www.cyclingnews.com presents the 57th Vuelta a España, 2002.

Chechu Rubiera and Juan Jose de los Angeles relax before the start of the TT
Matthew White (USPS) warms up for the time trial
Ivan Gutierrez (iBanesto.com) warms up on his Pinarello
Sven Teutenberg (Phonak) the first cab off the rank
German Nieto (Relax) rolls out of the start
Juan Carlos Dominguez (Phonak) not going flat out today
Aitor Garmendia (Team Coast) was not one of Coast's top guns today
Santiago Botero (Kelme) was almost back to his former best, finishing 4th
Santos Gonzalez (Acqua e Sapone) rode well to finish 6th on the day
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) starts his winning ride
Roberto Heras (USPS) leaves the starting house with 41.2 km of torture in front of him
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) had a terrible day with mechanicals, and finished 11th
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) rode into third overall
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) finishes his outstanding ride
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) looks rather disappointed, as well he might
Roberto Heras (USPS) lost far too much time today to be close to winning
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) on the podium in the gold jersey that counts
The final podium (L to R): Roberto Heras (USPS, 2nd), Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme, 1st) and Joseba Beloki (ONCE, 3rd)
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) gives a post race press conference
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) given a Real Madrid number 1 jersey
Erik Zabel (Telekom) finished with the Points Jersey
Aitor Osa (iBanesto.com) was very happy with his Mountains Jersey
Not the colour he wanted Roberto Heras (USPS) with the white jersey of the Most Consistent Rider
No arguments about who the best team was. Kelme took home the Team Classification, courtesy of an excellent performance all round

Images by AFP

Ooh isn't that nice Aitor Gonzalez admires his Real Madrid No. 1 jersey
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) kisses his trophy
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) sprays the bubbly with reckless abandon
The final podium (L to R): Roberto Heras (USPS, 2nd), Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme, 1st) and Joseba Beloki (ONCE, 3rd)

Stage 20 - September 28: Avila -Warner Bros Park (S. Martín de la Vega), 141.2 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

The peloton departs Avila for the start of stage 20
The peloton crossing the kilometre 0 banner
For once a slow start to the stage
On the descent of the Parameda climb
No hurry today we've got plenty of time to chase down Oscar Laguna
Oscar Laguna (Relax-Fuenlabrada) rode a 125 km time trial today for the benefit of his sponsors
Former teammates, now rivals Oscar Sevilla and Roberto Heras discuss the prognostics
Taking time to appreciate the scenery at the Burguillo
The US Postal team keeping Heras out of trouble
An early attempt to bridge to Laguna was unsuccessful
Oscar Laguna (Relax-Fuenlabrada) reaches the feed zone at km 84
Oscar Laguna (Relax-Fuenlabrada) was today's main protagonist, riding ahead for 125 km
Roberto Heras (USPS) in control, but still nervous
Aitor Osa (iBanesto.com) secured his mountains jersey today
Oscar Laguna (Relax-Fuenlabrada) on the Navas del Rey climb with 9 minutes lead
Oscar Laguna (Relax-Fuenlabrada) wins the important sprint in Fuenlabrada
Angelo Furlan (Alessio) recorded his second stage win
Roberto Heras (USPS) smiles on the podium. Can he stay there tomorrow?

Images by AFP

Angelo Furlan (Alessio) wins the stage in Warner Bros Park
Angelo Furlan (Alessio) on the podium, delighted with his second win
Roberto Heras (USPS) rides during the 20th stage of La Vuelta

Stage 19 - September 27: Béjar - Avila, 177.8 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) interviewed before the start
The internet stand in the starting village is always popular with the riders
Mountains leader Aitor Osa (iBanesto) and race leader Roberto Heras (USPS) at the start
Kilometre zero the peloton sets off for Avila
The attacking started from the beginning as usual
US Postal Service control things early on
Chechu Rubiera and Santi Botero chat while things are relatively calm
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) rides during stage 19
The leading breakaway working hard to establish their advantage
Roberto Heras (USPS) during stage 19, with Aitor Gonzalez always close by
The Postal team seemed to be getting stronger with victory in the offing
Roberto Heras (USPS) and Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) descend during stage 19
Angel Casero (Team Coast) was in an attacking mood during stage 19
Team Coast setting the tempo on the Serranillos
Saeco took over the tempo making after Team Coast
Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (iBanesto.com) struggles up the final climb in the lead
Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero (Acqua e Sapone) tried but failed to bridge the gap to 'Chente'
Chente Garcia Acosta on his way to victory in stage 19
Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (iBanesto.com) was probably the happiest rider to win a stage
Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (iBanesto.com) is very thankful for his win today
Roberto Heras (USPS) pulls on another gold leader's jersey following stage 19

Images by AFP

Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (iBanesto.com) wins the stage into Avila

Stage 18 - September 26: Salamanca - Estación de la Covatilla (Béjar), 193.7 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Ruben Lobato (Acqua e Sapone) the last placed rider on GC
Roberto Heras (USPS) chats with race director Enrique Franco at the start
The peloton rolls out of Salamanca for the start of stage 18
The peloton racing flat out in the early kilometres
US Postal working hard during the first part of stage 18
Mariano Piccoli (Lampre) works hard in the 19 man break for teammate Jan Svorada
Three cows watch the racing with interest
Jan Svorada (Lampre) takes the first sprint at Guijuelo
Saeco get to the front of the peloton to control the gap to the leaders
The leaders on the Puerto de Honduras
The Saeco team working hard on the Honduras climb
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) rode another good stage today
Santi Blanco (iBanesto) on his own in the lead
M A Perdiguero (Acqua e Sapone) during his leadout at the bottom of La Covatilla
Roberto Heras (USPS) showed again that he is the best climber in the race on La Covatilla
Santi Blanco (iBanesto) wins the stage atop La Covatilla
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) sacrificed some of his own chances today to lead Gonzalez home, 37 seconds behind Heras
Roberto Heras (USPS) "Do I have enough?"

Images by AFP

Santi Blanco (iBanesto) raises his arm as he wins the stage atop La Covatilla

Stage 17 - September 25: Benavente - Salamanca, 145.6 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Oscar Sevilla, Aitor Gonzalez and Roberto Heras interviewed before the start, in the presence of Site Gibernau
The Euskaltel-Euskadi team after having signed their names
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) looking happy at the start of the stage
Aitor Osa (iBanesto) The new leader in the mountains classification
Roberto Heras (USPS) lines up for the start
All set for the start of stage 17
The peloton in pursuit of the first breakaway during stage 17
The eleven riders in the first break, that didn't stay away for long
Francesco Casagrande (Fassa Bortolo) did plenty of work today for his sprinter Alessandro Petacchi
The peloton splits due to the high speed and the cross winds
Mariano Piccoli (Lampre) won the first sprint in Torres del Carrizal
The peloton enjoy a brief respite during the stage
Roberto Heras (USPS) grabs his feed bag during stage 17
Diego Ferrari (Tacconi) and Elio Aggiano (Mapei) managed to stay clear for 33 km, but it was all to nought in the end
Angelo Furlan (Alessio) punches the air after he beats Erik Zabel in the stage 17 sprint
Roberto Heras (USPS) accepts his trophy as the race leader

Images by AFP

Angelo Furlan (Alessio) wins the stage 17 sprint in front of Erik Zabel
Angelo Furlan (Alessio) on the podium with his flowers
Roberto Heras (USPS) pulls on another gold jersey in Salamanca

Stage 16 - September 24: Avilés - León, 154.7 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Roberto Heras (USPS) lines up at the start in his gold leader's jersey
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) second overall and still with a very good chance of winning the Vuelta
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) still hopeful about his chances in Madrid
Zabel and Petacchi fight it out for the first sprint in Posada de Llanera
The peloton was very active in the first hour, with many attempts to break away
Roberto Heras (USPS) riding strongly during the 16th stage
Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) lost his mountains jersey today
The rear of the peloton cruises along in the sunshine
US Postal working hard during the stage
Aitor Osa (iBanesto) leads the breakaway on the Puerto de Pajares
Luis Perez (Team Coast) made the right break again, but couldn't quite win the stage
Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) riding hard during stage 16
Roberto Heras (USPS) found himself isolated during stage 16 against the Kelme team, but there were no real attempts to attack him.
Roberto Heras (USPS) was cool, calm and collected in his first day in gold
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) rides during stage 16
Luis Perez (Team Coast) was a key part of the break again
Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) leads the peloton on the Puerto de Pajares
Roberto Heras (USPS) at the top of the Puerto de Pajares

Images by AFP

Santiago Botero (Kelme) beast Luis Perez (Team Coast) on the line
Santiago Botero (Kelme) hefts his winner's trophy
Points leader Erik Zabel is congratulated by Miguel Indurain, one of the world's greatest cyclists

Stage 15 - September 22: Gijón - Angliru, 176.7 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) dressed for action
Roberto Heras (USPS) talks to a fan before the stage
Julian Gorospe and Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) looking relaxed before the start
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) looking nervous about today's stage
The peloton roll out at kilometre 0
Erik Zabel (Telekom) beats Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) in the first intermediate sprint
The early breakaway contained 24 riders
Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) leads his two break companions at Grado, after they had attacked the larger break.
Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) Juan Antonio Flecha (iBanesto) and Iker Flores (Euskaltel) on the Alto del Tenebredo
The chasing group behind the three leaders
Kelme in control of the peloton during stage 15
Flecha and Pereiro the two remaining leaders after Iker Flores' fall
Saeco-Longoni Sport organise the chase in the peloton during stage 15
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) leading the peloton to their doom
Roberto Heras (USPS) driving through the rain on the Angliru
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) trying to limit the damage on the Alto de l'Angliru
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) with Aitor Gonzalez on his wheel, in pursuit of Heras
Roberto Heras (USPS) emerges from the fog to win the Angliru stage

Images by AFP

Roberto Heras (USPS) leaves Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) behind on the rain soaked slopes of the Alto de l'Angliru

Stage 14 - September 21: Santander - Gijón, 190.2 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Joseba Beloki (ONCE) relaxes before the start
Roberto Heras (USPS) prepares for the 14th stage
Rolling out of the start in Santander
One of the many attempts at breakaways in the first part of the stage
The first sprint of the day in Commillas saw six riders away, two of whom stayed away for the whole stage
The peloton roll along in the sun during stage 14
There was some climbing today but the bunch stayed together
Sergei Smetanine (Jazztel) leads Oscar Laguna (Relax) on the Alto de Buenos Aires
Oscar Laguna (Relax) and Sergei Smetanine (Jazztel) working together during the stage
The peloton starts to chase, led by Fassa Bortolo
Tacconi Sport lends a hand in the chase
Race doctor Astorki assisting Jazztel's Dario Gadeo during the stage
Sergei Smetanine (Jazztel) alone in the lead at the top of the Alto del Gobernador
Oscar Laguna (Relax) trying to chase down Smetanine
Sergei Smetanine (Jazztel) rides alone on his way to winning stage 14
Sergei Smetanine (Jazztel) claims victory in Gijon
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) still in gold at the end fo stage 14
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) in the white jersey as best all round rider

Images by AFP

A 40 rider pileup marred the otherwise calm stage 14, with a number of riders being forced to abandon

Stage 13 - September 20: Burgos - Santander, 189.8 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Luis Perez (Team Coast) one of the most combative riders of the 2002 Vuelta
The start in Burgos was a rather damp affair
The Kelme team control the pace in the first hour
The leading riders at the intermediate sprint in Bocos
The Kelme team working hard during stage 13
The day's main break contained 16 riders
The breakaways climbing the Alto de Bocos
Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio) reaches the top of the Alto de Bocos in front
Santi Blanco (iBanesto.com) leads on the Portillo de la Sia
The peloton climbs the Portillo de la Sia
The peloton rides between Burgos and Santander during stage 13
Giovanni Lombardi (Acqua e Sapone) puts his arms up as he wins the 13th stage
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) looking younger every day

Images by AFP

Giovanni Lombardi (Acqua e Sapone) punches the air as he wins the stage

Stage 12 - September 19: Segovia - Burgos, 210.5 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) in second place overall and the wearer of the white jersey (Regularity classification)
Race leader Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) smiles at the start in Segovia
Erik Zabel (Telekom) the points classification leader in Segovia
167 starters in Segovia get ready for stage 12
Vuelta organiser, Enrique Franco talks to Mikel Zarrabeitia at the start
A cross wind was blowing during the early part of the stage
The wind making it very difficult
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) beat Erik Zabel at the first intermediate sprint
La Vuelta TV images are brought to you by this man (and others)
The breakaway At kilometre 137
The 18 riders who were in front for a large part of the stage
The action in the middle of the peloton during stage 12
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) wins the sprint in Burgos
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) on the podium in gold

Images by AFP

Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) wins the sprint in Burgos

Stage 11 - September 18: Alcobendas - Collado Villalba, 166.1 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

The peloton cross over a bridge in the rain swept first part of stage 11
The first breakway of the day set the pace for a fast stage
Luis Perez (Team Coast) the most combative rider of this year's Vuelta
The Lampre and Kelme teams chase down the break
At last it begins to dry up
Aitor Osa was first to the Alto de San Lorenzo del Escorial
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) the race leader
The breakaways climb the Puerto de Los Leones
Juan Antonio Flecha (iBanesto.com) tries to bridge up
The peloton struggling to keep together in the cross winds
The peloton snakes along in drier conditions
Miguel Martin Perdiguero (Acqua e Sapone) alone in the lead
Danilo Di Luca (Saeco) in the lead on the Navacerrada pass during stage 11
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto) wins the 11th stage as a frustrated Haimar Zubeldia couldn't hold him off
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) on the podium with another gold jersey

Images by AFP

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) leads the peloton on the Nevacerrada pass during stage 11
Pablo Lastras (iBanesto) wins the stage
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) on the podium in gold

Stage 10 - September 16: Córdoba - Córdoba ITT, 36.5 km

Photos courtesy of AFP

Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) during his winning wide in the Stage 10 time trial
Race leader Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) rides during the Stage 10 time trial

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

David Millar (Cofidis) rode well in the time trial, but couldn't match the two Kelmes.

Images by Lavuelta.com

Melchor Mauri (Maia) announced his retirement the night before the time trial
Mikel Pradera (ONCE) warms up before the start
An Index-Alexia rider warms up in the rain
The Lampre team warm up in relatively dry conditions
David Dario Cioni (Mapei) didn't have the best conditions during his ride
German Nieto (Relax-Fuenlabrada) realises he can't see.
Mariano Piccoli (Lampre) demonstates good handling skills
Juan Carlos Dominguez (Phonak) was the best of the early starters
Fabrizio Guidi (Team Coast) looks as though he wants to get this over with as quickly as possible.
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) gets the big gear going during Stage 10
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) had a great ride to finish second today, 40 seconds behind teammate Aitor Gonzalez
Roberto Heras (USPS) rode well in the time trial, but still lost 53 seconds to Oscar Sevilla.
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) retained his leader's jersey by just one second.

Stage 9 - September 15: Córdoba - Córdoba, 130.2 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

The mayoress of Córdoba, Rosa Aguilar cutting the starting line. Once again, the city of Córdoba welcomes cycling and Vuelta Ciclista a España 2002.
The peloton passes under the kilometre zero arch. The Vuelta 2002 survivors, start the ninth stage of La Vuelta in Córdoba.
The peloton strings out. During the first kilometres of the route, predictions for the day already start to come true - it's going to be another fast day at the Vuelta.
The first breakaway. There is a group of 11 riders leading the race after just two kilometres. Organisers are already revising the day's schedule.
The intermediate sprint at Almodovar del Río The peloton is gaining on the break at this point. Elio Aggiano (Mapei-Quick Step) won the sprint
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme-Costa Blanca) rides in the lead echelon, seeking protection from the fierce cross-wind coming from the right.
Oscar Sevilla still in the lead group after the peloton split into two echelons
iBanesto.com leads the second echelon. The Spanish squad had their work cut out to try and bridge the gap to the lead echelon that contained most of the race favourites
Oscar Freire (Mapei-Quick Step) decided to abandon the race today after several days of knee pain; now he starts thinking about the world championship.
Fassa-Bortolo riders bring their sprinter Petacchi back to the peloton after a puncture.
Melchor Mauri (Maia-Milaneza-MSS) winner of the 1991 Vuelta, leads the peloton
Pablo Lastras (ibanesto.com) solves his team's problems after Mancebo's abandon by taking the win
Oscar Sevilla survived another stage as leader despite the trials of a very windy day

Stage 8 - September 14: M‡laga - Ubrique, 173.6 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Two US Postal riders, Victor Pena and Jose Luis Rubiera, in trouble on the scenic Puerto de Las Palomas climb.
Santiago Botero (Kelme) decides to save his legs for Monday's time trial, having done enough work for his team leader Sevilla.

Photos courtesy of AFP

Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) crosses the line to win the 8th stage

Photos courtesy of Lavuelta.com

Race leader Oscar Sevilla interviewed at the start
Alexandre Vinokourov (Telekom) at the start
Inigo Chaurreau (Ag2r) before the start
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) cruises at the start of the race. He rode 72 km before abandoning.
Aitor Osa (iBanesto) and Massimiliano Lelli (Cofidis) attacked early in the stage
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) rides during stage 8
Spanish champion Jose Guillamon (Jazztel) during stage 8
Michael Barry (USPS) gets going again after a nasty crash
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) talks to his team manager on the batphone
Memebers of the Kelme team at the front of the peloton
The peloton snakes its way along between Malaga and Ubrique during stage 8
Lelli leads at the top of the Puerto del Viento
Massimiliano Lelli (Cofidis) and Aitor Osa (iBanesto) take a corner during their escape
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) and Vladimir Miholjevic (Alessio) descend during the eighth stage
Lelli and Osa decide to sit up and wait for Gonzalez de Galdeano and Miholjevic
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) wins the stage in front of David Etxebarria (Euskaltel, L), Luis Perez (Team Coast, C) and Danilo Di Luca (Saeco, R)
Aitor Gonzalez (Kelme) enjoys his time on the podium
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) still in gold after eight stages of the Vuelta

Stage 7 - September 13: Jaen - Malaga, 196.8 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) wins the seventh stage in front of Erik Zabel (Telekom).
Make mine a triple. Mario Cipollini's (Acqua e Sapone) stage win count in the Vuelta.

Photos courtesy of AFP

Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) on the podium with his third winners bouquet

Photos courtesy of Lavuelta.com

The Italian delegation sit around before the start of the seventh stage
Oscar Freire (Mapei) contemplates his future (or catches up on siesta time).
The attacks started early in stage 7
A Jazztel rider gets some mechanical attention during the stage
Felix Garcia Casas (BigMat) rides in the white jersey of the most consistent rider (Regularidad classification)
Race leader Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) chats to his team director Vicente Belda during the seventh stage
Kelme controlled the pace in the early part of the stage
It was 33 degrees today and everyone was feeling it.
Jurgen Van Goolen (Domo) leads German Nieto (Relax), Mariano Piccoli (Lampre) and Nicolas Portal (Ag2r) in the stage 7 breakaway
The breakaways pass the intermediate sprint in Cabra
The second intermediate sprint of the day in Lucena
German Nieto (Relax Fuenlabrada) descends at speed during the seventh stage
The solid figure of Robert Bartko (Telekom) leads the arrowhead of the peloton as it descends towards the finish in Malaga during Stage 7.
El Rey León raises his arms as he wins his third stage
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) in gold again after stage 7

Stage 6 - September 12: Granada - La Pandera (Jaen), 153.1 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Gilberto Simoni (Saeco) on the attack during stage 6 da

Photos courtesy of AFP

Roberto Heras (USPS) attacks Gilberto Simoni on one of the steepest parts of La Pandera
Roberto Heras (USPS) crosses the line victorious

Photos courtesy of Lavuelta.com

Manuel Beltran (Team Coast) is from Jaen, where stage 6 passed through
The riders roll out from the start of the sixth stage
A Spanish gendarme.
The early breakaway working smoothly
The ONCE team control the tempo during the stage
Mikel Zarrabeitia (ONCE) rides in the gold jersey during stage 6
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) during the early part of the sixth stage, where he experienced a few mechanical problems
The peloton approaching the feed zone during stage 6 of the Vuelta.
The peloton pass through the feed zone.
Oscar Freire (Mapei) just had to bide his time today, in preparation for tomorrow's sprint stage.
Angel Casero (Team Coast) had an average day to finish 19th at 1'36
A select group of riders climb La Pandera: Klaus Moller (Maia), Oscar Sevilla (Kelme), Danilo Di Luca (Saeco) and Roberto Heras (USPS)
Roberto Heras (USPS) dispensed with the victory salute atop La Pandera, as he was eager to gain as much time as possible on Sevilla and co.
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) crosses the line in third place but took over the overall leadership from Mikel Zarrabeitia
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) on the podium in the gold leader's jersey

Stage 5 - September 11: El Ejido o Almeria - Sierra Nevada, 198 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Guido Trentin (Cofidis) wins the fifth stage to Sierra Nevada
A happy Guido Trentin (Cofidis) on the podium after his win
Mikel Zarrabeitia (ONCE) on the podium in the leader's jersey

Photos courtesy of AFP

Members of US Postal and other teams observe a minutes silence in memory of the victims of September 11
Mikel Zarrabeitia of the ONCE-Eroski team celebrates on the podium as new overall leader of the Vuelta 2002
Guido Trentin of Cofidis celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fifth stage
Guido Trentin sprays champagne on the podium after winning the fifth stage of the Vuelta

Photos courtesy of Lavuelta.com

The organization of Vuelta along with the US Postal Service team pay tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks in New York last year
The peloton on the first climb of the day
Jesus Manzano (Kelme) leads the early breakaway group
Victor Hugo Peña (USPS) rides with the breakaways during stage 5
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) was one of the riders involved in an early crash
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) receives some mechanical assistance as he makes his way back to the peloton
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) rides in the company of his teammates during stage 5
The Saeco red train did a lot of work during stage 5
The early break begins the climb to Sierra Nevada during stage 5
Guido Trentin (Cofidis, R) and Felix Garcia Casas (BigMat, L) ride during their winning breakaway
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) on the climb of Sierra Nevada during the fifth stage
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) nears the end of the stage to Sierra Nevada
Felix Garcia Casas (BigMat) and Guido Trentin (Cofidis) near the finish of the fifth stage to Sierra Nevada
Guido Trentin (Cofidis) wins the fifth stage to Sierra Nevada
New leader Mikel Zarrabeitia (ONCE) on the podium after stage 5

Stage 4 - September 10: Aguilas - Roquetas De Mar, 149.5 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) wins Stage 4 of the Vuelta in Roquetas De Mar
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) smiles on the podium after his second stage win

Photos courtesy of Lavuelta.com

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) interviewed before stage 4
Jose Luis Rubiera (USPS) smiles before the start of stage 4
Two riders from Almería, Juan Guillamón (Spanish champion) and Alejandro Valverde (Kelme-Costa Blanca)
The peloton pass kilometre zero.
Dario Gadeo (Jazztel-Costa de Almeria) during his long Stage 4 solo
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) rides during the fourth stage of the Vuelta
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) rides in the company of a teammate during the fourth stage of the Vuelta from Aguilas to Roquetas De Mar
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) is escorted back to the peloton by a teammate after a refueling expedition
The peloton in no hurry during the early part of stage 4
The peloton cruise along the Costa de Almeria during stage 4
Santos Gonzalez (Acqua e Sapone) and Marcos Serrano (ONCE) chat during stage 4
Vitoriano Fernandez (Milaneza-MSS), leader of the regularity classification.
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) had all the time in the world for a proper two armed victory salute after he won stage 4

Stage 3 - September 9: San Vicente de Raspeig - Murcia, 134.2 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone, L) rolls across the line for the stage win, as Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R) tries in vain to beat him in the bike throw
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) with his winner's trophy

Photos by AFP

Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) edges out Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R), Erik Zabel (Telekom, L) and Oscar Freire (Mapei, Far R) to win Stage 3

Photos by Graham Watson, courtesy of Unipublic

Jose Luis Rebollo (Relax) sorts himself out after a crash
The ONCE, Telekom and Phonak trains set the pace during stage 3
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone, L) and Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo, R) go head to head in the sprint
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) lets loose with the bubbly
A happy Joseba Beloki (ONCE-Eroski) kept the gold jersey after stage 3

Photos courtesy of Unipublic

Joseba Beloki (ONCE) chats with director Manolo Saiz before stage 3
The peloton roll out of the start in San Vicente de Raspeig
Nicolas Portal (Ag2r) assisted by the doctors after a crash
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) rides during stage 3
Jurgen Van Goolen (Domo-Farm Frites) during his Stage 3 solo effort
Jurgen Van Goolen (Domo-Farm Frites) about to be caught by the peloton after 80 km of freedom
The peloton go past the intermediate sprint in La Mata
The arrowhead of the peloton looking menacing during stage 3 from San Vicente de Raspeig to Murcia
Mario Cipollini (Acqua e Sapone) salutes from the podium with his prizes
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) salutes from the podium
Erik Zabel (Telekom) in the points jersey
Mederic Clain (Cofidis) kept his mountains jersey, as there were no climbs during stage 3

Stage 2 - September 8: Valencia - Alcoy, 144.7 km

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Danilo Di Luca (Saeco-Longoni Sport) proves in stage 2 that he can sprint with the best.
Danilo Di Luca (Saeco-Longoni Sport) on the podium after winning stage 2

Photos by AFP

Danilo di Luca (Saeco-Longoni Sport) pulled off a stylish win, outlasting Erik Zabel and Oscar Camenzind in an uphill drag race to the line
And Dani thought the stage was hard - Danilo di Luca (Saeco-Longoni Sport) struggles with the champagne bottle

Photos by Graham Watson, courtesy of Unipublic

The peloton cruise along during the early stages of Stage 2
Breakaway couple Mederic Clain (Cofidis) and German Nieto (Relax) ride during their long escape in Stage 2.
Race leader Joseba Beloki (ONCE) rides during the second stage
Danilo Di Luca (Saeco-Longoni Sport) triumphs in Stage 2.
Joseba Beloki (ONCE) enjoys his time on the podium

Photos courtesy of Unipublic

Davide Bramati talking to Lampre Daikin Directeur Sportif, Biovani
The peloton on the ascent to El Portillol, a first category mountain pass
Jose Luis Rebollo solving a technical problem on the ascent of the El Portillol. He managed to regain the front group.
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) escorting his leader Joseba Beloki during the second stage
The peloton trying to bridge the riders ahead in the closing stages

Stage 1 - September 7: Valencia - TTT, 24.6 km

Photos by AFP

The Postal train in flight - (from L to R) David Zabriskie, Matthew White, Steffen Kjaergaard, Christian Vandevelde and Victor Hugo Peña
Joseba Beloki (ONCE-Eroski) enjoys the limelight, possibly a bit earlier he expected

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

The ONCE team, with Joseba Beloki in the centre, power towards the finish in Valencia.
Joseba Beloki (ONCE-Eroski) salutes from the podium after being awarded the first gold jersey.

Photos by Graham Watson, courtesy of Unipublic

Jazztel Costa del Almeria just after the start
The ONCE squad at full flight in stage 1
US Postal Service powering to a second place on the first stage
Kelme-Costa Blanca rode well in stage 1 for the third best time
The winning ONCE-Eroski team salute from the podium
Joseba Beloki (ONCE-Eroski) salutes from the podium after being awarded the first gold jersey.

Photos courtesy of Unipublic

The official starters. Only one per rider allowed.
Relax Fuenlabrada, the first team to start in Valencia
Team Coast set off for the first stage
Kelme-Costa Blanca ride full gas during stage 1
The US Postal team in formation during stage 1.
Acqua e Sapone power along in the TTT
The Phonak Hearing Systems squad finished in 11th place on the first stage
Saeco-Longoni Sport lost a valuable 1'13 today
Relax Fuenlabrada, the first team to start in Valencia

Pre-start

Photos by Yuzuru Sunada

Mario Cipollini (Aqua & Sapone) works on his tan poolside in Spain.
Paolo Savoldelli, (Index-Alexia), 2002 Giro d'Italia winner, prior to his start in the Vuelta.

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