57th Vuelta a España

Spain, September 7- 29, 2002

Photography

Pre start
Stage 1 - September 7: Valencia - TTT, 24.6 km
Stage 2 - September 8: Valencia - Alcoy, 144.7 km
Stage 3 - September 9: San Vicente de Raspeig - Murcia, 134.2 km
Stage 4 - September 10: Aguilas - Roquetas De Mar, 149.5 km
Stage 5 - September 11: El Ejido o Almeria - Sierra Nevada, 198 km
Stage 6 - September 12: Granada - La Pandera (Jaen), 153.1 km
Stage 7 - September 13: Jaen - Malaga, 196.8 km
Stage 8 - September 14: M‡laga - Ubrique, 173.6 km
Stage 9 - September 15: Córdoba - Córdoba, 130.2 km
Stage 10 - September 16: Córdoba - Córdoba ITT, 36.5 km
Stage 11 - September 18: Alcobendas - Collado Villalba, 166.1 km
Stage 12 - September 19: Segovia - Burgos, 210.5 km
Stage 13 - September 20: Burgos - Santander, 189.8 km
Stage 14 - September 21: Santander - Gijón, 190.2 km
Stage 15 - September 22: Gijón - Angliru, 176.7 km
Stage 16 - September 24: Avilés - León, 154.7 km
Stage 17 - September 25: Benavente - Salamanca, 145.6 km
Stage 18 - September 26: Salamanca - Estación de la Covatilla (Béjar), 193.7 km
Stage 19 - September 27: Béjar - Avila, 177.8 km
Stage 20 - September 28: Avila -Warner Bros Park (S. Martín de la Vega), 141.2 km
Stage 21 - September 29: Warner Bros Park - Stadion Santiago Bernabeu - ITT, 41.2 km

Stage 21 - September 29: Warner Bros Park - Stadion Santiago Bernabeu - ITT, 41.2 km

Images by Lavuelta.com

• 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.