98th Paris-Tours - CDM

France, October 10, 2004

Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com

Manuel Quinziato (Lampre) leads the early break rolls through Voves at kilometre 40
With teammate Erik Dekker up the road Rabobank's former Paris-Tours winner Marc Wauters was content to let the field amble in the first hour
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) wins the 98th Paris-Tours
Disappointment for Paolo Bettini (6th), but the World Cup leader's jersey as consolation
Danilo Hondo played Gerolsteiner's card in the sprint, finishing second to Erik Dekker
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) realizes a podium place is not his in Tours

Oscar Friere (L) and Paolo Bettini greet each other at the start
World Champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank) rides during Paris-Tours
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) leads Quinziato, Tankink and Berthou in the break
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) can't resist a victory smirk as he wins Paris-Tours just metres ahead of the bunch
The podium (L to R): Danilo Hondo (2nd), Erik Dekker (1st) and Oscar Freire (3rd)
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) now in the World Cup jersey

Images by AFP Photo

Erik Dekker (Rabobank) crosses the line in Tours ahead of the peloton
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) can't believe it
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) is really happy
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) looks like he's pulled a rabbit out of a hat
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) on the podium with the victory bouquet
The podium (L to R): Danilo Hondo (2nd), Erik Dekker (1st) and Oscar Freire (3rd)
Erik Dekker (Rabobank) chats to teammate Oscar Freire on the podium

Images by Daniel Schamps

Images by Régis Garnier/www.velofotopro.fr.st

Newly-crowned world champ Oscar Freire (Rabobank) signs on.
A happy Fabian Cancellara (Fassa Bortolo).
Michele Scarponi (Domina Vacanze) was also looking extremely cheerful.
Chris Horner rides his first World Cup in Saunier Duval colours.
Igor Astarloa's not sure whether he wants his photo taken.
Fabio Baldato (Alessio-Bianchi) gives a perfect pout.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) was hoping to take the World Cup leader's jersey today... and pulled it off.
Nicolas Reynaud and Eric Berthou wait for the team presentation.
Credit-Agricole team mates Sebastien Joly and Geoffroy Lequatre.
World Cup leader David Rebellin signs an autograph.
TT world champion Michael Rogers (Quick.Step-Davitamon).
David Rebellin (Gerolsteiner), worried as usual.
Oh, c'mon Davide - I don't believe your going to give me that jersey without a fight!
Jean-Patrick Nazon (Ag2r) waits for the start.
Vincent Jérôme (Vendée-U) wins the U23 Paris Tours.
Vincent Jérôme (Vendée-U, R) delighted after his win.
U23 winner Vincent Jérôme (Vendée-U) salutes the crowd...
... before Erik Dekker (Rabobank) pulls off a magnificent win moments later.
A disappointed Mathias Kessler (T-Mobile).
The podium - (L to R) Danilo Hondo (2nd), Erik Dekker (1st) and Oscar Freire (3rd).
The strongest and smartest rider on the day.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Davitamon) once again takes the World Cup leader's jersey.