Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria - 2.3

Australia, October 14-24, 2004

Photography

Stage 1 - October 14: Melbourne, Lygon Street Criterium, 33 km
Stage 2 - October 15: Werribee Criterium, 36 km
Stage 3 - October 15: Werribee - You Yangs, 77.7 km
Stage 4 - October 16: Portarlington Circuit race, 117 km
Stage 5 - October 17: Geelong, 77 km
Stage 6 - October 18: Colac, 178.7 km
Stage 7 - October 19: Creswick - Daylesford, 154.8 km
Stage 8 - October 20: Bendigo Kermesse, 69 km
Stage 9 - October 21: Nagambie - Mansfield, 151.8 km
Stage 10 - October 22: Mansfield Criterium, 33 km
Stage 11 - October 22: Mansfield - Jamieson, 38.0 km
Stage 12 - October 23: Warragul - Mt Baw Baw, 87.7 km
Stage 13 - October 24: Traralgon Kermesse, 57 km

Stage 13 - October 24: Traralgon Kermesse, 57 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Thirty minutes a day can have you feeling active
'I’ll take this one thanks'
The yellow jersey team of Europcar-Pelaco before the final stage at Traralgon
'Hey Macca... I reckon I’ve got you covered today!'
The peloton are away on the final stage of 57kms, 20 laps of a 2.85km circuit
'Thanks mate for all your help during the Tour'
The lead group with a little help!
A breakaway on the final day opened up early in the stage, in front of another large crowd
Ben Johnson (Malaysian Airlines) tucks it in down the back straight at Traralgon
The peloton snake their way up a small rise half way through the final stage
Daniel Newnham (Mitchell Supplies) on the front during the final stage of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
Domenic Gatto (Victorian State Home Loans) leads the field around a bend and into the back straight
Chris Sutton (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport) leads the frontmarkers into the last lap of the Tour
William Walker (Jayco) takes the final stage of the 2004 Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
'Well guys what did you think of that?'
The final stage podium (L-R) Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore,2cnd) William Walker (Jayco, 1st) and Chris Sutton (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport, 3rd)
The final General Classification podium (L-R) David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore, 2cnd) Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco, 1st) and Ben Brooks (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport,3rd)
Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco) holds the wheel , trophy of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
Cheers Jonas!
Phillip Thuaux (Jayco) took out the Emu Spirit Most Aggressive rider’s jersey
A happy Dean Downing (Team Bendigo) took out the Active for Life Criterium jersey
The KR Castlemaine Foods Sprints Points jersey went to Tasmanian Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore)
The leading team on the Tour , BicycleSuperstore (L-R) Hans de Clerq, Scott Guyton, Henk Vogels, Karl Menzies and David Mckenzie

Stage 12 - October 23: Warragul - Mt Baw Baw, 87.7 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Half Mile Creek team manager Rick Martin pours a vino for Jonathon Cantwell as teamates (L-R) Hilton Clarke , Bart Heirewegh and Steven De Decker look on
The Peloton make their way out of Warragul bound for Mt.Baw Baw
Phillip Thuaux (R) of the Jayco team and Tony Mann (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) broke away from the peloton within five km’s from the start
The peloton on the 87.7 km stage from Warragul to Mt.Baw Baw
Thumbs up! for the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour and the yellow jersey
Tony Mann (L) of Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello and Phillip Thuaux (Jayco) in action during their breakaway on stage twelve
The main field descend at 90km’s an hour during stage twelve
Riders clear the top of another climb for King of the Mountain points
Sixteen kilometres of sheer PAIN!
Matthew Lloyd (Mitchell Supplies) finding the climb up Mt. Baw Baw thirsty work
Better you guys than me!
Phillip Thuaux (Jayco) is caught and passed by Frenchman Benoit Poilvet (Provincial Victoria) on the climb up Mt.Baw Baw
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) in yellow and feeling the strain on the climb up Mt.Baw Baw
Chris Sutton (McGee NSW Institute of Sport) chasing two riders half way up Mt.Baw Baw
Benoit Poilvet (Provincial Victoria) in the lead up Baw Baw with four kilometres to go
Frenchman Christophe Le Mevel (Provincial Victoria) chasing down his teamate in the lead during stage twelve
Feeling the pain on the steep road up: Columbian Ruber Marin (Team Subaru) on Mt.Baw Baw
Matthew Lloyd (Mitchell Supplies) wins the toughest stage up Mt.Baw Baw
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) collapses from his bike after the stage up Mt.Baw Baw
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) is comforted by his team manager John Pritchard after losing his grip on the 2004 Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
The podium after stage twelve (L-R) Benoit Poilvet (2cnd, Provincial Victoria) Matthew Lloyd (1st, Mitchell Supplies) and Christophe Le Mevel (3rd, Provincial Victoria)
21-years old Matthew Lloyd (Mitchell Supplies) , a winner of a stage of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour!
I can’t wait to taste this - Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco) takes the yellow jersey and now leads the Tour with one stage to go
Europcar-Pelaco crew member Paul Ciuro (R) plants one on Jonas Ljungblad after taking over the yellow jersey and race lead

Stage 11 - October 22: Mansfield - Jamieson, 38.0 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Matt Goold (L) and Eric Wohlberg - Active for Life teamates sign on for stage 11 from Mansfield to Jamieson
Hans de Clerq (BicycleSuperstore) working on his suntan in the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
Riders attack the peloton early into stage 11 just outside of Mansfield
Tony Mann (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) in the Emu Spirit most aggressive jersey on stage eleven
German Thomas Liese (Malaysian Airlines) on the attack early into stage eleven
Thomas Liese (Malaysian Airlines) leads the field up a climb near Mansfield on stage eleven
The peloton makes its way over a bridge heading towards Jamieson in the 38km stage eleven
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) in yellow and looking to hold his leaders jersey before the penultimate stage up Mt.Baw Baw
Where are you Macca? Scott Guyton BicycleSuperstore teamate of Tour leader David Mckenzie checks to see where his team leader is
William Walker (Jayco) sneaks away from the field on the run into Jamieson
Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) grits his teeth and takes out stage eleven into Jamieson
The Spray (L-R) Artur Krzeszowiec (2nd, Europcar-Pelaco), Robert McLachlan (1st, Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) and Jeremy Hunt (3rd, Latrobe City)
Coke adds life eh Macca!

Stage 10 - October 22: Mansfield Criterium, 33 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Nurse!!!
The peloton wants to be horsing around on stage 10 in Mansfield
Remember on stage 4 when I said there was no bull, well on stage 10 there is a little horse... !!
You know Scotty,... I think I can win this BicycleSuperstore teammates David Mckenzie (L) and Scott Guyton
This is a stick up, but first lets see who can win stage ten of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour!
The peloton circles the roundabout on the main road in Mansfield during stage ten
Robert McLachlan (R, Argo 18 Bikes-Caravello) and Glen Mitchell (Active for Life) lead the main field down the back straight in Mansfield
The peloton makes its way under the banner in Mansfield during stage ten
The yellow jersey of David Mckenzie is safely tucked away between BicycleSuperstore teammates Scott Guyton (L) and Karl Menzies
Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) takes stage ten after a 33km criterium around the streets of Mansfield
Part of the Herald Sun Tour media speaks with stage ten winner Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello)
The podium spray (L-R) Glen Mitchell (2nd, Active for Life) Robert McLachlan (1st, Argon 18 Bikes-Caravelo) and Simon Gerrans (3rd, Jayco)
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) celebrates his Tour lead after stage ten in Mansfield

Stage 9 - October 21: Nagambie - Mansfield, 151.8 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Andrew Graham (Team UNO Clothing) gets wired for sound before stage nine of the Tour
The McGee-NSW Institute of Sport team is using Lapierre bikes
Frenchman Christophe Le Mevel of the Provincial Victoria team
Luke Roberts (Latrobe City) makes some pre-stage adjustments in Nagambie
Irishman Dermot Nally (Sungold Milk-Warrnambool) relaxes before the 151.8km stage from Nagambie to Mansfield
Karl Menzies (Bicycle Superstore) all smiles in yellow as Tour leader going into stage nine
David McKenzie (Bicycle Superstore) on the startline at Nagambie
“Boy this sure beats school!”
Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello teammates Robert McLachlan (R) and Tony Mann on the front early into stage nine
Nick Kiraly (Victorian State Home Loans) working hard on the roads near Nagambie
Riders cross a bridge near Nagambie during the 151.8km stage nine
The leading group on dusty roads
The peloton makes its way towards Mansfield beneath the shade of trees
Single file shadows
Ruber Marin (Team Subaru) attacks the field on a climb in the Strathbogie Ranges
Joel Pearson (L) of the Provincial Victoria team and Mateusz Mroz of Europcar-Pelaco working up a climb on stage nine
TV media on tour film the main field on a climb
David McKenzie’s (BicycleSuperstore) face tells the story on the category two climb between Nagambie and Mansfield
Peter Milostic (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) out of the saddle on the category two climb
Richard England (Mitchell Supplies) is helped by Tour medical officer Bobby Hall after crashing at a bridge near Merton
Richard England (Mitchell Supplies) suffered severe facial injuries and concussion in a crash on stage nine
Medicos Bobby Hall (L) and Dr Simon Hillman attend to Richard England (Mitchell Supplies) as riders cross the bridge
Growlers Gully welcomes the yellow jersey
Ben Johnson (L, Malaysian Airlines) and Simon Gerrans (Jayco) escaped the clutches of the peloton in the concluding kms’ on stage nine
The Tour leader Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) powering the yellow jersey towards the finish into Mansfield
Simon Gerrans (Jayco) leads Ben Johnson (Malaysian Airlines, behind) towards the finish as the peloton tries to keep them in sight
Simon Gerrans (Jayco) takes stage nine from Nagambie to Mansfield after 151.8 kms
The podium - (L-R) Ben Johnson (Malaysian Airlines, 2cnd) Simon Gerrans (Jayco, 1st) and David McKenzie (BicycleSuperstore, 3rd)
Ben Johnson (Malaysian Airlines ,L) and Simon Gerrans (Jayco) happy to hand out another podium spray
David McKenzie (Bicycle Superstore) tries on the Tour leader’s yellow jersey for the first time
Aussie cycling legend Phil Anderson checks out David McKenzie’s new yellow Tour leader’s jersey

Stage 8 - October 20: Bendigo Kermesse, 69 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Aussie Tour de France star Brad McGee dropped into Bendigo for stage eight of the 2004 Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria.
Dean Downing (Team Bendigo), Active for Life Criterium leader, signs on for stage eight in Bendigo.
"Boy, I sure would like to get my hands on the yellow jersey!"
All the colour of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria in Bendigo.
"If you take first prize, I want half the money, OK!" Active for Life teammates Jorge Libonatti (R) and Matthew Goold on the startline at Bendigo.
Karl Menzies (Bicycle Superstore) in yellow and keeping an eye on one of the biggest danger to his lead, Luke Roberts (Latrobe City).
Riders had to negotiate a tricky corner at the end of the home straight on the 2.85km circuit in Bendigo.
The crowd around Lake Weeroona in Bendigo were getting a close-up view of the Tour.
The peloton cross a railway line on the Midland Highway in Bendigo during the 69km kermesse.
A spectator parks his bike and watches the Tour go by.
Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) in yellow and on top of things during stage eight.
Spectators enjoy a beer as the peloton rolls by during the stage eight 69km kermesse around Lake Weeroona in Bendigo.
The peloton make their way around the Tysons Reef Hotel in Bendigo (thanks to the hotel for the use of their balcony).
Riders on the attack over the bridge down the back straight around Lake Weeroona in Bendigo.
The Bong Bong Hat Band were juggling around Lake Weeroona during stage eight at Bendigo.
Mathew Rex (CGU Insurance), one of the youngest riders on Tour and in the leading trio at Bendigo.
Richard England (Mitchell Supplies) leads Mathew Rex (CGU Insurance) and Mark Roland (Victorian State Home Loans), with the peloton over a minute behind.
Mark Roland (Victorian State Home Loans) looking for a podium finish for his team on stage eight.
Mathew Rex (CGU Insurance) about to fly over the line to win stage eight of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria.
The podium after stage eight - (L to R) Mark Roland (Victorian State Home Loans, 2nd), Mathew Rex (CGU Insurance, 1st), and Richard England (Mitchell Supplies, 3rd).
The traditional podium spray after stage eight in Bendigo, and not a bad drop either!
Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) from Launceston in Tasmania on the podium in yellow after stage eight of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour.

Stage 7 - October 19: Creswick - Daylesford, 154.8 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Getting ready for the start of stage seven from Creswick to Daylesford.
Team CGU Insurance masseur Anton "Frank" Spencer gives Stephen Cunningham a rub-down prior to stage seven.
The bikes of the McGee-NSW Institute of Sport team.
"Hey, isn't that Baden Cooke, green jersey winner from the Tour de France!"
Active for Life rider Matthew Goold on the front early on stage seven.
A small group try to escape the peloton's claws not far from Creswick on stage seven.
The bunch on a small rise during the 154km stage from Creswick to Daylesford.
The field line out during racing on narrow roads out the back of northeast Victoria.
Jeremy Hunt (Latrobe City, far R) goes off road on the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour.
Bart Heirewegh (Half Mile Creek) winding the peloton up.
Nathan Jones (CGU Insurance) driving the peloton during stage seven.
"Yeahhhhh, I'm in yellow!" Tour leader Karl Menzies from Bicycle Superstore.
WinTV covering the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour.
The leading riders planting their foot down on the peloton!
The team from Active for Life on the front on stage seven
David Tanner (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport) was an attacking rider on stage seven
Bart Heirewegh (Half Mile Creek) forty fifth on stage seven and thirty minutes behind the leader
The peloton makes its way towards Daylesford on stage seven
William Walker (Jayco) was on the attack most of stage seven
Keiran Page (Team Bendigo) in the top ten in general classification after stage seven
Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco) looking make his mark on the Tour during stage seven
The leading group looking for a sign to win stage seven into Daylesford
Karl Menzies left (BicycleSuperstore) hungry for success in the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
Luke Roberts (Latrobe City) in the tuck position with the yellow jersey (L) in hot pursuit
Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco) takes stage seven into Daylesford
The sprint for minor placings into Dayelsford at the finish to stage seven
Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco) answers the media’s questions after taking the stage into Daylesford

Stage 6 - October 18: Colac, 178.7 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

The UNO clothing team tent at Colac for stage six
I hope I can hear you ok out there Glen Eric Wohlberg and Glen Mitchell of Team Active for Life
Team UNO Clothing on the startline
The boys from Benalla are back in town! (L-R): Baden Cooke, David Tanner, Simon Gerrans (Benalla CC) and Ashley Baines
Dean Downing (Team Bendigo) going beyond expectations on the Tour
The field takes off in Colac for the 178km sixth stage of the Tour
The peloton on the longest stage of the Tour, over 178km around the Otways
A split in the peloton early into stage six
The peloton is going potty in stage six!
Phillip Thuaux (Jayco) out of the saddle in the Herald Sun Tour
The leading break of Phillip Thuaux (Jayco) with Dominique Parras (Active for Life), Brian Kenneally (Sungold Milk-Warrnambool) and Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore)
The peloton snakes its way through the Otways
The field gives chase through the Otways on stage six
Russell Van Hout (Team Subaru) working for Baden Cooke on the difficult stage six through the Otways
Simon Gerrans (R) of the Jayco team with Luke Roberts (Latrobe City) trying to bridge the gap between four riders and the peloton
'Now just where is the peloton?'
Dean Downing (Team Bendigo) in yellow and tucked away in the peloton
The leading group of four was joined by Gerrans and Roberts by the time they reached this climb
A lone spectator (bottom left) watches the main field descend in the Otways
Team Subaru in white was driving the peloton in pursuit of the leading six riders
The main field descends the hills towards Apollo Bay
Thirsty work eh Brian! (Brian Kenneally of Team Sungold Milk-Warrnambool)
The leading group sprint for points into Apollo Bay
Dominique Parras (Team Active for Life) takes the stage victory into Colac under the shade of the banner
The podium (L-R): Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore, 2nd), Dominique Parras (Team Active for Life, 1st) and Luke Roberts (Latrobe City, 3rd)
Dominique Parras (Team Active for Life) gives it his all for the traditional podium spray
Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) leader of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria after stage six

Stage 5 - October 17: Geelong, 77 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Wally Smith chalks up the start-finish line in preparation for stage five at Geelong
“That’s my brother up there”, - Dean Downing (Bendigo) is presented with his race leaders jersey as brother Russell rides past
“Don’t tell them anything!” - McGee-NSW Institute of Sport manager Rodney McGee gags Chris Sutton as Jayco’s Jonathon Clarke awaits the tactics
“I’ll go this way and you go this way” - Baden Cooke and Trent Wilson Team Subari teammates at the sign on
Tomas Buchacek (Latrobe City) signs on prior to stage five in Geelong
David Harrigan (L) and Jeremy Hunt - Latrobe City teammates at the sign on
William Walker (Jayco) signs on for stage five in Geelong
Riders on the startline for stage five of the Herald Sun Tour in Geelong
Dean Downing (Bendigo) in yellow and Tour leader at the start of stage five
The peloton awaits the start to stage five in Geelong in perfect conditions
Eric Wohlberg (Active for Life) in action at Geelong during stage five
Corey Sweet (Latrobe City) attacked the main field with Ben Brooks early on stage five
Corey Sweet (R, Latrobe City) and Ben Brooks (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport) broke away from the peloton in the early laps of stage five
The yellow jersey is tucked away in the peloton around the streets of the Geelong foreshore
Henk Vogels (BicycleSuperstore) out of the saddle and in the thick of things on stage five
The peloton makes its way around the Geelong foreshore
Tony Mann (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) chased down the leading duo
The peloton makes its way around the streets in single file at Geelong
The chasing peloton is sailing on the Geelong foreshore
The conditions were perfect to work on a suntan during stage five
McGee-NSW Institute of Sport manager Rodney McGee (L) and crew member Dennis Tanner attend to Chris Sutton on stage five
The chasing peloton goes under the Herald Sun banner at Geelong
The main field corners into the home straight at Geelong
Bikes, balloons and more bikes at Geelong for the Herald Sun Tour!
Baden Cooke (Team Subaru) salutes the crowd to take out stage five at Geelong
The podium spray - (L-R) David McKenzie (BicycleSuperstore, 2cnd) Baden Cooke (Team Subaru, 1st) and Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco, 3rd)
Dean Downing (Team Bendigo) in yellow and leader of the Herald Sun Tour after stage five

Stage 4 - October 16: Portarlington Circuit race, 117 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

'"Are you sure that's how you spell your name, Keiran?" Team Bendigo teamate Dean Downing seems to be asking Keiran Page!
Belgian rider Steven De Decker (Half Mile Creek) signs on before the start of stage four in Portarlington
The peloton makes its way up Newcombe Street in Portarlington from the Grand Hotel balcony
Jeremy Hunt (R) slings Latrobe City teamate Tomas Buchacek into the action down the back straight
Ben Brooks (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport) drives the peloton during stage four
Portarlington golf club members looking for a birdie as the Herald Sun Tour speeds past!
There is no bull on the Herald Sun Tour, it's all fair dinkum!
Richard Moffatt (McGee-NSW Institute of Sport) on the short but steep climb on the backroads of Portarlington
The peloton gives chase to a breakaway group on a climb around the roads of Portarlington on stage four
The leading group had a handy break on the the field with only three laps to go
Tour leader Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) tucked away in the chasing peloton
Rhys Pollock (Team UNO Clothing) out of the saddle in the main field
Colombian Ruber Marin (Team Subaru) will be out to help team leader Baden Cooke as the Tour heads for the hills
The leading bunch were firing , opening up a lead of two and a half minutes during stage four
Rob Sharman (Sungold Milk-Warrnambool) from England in the leading group
It Harley seemed worth it as the peloton gave chase past the Grand Hotel in Portarlington!
The team from Latrobe City lead the main field up the home straight at Portarlington
David McKenzie (BicycleSuperstore) powers the leading group to the bell lap
Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) greets the chequered flag to win stage four of the Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour
How about a drink boys? - stage winner Robert McLachlan deserves one after his great win at Portarlington
The podium spray (L-R) Baden Cooke (Team Subaru, 2cnd) Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello,1st) and Richard England (Mitchell Supplies, 3rd).

Stage 3 - October 15: Werribee - You Yangs, 77.7 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Baden Cooke (Team Subaru) wins stage three at the top of the You Yangs
Luke Roberts (Latrobe City) leads Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco) to the finish at the You Yangs
Baden Cooke (Team Subaru) explains how he won stage three to the media
Anthony Challinor (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) gives the thumbs up after finishing stage three in one piece
Tour leader after stage three Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) from Tasmania
Making it happen in Provincial Victoria are Aussie cycling stars Luke Roberts (L) and Baden Cooke
The podium after stage three (L-R): Luke Roberts (Latrobe City, 2nd) Baden Cooke (Team Subaru ,1st) and Jonas Ljungblad (Europcar-Pelaco, 3rd)
The traditional podium spray after stage three atop the You Yangs
Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) getting used to wearing yellow on Tour.

Stage 2 - October 15: Werribee Criterium, 36 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Everyone's reading about this year’s Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour!
They’re off on stage two of the Tour
Riders corner at Werribee in the stage two criterium
The peloton could grab a trim on its way past!
Spares anyone?
Plenty of schoolchildren welcome the yellow jersey and perhaps its biggest rival Baden Cooke
Jeremy Hunt (R) of Latrobe City leads Robert McLachlan of Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello late in stage two
Russell Downing (Team Bendigo) leans into a bend with the field chasing
The main field during the stage two criterium at Werribee
Trent Wilson of Team Subaru in action on day two
Race Leader Karl Menzies (R) of BicycleSuperstore with Ruber Marin of Team Subaru
Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello, 4th from left) crashes over a fallen banner in the home straight
Carnage in the home straight after riders came down crashing over a fallen banner near the finish to stage two
The field is waved to the side by support crew to avoid fallen riders
Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) will be stiff after a nasty fall in the home straight at Werribee
Baden Cooke (Team Subaru) has one hand on stage two at the finish
Lindsay Hill chats with stage two winner Baden Cooke (Team Subaru)
'There was no way I was going to beat you in that sprint Cookey!'
The podium spray on stage two (L-R): Dean Downing (2nd, Bendigo) Baden Cooke (1st, Subaru) and Matthew Rex (3rd, CGU Insurance)
Robert McLachlan (Argon 18 Bikes-Caravello) gingerly makes his way onto the podium
Tasmanian race leader Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) on the podium after stage two

Stage 1 - October 14: Melbourne, Lygon Street Criterium, 33 km

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Hans de Clerq of Belgium (BicycleSuperstore) signs on for the 2004 Herald Sun Tour
Luke Roberts (Latrobe City) one of the pre-race favourites for this year's tour.
Henk Vogels (BicycleSuperstore) faces the media prior to the start of the Herald Sun Tour in Lygon street.
William Walker (Jayco) at just eighteen and one of the fancies for overall honours
At the start line for the 2004 Herald Sun Tour
The Downing brothers Russell (L) and a happy Dean of the Bendigo team before the start of their tour
The Mayor of Melbourne John Soh fires the gun (with a little help) to start the tour.
Another huge crowd turned out for stage one of the tour in Lygon street Carlton.
Dean Downing (Bendigo) leads BicycleSuperstore teammates Karl Menzies and David Mckenzie round the streets of Carlton.
Jeremy Hunt of Latrobe City gets a taste of the Herald Sun Tour in Carlton!
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) takes a turn at the front in the three man breakaway from the main field
Spectators grab balcony seats for the tour during lunch hours in Carlton
The field of the Herald Sun Tour in pursuit of three riders, corner in Lygon street.
Tour De France star Baden Cooke (Team Subaru) recovering from injuries and a previous winner of the Tour in 2002.
Riders swing round Carlton on the first stage of the 2004 Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria.
Tasmanian Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) a last minute entry into this year's tour.
David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore) one of three riders to break away from the field on stage one.
Baden Cooke (Team Subaru) in white looking to add another Herald Sun Tour to his list of victories.
Jonathan Cantwell (Half Mile Creek) leads teammate Christian Lademann of Germany and Russell Downing (L) of the Bendigo team round on stage one.
Kieran Page (C) of the Bendigo team a stage winner last year and a criterium specialist on the Tour.
Crowds turned out in force once again in Lygon street to welcome the arrival of the 2004 Malaysian Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria.
Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore) makes the most of his late entry by winning the first stage in Carlton.
The rest of the field sprint for top ten placings, a lap behind winner Karl Menzies.
The traditional podium spray on stage one (L-R): David Mckenzie (BicycleSuperstore, 3rd) Karl Menzies (BicycleSuperstore, 1st) and Dean Downing (Bendigo, 2nd).