68th Tour de Suisse - 2.HC

Switzerland, June 12-20, 2004

Photography

Stage 1 - June 12: Sursee - Beromünster, 176km
Stage 2 - June 13: Dürrenroth - Rheinfelden, 169.9km
Stage 3 - June 14: Rheinfelden - Juraparc-Vallorbe, 185.0km
Stage 4 - June 15: Vallée de Joux - Bätterkinden, 211.6km
Stage 5 - June 16: Bätterkinden - Adelboden, 161.7km
Stage 6 - June 17: Frutigen - Linthal, 185.4km
Stage 7 - June 18: Linthal - Malbun, 133km
Stage 8 - June 19: Buchs - Bellinzone, 191km
Stage 9 - June 20: Lugano - Lugano, 25.6km

Stage 9 - June 20: Lugano - Lugano, 25.6km

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

Lugano a city just over the border with Italy, surrounded by mountains.
The streets were wet when the riders woke up but the rain stopped before the start of today's last stage of the Tour de Suisse.
Jan Ullrich and Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) previewing the Time Trial course.
Australian Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) driving it up on the course.
Scott Sunderland was the third best placed rider of the Alessio-Bianchi squad.
The champion of Britain Roger Hammond (Mr. Bookmaker)
Santiago Botero (T-Mobile) former TT World Champion.
Axel Merckx was the best placed rider of the Lotto-Domo team.
Evgeni Petrov (Saeco) was 4th on the line.
David Canada Gracia (Sunier Duval) finished top 10 on GC.
Oscar Camenzind (Phonak) finished ninth on GC.
Ullrich's teammate and biggest helper in the mountains, Giuseppe Guerini.
The points jersey of Robert Hunter (Rabobank) finished over a minute down from the winner.
The Russian machine of Pavel Tonkov (Vini Caldirola)
The best placed Swiss rider on today's stage was Fabian Cancellara (Fassa Bartolo, 3rd)
Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) finished 7th on GC.
The second last man out of the gate today, Jan Ullrich.
Jan Ullrich had a blistering time and was the leader at all checkpoints.
Jan's speed was enough to take first place on the General Classification by 1 second.
Surely a man in shape for next month's Tour de France.
The last man and golden jersey wearer Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval).
Jan Ullrich was very happy when he found out he had won the Tour de Suisse.
On the last day of the Tour de Suisse Robert Hunter (Rabobank) takes the sprinter's jersey.
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) wearing the final mountains jersey.
Fabian Jeker salutes the Swiss-Italian crowd.
Jan Ullrich glad to have taken the final golden jersey.
Jan also wore the final points jersey after taking the final stage.
The best placed team of the Tour de Suisse, Phonak
Fabian Jeker congratulates Jan on his victory.
Dario David Cioni (Fassa Bartolo) congratulates Jan on his victory.
The final top 3: Fabian Jeker (2nd), Jan Ullrich (1st) and Dario Cioni (3rd)
Jan Ullrich a content man after today's results and looking forward to next month.

Stage 8 - June 19: Buchs - Bellinzone, 191km

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

Axel Merkx (Lotto-Domo) riding to the start area.
Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) enjoying his morning cup of java.
Bobby Julich (CSC) savouring the short few minutes to relax before the start.
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) in great spirits on the second last stage of the Tour de Suisse.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) the points jersey leader.
A Gerolsteiner rider looks over today's news stating Fabian Jeker as the new leader.
The leader of the Fassa Bartolo squad, Fabian Cancellara.
Santiago Botero (T-Mobile) would be involved in a breakaway shortly after the start of today's stage.
The winner of yesterday's uphill finish Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner)
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) could hardly stop smiling at today's start.
Roger Hammond (Mr. Bookmaker) always ready to take on the day.
Ullrich seemed confident of today's results.
Jan Ullrich and some members of the Lampre squad.
The breakaway group containing the eventual winner Paolo Bettini of Quick Step-Davitamon.
Serguei Ivanov (T-Mobile)
Alex Zulle leads the peloton over the Rhein River.
The breakaway group through the town of Tamins.
The back of the breakaway that would decide today's stage winner.
The Saunier Duval team did a great job today at controlling the race.
The Chocolade Jacques squad was working with the Saunier Duval team to bring back the breakaway.
Jan Ullrich never left the sight of the yellow jersey of Fabian Jeker.
The yellow jersey group.
Alex Zulle (Phonak)
As the riders made their way towards the last mountain of this Tour, the storm weather started to move in.
Paolo Bettini claims stage 8 of the Tour de Suisse in Bellinzona, a small town near the Swiss-Italian border.
Patrick Calcagni (Vini Caldirola) is second, over one minute behind Bettini.
Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bartolo) crosses the line for third
Santiago Perez Fernandez (Phonak) was fourth
Juan Fuentes Angullo (Saeco) looking bedraggled
Marco Serpellini (Gerolsteiner)
Grisha Niermann (Rabobank) and Santiago Botero (T-Mobile) were 2'55 seconds behind Paolo Bettini across the line.
The golden jersey of Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) crosses the line still the leader of the Tour de Suisse.
Dario David Cioni (Fassa Bartolo) after a long and wet 191 km.
Patrick Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) and Jan Ullrich were at 3'28 across the line.
Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) crosses the line 3'37 behind the winner.
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon) was very excited to take this stage so close to Italy.
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) was embraced warmly by the Swiss-Italian crowd.
Robert Hunter keeps the points jersey again.
Fabian Jeker in gold with one day to go

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) gives it full gas in the rain
Patrick Calcagni (Vini Caldirola) on his own behind Bettini
Kim Kirchen (Fassa Bartolo) leads Perez
Santiago Perez Fernandez (Phonak) en route to fourth
Juan Fuentes Angullo (Saeco) wonders when it will finish
Marco Serpellini (Gerolsteiner) really enjoying things
Jeker has a small gap to Ullrich and Cioni
Cioni rides up with Ullrich on his wheel
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) trying to see
Evgeni Petrov (Saeco) on the final climb
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) tries to avoid the raindrops
Camenzind is all wet
Guerini grits his teeth
Jose Maria Del Olmo (Milaneza Maia) is almost smiling
Axel Merkx (Lotto-Domo) on the last climb
Tonkov struggles through the rain
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) crosses the line to win
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) waves from the podium
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) satisfied with the stage win
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) is very happy with the leader's jersey

Stage 7 - June 18: Linthal - Malbun, 133km

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

Jan Ullrich looking ready to tackle today's uphill finish in Malbun.
The peloton rolling out of Linthal with the mountains from yesterday's stage in the background.
Today's stage would finish in Liechtenstein a country of 60 square miles of lush alpine territory, with no border controls, no airport and even no railway station.
The crowd at the top of Malbun (1600m) awaiting the leaders of today's stage.
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) crosses the line to win Stage 7 of the Tour de Suisse.
Fabian Jeker's attack just a couple of kilometres from the finish pays off and he takes second place and the leader's jersey.
Frank Schleck (CSC) takes third place trailing behind by 14 seconds.
Jose Maria del Olmo was 4th over the line and had a fantastic ride for his Milaneza team.
Fassa Bortolo's Dario David Cioni crosses the line 28 seconds after the leader.
Jan Ullrich put in a tremendous effort, but it was only enough for 6th place.
Ullrich could not hold on to the golden jersey today after being unable to keep the pace of Fabian Jeker and Georg Totschnig.
Santiago Perez Fernandez (Phonak) crosses the line just behind Ullrich.
Patrick Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) crosses the line exausted after a tough climb
Evgeni Petrov (Saeco)
Steve Zampieri (Vini Caldirola)
Alexandr Kolobnev (Domina Vacanze)
Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) and David Canada (Saunier Duval)
Rui Lavarinhas (Milaneza) and Patxi Vila (Lampre)
Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio-Bianchi)
Gerrit Glomser (Saeco) with Grischa Niermann (Rabobank) at the finish
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) with not a hair out of place
CSC's Bobby Julich and Michael Blaudzun along with Volodymir Gustov (Fassa Bortolo)
Jörg Ludewig (Saeco)
Angel Castresana (Mr. Bookmaker)
Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) crosses the line in Malbun
Martin Elmiger (Phonak)
Axel Merkx (Lotto-Domo)
Alex Zulle (Phonak)
Martin Hvastija (Alessio-Bianchi) enjoys a well deserved refreshment at the end of today's stage.
Georg Totschnig is delighted to have won today's stage in Malbun.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) crossed the line over 18 minutes after the winner.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) keeps the points jersey, still leading after his 2 stage victories.
Hunter also wears the sprinter's jersey.
Yesterday's winner and leader of the climbing jersey Niki Aebersold (Phonak).
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) is the new leader of the Tour de Suisse.
Jeker still cannot believe he has the golden jersey on his shoulders.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) wheels his machine out of the sign on area
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) is nearly there
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) trying to catch Totschnig
Frank Schleck (CSC) had a great ride for third
Jose Maria Del Olmo (Milaneza Maia) ended fourth on the stage
Dario Cioni (Fassa Bortolo) was consistent again to finish 5th
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) comes up the final climb in arrears of Totschnig, Jeker and co.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) has got some power in those legs
Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) had a good ride to finish eighth
Steve Zampieri (Vini Caldirola) looks beaten up
Oscar Camenzind (Phonak) hoping the end is nigh
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) with head bowed
Michael Blaudzun (CSC) leads teammate Bobby Julich home
Alex Merckx (Lotto-Domo) suffering from a crash earlier in the stage
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) rides his own tempo
Robert Hunter (R) comes in with a group 18 minutes down
Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) alone, his work for the day done
Pavel Tonkov (Vini Caldirola) following Cioni
Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio-Bianchi) looking good
Gerrit Glomser (Saeco) out of the saddle
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) on the drops
Here comes Totschnig!
Ow! That hurt for Jeker
Cioni crosses the line
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) heads to the line
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) looks happy that it's over
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) salutes from the podium
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) salutes from the podium
Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval) now in the gold jersey

Stage 6 - June 17: Frutigen - Linthal, 185.4km

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

The Village at today's start in the mountain town of Frutigen
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) ready to sign in for a stage win ahead.
By the day's end second place would go to Thorwald Veneberg (Rabobank).
Bobby Julich (CSC) followed by the winner of two stages in this year's Tour de Suisse, Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo).
Jan Ullrich was in great spirits at today's start.
The winner of the Deutschland Tour Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) relaxes before the start.
The Italian Stallions Francesco Casagrande (Lampre), Mauro Gerosa (Vini Caldirola) and Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon)
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) brings the back of the peloton at the start in Frutigen.
The first HC mountain of the day Sustenpass, at 2224m.
Sustenpass with 5 km to go to the mountain points banner.
Klausenpass the second mountain and deciding factor of the race today.
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) at the top of the Klausenpass and with a lead of almost 3 minutes.
Rabobank's Thorwald Veneberg follows to get second for the day.
Switzerland's own Roger Beuchat (Vini Caldirola) took third on today's agonizing stage.
T-Mobile's Giuseppe Guerini and Jan Ullrich are accompanied by Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval), Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner), Jose Maria del Olmo (Milaneza) and Dario David Cioni (Fassa Bortolo) at the top of the Klausenpass.
Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) could not attack Ullrich today, as he did in the Austrian mountains of the Tour of Germany.
Phonak's Alexandre Moos with Santi Perez (C) and Oscar Camenzind working together to get to the finish line in Linthal. They would all lose over 4 minutes at the end of the day.
Rui Lavarinhas (Milaneza)
Lotto-Domo's Axel Merckx. His expression says it all.
Milaneza's Rui Sousa
Bobby Julich (CSC) makes it over the top of the Klausenpass over 5 minutes down on the leaders.
Massimiliano Gentili (Domina Vacanze) is followed by Gerrit Glomser (Saeco)
Alexandr Kolobnev (Domina Vacanze) and Grischa Niermann (Rabobank)
Phonak teammates Martin Elmiger and Niki Aebersold traded the climbing jersey by the end of today's stage.
Ruslan Ivanov (Alessio-Bianchi) Mauro Gerosa (Vini Caldirola) and Daniele Nardello (T-Mobile)
Belgian Jurgen Van Goolen (Quick Step-Davitamon) is offered some refreshment by a spectator.
Russian Serguei Ivanov (T-Mobile) with Marco Serpellini (Gerolsteiner)
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon rides to the top of the Klausenpass at his own rhythm.
Colombia's Santiago Botero (T-Mobile) provided a lot of help to Ullrich before the second mountain of the day.
Raffaele Ferrara (Alessio-Bianchi)
The remnants of a broken peloton make it over the top of the Klausenpass, over 23 minutes behind the leaders.
After today's tough stage Jan Ullrich seems on track for this year's Tour.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Ullrich in control of the gold jersey
Jan Ullrich straps on the battle helmet
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is happy with his progress in the Tour de Suisse
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) goes all out
Thorwald Veneberg (Rabobank) in second on the Klausenpass
Roger Beuchat (Vini Caldirola) hanging onto third place
Here they come! With Ullrich at the helm
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) leads the front bit of the peloton on the Klausenpass
Jan Ullrich steams past with Jeker and Guerini on his wheel
Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick Step-Davitamon) in pain
The Camenzind group led by Santi Perez
Rui Lavarinhas (Milaneza) grits his teeth
Rui Lavarinhas (Milaneza) off the back
Axel Merckx (Lotto-Domo) gives it everything
Two Domina riders suffering to the top
Marius Sabaliauskas (Saeco) on his own
Fans watch a small group come up
A good place to hang out at the start
Jan Ullrich prepared for another day in the lead
Jan Ullrich does his customary pre-race bike check
Camenzind (C) is paced by his teammates on the Klausenpass
Gustov and Zulle on the Klausenpass
A small group reaches the top of the Klausenpass
At the top of the Klausenpass
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) started celebrating a long way before the line
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) celebrates his win in Linthal
Beuchat leads Ullrich home for third
Jan Ullrich smiles on the podium
Jan Ullrich on the podium at the end of another day
Botero and Ivanov are doing great work for T-Mobile
Ullrich with his excellent climbing domestique Giusseppe Guerini
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) on the podium
Niki Aebersold (Phonak) is now the mountains leader

Stage 5 - June 16: Bätterkinden - Adelboden, 161.7km

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) has a tough uphill finish with 162km ahead of him.
Fabian Jeker the leader of the Saunier Duval-Prodir squad.
Axel Merckx (Lotto-Domo) catching up to the peloton.
The rain hardly let up for the duration of the race.
The Swiss supporters lined up the streets of every town.
Murilo Fischer (Domina Vacanze) Michael Blaudzun (CSC) and Robert Hunter (Rabobank) in the breakaway that would decide today's final results
Santiago Botero leads his T-Mobile squad and the chase to the breakaway.
Jan Ullrich refueling after the feed zone.
The Saunier Duval-Prodir team shared the work chasing the breakaway with T-Mobile.
After a tough climb Jan Ullrich is still safely in the lead.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) made an attack with 2 km to go, but didn't realise how steep the finish was and finished over 1'30 down
Roger Hammond (MrBookmaker.com) still in good spirits after a tough day of racing.
Oscar Camenzind (Phonak) shares his thoughts on today's stage.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) took his second uphill finish stage in the Tour de Suisse.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looks pleased with his results so far in this Tour de Suisse.
Jan Ullrich kept the leader's jersey and the official Tour de Suisse beer mug!
Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) with his machine
Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) race ready
Scott Sunderland (Alessio-Bianchi) before stage 5

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

The wet peloton cheered on by the devil
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) goes all out
Michael Blaudzun (CSC) in pursuit of Hunter
Murilo Fischer (Domina) gives it everything
Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) at the head of the front group
Patrik Sinkewitz (Quick.Step-Davitamon) leads Ullrich
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) suffers a little on the last climb
David Canada (Saunier Duval) on the tail end of the front group
The Milaneza boys just missed the front group
Giuseppe Guerini finishing the stage, his job done
Geert Verheyen was the best of the Jacques team
Marius Sabaliauskas (Saeco) hurting
Daniel Schnider (Phonak) not looking too happy with the situation
Tom Danielson (Fassa Bortolo) finished 41st today
Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio-Bianchi) suffers on the last climb
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) made a late attack, which failed
Zulle and Elmiger were just inside the top half of the field
Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) is hangin' in there
Marco Serpellini (Gerolsteiner) in cruise mode
Salvatore Commesso (Saeco) takes the slow and steady way up
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) wins the fifth stage
Murilo Fischer (Domina Vacanze) takes second place ahead of Blaudzun
Swiss champion Daniel Schnider (Phonak) finishes in 37th spot
Axel Merckx (Lotto-Domo) post stage
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in the leader's jersey
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) interviewed post stage

Stage 4 - June 15: Vallée de Joux - Bätterkinden, 211.6km

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

Santiago Botero (T-Mobile) ready to support his teammate and yellow jersey, Jan Ullrich
Russian Serguei Ivanov (T-Mobile) found himself eight minutes down after stage 3
Tobias Steinhauser (T-Mobile) was involved in a crash with Markus Zberg (Gerolsteiner), but unlike Zberg who landed in the hospital, Steinhauser escaped with minor injuries
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) looking forward to the stage
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) always the gentleman
The Devil cheering on the leader
Italians Stefano Garzelli and Mauro Gerosa (Vini Caldirola) in good spirits before the 211km stage
The climbing jersey of Martin Elmiger (Phonak)
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) gets it on the line ahead of Francesco Chicchi (Fassa Bortolo) and Olaf Pollack (Gerolsteiner)
McEwen is congratulated by teammate Glenn D'hollander
Winner of stages 2 and 4 Robbie McEwen can now rest with the mountains coming up
Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) in the points jersey
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) finding the golden leader's jersey to be a good fit
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is happy to be on top again

Stage 3 - June 14: Rheinfelden - Juraparc-Vallorbe, 185.0km

Images by Jean-Bernard Sieber/Reuters/Picture Media

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) riding during stage three. Ullrich and T-Mobile successfully defended his yellow jersey.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) claims victory in stage three after out-sprinting Gregory Rast (Phonak) and Jurgen Van Goolen (Quick.Step) at the end of a breakaway.

Images by Franklin Tello Photography/Cyclingnews/franklintellophoto.com

Today's stage left the legendary Feldschlösschen Castle in Rheinfelden.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) at the start in Rheinfelden.
Olaf Pollack (Gerolsteiner) on his way to signing in for a 185km stage.
Bobby Julich (CSC) would lead the second group at the end of the stage.
Italian Paolo Bettini (Quick Step - Davitamon) was well greeted by the Swiss crowd today.
A focused lead member of Phonak Alex Zülle.
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) did a great job today at supporting his leader Oscar Camenzind.
The crowd greets the leader of the Tour de Suisse, Jan Ullrich.
As always a modest Ullrich saluting his fans.
Jan Ullrich (R) Bobby Jullich (M) and Tobias Steinhauser (L) enjoy a quick chat before the start of the race.
Jurgen Van Goolen (Quick Step - Davitamon) Robert Hunter (Rabobank), Alberto Ongarato (Fassa Bortolo), Grégory Rast (Phonak) and Peter Wuyts (Mr. Bookmaker.com-Palmans) in the breakaway.
The peloton starts the chase with Serguei Ivanov and his T-Mobile team.
Serguei Ivanov and Tobias Steinhauser protecting the yellow jersey of Jan Ullrich.
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) winning in Vallorbe, after 185km of racing.
Grégory Rast (Phonak) tried sprinting, but he had to settle for second place for the day.
Jurgen Van Goolen (Quick Step - Davitamon) putting his final effort to cross the line.
Peter Wuyts (Mr. Bookmaker.com - Palmans) had a superb ride, escalating 46 places by the end of the day.
Fassa Bortolo's Alberto Ongarato showed his strength on the final climb, to claim 4th place.
Bobby Julich (CSC) leads the second group into the line, with the winner of this year's Tour of Germany, Patrik Sinkewitz on his shoulder.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) crosses the line, safely in the lead group
Robert Hunter (Rabobank) salutes the crowd with his victory bouquet
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) on the podium after retaining the leader's jersey

Stage 2 - June 13: Dürrenroth - Rheinfelden, 169.9km

Images by Jean-Bernard Sieber/Reuters/Picture Media

Jan Ullrich of Germany during the second stage of the Tour of Switzerland
Robbie McEwen raises his arms as he wins the second stage of the Tour of Switzerland

Stage 1 - June 12: Sursee - Beromünster, 176km

Images by Jean-Bernard Sieber/Reuters/Picture Media

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) wins the first stage of the Tour of Switzerland ahead of Oscar Camenzind (Phonak, R) and Fabian Jeker (Saunier Duval-Prodir)
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) gets the traditional podium congratulations and his first yellow jersey of the year.