Telecom) wins stage five.
Stage 4 - May 8: Gayant Expo (ITT), 18km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Sébastien Rosseler (Quick Step) rides to victory in the 4 days of Dunkirk time trial.
- Sébastien Rosseler (Quick Step) on the podium for stage winner.
- Sébastien Rosseler (Quick Step) also took the leader's pink jersey.
Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Yann Pivois (Bretagne - Schuller) says, darn, I forgot my aero helmet!
- Alexandre Pichot (Bbox Bouygues Telecom)
- Alex Rasmussen (Saxo Bank) finished ninth.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) puts his feet up before the time trial.
- Arnaud Coyot and Rosseler await their start.
- Arnaud Gerard (FdJ) can barely contain his excitement.
- Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil)
- Bert Grabsch (Columbia-Highroad).
- David Le Lay heads out for his run at the 18km course.
- Gert Steegmans and Kenny Van Hummel kill the time before starting the time trial.
- Greg Henderson (Columbia-Highroad) his usual smiling self.
- Landbouwkrediet-Colnago using the new Shimano.
- Bikes are measured to make sure they meet the rules.
- Last minute adjustments.
- UCI commissaires check over the bikes carefully.
- Jerome Pineau (Quick Step) had reason to smile after finishing 12th.
- Jimmy Casper and Frederic Guesdon have a chat.
- Jurgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) looking thrilled about the upcoming time trial.
- Kenny van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) in the start house.
- Llody Mondory (AG2R) gets ready to start.
- Llody Mondory (AG2R) experiences the agony that is the result of time trialing.
- Luis Pasamontes (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Marlon Perez (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Mathieu Drujon (Caisse d'Epargne) heads down the start ramp.
- Mathieu Ladagnous (FdJ) in total concentration before the time trial.
- Olivier Bonnaire (Bbox Bouygues Telecom)
- Perrick Fedrigo (Bbox Bouygues Telecom)
- World champ Bert Grabsch (Columbia-Highroad) managed only 7th.
- Roman Feillu (Agritubel) gets underway.
- Rui Da Costa (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Da Costa embarks on the 18km suffer-fest.
- Sebastien Minard (Cofidis) used the age-old trick of menthol-soaked cotton in the nose, but it didn't keep him from losing the pink jersey.
- Sébastien Rosseler (Quick Step) on his way to the victory.
- Wesley Sulzberger (FdJ) and Jonny Bellis (Saxo Bank) await the start.
- Wesley Sulzberger (FdJ) looking relaxed before his time trial.
Images by Nicolas Götz/www.sport-phot.com
- Sebastian Rosseler (Quick Step) rides to victory.
- French rider Sébastien Minard (Cofidis) with his pink leader's jersey.
- André Greipel (High Road) rides in the green jersey.
- Loyd Mondory (Ag2r La Mondiale) lost places on general classification.
- Rui Da Costa (Caisse d'Epargne) took second place on general classification.
- Bbox Bouygues Telecom's Japanese rider Yukiya Arashiro.
- Frenchman Cyril Lemoine (Skil Shimano) took fourth place on general classification.
- Imanol Erviti (Caisse d'Epargne) was 24th on the course.
- Bert Grabsch (Columbia-Highroad) always looks slick in the UCI World Champion colours.
- Bastien Delrot (Roubaix Lille Métropole) had to ride in the rain with the early starters.
Stage 3 - May 7: Blèriot-Plage - Béthune, 228km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Sebastien Duret (Bretagne - Schuller) wins stage three.
- Overall leader and French rider Sebastien Minard (Cofidis) smiles on the podium.
- Frenchman Sebastien Duret (Bretagne - Schuller ) celebrates as he crosses the finish line as the winner of the third stage.
Stage 2 - May 6: Coudekerque-branche - Arques, 178km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) wins stage two after spending 155 kilometres off the front in a break caught only three kilometres from the finish line.
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) celebrates his stage win.
- Stage winner Jimmy Engoulvent on the podium.
- André Greipel (Team Columbia - Highroad) is the new race leader at the Four Jours de Dunkerque.
Stage 1 - May 5: Dunkerque - Dunkerque, 186km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Kenny Van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) won the first stage and takes over the leader's jersey.
- Kenny Van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) celebrates his victory.
- Kenny Van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) collects his flowers and trophy.
- Kenny Van Hummel (Skil - Shimano) on the podium after winning stage one of the Four Jours de Dunkerque.
Trophée des Grimpeurs
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Images by Fabrice Lambert/www.sportbreizh.com
- Anthony Geslin (FdJ) wins the sprint for second.
- Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) lived up to his status of favourite.
- Aude Biannic was happy to take the sprint for fourth place and top junior.
- The Bouygues Telecom fans were out in force.
- Fans cheer on Longo as she comes through for the win.
- Jeannie Longo takes her third straight win in the Trophee Grimpeurs.
- The women's podium Edwige Patel, Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli and Karine Gautard Roussel
- The top women in the Coupe de France. Aude Biannic (Junior), Marina Juanatre (Senior) and Christine Majerus
- The men's podium: Anthony Geslin (FdJ), Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) and Nicolas Jalabert (Agritubel)
GP Industria & Artigianato-Larciano
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Daniele Callegarin (Centri della Calzatura) seems pretty surprised to have won.
- Daniele Callegarin (Centri della Calzatura) takes home the big prize.
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) takes it easy in the peloton.
- The 2009 podium: Jackson Rodriguez (Diquigiovanni), Daniele Callegarin (Centri della Calzatura) and Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes)
- Daniele Callegarin (Centri della Calzatura) takes home his first pro win.
- It's a painful sprint for Gabriele Bosisio (LPR Brakes)
Giro di Toscana
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla/www.ciclismoweb.net
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes Farnese Vini) takes the sprint in the Giro di Toscana.
Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes Farnese Vini) wins by several lengths.
- Manuel Belletti (Diquigiovanni) gets a nice trophy for second place.
- The Toscana podium: Ruggero Marzoli (Acqua e Sapone), Alessandro Petacchi (LPR) and Manuel Belletti (Diquigiovanni)
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes Farnese Vini) was unstoppable in the sprint.
GP Herning
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Images by Kenneth Møller Kristensen/www.CyclingWorld.dk
- René Jørgensen (Team Designa Køkken) wins the sprint over team-mate Michael Reihs.
- It was a tough but rewarding day for the Team Designa Køkken riders.
- Podium (L-R): Michael Reihs (Team Designa Kokken), René Jørgensen (Team Designa Køkken) and Allan Johansen (Team Designa Kokken).
- The podium celebrations begin between the three teammates.
Eschborn-Frankfurt Loop, U23
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Images by AFP Photo
- Fabian Wegmann (Milram) wins the Eschborn-Frankfurt City Loop ahead of Karsten Kroon (Saxo Bank), l.
- German Champion Fabian Wegmann (Milram) wins on home soil at the Eschborn-Frankfurt City Loop.
Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- The peloton rolls across the finish line as it starts another lap.
- There was some unusual entertainment on display for the fans, in between laps by the peloton.
- Former professional cyclist Rudi Altig counts down the remaining laps.
- German Christian Knees (Team Milram) leads the front group as it starts another lap.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) was watched closely by Karsten Kroon (Team Saxo Bank) as the final lap started.
- Karsten Kroon (Team Saxo Bank) checks the margin as he starts the final lap.
- Rabobank's Paul Martens leads the chase group with one lap remaining.
- Patrik Sinkewitz (PSK Whirlpool - Author) rides in the peloton as the race nears an end.
- The sprint is on between Karsten Kroon (Team Saxo Bank) and Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) on the final lap.
- Karsten Kroon (Team Saxo Bank) realises he can't keep up with his German rival.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) milks the celebrations after beating Karsten Kroon in a sprint.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) looked pretty pleased with his race win.
- Celebrations begin for Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) after his race win.
- Christian Knees (Team Milram) gave the squad more to cheer about with his third place finish.
- All of the Team Milram riders came home smiling after a successful day for the German squad.
- As happy as Team Milram: Matthias Russ, Gerald Ciolek, Fabian Wegmann and Christian Knees celebrate after claiming first and third.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) sure was happy after claiming victory.
- Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) celebrates his victory on the podium.
- Podium (L-R): Karsten Kroon (Team Saxo Bank), Fabian Wegmann (Team Milram) and Christian Knees (Team Milram).
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Images by Florian & Susanne Schaaf/www.cyclingpictures.de
- Australian Jack Bobridge wins the sprint
- Austrian Daniel Schorn makes it close.
- The trophy for first place.
- Bobridge is congratulated after the podium ceremony.
- Austrian Daniel Schorn took second to Bobridge.
- Jack Bobridge (Australia) celebrates after winning the U23 Eschborn - Frankfurt City race
- Prof. Dr. Daniela Birkenfeld departmental head of sports affairs of the city of Frankfurt presents Bobridge with the trophy.
- Jack Bobridge (Australia) takes to the podium after his win.
Sunny King Criterium
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Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com
- Jen McRae (Team Type 1) is ready to race.
- Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) is all smiles on the start line.
- Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) follows the wheel of a Tibco rider.
- The two women break away forms during the race.
- Leigh Hopkins (Vanderkitten) concentrates in a turn.
- Kirsten Davis (BMW-Bianchi) rides in the peloton.
- The field enters turn one of the Sunny King course.
- Colavita-Sutter Home was on the front early.
- Brooke Miller (Tibco) pips Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home) at the line for the women's win.
- The men’s field lines up and is ready for action.
- John Murphy (OUCH-Maxxis) was very active during the race.
- A Bissell rider moves to the front then attacks.
- Men's podium (L-R): John Murphy, Karl Menzies, and Kyle Wamsley.
Tour de Bretagne Cycliste
Stage 7 - May 1: Douarnenez - Quimperlé, 153.6km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert/www.tourdebretagne.fr
- Sander Armee (Beveren 2000 / Quick Step) wins his second stage of the Tour de Bretagne.
- Julien Fouchard celebrates as he crossed the finish line knowing he's just won the overall classification.
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes D’Armor Cyclisme / Maitre Jacques) is the winner of the Tour de Bretagne.
- Overall winner Julien Fouchard stands on the podium with Bernard Hinault and race organiser Christophe Fossani (L & R).
Stage 6 - April 30: Douarnenez - Douarnenez (ITT), 24km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert/www.tourdebretagne.fr
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof)
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures Sojasun) took fourth on the day.
- Timofey Kritskiy (Katusha) on his way to the win.
- Mountains leader Philipp Mamos (Amore & Vita Mc Donalds)
- Michel Kreder (Rabobank continental) wore the jersey for best young rider, as Alexander Kristoff also led the points classification.
- Green jersey Alexandre Kristoff (Joker Bianchi) lost the best young rider title to Kritskiy on the day.
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes d'Armor) put in a stellar time trial to maintain his overall lead.
- Timofey Kritskiy (Katusha) won the stage with a great time trial.
- Mountains leader Philipp Mamos (Amore & Vita Mc Donalds)
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof) in white, too.
- Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi) kept the green points jersey.
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof) gets the orange jersey from Bernard Hinault.
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof) has the orange sprint jersey.
- Timofey Kritskiy (Katusha) moved into second overall and best young rider with his winning time trial.
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes d'Armor) may be an amateur, but rode the time trial like a seasoned pro.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Jan Ghyselinck (Beveren 2000) has a bright future in the sport.
Stage 5 - April 29: Saint-Brieuc - Ploeren, 169.9km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Stage winner Jimmy Engoulvent met cycling legend Bernard Hinault before going on stage.
- Julien Fouchard said he's confident in keeping his leader jersey after the time trial.
Images by Fabrice Lambert/www.tourdebretagne.fr
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof)
- The peloton approaches the finish line.
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures Sojasun) wins stage five after being off the front nearly the entire stage.
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures Sojasun) receives his awards for winning stage five.
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures Sojasun) collects a kiss.
- Philipp Mamos (Amore & Vita Mc Donalds) leads the mountains classification and gets a handshake from Bernard Hinault.
- Bram Schmitz receives a hand from Bernard Hinault with the sprint classification jersey.
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof)
- Norwegian Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi) on the podium with his green jersey for leading the points competition.
- Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi) leads the young rider's classification.
- Bernard Hinault assists Julien Fouchard with the leader's jersey.
- Race leader Julien Fouchard on the podium.
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes D’Armor Cyclisme / Maitre Jacques) remains race leader after five stages.
- The ladies love Bernard Hinault.
- The peloton makes its way to Ploeren.
Stage 4 - April 28: Matignon - Perros Guirec, 156.2km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Stage winner Sander Armee looked very happy on the beautiful coast side of Perros-Guirec.
- Sander Armee thought he could win a stage at the Tour de Bretagne, he did it!
- Bram Schmitz attacks every day!
- Alexander Kristoff still leads the points classification.
Images by Fabrice Lambert
- The peloton climbs during stage four.
- Sander Armee (Beveren 2000 / Quick Step) claimed an 11 second stage win.
- Belgian Sander Armee (Beveren 2000 / Quick Step) on the podium after his stage win.
- Sander Armee (Beveren 2000 / Quick Step) is congratulated after his stage win.
- Sander Armee (Beveren 2000 / Quick Step) on the podium.
- Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianch) continues to lead the points classification.
- Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianch) dons the points jersey.
- Norway's Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianch) collects a kiss or two.
- Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianch) also leads the young rider classification.
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof) leads the sprint classification.
- Bram Schmitz (Van Vliet Ebh Elshof) collects another jersey.
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes D’Armor Cyclisme / Maitre Jacques) continues to lead the race.
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes D’Armor Cyclisme / Maitre Jacques) continues to lead the race.
Stage 3 - April 27: Fougères - Saint-Cast le Guildo, 161km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Laurent Mangel won stage three of the Tour de Bretagne.
- Points classification leader Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi) enjoys the support of the crowd and the coastal Breton scenery.
- Julien Fouchard remains the race leader despite many troubles.
Images by Fabrice Lambert/www.tourdebretagne.fr
- On the Waterfront it isn't such great weather for racing.
- Laurent Mangel (Besson Chaussures Sojasun) wins stage three into Saint-Cast le Guildo.
- Frenchman Laurent Mangel with the spoils of his day's endeavours.
- Philipp Mamos (Amore & Vita McDonalds) on the podium as mountains classification leader.
- Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi) on the podium.
- Norwegian Alexander Kristoff leads the points classification.
- You can't keep Alexander Kristoff off the podium.
- As his beanie suggests, Julien Fouchard is loving his time as leader of the race.
Stage 2 - April 26: Treffieux - Fougères, 153.3km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Julien Fouchard (Cotes D’Armor Cyclisme / Maitre Jacques) on the podium as winner of stage two.
- The crowd in Fougères gets a look at the day's victor.
- All smiles for a suprised Julien Fouchard on the podium.
Stage 1 - April 25: Nantes - Vallet, 159km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- The man break of the day with Erwan Brenterc'h (Côtes d'Armor-Maître Jacques), Ryan Wills (Pôle continental wallon), Mickaël Renou (U Nantes-Atlantique) and Volodymyr Starchyk (Amore e Vita).
- Dennis Van Winden won the first stage in Vallet.
- Van Winden is rewarded for a big solo effort.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Rabobank's Dennis Van Winden in front of the French, Breton and Vallet flags.
- Breakaway man Volodymyr Starchyk is the first king of the mountains.
- Local rider Mickaël Renou (U Nantes-Atlantique) leads the hot spot sprints competition.
- Dennis Van Winden (Rabobank) doesn't look too impressed on the podium.
East Midlands International CiCLE Classic
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Images by Gerry McManus/www.gerrymcmanus.co.uk
- Ian Wilkinson gets the winner's jersey and trophy.
- The taste of success - Wilkinson with his trophy.
- Wikinson wins it.
- Wikinson spraying the crowd with champagne.
- Wilkinson holds on in the sprint ahead of Berling.
- Yanto Barker leads the break around Rutland Water.
- Martyn Irvine - pre-crash!
- Backstedt has a go on the front of the early break.
- Will Bjergfelt (Sports Beans) attacks the main field.
- The bunch takes a break.
- Irvine leads the break.
- Backstedt's team on the front.
- Graham Briggs (Pinarello CandiTV) and Tom Southam (Rapha Condor) lead the break.
- The break on the gravel roads.
- Lapthorne leads the break on the gravel roads.
- Bjergfelt and Andy Roche (Pinarello CandiTV) on the front of the bunch.
- Backstedt back on rough roads ahead of Kit Gilham (Simga Specialised).
- Martyn Irvine (Ireland) leads Lapthorne and Barker.
- The peloton takes on the gravel roads.
- Tough day in the saddle for Rob Wardell (Kinesis UK).
- Dirty and tired Sean Lacey (Ireland).
- Ian Wilkinson (Team Halfords-BikeHut) wins the East Midlands International CiCLE Classic.
Dana Point Grand Prix
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Images by Vero Image
- Rock Racing's Rahsaan Bahati has time to celebrate his victory at Sunday's Dana Point Grand Prix.
- Podium (L-R): Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home), Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing) and Jeremiah Wiscovitch (SC Velo/Incycle).
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Nikki Butterfield won the women's race.
- Floyd Landis (OUCH Pro Cycling) in action.
- The men's field is a blur of motion and colour.
- Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing) takes home the men's victory in style.
Historic Roswell Criterium
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Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com
- Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) leans hard into a turn.
- Women's podium (L-R): Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO), Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Jennifer McRae (Team Type 1).
- Morgan Pattom (Team Type 1) on the cobbles of turn four.
- Team TIBCO fought hard in the women's race.
- Kristin Bowers (Sorella Cycling) rides in the pack.
- Leigh Valletti Hopkins (Vanderkitten) concentrates before the start of the professional women’s criterium.
- Christi-An Hensley (Team Medplan) is all smiles before entering the pain cave.
- Colavita/Sutter Home was on the front early in the women's race.
- Atlanta John Murphy (OUCH-Maxxis) raced in front of his hometown crowd in Roswell.
- Team Type 1 early in the race.
- Australian Criterium Champion Bernard Sulzberger (Fly V Australia) tries to escape.
- Local resident Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing) garnered loud cheers from the crowd.
- Men’s podium (L-R): Kyle Wamsley (Colavita/Sutter Home), Tom Soladay (Mountain Khakis) and Zac Bell (Kelly Benefit Strategies).
Images by Brandon Andrews Photography
- Women's podium (L-R): Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO), Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Jennifer McRae (Team Type 1).
- Men’s podium (L-R): Kyle Wamsley (Colavita/Sutter Home), Tom Soladay (Mountain Khakis) and Zac Bell (Kelly Benefit Strategies).
Athens Twilight Criterium
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Images by Emory Ball
- Brooke Miller (TIBCO) wasted no time and went on the attack from the start.
- TIBCO clearly meant to make the race hard as soon as Miller is caught Tamayo goes on the attack.
- Dana Martin (BMW-Bianchi) in the early part of the race.
- This break containing Lauren Tamayo (TIBCO) and Jacquelyn Crowell (Team Type 1) stayed clear in the mid section of the race.
- Christy Blakley (BMW Bianchi) and Leigh Hopkins (Vanderkitten) fight the pain to stay in contact.
- Laura Bowles (Vanderkitten) launched an attack to try and get up to the break.
- Colavita is forced to chase.
- Kirsten Davis (BMW Bianchi) grits her teeth to stay in position in the closing laps.
- Kori Seehafer (Team Type 1) tries again to get a break clear.
- Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom - L) and Seehafer are caught and the stage is set for a field sprint.
Images by Brandon Andrews Photography
- Adrian Hegyvary (Hagens-Berman) leads Mark Hekman and Heath Blackgrove in the closing laps.
- Mark Hekman (Mtn. Khakis) was aggressive throughout the night.
Giro del Trentino
Stage 4 - April 25: Sillan (Aut) - Pejo Fonti, 214.2km
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- Riders start the final day of the Giro del Trentino.
- Italian Ivan Basso (Liquigas) checks his bike before the start of Giro del Trentino stage four.
- Trentino roads
- Giro del Trentino countryside
- Gilberto Simoni (Diquigiovanni)
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas) celebrates after winning the overall of the Giro del Trentino. It was his first win in three years.
- Giro del Trentino race winner Ivan Basso (Liquigas) gives a press conference.
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas) talks after winning the Giro del Trentino overall.
- Italy's Ivan Basso (Liquigas) after his first win in three years.
Stage 3 - April 24: Tesero - Innervillgraten (Aut), 165.5km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla/www.ciclismoweb.net
- Robert Hunter (Barloworld) wins stage three ahead of Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo) and Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini).
Images by Giro del Trentino
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) finished third.
- Robert Hunter (Barloworld) survived the mountains and was able to win the stage in Innervillgraten, Austria.
- Gilberto Simoni (Diquigiovanni)
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
- Austrian/Italian boarder
- I Dolomiti in stage three of the Giro del Trentino.
- The Dolomiti
- Mountains: Passo Sella
- The GPM: Passo Sella
- Snow in April: Giro del Trentino stage three.
- Austria
- World War I memorial
- Robert Hunter (Barloworld) celebrated as Giro del Trentino stage three winner.
- Backside of the podium presentation.
- Janez Brajkovic (Astana) holds the overall lead of the Giro del Trentino.
- Overall leader Janez Brajkovic (Astana) lets the bubbly go.
Stage 2 - April 23: Riva del Garda - Alpe di Pampeago, 141km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla/www.ciclismoweb.net
- Przemyslaw Niemec (Miche - Silver Cross - Selle Italia) won stage two and moved up to third on general classification.
Images by Giro del Trentino
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas) signs in for the Giro del Trentino stage two.
- AG2R La Mondiale greeted at the day's sign in.
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas) charges on the Alpe di Pampeago
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) finishes ahead of Pietro Caucchioli (Lampre-NGC) in Giro del Trentino stage two.
- Le Miss wait for the day's winners.
- Podium girls wait for the presentation.
- Janez Brajkovic (Astana) as new race leader after Giro del Trentino stage two.
Stage 1 - April 22: Torbole - Arco (ITT), 16.3km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla/www.ciclismoweb.net
- Andreas Klöden (Astana) on his way to victory.
- Andreas Klöden (Astana) takes the stage win and the first leader's jersey of the Giro del Trentino.
Images by Giro del Trentino
- Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) rode to a modest 74th place.
- Liquigas' Ivan Basso is looking lean and fast ahead of the Giro d'Italia.
- Astana's Andreas Klöden was the fastest on the day, and celebrated on the podium.
Tour du Finistère
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Images by Freddy Guérin/www.photos-finish.com
- Dimitri Champion (Bretagne - Schuller) made the right move.
- Dimitri Champion (Bretagne - Schuller) gave his team a big victory.
- Podium: (l-r) Pierrick Fédrigo (BBox Bouygues Telecom) , Dimitri Champion (Bretagne - Schuller) and Anthony Geslin (Française des Jeux).
GP Nobili Rubinetterie
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Images by Riccardo/www.ciclismoweb.net
- Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf) sprints to victory ahead of Fortunato Baliani (CSF Group - Navigare), left, and Andriy Grivko (ISD).
Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it
- The GP Nobili podium (l-r) Fortunato Baliani (CSF Group - Navigare), Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf) and Andriy Grivko (ISD).
- Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf) has plenty of time to celebrate his victory.
- Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf) wins the GP Nobili Rubinetterie.
Presidential Cycling Tour
Stage 8 - April 19: Antalya - Alanya , 166km
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Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- Patrick Calcagni helped Darryl Impey reach the finish line.
- Team Barloworld received the yellow jersey won by Darryl Impey.
- Sebastian Siedler (Vorarlberg - Corratec) wins the Alanya stage.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The Tour of Turkey is popular. Riders like Daniel Schorn, who finished 2nd in stage 7, sign autographs on local kids' jerseys.
- Race leader Daryl Impey was happy and motivated before the final stage.
- Stage winner Sebastian Siedler commented on his victory after the finish.
- Oranges and bananas to celebrate the 45th Presidential Tour of Turkey in Alanya.
- Dignitaries with the top three of the last stage in Alanya.
- Team Barloworld received the yellow jersey on behalf of Daryl Impey who was at the hospital at the times of celebrations. From left to right, Paolo Longo Borghini, Patrick Calcagni, Alberto Volpi, Giampaolo Cheula and Diego Caccia.
Stage 7 - April 18: Finike - Antalya, 114.5km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The Turkish riders in a Turkish atmosphere.
- Robert Förster after winning the seventh stage.
- TV interview for Robert Förster.
- Big screen for Robert Förster.
- Daniel Schorn, Robert Förster and Marco Frapporti (l-r) shared the honours in Antalya.
- A name to remember: Daniel Schorn , 20 years old from Austria, second in Antalya.
- One more day in yellow for Daryl Impey.
- Daryl Impey made a new friend in Turkey , Emin Müftüoglü, the president of the national cycling federation.
- There were still riders on the road (see the big screen above) when Daryl Impey celebrated his yellow jersey.
- Closing shot for Daryl Impey and king of the mountains Gonzalo Rabunal Rios.
Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- Race leader Darryl Impey rides behind his teammate Gian-Paolo Cheula.
- The breakaway of the day with Team Milram driving the pace.
- First win of 2009 for German Robert Förster.
- The podium of stage 7 (l-r) Daniel Schorn, Robert Förster and Marco Frapporti.
Stage 6 - April 17: Fethiye - Finike, 194km
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Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- Danilo Hondo (PSK Whirlpool) loses out to Mauro Finetto (CSF) after celebrating too early in the sprint.
- A huge crowd gathered at the finish of the stage 6 in Finike
- Mauro Finetto (CSF Group Navigare) wins stage 6
- David Loosli, in yellow, is helped to the finish by his Lampre teammate Volodymir Zagorodny after he crashed 25km from the line.
- Daryl Impey (Barloworld) takes to the podium after assuming the overall lead in the Presidential Tour.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Daryl Impey was very focused prior to the race
- Last mechanical verification for Turkish Beauty Sprints leader Alessandro Fantini.
- In the morning David Loosli was confident to keep the yellow jersey
- Local spectacle for the riders of the Tour of Turkey
- Well done, Filippo, said Danilo Hondo to the man who stole the stage win from him .
- Top 3 in Finike: Danilo Hondo, Filippo Savini and Diego Milan
- Helly Daryl Impey! The new yellow jersey of the Tour of Turkey.
- Daryl Impey (Barloworld) waves goodbye from the podium.
- One more pic in yellow for Impey
- Daryl Impey also took the green jersey.
Stage 5 - April 16: Marmaris - Fethiye, 130km
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Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- Yellow jersey holder David Loosli with Alessandro Fantini, holder of the blue sprint classification jersey.
- The Turkish riders want to do well every day.
- Olivier Kaisen (Silence - Lotto) was the strongest in Fethiye.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , the founder of the Republic of Turkey, is everywhere and the Barloworld riders admired it in Marmaris.
- Markus Fothen (Team Milram) showed good form in Turkey but was frustrated after slipping with 3km to go in stage 4.
- Diego Caccia looking cool prior to going for the attacks and being one of the stars of stage 5.
- The Milram team enjoyed the scenery in Marmaris.
- David Loosli and the Lampre team were well focused to defend the yellow jersey.
- Stage winner Olivier Kaisen looked relaxed and happy before the race.
- Consolation time for runner up Alessandro Fantini.
- A well deserved victory for Olivier Kaisen.
- Olivier Kaisen salutes the Turkish crowd.
- The heroes of the day (l-r): Alessandro Fantini, Olivier Kaisen and Diego Caccia.
- Alessandro Fantini and David Loosli enjoyed the jerseys and the company.
Stage 4 - April 15: Bodrum - Marmaris, 166.9km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Darryl Impey has scored a great win in Turkey.
- David Loosli and Darryl Impey discussed the final sprint.
- Darryl Impey has made it!
- A smiling trio: (l-r) Davide Malacarne, Darryl Impey and David Loosli.
- Gonzalo Rabunal (Xacobeo Galicia) is the new king of the mountains.
- David Loosli congratulated by race organizer Emin Müftüoglü who is the president of the Turkish cycling federation. who is the president of the Turkish cycling federation.
- David Loosli is happy to be in yellow at the Tour of Turkey.
Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- Darryl Impey (Barloworld) wins the stage in Marmaris.
- The CSF Group - Navigare team works in the rain.
- The stage finish podium: (l-r) Davide Malacarne , Darryl Impey and David Loosli.
- David Loosli rides in the winning break of stage four.
Stage 3 - April 14: Kusadasi - Bodrum, 166.1km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The Tour of Turkey looks like a holiday trip.
- The CSF Group - Navigare team is well focused on the defense of Mauro Finetto's yellow jersey.
- South Africans Robert Hunter and Darryl Impey prepared for their sprinting tactics with the idea of cruising.
- Danilo Hondo is happy to be back in action with PSK Whirlpool-Author.
- The German National Team discovered how much Turkey pays tribute to their leader Mustafa Kamal Atatürk.
- Stage winner André Schulze gears up for the jersey ceremony.
- The stage's podium finishers (l-r): Giuseppe Palumbo, André Schulze and Darryl Impey.
- Race leader Mauro Finetto had to salute all the dignitaries in Bodrum.
Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- André Schulze (PSK Whirlpool - Author) wins the third stage, his first victory of 2009.
- Podium: (l-r) Giuseppe Palumbo, André Schulze and Darryl Impey.
- A Turkish rider leads the peloton out of a tunnel.
- Start of the third stage in Kusadasi.
Stage 2 - April 13: Izmir - Kusadasi, 132.5km
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- A clock at the start in Izmir.
- Race leader Mauro Finetto in good company prior to the start in Izmir.
- Kevin Hulsmans enjoyed the Turkish sun before finishing 6th on stage 2.
- Croatian champion Miroslav Danculovic and his Loborika team aren't afraid to challenge the ProTour teams in Turkey.
- David Garcia Dapena double checked his bike before riding - and winning - stage 2.
- Theo Bos and the Rabobank team looked happy and ambitious in Izmir.
- Sebastian Siedler, David Garcia Dapena and André Schulze (l-r) on the podium.
- Mauro Finetto was awarded the green jersey.
Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- The peloton enjoyed perfect weather during stage two.
- Riders await the start in Izmir.
- David Garcia Dapena (Xacobeo Galicia) wins stage two in Kusadasi.
Stage 1 - April 12: Istanbul - Istanbul, 142km
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Images by Presidential Cycling Tour
- The peloton heads through historic Istanbul.
- David García (Xacobeo-Galicia) goes on the attack.
- David García (Xacobeo-Galicia)
- The attacks fly on the final circuit.
Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- The riders in front of Hagia Sofia while president Abdullah Gül (on the tv screen) is ready to start the 45th Presidential Tour of Turkey
- Olivier Kaisen and the Silence-Lotto team have a good appetite in Turkey
- Winning trio prior to the ceremony: Ruggero Marzoli, Mauro Richeze and Mauro Finetto.
- Marzoli, Finetto and Richeze share the honours
- Giant screen and historical Hagia Sofia church at the back for Marzoli, Finetto and Richeze.
- First time in yellow for Mauro Finetto
Paris-Camembert
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Images by AFP Photo
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) takes the victory at Paris-Camembert Lepetit.
- Jimmy Casper had a lot to smile about.
- Podium (l-r): Alexander Efimkin (AG2R La Mondiale) , Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) and Romain Feillu (Agritubel).
- Jimmy Casper on the podium holding his wheel of cheese and bouquet of flowers.
Albert Achterhes Profronde van Drenthe
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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts
- Maurizio Biondo (Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce) triumphs in the Albert Achterhes Profronde van Drenthe while runner-up Kenny Robert Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) expresses how he feels with second place.
- The Albert Achterhes Profronde van Drenthe podium finishers Kenny Robert Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano), Maurizio Biondo (Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce) and Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf), l-r.
- Bert Roesems (Cinelli - Down Under) was the only rider from his team to finish.
- Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil) keeps pace with the frontrunners.
- Tom Veelers (Skil Shimano) sticks his nose out into the wind off the front.
- Arjen De Baat (Van Vliet EBH Elshof) finished in 12th.
- There's big of weighing up going on in the peloton as it heads up one of the bergs.
- Dennis Van Winden (Rabobank Continental) after finishing eighth.
Paris-Roubaix Juniors
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Images by Tom De Meyer/www.TomDeMeyer.be
- Belgian Guillaume Van Keirsbulck entered the vélodrome ahead of the others.
- Five riders came into the final lap together.
- Arnaud Demare (l) and Sean De Bie show their track experience.
- Ahead of the chasers, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck had a comfortable enough lead.
- Guillaume Van Keirsbulck could enjoy the final metres to the line.
- Arnaud Demare wins the sprint for the second place, ahead of Barry Marcus. Sean de Bie is obviously happy for fourth.
- Ivan Savitskiy finished sixth
- Danish rider Sebastian Lander escaped for seventh in the end.
- Joël Peter of Switzerland stormed to a top ten, a half minute behind the winner.
- Romain Guillemois came home in eighth place.
Klasika Primavera
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Images by Susanne Goetze / www.cyclinginside.com
- Xacobeo-Galicia has good team spirits.
- Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel-Euskadi) hangs in there.
- Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) is all smiles before the start.
- Schleck tried out new rain gear but it turned out to be not so aero.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC, l) and Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas, r) wait for the rain to clear.
- Egoi Martínez and Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) also tried to stay dry.
- Fränk Schleck (Saxo Bank) checked the weather report moments before the start.
- Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the climb
- Valverde won the sprint of the small front group.
- Valverde on the podium
Novilon Ronde
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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts
- Mara Abbott (Team Columbia High Road)
- Mirjam Melchers-van Poppel (Team Flexpoint)
- Linda Melanie Villumsen (Team Columbia-Highroad Women)
- The Leontien.nl ladies had a few communication problems before the race.
- Marianne Vos before the start.
- Marianne Vos.
- Alexandra Greenfield (Great Britain National Team)
- Climbing The Vamberg, the same one the bunch encounters on Monday.
- DSB worked for Marianne Vos early on.
- Eva Lutz leads the charge
- Eyelien Bekkering (Team Jitec Products Uck) screaming in pain
- Emilia Fahlin (Team Columbia-Highroad Women)
- Eva Lutz (Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung) gives it a go up the Vamberg.
- Katherine Bates rides up the Vamberg in first spot.
- Looks like the Arenberg forest and probably feels like it, too.
- Marianne Vos (DSB Bank) concentrated during the race.
- Marianne Vos leads on the rough Keien and put her cyclo-cross experience to good use.
- Marianne Vos dominated the sprint of the front group.
- Sometimes being off the road is a good thing.
- Emma Johansson finished third.
- Who has the sadder face, third-placed Emma Johansson (Red Sun Cycling Team) or her trophy?
- The podium with Worrack, Vos and Johansson from left to right.
Banca Popolare
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Images by Riccardo
- Davide Cimolai (Marchiol) took the sprint win in the Banco Popolare.
MTB World Cup #1
Race 10 - April 12: Elite men downhill
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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Luke Strobel (Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain Bicycles) was 25 seconds down.
- Ruaridh Cunningham (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) finished in 26th spot.
- Aaron Holmes Gwin (Yeti Fox Shox Factory Race Team) was the second rider to break the four minute mark.
- Steve Smith (MS Evil Racing) was the top Canadian rider.
- David Vazquez Lopez (Lapierre Powered By Saab Salomon) finished 19th.
- Cédric Gracia could only manage 24th.
- Dan Atherton (Animal Commencal) took 13th spot.
- Duncan Riffle (Duncan Riffle Racing) was the top American rider.
- Nathan Rennie (Australia) just missed the top 10 with his 11th place finish.
- Andrew Neethling (Trek World Racing) was the second quickest South African rider in 14th.
- Julien Camellini (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) rounded out the top 10.
- Sam Hill (Monster Energy / Specialized / Mad Catz) started the year strong with a fourth place.
- Gee Atherton (Animal Commencal) took fifth spot, eight positions ahead of brother Dan.
- Steve Peat (Santa Cruz Syndicate) joined his teammate on the podium with a third place.
- Chris Kovarik (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) crashed, putting him out of contention.
- Cruz control: Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) claimed a home soil victory.
- Michael Hannah (GT Bicycles) took second place.
- Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) proudly waved the South African flag in front of his compatriots.
- Podium (L-R): Sam Hill, Mick Hannah, Greg Minnaar, Steve Peat and Gee Atherton.
Race 9 - April 12: Elite women downhill
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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Sabrina Jonnier (Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain Bicycles) placed third in South Africa.
- Melissa Buhl finished seventh in the downhill race.
- Myriam Nicole took eighth spot.
- Floriane Pugin (Iron Horse-Kenda-Playbiker) was sixth quickest.
- Fionn Griffiths (Norco World Team) finished fourth.
- Claire Buchar (Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense) was the top North American rider in fifth.
- Tracy Moseley (Trek World Racing) was the fastest through all sections.
- Zulu dancers greeted those who came to watch the downhill action.
- Podium (L-R): Fionn Griffiths, Emmeline Ragot, Tracy Moseley, Sabrina Jonnier and Claire Buchar.
Race 8 - April 11: Elite men four cross
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Images by Sven Martin
- Australia's Jared Graves (Yeti Fox Shox) leads the men's race.
- Two riders on a crash course in the 4X race.
- Jared Graves (Yeti Fox Shox) held the final lead all the way to the finish.
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Michal Prokop races down the course.
- British rider Scott Beaumont (Rocky Mountain UK) finished seventh.
- Filip Polc (MS Evil Racing) was 14th overall.
- Rafael Alvarez De Lara Lucas (Specialized Factory Racing) took third place.
- Jared Graves (Yeti Fox Shox) was the quickest rider.
- Swiss Roger Rinderknecht took fourth place.
- Cédric Gracia from France could only manage sixth.
- Michal Prokop was second overall.
- Rafael Alvarez De Lara Lucas
- Guido Tschugg (Ghost A.T.G. Pro Team) rounded out the top 10.
- Romain Saladini (Team Sunn) was fifth.
- Podium (L-R): Roger Rinderknecht, Michal Prokop, Jared Graves, Rafael Alvarez De Lara Lucas and Romain Saladini.
Race 7 - April 11: Elite women four cross
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Images by Sven Martin
- Dutch rider Anneke Beerten (Suspension Center) was the quickest women in the final.
Images by Gary Perkin
- Anneke Beerten (Suspension Center) leads the race.
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Anneke Beerten (Suspension Center) was the quickest rider.
- Emmeline Ragot (Suspension Center) took sixth place.
- Jill Kintner didn't make the final for a showdown with Anneke Beerten (Suspension Center).
- Melissa Buhl could only manage seventh place.
- Fionn Griffiths (Norco World Team) was the second quickest rider.
- Podium (L-R): Jana Horakova, Fionn Griffiths, Anneke Beerten, Romana Labounkova and Jill Kintner.
Race 6 - April 11: Elite men cross country
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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Spanish rider José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team) leads French star Julian Absalon (Orbea) early in the race.
- The view from the top of the South African course.
- Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing) was part of the early lead group.
- As it broke down the early three leaders included José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team), Julien Absalon (Orbea) and Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing).
- Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing) wasn't able to stay with the leaders.
- Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski's (Subaru-Gary Fisher) race was over with a trashed rear wheel after crash just after the start.
- Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing) leading group up climb.
- Liam Killeen (Trek World Racing) rounded out the top 20.
- Samuel Schultz (Subaru-Gary Fisher) placed 29th.
- France's Julien Absalon (Orbea) finished second, 32 seconds behind.
- Belgian Roel Paulissen (Cannondale Factory Racing) cracked the top 10.
- Samuel Schultz (Subaru-Gary Fisher)
- Michael Broderick (Kenda Seven)
- Julien Absalon (Orbea) attacked on the first climb of lap four.
- Julien Absalon (Orbea) leads on technical downhill section.
- José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team) got in front of Julien Absalon (Orbea).
- Nino Schurter (Scott-Swisspower MTB-Racing) just missed the podium.
- Wolfram Kurschat (Topeak Ergon) had won on the circuit a week earlier.
- Todd Wells (Specialized Factory Racing), in his new team kit, was the top North American rider.
- Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain Bicycles) finished in 30th spot.
- South Africa's Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing) was third overall and the first U23 rider.
- A happy José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team) opens his World Cup season with a win.
- Podium (L-R): Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing), Julien Absalon (Orbea), José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team), Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing), Wolfram Kurschat (Topeak Ergon Racing Team).
Images by Gary Perkin
- The men's cross country race gets underway in South Africa.
- Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing) was the quickest under 23 rider.
- José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team) checks his lead as he enters the finishing straight.
- Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing) celebrates his podium place on home soil.
Images by
- Podium (L-R): Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing), Julien Absalon (Orbea), José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team), Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing), Wolfram Kurschat (Topeak Ergon Racing Team).
Images by Sven Martin
- A rider attacks from the start of the men's World Cup round in South Africa.
- South Africa's Burry Stander (Specialized Factory Racing) was the first local rider home in third.
- Swiss rider Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing) took fourth place.
- José Antonio Hermida Ramos (Multivan Merida Biking Team) pulls away from his nearest rivals.
- Nino Schurter (Scott-Swisspower MTB-Racing) finished sixth.
Race 5 - April 11: Elite women cross country
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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- The start of the women's race.
- Lene Byberg (Specialized Factory Racing) finished third in South Africa.
- Petra Henzi (Fischer-BMC) finished ninth.
- Spain's Margarita Fullana Riera (Massi) meet some Zulus before the race.
- Willow Koerber (Subaru-Gary Fisher) finished sixth.
- Russian Irina Kalentieva (Topeak Ergon Racing Team) had to settle for second.
- US National Champion Mary McConneloug (Kenda Seven) was fifth.
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Massi) was fourth.
- Olympic Champion Sabine Spitz (Central Ghost Pro Team) was shut out of the top 10.
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Massi) and Lene Byberg (Specialized Factory Racing) chase the two leaders.
- Elisabeth Osl (Central Ghost Pro Team) led from the start until the finish.
- Austria's 22 year old Elisabeth Osl (Central Ghost Pro Team) wins her first World Cup.
- Elisabeth Osl (Central Ghost Pro Team) was ecstatic with her win.
- Podium (L-R): Margarita Fullana Riera, Irina Kalentieva, Elisabeth Osl, Lene Byberg, and Mary McConneloug.
Images by Gary Perkin
- The women's race gets underway in South Africa.
- Austrian Elisabeth Osl (Central Ghost Pro Team) celebrates after her win.
Images by Sven Martin
- Elisabeth Osl (Central Ghost Pro Team) took a lead of over two minutes.
Race 1 - April 10: Downhill qualifying
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Images by Rob Jones /www.canadiancyclist.com
- Steve Peat
- Fionn Griffiths
- Claire Buchar
- Helen Gaskell
- Nathan Rennie
- Dan Atherton
- Greg Minnaar
- Tracy Moseley was clearly the fastest woman.
- Sabrina Jonnier crashed in training and was cautious in qualifying.
- Aaron Holmes Gwin
- Gee Atherton
- Sam Hill qualified eighth.
- Steve Smith
- Matti Lehikoinen
- Brendan Fairclough
- Cedric Gracia
- Chris Kovarik qualified third fastest.
Images by Gary Perkin
Images by Sven Martin
- Gee Atherton shows a nice jump
- Steve Peat makes Paris-Roubaix laughable.
- Tracy Moseley takes the best line
Preview
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Images by Rob Jones /www.canadiancyclist.com
- Sabine Spitz is one of the favourites for the women's cross country.
- Milan Spesny hams it up for the camera.
- Irina Kalentieva is the former world champion in cross country.
- Even the flat parts of the course require attention.
- Julien Absalon wears the number 1 of World Cup defending champion.
- World champion Christoph Sauser spends his "winters" training in South Africa.
- Burry Stander is a new Specialized rider, a teammate of Christoph Sauser.
- The cross country will be hot and dusty.
- The legal stuff...
- Jose Hermida stops to autograph a young fan's t-shirt.
- Marc Beaumont shows off in training.
Images by Sven Martin
- Sabrina Jonnier of France
- Australian Sam Hill
- Steve Peat
- Tracy Moseley is riding for the new Trek World Cup team this year.
- Dan Atherton
- World Champion Gee Atherton
- Gee Atherton
- Hometown favorite Greg Minnaar has a lot of pressure on him to win this round of the downhill.
- Andrew Neethling
- Andrew Neethling
- Chris Kovarik
Images by Gary Perkin
Drentse Dwingeloo
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Images by DCP/Bert Geerts
- Ina-Yoko Teutenberg after her tenth win for the season.
- Ahem, note to self, need to tighten bottle cages for races in the Netherlands.
- Smooth running in the middle
- The wind made it hard to stay in the peloton.
- Attacks are flying and the riders in the back have a hard time staying out of the wind.
- The podium with (l-r) Regina Schleicher (Equipe Nürnberger, second), winner Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Columbia-Highroad) and Kirsten Wild (Cervélo TestTeam).
- Sarah Düster all smiles in black.
Circuit Sarthe
Stage 5 - April 10: Pré-en-Pail - Le Mans, 195.2km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Lots of people despite the rain.
- Sébastien Duret (Bretagne - Schuller) was one of the many who abandoned on the last day.
- The riders on the 18-percent climb to be done each lap.
- Arnold Jeannesson (Caisse d'Epargne) leads the break.
- Benoît Sinner with stylish knee warmers
- Cyril Gautier (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) got warm and rolled down the sleeves.
- David Le Lay (Agritubel) controlled the front.
- Le Lay was helped by teammate Freddy Bichot (Agritubel).
- David Le Lay (Agritubel) got his yellow shirt a tad wet on the final day.
- Le Lay controlled his slim eight-second lead in the final lap.
- French champ Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel)
- Franck Bouyer (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) on a tough day in France.
- Freddy Bichot (Agritubel) was essential to secure the overall win for the team.
- Tony Martin (Columbia-Highroad) and Demaret chase
- Martin had bad luck when he punctured in the final.
- The attack by Demaret
- Demaret, the accelerator, stormed to victory in the final lap, but not without pain.
- Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) stormed away from the break for the win.
- Jérôme Coppel (Française des Jeux) tries to get back to the front.
- Stéphane Bonsergent (Bretagne - Schuller) led the peloton home 26 seconds after the winner.
- Jean Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) arrives solo in the rain.
- The second place went also to Cofidis, thanks to Julien El Fares.
- Le Lay gets the trophy
- Le Lay enjoys the win on the podium.
- David Le Lay with Roger Legeay
- In a bike France, Bernard Hinault is never far away.
- Shakehands between GC winner Le Lay and five-time Tour champ Bernard Hinault.
- Demaret with Legeay.
- Julien Simon (Besson Chaussures) won the young rider classification.
- Simon on the podium
- Matthieu Sprick (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) in the climber's jersey
- Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce) won the points jersey.
- The jersey winners pose
Stage 4 - April 9: Angers - Pré-en-Pail, 180.8km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Nicolas Vogondy works for leader David Le Lay.
- The break of the day with Matthieu Sprick, Stéphane Augé and Julien Mazet.
- Caisse d'Epargne controlled the last lap in Pré en Pail.
- Anthony Roux ahead of Sébastien Joly in the last lap.
- Anthony Roux won stage four
- Anthony Roux made the right move
- Roux wins ahead of his teammate Benoît Vaugrenard.
- Benoît Sinner and Jimmy Casper lead the peloton.
- Benoît Vaugrenard was quite happy with second behind his teammate.
- Enrico Rossi leads the points competition.
- Franck Bouyer received the Fair Play prize
- Matthieu Sprick in the mountains jersey
- Anthony Roux in the best young rider jersey.
- David Le Lay continues in yellow
Stage 3 - April 8: Angers - Angers (ITT), 6.1km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Jimmy Engoulvent rode a great time trial to win the stage.
- Jimmy Engoulvent and Roger Legeay chat after the podium protocol.
- Columbia-Highroad's Tony Martin is the best young rider of the race.
- Andreas Klöden (Astana) took second in the TT.
- Agritubel's David Le Lay finished the day in the leader's jersey.
- Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia - Bossini Docce) finished sixth today.
- Jimmy Engoulvent (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) took out the TT in Angers.
Stage 2 - April 8: Ancenis - Angers, 93.8km
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- 'Hey David, wanna come ride for my new team?' Ex-Crédit Agricole team boss Roger Legeay has a chat to David Le Lay after his stage win.
- Bringin' home the bacon... David Le Lay delivered a win for Agritubel in stage two.
- David Le Lay in the leader's jersey after stage two.
- Agritubel's David Le Lay celebrates on the podium after a tough win.
- Italian rider Enrico Rossi headed up the points classification.
- Fabien Bacquet (Auber 93) ws best young rider after stage two.
- The sprint for second place was taken out by Greg Henderson.
- Alberto Loddo (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) on the podium.
- David Le Lay (Agritubel) wins stage two in Angers.
- A gritty win for David Le Lay on a wet day in Angers.
Vuelta del Uruguay
Stage 4 - April 6: Trinidad - Fray Bentos, 175.4km
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Images by Marcelo Bonjour
- Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies) wears the race leader's yellow jersey.
- The Kelly Benefit Strategies team sets tempo in the peloton.
- Jake Keough (Kelly Benefit Strategies) and his teammates control the peloton during stage four.
- Jake Keough (Kelly Benefit Strategies) wins for the third time in four days.
Stage 3 - April 5: San Jacinto - Durazno, 179.5km
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Images by Marcelo Bonjour
- Jake Keough (Kelly Benefit Strategies) wins his second stage in three days.
Stage 2 - April 4: Maldonado - Ramallo, 140km
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Images by Kelly Benefit Strategies
- Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies) finished first after beating his breakaway companions.
Images by Marcelo Bonjour
- Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies) attacks the break inside the final kilometer to win stage two.
Stage 1 - April 3: Montevideo - Maldonado, 145.3km
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Images by Marcelo Bonjour
- Jake Keough (Kelly Benefit Strategies) sprints to victory in the opening stage of the Vuelta Ciclista del Uruguay.
GP Indurain
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Images by Susanne Goetze / www.cyclinginside.com
- Caisse d'Epargne's Vasil Kiriyenka rides at the front.
- Carlos Sastre and Sammy Sanchez shake hands before the start.
- Miguel Indurain was everywhere talking to everyone before the start.
- Miguel Indurain offers some words of encouragement before the start.
- Linus Gerdemann and Vasil Kiriyenka racing.
- Miguel Indurain and his fellow ribbon cutters kick off the action.
- Andy Schleck goes solo.
- Miguel Indurain hangs out on the podium with the top finishers.
- David De La Fuente (Fuji-Servetto) celebrates his win.
- David De La Fuente and other riders force the pace on a tough climb.
Hel van het Mergelland
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Images by Patang
- The Giant bike of Stef Clement.
- Guiseppe de Maria from Amica Chips.
- Bobbie Traksel was momentarily unfocused as he waved to spectators.
- Rabobank took the lead on one of the 30 steep hills.
- Niko Eeckhout had to abandon soon as the hills in Limburg do not suit him.
KBC-Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde
Stage 3b - April 2: De Panne - Koksijde - De Panne (ITT), 14.75km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) took the win on the final time trial.
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) holds the bounty of his winning time trial ride.
- Bradley Wiggins salutes the crowd from atop the podium in De Panne.
- Frederik Willems (Liquigas) brings his child onto the podium.
- Race winner Frederik Willems (Liquigas) shares his Driedaagse De Panne victory with his child.
- Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) talks to the press.
Images by Stijn Vercaemer /www.cyclingview.be
- Local hero Andy Cappelle (Palmans) was the first starter in the time trial.
- Slovakian rider Simon Spilak (Lampre) isn't a time trial specialist, he finished in 94th place today.
- Canadian time trial champion Svein Tuft (Garmin - Slipstream) finished in the top 10 today in seventh place.
- Johan Coenen (Topsport Vlaanderen).
- Borut Bozic (Vacansoleil) rode a good time trial today and finished in sixth place on general classification.
- Former German champion Sebastian Lang is now riding for the Silence - Lotto squad.
- The time trial wasn't long enough for world time trial champion Bert Grabsch (Columbia - Highroad) and he finished in fifth place.
- The winner of stage 2 and 3a Mark Cavendish (Columbia - Highroad) turns on the speed for his last three kilometres of his time trial.
- Kevin Van Impe (Quick-Step) finished in place 12th place today after finishing 11th in the Paris-Nice time trial.
- A Fuji - Servetto rider gives all he's got.
- Leif Hoste (Silence - Lotto) didn't ride a great time trial today but he will be good in the Tour of Flanders next Sunday.
- The flying Dutchman Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) was the winner of the time trial last year.
- Frederik Willems (Liquigas) is the winner of this year's edition of KBC-Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde.
Images by Tom De Meyer/www.tomdemeyer.be
- Canadian national TT champ Svein Tuft had a good day, finishing in seventh.
- Marcin Sapa (Lampre).
- Stijn Devolder had a commanding performance and finished in third.
- Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) on his way to winning the stage.
- Kevin Van Impe (Quick Step) rode well to finish 12th.
- Columbia-Highroad's Mark Cavendish took an impressive top 20 result.
- Enrico Franzoi (Lampre) didn't set the world on fire, finishing 35th.
- Phillipe Gilbert took 25th.
- Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto) showed he's on the mend with a solid ride.
- Liquigas' Manuel Quinziato.
- Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) displayed some great form to finish fourth.
- Maartijn Maaskant (Gramin-Slipstream) is tuning up for the Northern Classics.
- Frederik Willems (Liquigas) en route to overall victory.
Images by Tim Van Wichelen /www.cyclingview.be
- Svein Tuft, ready to go and get a top 10.
- Stijn Devolder showed his hand today on the way to third.
- Garmin-Slipstream's Bradley Wiggins was satisfied with his result.
- Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) got that elusive TT win.
- Manuel Quinziato gave it all he had to take 28th.
- Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) is in ominous form.
- Borut Bozic (Vacansoleil) on his way to 32nd.
- Frederik Willems (Liquigas) took the overall victory.
Stage 3a - April 2: De Panne - De Panne, 112km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad), l, wins the third stage of the Driedaagse De Panne over Robbie McEwen (Katusha).
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- Svein Tuft (Garmin-Slipstream) was smiles again at the finish, despite crashing heavily in the end.
- Cavendish won the third stage and scored two back-to-back wins like last year.
- Frederik Willems (Liquigas) took over the leader's white jersey thanks to a crash of Filippo Pozzato (Katusha)
- Cavendish took over the green jersey of best sprinter.
Images by Stijn Vercaemer /www.cyclingview.be
- These leading four go into the last lap including former Belgian champion Geert Omloop (Palmans).
- Jurgen Van De Walle and Stijn Devolder (Quick-Step) leading the peloton into the final lap.
- Stijn Devolder (Quick-Step)
- Russian champion Sergui Ivanov and his Katusha teammate Filippo Pozzato are ready for the Tour of Flanders next Sunday.
- A Topsport Vlaanderen rider rides through the streets of De Panne in the third stage of the Drieedaagse De Panne.
- Some BBox Bouygues Telecom riders in action.
- It’s been a hard race for this rider on the back of the peloton.
- A Skil-Shimano rider in a bad mood after crashing on the last lap.
- This Columbia - Highroad rider is in a good mood after the second victory of his teammate Cavendish.
- Landbouwkrediet rider Dennis Flahaut looked tired after the finish of the third stage.
- Svein Tuft (Slipstream) hade a bad crash on the last lap.
- One of the early leaders of the day Bjorn Coomans (Palmans).
- Another victim of the crash. Look at the jersey of David Deroo (Skil-Shimano).
Images by Tim Van Wichelen /www.cyclingview.be
- Silence-Lotto's Greg Van Avermaet waits for the start.
- Quick Step rider Kevin Van Impe was in a jovial mood.
- Pozatto waits for the start and has a little time for some pondering.
- With eight kilometres to go the four leaders only had a couple of seconds' advantage.
- Quick Step was chasing hard to get its man to the sprint.
- Again it was Cavendish and McEwen in a close sprint.
- The Apprentice prevails over the Master as Cavendish wins again.
- Filippo Pozatto managed to smile despite having a tough day.
- Cavendish salutes from the podium yet again.
- Frederik Willems is the new leader as Pozatto lost time due to a crash in the peloton.
- Tom Boonen speaks ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen
- The Ronde van Vlaanderen press conference featured Tom Boonen in his usual amiable mood.
Stage 2 - April 1: Zottegem - Oostduinkerke, 219km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) gets back to his winning ways on stage two.
Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- The drawings at the start also featured Spartacus Cancellara, who will ride the Ronde after all.
- Yesterday's winner Pippo "Sunnyboy" Pozzato.
- Robert Förster (Milram) is happy that the sprinters will get to the front.
- Philippe Gilbert (Silence - Lotto) sucks on a drink before the start.
- Gregory Henderson (Columbia - Highroad) after signing in.
- Steve Chainel (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) is all smiles after a good start to the season.
- Michele Merlo (Barloworld) won the mountain jersey yesterday.
- Paul Voss (Milram) raced the Belgian races with former team Lamonta and knows the course well.
- The racers set off from Zottegem.
- The flag shows the peloton that there is a lot of wind again.
- The break on the Tiegemberg.
- Klaas Lodewyck (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) leads the break on the Tiegemberg, ahead of Marcin Sapa (Lampre-NGC).
- View from the rear up the Tiegemberg.
- Marcel Sieberg on the front of the peloton up the Tiegemberg.
- Julien Belgy (BBox Bouygues Telecom) had some trouble on the Tiegemberg and was back in the team cars.
- Sieberg leads the bunch with 26km to go.
Images by Tim Van Wichelen/www.CyclingView.be
- Sebastian Lang (Silence-Lotto) checks his computer at the start.
- Liquigas' Frederik Willems waits with the other riders to start.
- The peloton rolls out of Zottegem for the start of stage two.
- The early breakaway on Tiegemberg included Marcin Sapa (Lampre-NGC), Klaas Lodewyck (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) and Andy Cappelle (Palmans Cras).
- As the peloton reached Tiegemberg the lead group were 10 minutes down the road.
- With three laps remaining there were still three riders ahead.
- Columbia-Highroad and Katusha worked hard to bring the leaders back.
- The peloton starts its second last lap of the finishing loop.
- With one lap to go there was only 15 seconds left between the leaders and the peloton.
- The final sprint came down to Robbie McEwen (Katusha) and Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad).
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) was too quick for Aussie Robbie McEwen (Katusha).
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) showed why he considers himself to be the number one sprinter.
- Filippo Pozzato (Katush) didn't contest the sprint but continues to lead the race.
- Greg Van Avermaet (Silence-Lotto) leads the points classification.
Images by Stijn Vercaemer/www.CyclingView.be
- Kristof Goddaert (Topsort Vlaanderen) was one of the three riders in the leading group.
- Team Katusha leading the peloton
- Jurgen Van De Walle and Kevin De Weert (Quick-Step) in the peloton.
- Former Dwars door Vlaanderen winner Kevin Van Impe (Quick-Step)
- Some of the Milram guys hang out the back of the peloton.
Stage 1 - March 31: Middelkerke - Zottegem, 199km
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Images by Bjorn Haake/Cyclingnews.com
- Inliners were out today as bicycles took over Middelkerke.
- Gotta have your Duvel packed for a long stage with lots of climbs.
- Geert Omloop (Palmans Cras) opted for two sets of glasses for a better overview.
- Hilton Clarke (Fuji-Servetto) is happy to be racing in the big ProTour now.
- The Milram bikes with striped handlebar tape.
- Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil) is racing for the first time since being sick.
- Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) had an unlucky start to the season including food poisoning and crashes.
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia - Highroad) loves racing in Belgium.
- Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) hopes to win a stage.
- Weylandt and Tom Boonen share a laugh ahead of the stage.
- Matteo Tosatto (Quick Step) leads the peloton with 44km to go.
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha) pedals through but at this point the chance of a field sprint have vanished - the peloton is three minutes behind.
- Amica Chips demonstrates a high-speed feed.
Images by AFP Photo
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) leads Kevin Van Impe (Quick Step) in stage one of the KBC-Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde.
- Italian Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) wins KBC-Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde stage one ahead of Frederik Willems (Liquigas).
Images by Tim Van Wichelen/www.CyclingView.be
- Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha) has some fun with Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) before the stage.
- The long and short of Quick Step. Sprinters Wouter Weylandt and Tom Boonen measure one another up before the stage.
- Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) looked happy to recieve his goodie bag.
- An initial six-man break was caught after the Leberg with less than 70 km to race.
- The peloton enjoyed very good weather during the opening stage.
- Filippo Pozzato (Team Katusha) made easy work of Belgian Frederik Willems (Liquigas) in the final sprint.
- Belgian Greg Van Avermaet (Silence-Lotto) won the tightly contested sprint for third place.
- Italy's Filippo Pozzato (Team Katusha) with the leader's jersey following his opening stage win.
Settimana Lombarda
Stage 4 - April 3: Vertova - Vertova, 183.6km
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Images by Settimana Ciclista Lombarda
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) wins the fourth stage, his second win of the Settimana Ciclista Lombarda.
- The peloton entered the mountains during stage four.
Stage 3 - April 2: Boltiere - Zingonia, 164km
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Images by Settimana Ciclista Lombarda
- Mattia Gavazzi (Diquigiovanni-Androni) wins stage three of the Settimana Ciclista Lombarda
Stage 2 - April 1: Brignano Gera d'Adda - Calcinate, 160km
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Images by Settimana Ciclista Lombarda
- Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes) wins the second stage to extend his lead in the overall.
Critérium International
Stage 3 - March 29: Charleville-Mézières - Charleville-Mézières, ITT, 8.3km
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Images by AFP Photo
- Frantisek Rabon (Columbia-High Road) gave Voigt a scare, but came up short by two seconds.
- Danny Pate (Garmin-Slipstream) did an excellent ride to finish on the podium.
- Jens Voigt gave it all in his typical labour style.
- He was exhausted but won the overall by two seconds.
- A happy Jens Voigt has now as many victories as record holder Raymond Poulidor – five.
- The podium with Pate (l) in third, winner Voigt in the middle and runner-up Rabon.
- The podium after the final stage of the 78th Critérium International.
Redlands Classic
Stage 3 - March 29: Sunset Road Race, 105.8/146.5km
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Images by
John Devich/ Jonathan Devich/
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger) and Ina Yoko-Teutenberg have a chat on the start line.
- The women roll out of downtown for the Sunset loop.
- The pack started to thin out not long after the start.
- Mara Abbott (Columbia-Highroad) put in a hard effort for the team all week.
- Colavita comes to the front to bring back a break.
- Still together the next time up the climb.
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger) came so close to taking the overall.
- Going hard up Sunset.
- Attacking more of the rolling hills along the course.
- The women get ready to head to the finish back down below.
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger) keeps the pressure on the front of the bunch.
- Alison Powers (Team Type 1) took the final stage in the women's race.
- Ina Yoko-Tuetenberg (Columbia-Highroad) took over the yellow leaders jersey, with Amber Neben (Nürnberger) second on GC, Alison Powers (Team Type 1) third and Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita) takes home the mountain jersey.
- And the men are off.
- BMC went hard right from the gun.
- A break gets away early in the day.
- BMC stays on the front to cover the attacks.
- Rory Sutherland (OUCH) gets to the front.
- A second group forms as the field splits.
- The main field splits.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) making it through the technical course.
- Their isn't much flat in Redlands.
- BMC still working hard on the front.
- Tim Johnson (OUCH) gets off the front.
- Peter Stetina (Garmin) tries to get away from the front group.
- Rolling through scenic Redlands.
- Chris Baldwin (Rock Racing) tries to split the front of the main group.
- Ben Day (Fly V Australia) leads another attack as the race comes back into downtown.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) gets encouragement from the crowds as he goes solo with 4 small laps to go.
- Tim Johnson (OUCH) sitting on the front again to bring back the break. .
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita Sutter Home) claims the final stage win.
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) celebrates his win.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) in yellow with Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) holding onto the sprint jersey and Kirk Carlsen (Garmin) with keeps the mountain jersey.
- The Garmin-Holoweko Partners-Felt team goes home as the top team in Redlands.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Amber Neben ((Nürnberger Shoair)
- Alison Powers (Team Type 1) wins the stage on the final stage.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) in yellow.
- Kirk Carlsen (Garmin) held onto the jersey of best climber.
- Karl Menzies (OUCH) leads Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) through the S turn
- Kyle Wamsley (Colavita Sutter Home) takes the stage.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) is congratulated by his teammate after winning the overall classification.
- The Garmin-Holoweko Partners-Felt team celebrates after taking home the teams GC.
- The Garmin-Holoweko Partners-Felt team on the podium after winning the teams GC.
Images by Kathleen Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Alison Powers (Team Type 1) sits comfortably near the front of the pack
- The women's field crests the climb.
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger Shoair) couldn't quite fend off the charge of sprinter Ina Teutenberg to hold onto her lead.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) on the descent during the final stage.
Stage 2 - March 28: Downtown Criterium, 60/90min
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Images by
Jonathan Devich/
- Alex Wrubleski (Columbia) who won last year's race works for her new team this year.
- No breaks got away with the high pace at the front.
- The group heads towards the last turn.
- Ina Yoko-Teutenberg (Columbia) clawing her way closer to the yellow jersey.
- The women's field rolls down the back side of the course.
- Amber Neben (Nurnberger) remains in the lead heading into the last stage.
- Tina Pic (Colavita) stayed close to the front.
- Colavita gets on the front to try and set things up.
- Ina Yoko-Teutenberg (Columbia) wins her second consecutive victory.
- The men roll out.
- The men's field passes by the mid-course pit.
- Heading down towards the pits.
- A break starts to get up the road.
- The break gets just out of site of the field.
- BMC gets on the front to bring the break closer.
- Kirk Carlsen (Garmin) sitting towards the front and was able to hold onto the mountain jersey.
- Another attack gets a gap on the field.
- BMC still sitting on the front.
- Riders spread out on the course.
- Tyler Wren (Colavita) works his way up in the bunch.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) making it through the technical course.
- Michael Grabinger (Fly V Australia) had a hard day in the wind yesterday working for the team.
- A bird's eye view of the break.
- Jackson Stewart (BMC) getting ready for the big finish.
- Will Routley (Jelly Belly) went into todays stage holding onto the sprint jersey.
- Jelly Belly gets on the front to set things up for the sprint.
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell) gets some help from the fans during his late race attack.
- Colavita winds things up with one lap to go.
- The bunch has Kirk O'Bee in its sites.
- Jackson Stewart (BMC) got the win with Andrew Pinfold (OUCH) second and Brent Bookwalter (BMC) third.
- Jackson Stewart (BMC) wins stage two downtown criterium.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Team TIBCO patrols the front of the peloton.
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger Shoair) took 10th on the day.
- Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team Columbia Highroad) was again the strongest.
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger Shoair) held the race lead on the final day.
- Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team Columbia Highroad) won another stage in the Redlands Classic.
- Chris Baldwin (Rock Racing) looking composed.
- Team BMC was an army of black and white on the front.
- Team BMC controlled proceedings on its way to the stage win.
- Will Routley (Jelly Belly)
- Kirk O'Bee (Bissell Pro Cycling) off the front with two laps to go.
- Jackson Stewart (BMC Racing Team) gets a well-deserved stage win.
Stage 1 - March 27: Beaumont Circuit Race, 110/138km
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Images by
Jonathan Devich/
- Team Tibco gets riders to the front of the break to keep things moving.
- The main field gets a little spread out before they chase down the break.
- Mara Abbott (Columbia-Highroad) sitting comfortably in her red climbers jersey.
- Emilia Fahlin (Columbia-Highroad) launches an attack off the bunch.
- The women's field at the base of the KOM climb.
- Mid-race the break seemed like it was going to stay away.
- Ina Yoko-Teutenburg (Columbia-Highroad) waiting patiently for her moment to pounce.
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger) gets to hold onto her leader jersey for another day.
- Ina Yoko-Teutenburg (Columbia-Highroad) takes a close win over second place finisher Tina Pic (Colavita) .
- The men get rolling early in the day.
- Mountains in the distance around Beaumont were pretty scenic.
- The men take a breather before the attacks start to fly.
- Ben King (Trek-Livestrong) launches an attack and ended up getting up to a 2 minute gap.
- The men's bunch comes through together again.
- Heading into the feed zone.
- Fly V-Australia/Succesful Living spent most of the race on the front to protect the leaders jersey.
- The bunch heads back through the more urban part of the course.
- Rock Racing comes to the front after getting a rider up the road.
- Fly V-Australia stacked on the front to bring back the break.
- Heading back towards the mountains.
- The attacks start to fly on the last lap.
- Fly V-Australia still working to maintain control heading up to the KOM.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) leads the break in for the win.
- Jeff Louder (BMC) goes into tomorrow's stage with the yellow jersey and the sprint leader jersey, while Kirk Carlsen (Garmin) wears the mountain jersey.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Mara Abbott (Columbia-Highroad)
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger Shoair) is followed by Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Columbia-Highroad)
- Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Columbia-Highroad) wins the stage
- Benjamin King (Trek-Livestrong) spent some time off the front.
- Fly V drives the front of the pack
- A break with less than 15 miles to go
- The field
- Jeff Louder (BMC) wins the sprint
Prologue - March 26: Prologue, 5km
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Images by
Jonathan Devich/
- American Mara Abbott (Columbia Highroad) claimed second place on the prologue, 27 seconds behind.
- Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Columbia Highroad) was also on the podium, but Amber Neben was too strong for the Columbia riders.
- Amber Neben (Nurnberger Shoair) made the Columbia women take the high road, as she won the prologue.
- Fly V Australia/Successful Living's Ben Day was flying, just not in Australia. The rider claimed his second prologue victory in as many weeks.
- Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) put in another solid time trial to finish third.
- Men's podium (L-R): Brent Bookwalter (BMC Racing Team), Ben Day (Fly V Australia/Successful Living) and Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling).
- Andrea Dvorak (Colavita) on her way up the climb.
- Robin Farina (Value Act Capitol).
- Rachel Heal (Colavita).
- Alex Wrubleski (Columbia) was last year's winner.
- Amber Rais (TIBCO).
- Samantha Schneider (Team Type 1).
- Katherine Carroll (TIBCO) looks up towards the finish.
- Riders near the turn at the 500-meter mark.
- Erinne Willock (Webcor) nearing the top of the course.
- Emilia Fahlin (Columbia) heads to the top.
- Kathryn Mattis (Webcor).
- Kim Anderson (Columbia) being tracked by world champ Amber Neben (Nurnburger Shoair).
- Amber Neben (Nürnberger Versicherung) on the way to the win.
- Rory Sutherland (OUCH) had a good ride today for 7th place and only :19 back.
- Brent Bookwalter (BMC) had a great ride on the 5K course for second place.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) coming through at 13 seconds back.
- Floyd Landis (OUCH) tackling the steep section.
- Mike Creed (Rock Racing).
- Tim Johnson (OUCH) fights it out near the top.
- Chris Wherry (Hotel San Jose).
- Davide Frattini (Colavita) making good time.
- Riders get spread out on the course.
- Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell) going hard near the end.
- Luis Amaran (Colavita) was well within the top 10 today at 22 seconds back.
- Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing) will be looking for big results in the crit on Saturday.
- Bobby Sweeting (Land Rover-Orbea) passes by towards the end of the day.
- Tom Zirbel (Bissell) passes the 1K to go mark.
- Gina Grain (Webcor) seemed to be having a good time during the TT.
- Guy East (Trek-Livestrong).
- Chris Hong (Bobs Bicycles).
- Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita) turns a corner cloer to the finish.
- Brian Forbes (Ride Clean).
- Chad Beyer (BMC).
- Rand Miller (Webcor).
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Mara Abbott (Columbia Highroad) wasn't able to repeat her 2008 victory.
- Ina YokoTeutenberg (Columbia Highroad) claimed thrid place.
- Amber Neben (Nurnberger Shoair) passes Kimberely Anderson (Columbia Highroad)
- Brent Bookwalter (BMC Racing Team) was just four seconds behind Ben Day.
- Ben Day (Fly V Australia/Successful Living) put in an impressive ride to claim victory.
- Chris Baldwin (Rock Racing) just missed out on a podium finish by two seconds.
- Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) was seven seconds down in third place.
- A happy Ben Day (Fly V Australia/Successful Living) in the leader's jersey.
Dwars door Vlaanderen
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- Kevin Van Impe (Quick Step) gets the victory in the Dwars door Vlaanderen
Images by Tim Van Wichelen/www.CyclingView.be
- The race conditions were very difficult as the race reached Zingem, with lots of wind and rain.
- An early breakaway of about 10 riders got away on the Katteberg climb.
- Kevin Van Impe (Quick Step) on the Katteberg climb.
- Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) on the Kwaremont climb.
- Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo Test Team) was again in very good shape.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) looked to be having a tough day on the bike.
- Leif Hoste's Silence-Lotto squad went without a victory again today.
- Jeremy Hunt (Cervelo Test Team) and Sebastien Chavanel (Française Des Jeux) ride side-by-side.
- Gert Steegmans (Katusha)
- Niko Eeckhout (An Post - Sean Kelly Team) with Belgian champion Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) and Markus Burghardt (Columbia-High Road).
- Kevin de Weert was part of the very strong Quick Step team in the Dwars door Vlaanderen.
Castilla y Leon
Stage 2 - March 24: Palencia - Palencia, ITT, 28.2km
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- US champion David Zabriskie (Garmin-Slipstream) took third to the pair of Astana riders.
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) put in a strong performance to take fifth behind teammate Stef Clement.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) showed he can time trial over a longer distance taking second to Leipheimer after winning the Paris-Nice prologue earlier in the month.
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana) took the overall lead with his time trial effort.
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana) on his way to the stage win.
Images by Jacinto Vidarte/Castilla y León
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana) on his winning ride in stage two of the Castilla y León.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) rides in the Castilla y León.
- Spaniard Alberto Contador (Astana)
- USA's Levi Leipheimer (Astana) rides to a win in Castilla y León stage two.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) with Miguel Indurain.
- Levi Leipheimer, five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain and Alberto Contador after the stage two time trial
- Astana's Levi Leipheimer and Alberto Contador watch the other riders' placings at the Castilla y León.
Stage 1 - March 23: Paredes De Nava - Baltanás, 168.3km
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- Joaquin Sobrino (Burgos Monumental - Castilla y Leon) takes the sprint.
- Joaquin Sobrino (Burgos Monumental - Castilla y Leon) is thrilled to score a win for the regional team.
- Alberto Contador (Astana) was in high demand for autographs at the start of stage one.
- Lance Armstrong did not finish the stage after crashing and possibly breaking his shoulder or collarbone.
- Lance Armstrong (Astana) left Europe after just two days of competitive racing since his return to European cycling with a broken collarbone.
- Not happy Lance: Lance Armstrong (Astana) crashed out of Vuelta a Castilla y León during the first stage.
Images by Jacinto Vidarte/Castilla y León
- Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador (Astana) at the start of the Castilla y León.
- Francisco Mancebo (Rock Racing)
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali
Stage 5 - March 28: Scandiano - Sassuolo, 178.5km
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- Austrian champion Christian Pfannberger (Katusha) forces the pace on the Montegibbio ascent.
- Cadel Evans (Silence - Lotto) times his bike throw to perfection to win the sprint ahead of Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) and Giovanni Visconti (ISD).
- Cadel Evans (Silence - Lotto) outsprinted Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) to win the final stage of the Coppi e Bartali.
- Cadel Evans (Silence - Lotto) won the final stage ahead of Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.), left, and Giovanni Visconti (ISD), right.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) is ecstatic about his overall victory on the podium in Sassuolo.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) hoists the Coppi e Bartali trophy overhead for the second time in his career.
Stage 4 - March 27: Massa Finalese - Finale Emilia, 162.8km
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- Coppi e Bartali stage four approaches the line.
- Ukraine's Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) edges out in front.
- Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) celebrates his first of 2009.
- Ukrainian Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) wins over Danilo Napolitano (Katusha).
- Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) with win number one of the 2009 season thanks to the Coppi e Bartali stage four.
- Coppi e Bartali stage four: Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) takes the win.
- Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas)
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha)
- Yuri Mitlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's)
- Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto)
Stage 3 - March 26: Borgo San Lorenzo - Serramazzoni, 163.4km
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- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) charges up the final climb with Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) chasing.
- Italy's Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) looks at his rivals.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) tops Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) in the sprint for the win of Coppi e Bartali stage three.
- Italian Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) takes his second stage win in the 2009 Coppi e Bartali.
- New leader Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC)
- Katusha's Christian Pfannberger attacks on a climb late in the stage.
- Miguel Rubiano Chavez leads the elite selection that formed during the stage.
- Cunego dictated proceedings in the final kilometres of the stage.
- Riccardo Riccò will be back this time next year, and arrived to eye out the stage.
- Damiano Cunego makes some time to sign autographs.
- The Camiooro-A Style boys wait for the start.
- Columbia-Highroad rider Kanstantsin Siutsou patrols the front of the peloton.
- Cunego (l) and Pfannberger push the pace in the small escape group.
- Damiano Cunego punished the compeition on the stage to Serramazzoni.
Stage 2 - March 25: San Lazzaro - Faenza, 182.1km
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- Juan Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) climbs Monte Trebbio in the lead group on his way to a ninth place finish.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) and Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni -Androni Giocattoli) separated themselves from the nine-man lead group with 20 kilometres to go.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) outsprints Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni -Androni Giocattoli) to win stage 2 in Faenza.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) has won the second stage ahead of breakaway companion Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni -Androni Giocattoli).
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) climbs Monte Trebbio ahead of Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni -Androni Giocattoli) and Robert Kiserlovski (Amica Chips - Knauf).
- Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni -Androni Giocattoli) ramps up the pace on the lower slopes of Monte Trebbio.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) leads Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni -Androni Giocattoli) on Monte Trebbio.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) ups the pace on Monte Trebbio while Cadel Evans (Silence - Lotto) looks back to assess the break's progress.
- Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) climbs Monte Trebbio on his way to a fourth place finish in Faenza.
- Defending champion Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) ascends Monte Trebbio in the lead group.
- Giovanni Visconti (ISD) attacks on the ascent of Monte Trebbio.
- Giovanni Visconti (ISD) wears the leader's jersey after finishing in third place on stage 2.
- Barloworld riders stretch across the road in an echelon.
- Race leader Oscar Gatto (ISD) follows the wheels of his teammates during stage 2.
- ISD controls the peloton for race leader Oscar Gatto.
- Riders were pleased to race in the sunshine after a rainy opening day.
- The peloton passes by a vineyard on its way to the stage finish in Faenza.
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) tops the podium with Jose Serpa (Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) and Giovanni Visconti (ISD), l&r.
Stage 1b - March 24: Misano Adriatico, ITT, 14.3km
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- Miche - Silver Cross hammers over the wet roads in stage 1b of the Coppi e Bartali.
- Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo rode to seventh in Coppi e Bartali stage 1b.
- Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo's close formation
- ISD on its winning ride, 17:17, in stage 1b of the Coppi e Bartali.
- Andriy Grivko leads ISD
- Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli manages the wet roads to finish 11th in the Coppi e Bartali stage 1b team time trial.
- Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) with his teammates in stage 1b of the Coppi e Bartali.
- Russian powerhouse: Katusha hammers over the wet roads.
- Team Lampre
- Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) leads his Belgian team.
- Columbia lined out in the rain. Marco Pinotti in the Italian tricolore.
- Team Columbia
- Amore & Vita-McDonald's team car.
- CarmioOro - A-Style heads out on a wet TTT parcours.
- Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce
- ISD tops the day's podium in Coppi e Bartali stage 1b
- Party time for team ISD at the end of the Coppi e Bartali team time trial.
- Oscar Gatto (ISD) takes over the Coppi e Bartali lead.
Stage 1a - March 24: Riccione - Riccione, 81.2km
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- Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) appears cool and relaxed.
- Italian Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC)
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) after a hard day's work.
- Riders start the finishing circuit in the Coppi e Bartali stage 1a.
- The group lined out in stage 1a.
- Riders in the Coppi e Bartali.
- The sprint approaches with Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) at the front.
- Marko Kump (Adria Mobil) and Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) fight for the win.
- Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce), Marko Kump (Adria Mobil) and Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) hit the line in Coppi e Bartali stage 1a.
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) takes the win in the opening stage of the Coppi e Bartali.
- Italy's Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) wins in Riccione, at the Coppi e Bartali stage 1a.
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) on the podium.
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) tops the podium with Marko Kump (Adria Mobil) and Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce), l & r.
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) takes the leader's jersey in the Coppi e Bartali.
- Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce)
- Danilo Napolitano (Katusha)
Costa Etrusca - Livorno
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Images by Davide Tricarico/www.Womenscycling.net
- A group of eight formed on the first climb: Pooley, Armstrong, Bruins, Hausler (Cervelò) Vos (Dutch National Team), Ljungskog (Flexpoint), Brandli (Bigla), Villumsen (Columbia-Highroad).
- Emma Pooley (Cervelò) looks around the group.
- Emma Pooley (Cervélo) after her second fall in the descent
- Susanne Ljungskog (Flexpoint) at the feeding station.
- There were many accidents today. Elise Depoorter (Lotto Belisol) has some running repairs.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo) gets back on baord after an accident.
- Kirsten Wild (Cervélo) forces the pace on the first hill, and the group exploded.
- The first fall for Emma Pooley (Cervélo).
- Team Dila at the presentation with Edita Pucinskaite and Marta Villajosana.
- Team Gauss-RDZ-Colnago with the Russian champ Julia Martisova and Eva Lechner
- Nicole Cooke finds her inner homegirl before the start.
- Ex pro rider Silvia Parietti is now organiser of this race with Italian national champ Fabiana Luperini.
- The race was hard due a very strong wind.
- The group passes the famous little bridge in Bibbona
- Tuscan vineyards are coming out of hibernation.
- Emma Pooley (Cervelò) watches Vos, Ljungskog, Brandli and her teammate Armstrong.
- Emma Pooley (Cervelò) raises her arms to celebrate the win.
- Nicole Brandli (Bigla) tries to flee the group 4km from the finish.
- But the winner is Cervelò's Emma Pooley.
- Kristin Armstrong (Cervelò) beat Marianne Vos and Susanne Ljungskog for second place.
- The podium (l-r): Armstrong Pooley and Vos.
Cape Epic
Stage 8 - March 28: Oak Valley - Lourensford, 60km
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- Riders negotiate a creek bed during the final stage.
- Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser made an early morning break during the final stage.
- Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser make their way down the Portage point of the Old wagon trail.
- Stage winners Shan Wilson and Andrew Mclean during the final stage seven.
- The DCM Chrome team of Brandon Stewart and Max Knox enter Lourensford during the final stage.
- Mannie Heymans (Garmin) leads Kevin Evans and David George (MTN Energade) across the old Viljoens Pass.
- Mathias and Lukas Fluckiger (Trek World Racing) win the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race's final stage.
- Sign of unity: Stefan Sahm and Karl Platt (Bulls) took the lead from multiple stage winners Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander (Songo.info) after the latter were penalised.
- Overall winner Stefan Sahm (Bulls) celebrates after winning his second Cape Epic.
- Ladies overall and stage winners Hanlie Booyens and Sharon Laws embrace one another after the final stage.
- Overall podium (L-R): Bart Brentjens/Chris Jongewaard (Trek Brentjens), Karl Platt/Stefan Sahm (Bulls) and Emil Lindgren/Andreas Kugler (Felt Factory 2).
Stage 7 - March 27: Oak Valley - Oak Valley, 86km
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- Christoph Sauser (Songo.info) is interviewed at the start of stage six.
- A bird's eye view of riders during stage six.
- Roan Exelby and David Lehman ride through some fire trails in Oak Valley.
- Mixed winner Nico Pfitzenmaier leads teammate Alison Sydor in Oak Valley.
- Marcel Bartholet, second place of mixed category, rides through the single track at High Rising.
- Riders make their way through the burnt section of the Wolwekloof Valley.
- Mannie Haymans, Marc Bassingwaite, Johnny kritzinger, David George, Kevin Evans and Tinker Juarez during stage six.
- Jurgen Kaindl and Ingmar Brichinfrid from Austria during stage six of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race in Oak Valley.
- Yolande Speedy leads a pack through a burnt section of the sixth stage.
- Bart Brentjens and Chris Jongewaard (Trek-Brentjens) win stage six of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Stefan Sahm and Karl Platt (Bulls) are the overall leaders after stage six.
- Tinker Juarez and his son at the stage's finish.
- David George examines a sore arm after a heavy fall during the stage.
Stage 6 - March 26: Greyton - Oak Valley, 111km
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- Emil Lindgren wheelies to the start of stage five.
- Riders silhouetted against the African sky during stage five.
- Niels Boon (Vredestein Racing) and Ian van der Walt (Team DCM Monavie) climb during stage five.
- Riders stired the South African dust once more on stage five.
- The leaders set a hot pace during stage five to Oak Valley.
- Andrew Maclean (Cyclelab Toyota) rides through the dust during stage five.
- An aerial view of Absa Cape Epic riders during stage five.
- Absa Cape Epic riders make their way through the Koegel berg.
- Race? What race? Riders take the chance to cool off during stage five of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Riders make their way across the railway lines during stage five.
- America's DJ Brooks crossing under the R43 during stage five.
- Ladies leaders Hanlie Booyens and Sharon Laws during stage five.
- Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser (Songo.info) win stage five of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Karl Platt shows the strain after stage five of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race. Platt has struggled with a shoulder dislocation on two stages of this year's event.
Stage 5 - March 25: Greyton - Greyton , 114km
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- Stefan Sahm of Bulls during his winning ride.
- The look onto the profile was sometimes discouraging during the stage.
- Max Knox, Burry Stander, Christoph Sauser and Brandon Stewart discuss Stander's broken wheel.
- Stander broke his wheel and had to wait for replacement.
- Burry Stander chases back to Christoph Sauser
- Stage winner Karl Platt leads a group
- Burry Stander waits for his bike
- Stefan Sahm and Karl Platt celebrate as they cross the finish line first.
- Kevin Evans and David George cross the line
- Karl Platt of Bulls is marked after the effort that brought him the win with teammate Sahm.
- Christoph Sauser after the race
- Christoph Sauser after a tough day in the saddle
- The winners and new overall leaders
- Sahm (l) and Platt on the podium
Stage 4 - March 24: Villiersdorp - Greyton, 73km
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- Riders descend down towards the Riviersonderend valley during stage three.
- The field await the start of stage three of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Tim Boehme (Bulls 2) leads Thomas Zahnd and Urs Huber (Stoeckli-Craft) while teammate Thomas Dietsch follows.
- Mathias and Lukas Fluckiger led most of stage three but couldn't stay away to the finish in Greyton.
- There were some scenic views during stage three not that any of the riders had time to notice.
- Marcel Bartholet and Esther Suss during stage three
- Crazy or what? Tandom riders Koos and Madeleine Pieterse do some descending during stage three.
- Riders make their way through the dust during stage three.
- Christoph Sauser of Songo.info leads the chase group early on stage three.
- More than just spare tubes were needed during stage three of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Stage winners and overall leaders Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser of Songo.info.
Stage 3 - March 23: Villiersdorp - Villiersdorp, 110km
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- Kids enjoyed watching the riders come through their town during stage two of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Tim Boehne (Bulls 2) limps back home after destroying his front wheel.
- The leading bunch makes their way through the dusty dry roads of Villiersdorp.
- Second placed master Shan Wilson makes his way through the vineyards.
- Overall leaders and stage winners Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser chase during stage two.
- Brandon Stewart and Max Knox (DCM Chrome) lead a train of riders.
- Mixed Category leaders and stage winner Alison Sydor makes a splash during stage two.
- Race leader Burry Stander leads the pack early during stage two.
- A rider checks that all of his ducklings are following close behind.
- Doctors and fellow riders Brian Lewer and Andrew Kennedy-Smith help fix Caren Henschdel's dislocated shoulder.
- American Mattew Weatherley White races the last five kilometres along the irrigation canals.
- Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser win stage two, making it three from three at the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Bed time: The bike park during following stage two.
Stage 2 - March 22: Gordon's Bay - Villiersdorp, 112km
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- Riders await the start of stage one in South Africa.
- Dust covers the sky as Cape Epic makes its was from Gordon's Bay to Villiersdorp.
- Hundreds of riders spread out as the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race starts.
- A rider and local kids both having fun during stage one.
- Mountainbike legend Tinker Juarez during stage one.
- Urs Huber (Team Stockli) was spent after the stage to Villiersdorp.
- Chris Jongewaard and Bart Brentjens (Trek) lead stage winners Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander (Songo.info).
- Women's stage winners and leaders Sharon Laws and Hannlie Booyens.
- The comradery during stage one of the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race.
- Elsabe Hofmeyer massages her husband, Jan Hendrik Hofmeyer after his leg cramped.
- There were some good reasons to be first across the line on stage one.
- Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander (songo.info) claimed victory again.
Stage 1 - March 21: Capetown - Capetown, 19km
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- The scene at the start
- An epic view
- Rolling down the sandy switchbacks
- Part of the area had previously burnt
- Burry Stander and World Champion Christoph Sauser pedal through the meadow.
- Multivan Merida Hannes Genze and Jochen Kaess of Germany during the Prologue.
- Former winners Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm of Bulls
- Masters Winners Shane Wilson and Andrew MacLean of Team CycleLab Toyota
- Stander and Sauser pushed hard
- African leaders Kevin Evans and David George finished second for the day.
- A scenic day for all
- The perfect draft is demonstrated by Alison Sydor, who hangs onto partner Nico Pfitzenmaier in the mixed event.
- There were a few crashes, too but none were severe.
- Hanalie Booyens and Sharon Laws win the Ladies prologue
- Alison Sydor and Nico Pfitzermaier win the mixed team prologue
- Burry Stander at the start
- Christoph Sauser (l) and Burry Stander four seconds before take-off
- Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm at the start of the Absa Cape Epic Prologue.
- Stander was Sauser's biggest challenger and finished a few seconds ahead of his teammate.
- Hannes Genze and Jochen Kaess finished third
- Sauser and Stander won the prologue
- The winning teams in the men's event.
- Kevin Evan and David George wear the African Leaders Jersey after the prologue.
- Adriana Boccia and Luciana Cox chose a unique outfit.
- Nico Pfitzenmaier had to do some quick repairs during the stage
Oceania MTB Champs
Race 3 - March 22: Downhill
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Images by Evan Jeffery / www.evanjeffery.blogspot.com
- Amy Laird boosting over one of the many jumps in practice
- Josh Button slotted himself into third in the race for the Oceania Title
- Will Rischbeith after recovering from an injury posted a top ten
- Nathan Rennie in his welcome return to racing finished fourth in a class field
- Shaun O'Connor used different lines to his advantage in taking the Under 19 win.
- Rhys Willemese was unable to match the speed of O'Connor on the day
- Tamryn Murrell found the slippery conditions not to his liking
- Sarsha Huntington having a last hit out before heading over seas to race
- National Champion, Claire Whiteman. rode into first in the slippery conditions
- Darcy Murrell had another good ride in testing conditions
- Cody Eichhorn made the most of conditions to post a top ten finish
- Ben Cory was consistent on the Thredbo course
- Kiwi, Wyn Masters missed the win by just over two seconds
- Jared Graves on his way to another win in Thredbo
Race 2 - March 21: Cross country
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- Trenton Day with James Peacock ready to pounce on the third lap
- Adrian Retief getting some valuable race training in Australia
- Michael Codner punching out of a short pinch on the Thredbo track
- Jodie Willet used the race as a warm up for a hill climb the next day near home
- The best placed Kiwi, Jeanette Gerrie finished seventh in a class field
- Another Kiwi, Cathy Hamer making it into the top ten finishers
- Jenni King rode a strong race into third
- Dylan Cooper had to make the best of a start from the back of the pack
- Nick Both looking composed on the Merritt's trail
- Another Kiwi rider finding the conditions demanding on the west island
- Daniel McConnell was the form rider on the day in Thredbo
- Lachlan Norris looks like having a good season on the international circuit
- Rhys Willemese the best of the Aussie riders in U 19 downhill seeding
- Kiwi Under 19, Richard Leacock smashed the downhill seeding
- Caroline Buchanan's skills in downhilling have improved giving her top seeding
- Ben Cory put down a good run placing him third on the seeding day
- Jared Graves looks like the one to beat on Sunday's downhill race
- Nathan Rennie makes a welcome return to racing after surgery
- Plenty of smiles after the women's four cross
- James Peacock rode well securing an Oceania title in the U19 division
- The front row of the women's field was tense before the start
- The Thredbo ducks were not fazed by the action
- Tory Thomas looked comfortable on the early stages of the race
- Zoe King and Rowena Fry locked in battle again
- Torq riders Katherine O'Shea and Tory Thomas on the rocky climbs single trail
- Zoe King leading out Rowena Fry as they head to the top of the track
- U23 rider, Therese Rhodes with Jo Wall on one of the many climbs
- Zoe King found the Thredbo course to her liking finishing second
- Cal Britton with Ben Henderson in tow on one of the steep climbs
- Lachlan Norris punched past early leader Mike Northcott
- Ben Henderson put in another fine effort finishing fourth in a strong field
- Andrew Blair found the course at Thredbo tough by scraping into the top ten
- Lachlan Norris pulled another win in the U23 class
- Mike Northcott rode well in the opening laps of the men's race
- Daniel McConnell on his way to receiving the men's Oceania Title
- Torq rider, Daniel McConnell watches over as other riders come across the line
- Lachlan Norris and Dylan Cooper after a hard day in the saddle
Race 1 - March 20: 4X
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- Jared Graves heads for the win in the four cross at the Oceania Championships
Classic Loire Atlantique
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Guillaume Pont and Julien Foisnet formed a small break early in the race.
- Jimmy Casper and Jimmy Engoulvent were very alert all race.
- Joeri Adams (Rabobank) made it to the finish in 31st.
- The first escape of the day with Cédric Collaers and Tony Hurel
- The peloton rides amongst the vineyards.
- There was a solid crowd waiting for the riders at the finish.
- Paul Brousse in the day's main escape.
- Pierre Cazaux grabbed the climber's crown thanks to the time he spent in the break.
- The Rabobank continental boys patrol the peloton.
- Lilian Jégou was another rider who anandoned.
- Miyataka Shimizu in the break.
- Miyataka Shimizu rode aggresively all day.
- French national champion Nicolas Vogondy was a marked man.
- Paul Brousse and Sébastien Duret head the break.
- Rémi Cusin and Pierre Cazaux work hard out the front.
- Romain Lebreton chased the break at the start of the second lap.
- Samuel Plouhinec has words with Jérôme Cousin.
- Sébastien Duret and Cyril Bessy
- Sébastien Duret and David Le Lay. The latter took third.
- Tony Hurel, Romain Lebreton and Cédric Collaers work together in a small group.
- Cyril Bessy wins the Loire Atlantique Classic.
- Cyril Bessy Besson (Chaussures Sojasun) survived to win on a day where over 100 riders abandoned.
- The Loire Atlantique podium (l-r): Michael Reihs, Cyril Bessy and David Lelay.
- Cyril Bessy and Daniel Mangeas have a chat after the race.
- Cyril Bessy gets the rewards of a great win.
- Pierre Cazaux was awared best climber.
- The Loire Atlantique podium (l-r): Michael Reihs, Cyril Bessy and David Lelay.
- Meet the Feillus... Brice and Romain Feillu hang out with their sister, Lisa.
Nokere Koerse
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Images by AFP Photo
- Australian Graeme Brown won the sprint on the Nokereberg.
Istrian Spring Trophy
Stage 3 - March 15: Vrsar - Umag, 145km
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Images by MM Bicikel
- A break group of six riders heads off the front of the peloton.
- The breakaway riders start to pull away from the bunch.
- The breakaway riders pulled out a margin of several minutes as the stage progressed.
- Rabobank's riders kept a close eye on the action within the peloton.
- Rabobank launched a two rider attack on the flat, straight sprint to the line.
- Belgian Michael Van Staeyen (Rabobank Continental Team) claims victory over Norway's Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi).
- The Radenska-Kd Financial Point riders roll back to the team car having protected Mitja Mahoric's overall lead to the end.
- Rabobank's Michael Van Staeyen and Dennis Van Winden get their flowers on the podium.
- Stage podium (L-R): Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi), Michael Van Staeyen (Rabobank Continental Team), and Dennis Van Winden (Rabobank Continental Team.
- Overall podium (L-R): Michael Kreder (Rabobank Continental Team), Mitja Mahoric (Radenska-Kd Financial Point), and Radoslav Rogina (Loborika).
- Overall podium (L-R): Michael Kreder (Rabobank Continental Team), Mitja Mahoric (Radenska-Kd Financial Point), and Radoslav Rogina (Loborika).
- Håvard Nybø (Sparebanken Vest Ridley) claimed the sprinter's jersey.
- Final jersey winners Gašper Švab (Sava), Mitja Mahoric (Radenska-Kd Financial Point), and Håvard Nybø (Sparebanken Vest Ridley).
- One little girl went home very happy having scored a Rabobank feed bag.
Stage 2 - March 14: Vrsar - Motovun, 146km
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Images by Ivo Rilovic
- Mitja Mahoric (Radenska-Kd Financial Point) leads the race after two stages.
South African National MTB Championships
Race 2 - March 15: Downhill
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Images by MTN National Cup Series
- Johann Potgieter lived up to his pre-race No. 1 ranking by taking a narrow overall victory.
- Jonty Neethling's second run was quicker than his first, but just not rapid enough to claim the gold medal.
- New national champions for 2009 (from left): Johann Potgieter (Elite men), Anka Martin (Elite women) and Pierre van der Merwe (Junior men).
Race 1 - March 14: Cross country
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Images by Carl Scholtz / MIHPhotography
- Specialized rider Burry Stander pulled away from the field during the elite men cross country race.
- Burry Stander (Specialized) was the strongest in the elite men's race.
- Burry Stander wins the South African National Championships cross country.
- A very happy Burry Stander.
Images by MTN National Cup Series
- Burry Stander was in a class of his own in winning his seventh consecutive national title.
- Erik Kleinhans became the South Africa's elite men's champion.
- Under 23 bronze medalist Philip Buys finished a respectable fourth overall.
- Yolande Speedy was a model of consistency on her way to the South African elite women's title.
- Former multiple Olympian Erica Green made a strong return to racing, finishing second overall in the elite women's race.
- Heletjie van Staden grabs third place overall.
- Yolande Speedy was elated at her victory.
Maremma Cup round two cross country
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Images by Scott-Swisspower MTB-Racing
- Florian Vogel on his way to a win for his Scott-Swisspower MTB-Racing team.
- Nino Schurter races to a second place after problems with his chain on the first lap.
- Florian Vogel and Nino Schurter went one-two for Swizterland.
- Elite men's podium
Superprestigio Massi round two - Banyoles
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Images by Sergio Suarez
- Dario Gasco (Massi) overcame a chain problem to finish third in the Under 23s.
- Anna Villar (Massi) rides to fourth.
- Jean Christop Peraud (Massi)
- Israel Nuñez (Massi)
- Francesc Xa Carnicer (Massi) rides to win the Masters 30+ race.
- Margarita Fullana (Massi) racing to a win.
Images by Team Orbea
- Julien Absalon (Orbea) shows good form after a winter off from racing.
Images by Lejarreta (Team Orbea)
- Iñaki Lejarreta (Orbea) ahead of Carlos Coloma (MSC Bikes) and Ruben Ruzafa (Orbea)
- Iñaki Lejarreta (Orbea)
- The start of the elite men's race
- Elite men's podium.
Tour de Taiwan
Stage 7 - March 14: Taipei City, 60km
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Images by Iva Silic
- The Heraklion Nessebar Kastro team on the podium before stage start for team presentation
- Alex Coutts smiles just before the start
- The Heraklion-Nessebar Kastro riders and an Hong Kong Team rider
- Christoph Springer (H.N.K.) just riding in the bunch
- German Christoph Springer finished 18th in the final stage
- Springer (H.N.K.) takes the curve
- Christoph Springer and Alex Coutts (H.N.K) in the middle of the race
- Christoph Springer and Alex Coutts from the Greece team, Heraklion Nessebar Kastro
- Giorgios Bouglas (H.N.K) riding through the bunch
Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International
- Overall winner Jezowski Krzysztof (Merida Europe Team) drinks champagne in the trophy.
- Jesse Anthony (Team Type 1) wins the king of mountains title
- Tomasz Kiendys (Merida Europe Team) wins stage7
- Tomasz Kiendys (Merida Europe Team) wins stage7
- 'One, two, three... cheese!' Kam Po Wong and Ho Ting Kwok (Hong Kong Team) grab a momento before the stage.
- Kam Po Wong and Ho Ting Kwok (Hong Kong Team) with the final product.
- Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche) was dejected after losing his yellow jersey on the final stage.
- The stage start in front of the Taipei goverment building.
- The yellow jersey, Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche).
- Riders pass building 101.
Stage 6 - March 13: Taipei County, 142.6km
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Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International
- Elementary school students were glad to have a photo with Peter McDonald, the yellow jersey holder.
- Wong Kam Po (Hong Kong Team) celebrated his birthday the day of the 6th stage.
- Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche Cycling Team) fights for his yellow jersey.
- It's time for feeding.
- Jezowski Krzysztof (Merida Europe Team) wins the 6th stage.
- The riders climb up nearly 1000m during the 6th stage.
- Kazakhstan National Team attacks the peloton.
- Jesse Anthony (Team Type 1) assumes an aerodynamic position.
- Drapac Porsche Cycling protects their yellow jersey.
- Feng Chun Kai (Exustar Cycling Team) is the best local climber.
Stage 5 - March 12: Hsinchu City, 148.3km
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Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International
- Best local rider Lai Kuan Hua (Giant Asia Racing Team) enjoy a tea break.
- Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche)
- Park Seon Ho (Seoul Cycling Team) sprints like the rocket.
- It's a tough stage for a Heraklion-Nessebar-Kastro rider.
- The average speed was about 42.5km/h
- Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche)
- Park Seon Ho (Soul Cycling Team) wins stage five of the Tour de Taiwan.
- Park Seon Ho(Seoul Cycling Team) takes stage five of the Tour de Taiwan.
- Park Seon Ho(Seoul Cycling Team) has worn the green jersey for five consecutive days.
- The stage was held on Taiwan coastline.
Stage 4 - March 11: Changhua County, 138.8km
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Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International
- Kazakhstan National Team's Roman Zhiyentayev in the peloton.
- The best local rider Lai Kuan Hua (Giant Asia Racing Team) leads the peloton.
- The feather weight rider Suzuki Shinri (Shimano Racing Team) won the mountain stage.
- Roman Zhiyentayev (Kazakhstan National Team) couldn't defend his yellow jersey.
- The employees of Taiwan's Merida bike corporation enjoy the race.
- The tattoo of Overcome on sprinter Park Seon Ho (Seoul Cycling Team).
- Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche Cycling) took the yellow jersey last year he also won the Changhua stage.
- Suzuki Shinri (Shimano Racing Team)
- High speed descending over 90km/h
- Stage four is Lai Guan Hua (Giant Asia Racing Team)'s regular training course.
Stage 3 - March 10: Taichung City, 88km
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Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International
- A university cheerleading team puts on a show.
- Taichung mascot Sunny Cake Hero with Kam Po Wong.
- Kazakhstan National Team controls the peloton.
- Merida Europe Team assists Krzysztof Jezowski to take a stage win.
- Students were passionate about high-speed cycling.
- The elementary school students love cycling.
- Bikes, scooters and cars all crowded on a prosperous road.
- Roman Zhiyentayev (Kazakhstan National Team) successfully kept the yellow jersey.
- Photographers were amazed about high-speed cornering.
- Roman Zhiyentayev (Kazakhstan National Team) keeps the yellow jersey.
- Jezowski Krzysztos wins stage three which finished in Taichung. He also won the stage finishing in Taichung last year.
- One lap to go.
- The breakaway group of Kam Po Wong.
Images by Iva Silic
- The Kazakhstan National Team with the general classification leader, Roman Zhiyentayev.
- The Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro Team on the presentation podium before the 3rd stage.
- Ivailo Gabrovski (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro) setting the pace in the first part of the race.
- Giorgios Bouglas (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro) and Wei Cheng Lee (Exustar Cycling Team) taking the curve.
- A breakaway attempt with Yoshiaki Shimada (Team Bridgestone Anchor) and Giorgios Bouglas (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro).
- Ivailo Gabrovski (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro) riding in front with Jesse Anthony (Team Type 1) and Shinpei Fukuda (Team Bridgestone Anchor)
- Ivailo Gabrovski (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro) speeding up with the bunch to catch the breakaway.
- Bogdan Lukasz (Merida Europe Team) and Alex Coutts (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro) riding in the bunch.
- Dmitrty Gruzdev (Kazakhstan National Team) , Christoph Springer (Heraklion - Nessebar - Kastro) and Hsin Hua Huang (Team Senter-Merida Taiwan).
- A small breakawy group with Ki Hong Yoo (Seoul Cycling Team), Alex Coutts (Heraklion Nessebar Kastro), Kam Po Wong (Hong Kong Team) and Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team) was caught just before the final lap.
Stage 2 - March 9: Chiayi County, 136.35km
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Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International
- The peloton stayed together for much of the race.
- Riders fly past a famous Taiwanese temple.
- Korean race leader Seon Ho Park (Seoul Cycling Team) lost his yellow jersey by day's end.
- There were many attacks throughout the stage, but few managed to stay away.
- The peloton nears the finish line as the sprinters get ready for the bunch sprint.
- Roman Zhiyentayev (Kazakhstan National Team) wins the two-up sprint over Peter Mcdonald (Drapac Porsche Cycling Team).
- Roman Zhiyentayev (Kazakhstan National Team) on the podium with the white and green jersey holders.
Stage 1 - March 8: Kaohsiung City, 88km
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Images by Evis Chu/Photosport International
- The smaller fans were happy when the race came to town.
- The lead group is led by a local Asian rider.
- One of the fans wanted to feel a part of the action, so got vocale during the race.
- One of the local riders was an instant hit with the local teenage girls.
- There are 112 riders to challenge for the Tour of Taiwan.
- Passionte humans from Kaohsiung City.
- Park Seon Ho (Seoul Cycling) wn stage 1 in a fast crit.
- Park Seon Ho (Seoul Cycling) also took over the GC lead and will start stage 2 in yellow.
- Kaohsiung City offers nice views
Images by Iva Silic
- Giorgios Bouglas and Christoph Springer before the start of the first stage.
- The Heraklion-Nessebar Team presentation
- Ivailo Gabrovski (Heraklion-Nessebar-Kastro) got a small gap in the first part of the stage.
- Yoshiaki Shimada (Team Brigdestone Anchor) with Giorgios Bouglas (Heraklio-Nessebar) at full speed.
- Ivailo Gabrovski gets to the front again
- Ivailo Gabrovski leads the peloton
Giro del Friuli
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Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it
- Alessandro Ballan (Lampre - N.G.C) gets rid of his lid after the finish.
- The Giro del Friuli podium (l-r): Grega Bole, Mirco Lorenzetto and Manuel Belletti.
- Yes, Mirco, three wins. Lorenzetto lets us all know how many wins he's had this season.
- Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre - N.G.C) wins the Giro del Friuli.
Images by Riccardo/ciclismoweb.net
- Alessandro Ballan (Lampre - N.G.C.) was all smiles at the start line.
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas) looked pleased to be racing.
- The Italian teams controlled the action at the front of the peloton.
- Two riders break away from the peloton during the race.
- Oleksandr Kvachuk (ISD) leads Maxim Gourov (CarmioOro - A-Style) in the two-strong breakaway.
- The leading duo were caught by a larger group around 25 kilometres from the finish.
- Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre - N.G.C.) continued his successful start to the 2009 season.
- Italy's Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre - N.G.C.) was just too quick.
- Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre - N.G.C.) celebrates as he takes victory.
- Podium (L-R): Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf), Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre - N.G.C.) and Manuel Belletti (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli).
- Grega Bole (Amica Chips - Knauf), Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre - N.G.C.) and Manuel Belletti (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) celebrate on the podium.
Memorial Samyn
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Images by Jean-Francois Quenet
- Française Des Jeux's Wesley Sulzberger gets to meet his Aussie mates from Cinelli-Down Under.
- Defending champion Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) on the start line.
- Podium (L-R): Rémi Cusin (Agritubel), Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) and Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team).
- Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) took his first victory of his season at Le Samyn.
- French revelation Rémi Cusin (Agritubel) finished second at Le Samyn.
Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com
- Lloyd Mondory (AG2R La Mondiale) signs on.
- Former winner Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) was looking forward to the race.
- Team Milram's Ronny Scholz at the start line.
- Kevyn Ista looked happy prior to the race.
- Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) was hopeful of defending his title.
- The Palmans Cras riders finish their sign on.
- Frank Vandenbrouck (Cinelli-Down Under) talks to a local television crew.
- 2006 race winner Renaud Dion makes some last minute adjustments.
- Some riders react to an early attack from a rider.
- The peloton strings out as the pace increases.
- Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures - Sojasun) rode solo between the break and peloton for an hour and finished in 10th place.
- The nine man lead group pulled out several minutes over the peloton.
- Rémi Cusin (Agritubel) put in a solid ride to finish second.
- Podium (L-R): Rémi Cusin (Agritubel), Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) and Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team).
- Podium (L-R): Rémi Cusin (Agritubel), Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step) and Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team).
Vuelta Mexico Telmex
Stage 8 - March 8: Circuito DF, 114km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- There was a touch of Le Tour in the final stage.
- Colby Pearce (US National Team) sits near the front of the break.
- The peloton rolls through the Distrito Federal during the last day.
- Andrew Pinfold wins the final stage of the Vuelta a Mexico.
- A happy Andrew Pinfold celebrates his final stage win in Mexico.
- Pinfold salutes from the podium after taking the final stage.
- Jackson Rodriguez enjoys the kisses of victory.
- Venezuela's Jackson Rodriguez won the 2009 Vuelta a Mexico.
- Jackson's Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni teammates patrol the front on the final stage.
- The rbeak tries to get away during the final stage.
- One of the OUCH crew looks after the front of the peloton.
- It could be Paris with that sort of backdrop.
- The peloton was on parade during the final stage in Mexico.
Stage 7 - March 7: Huichapan - Pachuca, Hidalgo, 158km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- Mexican rider Florencio Ramos (Tecos De La Uga) rides in the lead group.
- Shawn Milne (Team Type 1) gets a snack while riding in the lead group.
- Floyd Landis (Ouch Presented by Maxxis) and Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) enjoy a chat in the lead group.
- American rider Shawn Milne (Team Type 1) riders in the lead group.
- The leaders gained over five minutes on stage seven.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) was one of three riders from the United States of American in the breakaway.
- American rider Shawn Milne (Team Type 1) riders in the lead group.
- The lead group gained an extensive lead on stage seven.
- Luis Fernando Macias (Mexican National Team) enjoys a snack during the stage.
- Floyd Landis (Ouch Presented by Maxxis) wasn't able to stay with the leaders.
- Florencio Ramos (Tecos De La Uga) claims a solo victory, 50 seconds ahead of the small group the sprinted for second.
- Florencio Ramos (Tecos De La Uga) celebrates his stage victory on the podium.
- Podium (L-R): Shawn Milne (Team Type 1), Florencio Ramos (Tecos De La Uga) and Luis Fernando Macias (Mexican National Team).
- Luis Fernando Macias (Mexican National Team) was happy with his third place.
- Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) looks set to claim the overall victory.
- Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) enjoys another day in paradise.
- Celebrations begin after the stage. Sprints leader Karl Menzies (Ouch Presented By Maxxis), race leader Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) and mountains leader David Vitoria (Rock Racing).
Stage 6 - March 6: San Miguel Allende - León, Guanajuato, 177km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- Making a statement: Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) poses in his "Rocks not dead" team kit.
- Floyd Landis (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) waits for the stage to start.
- Cameron Evans (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) rolls along in a bunch during the stage.
- Andrew Pinfold (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) rides alone during today's stage.
- Cameron Evans (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) out-sprints Juan Pabl Magallanes (Mexican National Team) for the stage win.
- Canadian Cameron Evans (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) claims a much sought-after stage win for his squad.
- Podium (L-R): Juan Pabl Magallanes (Mexican National Team), Cameron Evans (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) and Christopher Baldwin (Rock Racing).
- Cameron Evans (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) celebrates his stage win.
- Juan Pabl Magallanes (Mexican National Team) was happy with second place.
- America's Christopher Baldwin (Rock Racing) made the final podium spot.
- Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) enjoys another day in the leader's jersey.
Stage 5 - March 5: Cuernavaca - Toluca, 215km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- Mexico? Italy? Who knows where you will find Michael Rasmussen these days. Today he was talking to Floyd Landis prior to the start.
- The peloton zooms on past some local flowers.
- Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) wasn't the only one enjoying the podium kisses.
- Back-to-back victories for David Vitoria (Rock Racing)
- Swiss rider David Vitoria (Rock Racing) enjoys another stage victory.
- Podium (L-R): Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli), David Vitoria (Rock Racing) and Carlos Lopez (Canel's Turbo).
- Carlos Lopez (Canel's Turbo) took third place on today's stage.
Stage 4 - March 4: Tlaxcala - Cuernavaca, 200km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) gets ready for his first day in the leader's jersey.
- The peloton rolls along during the fourth stage in Mexico.
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) rides in the peloton wearing the race leader's jersey.
- Mexican Ricardo Tapia (Region 4 Oaxaca) works in a dress-up shop in his spare time...we assume.
- David Vitoria (Rock Racing) takes a stage victory for his American squad.
- David Vitoria (Rock Racing) enjoys the spoils of his success.
- Podium (L-R): Arquimedes Lam (Tecos De La Uga), David Vitoria (Rock Racing) and Andrew Pinfold (Ouch Presented By Maxxis)
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) retained the leader's jersey for another day.
Stage 3 - March 3: Puebla - Tlaxcala, 157km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) celebrates on his victory on the podium.
- Italy's Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) makes it two stage wins from the stages for his squad.
- Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli's Gilberto Simoni takes a solo stage win,
- Mexico's Carlos Lopez (Canel'S Turbo) took second place on third stage.
- Ignacio Sarabia (Mexican National Team) rounded out the stage podium on stage three.
Images by Wenceslao Rodriguez
- Taylor Phinney (Trek Livestrong) rolls to the start
- The first attack of the day
- Darren Hill attacked strongly
- Enrique Gutierrez (Rock Racing) grits his teeth.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock racing) on the way up
- Sergio Hernandez (Rock Racing) chimed in in the Rock Racing attacks.
- Hernandez pulls the lead group.
- Landis going towards the top
- Francisco Matamoros (Tecos De La Uga) is lightly built so he can climb better.
- Karl Menzies (Ouch Presented By Maxxis) works in the group
- Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti) wins the stage
- Landis in the press conference after the race.
Stage 2 - March 2: De Huajuapan de León - Puebla, 205km
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Images by AFP Photo/Mexsport
- The breakaway rolls in stage two.
- Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni) is the winner of stage two.
- The stage two podium: Andrew Pinfold (OUCH), Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti) and Joaquin Sobrino (Burgos Monumental)
- Andrew Pinfold (OUCH Pro Cycling p/b Maxxis) steps onto the stage podium.
- Joaquin Sobrino (Burgos Monumental) took third on the day.
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