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Giro finale
Photo ©: Bettini

89th Giro d'Italia - GT

Italy, May 6-28, 2006

Photography

Stage 20 - Saturday, May 27: Trento - Aprica, 212 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Everyone wants their part of the Giro d'Italia, especially when it hits the Dolomites
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) lost more time on GC today and hasn't had a happy Giro
Damiano Cunego (l) and Gutierrez found a rhythm together as they headed to Aprica
Ivan Basso commanded the course on his way to winning stage 19 to Aprica
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was gallant in his riding today, sticking with Basso for most of the day
Hairpin #23 greets the riders as they climb in the Dolomites
The gruppo maglia rosa ride up the wicked slopes of stage 19
Jose Gutierrez (Phonak) found the going tough today
Stage 19 winner Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) found it tougher today, finishing in eighth
A king's backdrop for the king of the Giro, Ivan Basso
Snow persists throughout the Dolomites, even in May...
For most riders today's stage was a chance to take in the amazing scenery - for yet another day!
Ivan Basso has looked strong for the duration of this year's Giro, and that continued today
Jose Serpa (Sella Italia) puts in the big ones as he climbs the Gavia
Pantani is revered in this part of the world...and could it be the year his Giro-Tour double is repeated?
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) makes his way through the tifosi
It was standing room only on the big slopes of stage 19
Jose Gutierrez and Damiano Cunego rode together for most of the closing stages to Aprica
Paolo Savoldelli and Juan Manuel Garate get through the throngs of fans heading to Aprica
Ivan Basso and Gilberto Simoni ride together during the closing kilometres of stage 19
Basso and Simoni part the crowds to make their way up to Aprica
Ivan Basso holds aloft a photo of his newborn son, Santiago
This one's for you, Santi... says Ivan Basso as he wins the penultimate stage of this year's Giro

Stage 19 - Friday, May 26: Pordenone - Passo di San Pellegrino, 220 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Ivan Basso is huge in Italy, and this fan agrees
Jan and Rudy have a chat... Jan Ullrich consults manager Rudy Pevenage
Jan Ullrich takes a ride through the Dolomites for some pre-Tour training
Will a peloton fit through? Riders head through some pretty sweet rock formations during stage 19
It wasn't a place for those that get a little claustrophobic
The odd waterfall here and there made for yet more natural highlights
Some of the best scenery was reserved for today's stage to the Passo Di San Pellegrino
It was another day of superb scenery throughout the Dolomites
Gilberto Simoni kept going ahead of Ivan Basso on today's final climb
Simoni performed well today to make sure he secures a podium place in Milan
Ivan Basso showed why he's going to wear the maglia rosa into Milan on Sunday
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) came back late in today's stage to finish 12th
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) showed why he's in the best climber's jersey
Piepoli leads the gang of big names, including Simoni, Basso, Gutierrez, Cunego and Pena
Leonardo Piepoli rides ahead of Simoni and Basso
Simoni and Basso ride together late in stage 19 up the Passo Di San Pellegrino
Gilberto Simoni and Ivan Basso were stuck together late in today's stage
Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros) gives it his all
Garate keeps pushing during the closing stages of today's mega slog
Juan Manuel Garate was the stronger man in the finale of the stage, according in Jens Voigt
Pena, Danielson and Savoldelli ride together once Pena had dropped back from the gruppo maglia rosa late in the stage
Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) comes into the finish as winner of stage 19
Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) wins stage 19 atop Passo Di San Pellegrino
The satisified look of a man who has just won a Giro stage - Juan Manuel Garate was that man today
Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) on the podium after winning today's stage
Garate says thanks to someone looking down on him today

Stage 18 - Thursday, May 25: Sillian - Gemona del Friuli, 227 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

The Dolomites offer spectacular views and a bike race to boot!
Anyone seen my hairpin? There are plenty of them through the gorgeous Dolomites
John Gadret (AG2R) crashed and had to abandon the race
It was a sorry sight for poor old John Gadret, who had been riding very well all race
Pantani lives on... as the maglia rosa passes a mural with Pantani likeness painted on it
The tifosi make it tight up the day's climbs - especially when the maglia rosa is coming up
Jan Ullrich sits comfortably saying to himself, 'Just wait for July, Basso...'
CSC are extremely tight-knit around their leader Ivan Basso
Ivan Basso descends during stage 18
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) takes it down nice and easy on a descent
CSC never let the gaps get too big between themselves and Ivan Basso
The peloton comes down one of the day's descents
John Gadret broke his collarbone in a crash during stage 18
What could have been for John Gadret as he's taken to hospital following a crash
Phonak gets down to business on the front of the peloton
Ivan Basso sits next to Victor Hugo Pena in the peloton
Ivan Basso corners carefully on a descent during stage 18
Gerolsteiner's Stefan Schumacher looks around to see what his break companions are up to in the final kilometres
Schumacher was watchful in the last few kilometres, and played it perfectly
Stefan Schumacher was too strong for the other escapees in the finale
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) wins stage 18 into Gemona Del Friuli to make it two wins at this year's Giro
Two wins and feeling strong is Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner)
More kisses for Stefan Schumacher at this year's Giro
Stefan Schumacher practices those disco moves on the podium in Gemona Del Friuli
The peloton comes home with Paolo Bettini doing his best to win the sprint for sixth
Paolo Bettini didn't look too happy about missing the break today, having to settle for sixth place instead
Ivan Basso has a little trouble getting into that maglia rosa, which must surely feel like his alone by now
On the podium in pink again is CSC's 'champion-elect' Ivan Basso
Ivan Basso and Manuela Di Centa on the podium in Gemona Del Friuli

Stage 17 - Wednesday, May 24: Termeno - Plan de Corones, 158 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Dario Cioni (Liquigas) and Benoit Poilvet (Credit Agricole) ride together during stage 17
Scott Davis (T-Mobile Team) and Raffaele Illiano (Selle Italia) were prominent during the stage
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) comes into the finish after another tough day
The scene at the finish where the weather was anything but spectator-friendly
A couple of Liquigas lads are happy to make it to the finish
Gilberto Simoni (r) hangs tough as race leader Ivan Basso (c) looks on
Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (l) and Basso ride up Furkel Pass
Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio rides ahead of Ivan Basso and Jose Gutierrez Cataluna
Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio sits comfortably in front of Jose Gutierrez Cataluna
Leonardo Piepoli (r) and Ivan Basso found themselves riding together again during stage 17
Leonardo Piepoli gets away from what appears to be some sort of yetti behind him
And then the yetti decides to chase after Ivan Basso
'Come on Jose!' Jose Gutierrez Cataluna (Phonak) gets some encouragement up the tough slopes
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was a favourite for stage 17 before the Giro started over two weeks ago
Gibo Simoni gits his teeth and gets up the final pass of the day
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) sits tight and hangs on for dear life
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) found the big grades really tough today
Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) wishes he was back on the flat contesting sprint finishes
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) gets another stage win ahead of Ivan Basso
Piepoli is a happy man to be finished for the day, AND to have won another stage
So it's straight to the bus to be cleaned up and shipped out for the day
Even Ivan Basso looks a little worse for wear today
Jose Gutierrez Cataluna (Phonak) comes into the finish area

Stage 16 - Tuesday, May 23: Rovato - Trento/Monte Bondone, 180 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Gilberto Simoni does it tough ahead of Ivan Basso up Monte Bondone
Ivan Basso leads Simoni through one of the many hairpins
Gilberto Simoni rides alone on his way to second place on stage 16
Ivan Basso glides through a hairpin up Monte Bondone
Ivan Basso (CSC) made another seemingly effortless attack on the 17km climb to finish stage 16
That's gold! Ivan Basso gives the age-old salute to say eberything is A-OK
A swarm of Lampres? Lampre riders look after their man Damiano Cunego up Monte Bondone
Bobby Julich (CSC) rides at the front of CSC's train, which did the trick again today
So that's what it looks like to be near the back of the peloton
Ivan Basso (r) gets out of the saddle as he's about to blast off on another solo attack before the finish
Carlos Sastre (CSC) worked hard for his man Basso again today
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) does his best to hold on ahead of Ivan Basso
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) rides alone during stage 16
Chechu Rubiera (Discovery Channel) leads his team captain, Paolo Savoldelli
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides in front of his Lampre teammates dyuring stage 16
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) rides within himself up Monte Bondone
Jose Gutierrez and Leonardo Piepoli ride together up Monte Bondone during stage 16
John Gadret (AG2R) nears the finish in Trente Monte Bondone
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) finished the day in 20th, over four minutes down on Basso
Riders wind their way through some great countryside up Monte Bondone
Now THAT is a postcard during stage 16
CSC leads the way during stage 16 to Trente Monte Bondone
Another day, another hairpin for riders as they hit the Dolomites

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Oh yes, Ivan - you are tops! Ivan Basso lets the gathered crowd know that he's happy
Does this scene look familiar? Ivan Basso climbs alone en route to victory
Basso is greeted by his sister, Elisa… and the question remains - why can't we all have a post-race welcoming committee like that one?
Basso and Inigo Cuesta practice their Madison throws up Monte Bondone
The peloton makes its way up Monte Bondone

Stage 15 - Monday, May 22: Mergozzo - Brescia, 182 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Ivan Basso signs some autographs at the start in Mergozzo
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) has started seeing things since Ivan Basso essentially eliminated his chances of the overall win
GC contenders at the start of this Giro, Ivan Basso (l) and Gilberto Simoni are now far apart on GC
Simoni rues his decision to have those wretched oats for breakfast
There can only be one... JAN!
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was in good spirits at the start in Mergozzo today
Ullrich to base, do you copy? Jan Ullrich makes contact with the T-Mobile mobile before the stage start
Riders pass through some fertile-looking farmland during stage 15
Ivan Basso and Paolo Bettini ride together during stage 15
Ivan Basso enjoys a drink en route to Brescia - like a twist of lime, Mr Basso?
The peloton winds it way through some old streets en route to Brescia
Today's stage was totally flat and never looked like rising more than a few metres
The peloton didn't allow the break to get too much time today
Paolo Bettini was composed on his way to winning stage 15
Ivan Basso further strengthened his grip on the maglia rosa with a relaxing day in the saddle
Looking in control as always, Ivan Basso rode comfortably during stage 15
Paolo Bettini takes a swig as the day was quite warm - compared to recent days!
Basso's wheel was the place to be for QuickStep's Paolo Bettini
It was a very close finish between Olaf Pollack (l) and Paolo Bettini
And although it looked like Pollack had taken the win
Bettini realised he'd got his stage
And then it was time to celebrate in Brescia
It was almost another opportunity for Bettini to protest a contested stage sprint
But that didn't eventuate and the Italian could relax and enjoy the win
Before congratulating Olaf Pollack when he realised there was nothing to worry about
Yeah, that was good... says Paolo Bettini
Hanging with his good mate on the podium was Paolo Bettini
And there was the winner's trophy to add to his collection
Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) was a satisfied customer after his stage win in Brescia
Yes, you were numero uno today, Paolo. Paolo Bettini salutes his fans after the win
All smiles on the Brescia podium for the ever-present stage hope, Paolo Bettini
What's that old saying about mothers, faces and love?
Ivan Basso puts on another maglia rosa on the podium in Brescia
And the requisite champagne flowed once again for Basso

Stage 14 - Sunday, May 21: Aosta - Domodossola, 224 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Basso and Bettini before the start in Aosta
Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) gets ready to ride this morning
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is relaxed before the start in Aosta
Today's scenery was spectacular to say the least
Riders are dwarfed by some massive mountains en route to Domodossola
Security, get that devil away from the riders!
Danilo Di Luca and Damiano Cunego ride together during stage 14
Tunnel time for riders on stage 14 heading up to Gran San Bernardo
'So he was like, you know...'
'And then I was like, I know...' Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso share a lighter moment during stage 14
Ivan Basso (CSC) was once again commanding in pink
Ivan Basso is well protected by his CSC team mates
Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) does his share of the work in the break
Ivan Basso sits comfortably in the bunch
Ivan Basso is looking every bit the race leader in control
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) finished the day tucked away in the peloton
CSC turn right...
And they turn left...towards victory in Milan
Ivan Basso (CSC) gets out of the saddle
Liberty Seguros are keeping their man Scarponi amongst it
Now that's a building!
As far as race scenes go, it doesn't get much better than this
Ivan Basso celebrates the end of another day in the maglia rosa
One of the world's biggest bike races pales into insignificance against this kind of backdrop
Spot the rider
Ivan Basso has time to enjoy the view, and why not!
The tunnel to Switzerland transported riders through the tall stuff
Laverde and Baliani celebrate after Laverde's win
How sweet it is! Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) takes the win
Time to take a peek at where the rest are for Luis Laverde
Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) on the podium
Time to celebrate with some champagne for Luis Laverde
Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) wins in Domodossola
Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) put in a satisfying effort today
Paolo Tiralongo (Lampre) takes the sprint for third
Paolo Bettini eases in to hold onto his sprinter's jersey

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) gets the win on stage 14 in Domodossola
Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) rolls in to take 12th place
Possibly the ugliest fan at this year's Giro d'Italia was enjoying himself
Today's stage in a word? Spectacular!
Looks great but it's pretty damn cold
Mountains galore in stage 14 as the peloton passed through Switzerland
Speed on the flats were once again pretty high today
Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) rides in the sprinter's jersey
Who's a pretty biy, then? Ivan Basso looking all angelic before todays' stage
Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) wasn't in a good way after his crash, with multiple serious injuries
Riders cross the Swiss border but don't have to worry about customs...

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) finished with the main peloton.
Bobby Julich (CSC) and bike with his trademark elliptical O,Symmetric chanirings.
Fortunato Baliani (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) and other breakaway riders tuck for a descent.
Ivan Basso (CSC) started and finished the day in the leader jersey. Will he tough it out to Milano?
The light at the beginning of the tnnel
The peloton passes through an old city.
The CSC team leads the peloton
Spectacular scenery was again a feature of the Giro as the stage climbed back into winter.
Mellow yellow - Saunier Duval does the feed zone thing.
A young fan waves the Giro on.
Luis Felipe Laverde Jimenez (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) claims the win
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) still has to make up over five minutes on Ivan Basso if he is to defend his title.

Stage 13 - Saturday, May 20: Alessandria - La Thuile, 216 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Jose Rujano gets a tow in the tough conditions of stage 13
Ivan Basso dominated on another uphill finish
Ivan Basso and Jose Gutierrez ride together during stage 13
Guess who made an apearance... yes, Il Diablo decided it was time his suit got a wash of sorts
Ivan Basso makes it look easy on his way to finishing second on stage 13
Piepoli, Basso and Simoni ride together in the later part of today's stage
Leonardo Piepoli leads Basso as they make their way to the summit
Ivan Basso gaps Gilberto Simoni on his way to the top of Colle San Carlo
Ivan Basso and Leonardo Piepoli slug it out on Colle San Carlo
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) rides within himself during stage 13
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) does it tough on his way to ninth
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) gets in a groove climbing the Colle San Carlo
Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) lookeed comfortable in the tough conditions
Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) had a day he'd probably rather forget
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) probably discovered early today that another stage win was going to be tough to come by
José E. Gutierrez Cataluna (Phonak) performed well to finish in third, just over a minute behind Basso
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) grits his teeth in the tough conditions
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) took off like the proverbial bat on the descent
Ivan Basso (CSC) was a little more cautious on the descent
Gutierrez gets on the gas as he comes out a corner on the descent
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) made up some cruicial time thanks to his superior descending skills
Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) waits for a lift after abandoning
Anyone heading to La Thuile? Jose Rujano looks for a ride to the finish
With no lift on offer Jose Rujano had to ride the remainder of the stage
Bjarne Riis and his charge wait for the start in Alessandria
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rolls into the finish in ninth place
Paolo Savoldelli rounded out the top ten at the finish in La Thuile
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) rolls in to finish the day in 18th, over three minutes behind Piepoli
What can I say? Paolo Savoldelli tries to explain so it was so damn cold today
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates his win
A big effort from Leonardo Piepoli to win stage 13
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) led the way home to take the stage
Ivan Basso (CSC) rolled in safe in the knowledge he'd further crushed his rivals
Maglia rosa mortgage for Ivan Basso - can he go all the way?
A yellow salute from Piepoli on the podium in La Thuile
Leonardo Piepoli looks well chuffed on the podium after winning stage 13
Be afraid... be very afraid!

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Ivan Basso (CSC) rolls into the finish at La Thuile
Basso and Piepoli ride together during stage 13
Damiano Cunego did it tough on his way to finishing ninth
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) celebrates on the podium
Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) salutes the sodden crowd
Time to party for Leonardo Piepoli
Piepoli soloed in to take today's stage

Images by Makoto Ayano/www.cyclingtime.com

Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) found the going a little too tough today and had to abandon

Stage 12 - Friday, May 19: Livorno - Sestri Levante, 165 km

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Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

Ivan Basso's group looked comfortable all day
Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) puts his head down and works hard
The mist comes towards the leaders as they climb
The leaders make their way along the coast
Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) descends following his crash
Matt White (Discovery Channel) has been working hard all race for Savoldelli
Mirco Lorenzetto (Milram finished well down in the standings today
Niki Sorensen (CSC) is another of Basso's busy worker bees
Alberto Ongarato (Milram) finished the day in 8th
Now into stage 12, the Giro is beginning to enjoy some great scenery
Addy Engels (Quick Step) attacks with Sella behind him
Giovanni Lombardi heads up CSC's defence of Ivan Basso's lead
Evgeni Petrov (Lampre) corners on a descent during stage 12

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Ouch! Roberto Laiseka knows that he has done some damage after an early fall
Basliani and Sella (r) ride together while in the leading pack
Ivan Basso exemplifies the relaxed, strong stage racer
The Phonak guys ride together during stage 12
Bobby Julich leads the CSC train
Snack time for Ivan Basso during stage 12
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides in the peloton
Ivan Basso (CSC) stays tucked away safely in his CSC convoy
Jens Voigt (CSC) rides hard for Basso on stage 12
Di Luca and Basso ride together during stage 12
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) rides in the bunch
The CSC army rolls forward with their leader Ivan Basso safely inside the convoy
The peloton makes its way through some of Italy's most beautiful countryside
Did we say anything about gorillas? Or was it just the mist bit?
Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) shows a bit of the strain
Ivan Basso looks comfortable during stage 12
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) rides within himself on stage 12
Basso to base, do you read me Bjarne? All is well for Ivan Basso stage 12, and he Bjarne Riis know
Danilo Di Luca grimaces after being involved in an early crash
Vai, vai, vai Danilo! Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) gives it some gas
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) powers ahead after an early crash
A couple of Lampre lads keep themselves among the CSC army
Paolo Bettini and his daughter have a chat before the start of stage 12
A big thumbs up for the Selle Italia boys
Selle Italia boss Gianni Savio shares some time with his riders before the stage
Cunego and Ullrich share a moment on the way to Sestri Levante
Damiano Cunego (l) and Jan Ullrich ride together during stage 12
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was also involved in the early crash
Feeling the pinch: Robert Laiseka (Euskaltel) winces after falling off early in the stage
Robert Laiseka (Euskaltel) is in a great deal of pain after an early crash
The scenery justs gets better as the race progresses
Ivan Basso (CSC) has a bit of trouble uncorking the champagne
Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) was the strongest in the closing stages
Step one of the Horrach boggie - wave your fingers
Step two of the Horrach boggie - flap your arms about
Step three of the Horrach boogie - get your hands in the air - come on!
That's TWO thumbs up from Spaniard Joan Horrach
A happy Spaniard on the podium is one Joan Horrach
My name is Joan - the girls love me and my fast legs!
The Horrach boogie gets a run at the end of stage 12
Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) looked very contented on the podium
Yeah yeah! Joan Horrach celebrated Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears' first Giro stage win in 2006
You're lookin' at a winner! Joan Horrach was one happy winner today

Stage 11 - Thursday, May 18: Pontedera - Pontedera, ITT, 50 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) on the start ramp
A last drink for Der Kaiser
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) checks his equipment
Ivan Basso (CSC) gets ready
Ivan Basso (CSC) sits
Ivan Basso (CSC) sprints off
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) playing the harp?
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) departs
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is ready
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) looking nervous
Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) gets ready
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) waits to go
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) even has a gold saddle
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) has his head down
Ivan Basso (CSC) past the leaning tower of Pisa
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) front on
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile)
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) was one of T-Mobile's strong men
The Giro d'Italia visits Pisa
Watching the action in Pisa
Warming up in Pisa
Through Pisa at halfway
The feature of today was the leaning tower of Pisa
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) rides past the leaning tower of Pisa
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in action
Ivan Basso (CSC) in the aero position
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) out on the road
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) on a bend
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) keeping it upright
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) round a bend
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) looking for relief
Quique Gutierrez (Phonak) in action
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas)
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) going flat out
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) focuses
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) looking tired
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile)
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) en route
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) struggled today
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) powers along
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) out on the road
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) rides in the purple points jersey
Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Phonak) on the last turn
Ivan Basso (CSC) concentrates into the turn
Ivan Basso (CSC) goes through the tunnel after Cunego
Ivan Basso (CSC) bears down on Cunego
Ivan Basso (CSC) gets ready to pass Cunego
Ivan Basso (CSC) on a mission
Ivan Basso (CSC) post-race
A happy Jan
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) salutes
Der Jan enjoying this
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is kissed on the podium
Ivan Basso (CSC) puts on another pink jersey
Ivan Basso (CSC) gets another podium kiss
Ivan Basso (CSC) lets loose again

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) en route to victory
Ivan Basso (CSC) nears the end
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) rides to the finish
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) losing time
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) nears the end
Tom Danielson (Discovery) finished 11th and moved up five places on GC
Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) finished 30th
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) keeps the concentration up
Addy Engels (Quick.Step)
Giovanni Lombardi (CSC)
Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) looking lean
Matt Hayman (Rabobank) rides past the leaning tower of Pisa
Paolo Fornaciari (Lampre-Fondital) rides past the leaning tower of Pisa
Matt White (Discovery) gets the job done
Maxime Monfort (Cofidis) finished five minutes down
Michael Blaudzun (CSC) showing good form
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) cruises home
Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) on his way to 22nd
Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) crosses the river Arno
Jens Voigt (CSC) leads teammate Niki Sorensen
Wim Van Huffel (Davitamon-Lotto) comes around the last bend
Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne)
Juan Manuel Garate (Quick.Step)
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) suffers a bit at the end
Carlos Sastre (CSC) in an interesting skinsuit

Stage 10 - Tuesday, May 16: Termoli - Peschici, 190 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Axel Merckx (Phonak) running out of advantage
Axel Merckx (Phonak) inside the final 500m, with the break coming back to him
Axel Merckx (Phonak) takes the corner
Pellizotti well placed
Jens Voigt (CSC) leads the bunch up the last climb
All aboard the Voigt train
Ivan Basso (CSC) follows the lead
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) with Bettini on his wheel
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) gets ready to salute
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) wins the 10th stage in Peschici
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) is pretty happy
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) claims 20th place
The bunch finishes with all the favourites up front
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) salutes from the podium
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) looks for a target
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) in a shower of spumante
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) gets that winner's kiss
Ivan Basso (CSC) puts on pink again
Ivan Basso (CSC) isn't quite comfy in it
A pink kiss for Ivan
Ivan Basso (CSC) lets 'em have it
Ivan Basso (CSC) sprays the crowd
Ivan Basso (CSC) enjoying the moment

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

CSC in front early on
The Giro on the Gargano Peninsula
The Giro passes through Manfredonia
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) tucks in
Axel Merckx (Phonak) keeps it going on the last climb
Ivan Basso (CSC) rolls in ahead of Cunego
Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Phonak) finishes for 21st
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) reflects at the end of the first half of the Giro
Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) has a big grin

Stage 9 - Monday, May 15: Francavilla al Mare - Termoli, 147 km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R, C) beats Paolo Bettini (R) and Olaf Pollack (L) with a good bike throw to win stage 9
Ivan Basso (CSC) sprays the crowd
The maglia rosa was a little hard for Ivan Basso to get into...
But he suits it, doesn't he?
The peloton rolls out of Francavilla Al Mare, headed for Termoli
Cyrille Monnerais (Française des Jeux, l) and Yuriy Krivtsov (AG2R Prevoyance) were active during today's stage
Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R Prevoyance) was a happy chap on the podium

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

The big fella comes to the line with his nose in front
It was a close finish with three throws in it...
But Vaitkus has it by a whisker
Olaf Pollack (l) didn't capitalise on his team's good leadup work
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) celebrates prematurely at the finish of stage 9
The satisified grin of Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R-Prevoyance) after he beat Paolo Bettini on stage 9
Yeah, that's the one! Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R-Prevoyance) celebrates his stage win
Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R-Prevoyance) was the stage 9 winner
A big grin for AG2R's Tomas Vaitkus on the podium
Tomas Vaitkus puts the hammer down at the finish in Termoli
It all comes together at the finish in Termoli
Dang! Olaf Pollack isn't happy to have missed out on a stage win
Ivan Basso (l) and Paolo Savoldelli share a lighter moment before the start
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) looked very serious before the start of today's stage
Ivan Basso adjusts his spiffy Smith sunglasses
Ivan Basso (CSC) is escorted to the start
The maglia rosa is worth the effort to get it on, as Ivan Basso will attest to
Pucker up, girls it's time to kiss Ivan Basso as he celebrates another day as race leader
Champagne time again for Ivan Basso (CSC) on the podium in Termoli
Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) appears to have recovered from his sickness two days ago
Ready for a big day in pink is CSC's Ivan Basso
He's got a big heart, this one. Giovanni Lombardi checks to see if Ivan Basso has the heart of a lion - he found it to be even bigger.
Jan Ullrich (l) and Matthias Kessler discuss the intricacies of bike pumps before the start
Jan in the sun. Jan Ullrich readies himself for another day of hot riding
'It says you just add water...' Jan Ullrich works out the T-Mobile's formula for the day's stage
Juan Manuel Garate and Paolo Bettini get out of the finish area after Bettini's narrow stage loss
A disappointed Paolo Bettini makes his way through the rabble after the finish
Ivan Basso (CSC) puts on the maglia rosa for another day
More kisses for Ivan on the podium in Termoli
Another day, another maglia rosa for CSC's Italian master, Ivan Basso
Buon pasta, Danilo! Danilo Di Luca checks out some food before the stage start
Ivan Basso (CSC) was all smiles before the start of stage 9

Stage 8 - Sunday, May 14: Civitanova Marche - Maielletta/Passo Lanciano, 171 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

A happy Ivan Basso prepares to celebrate his stage 8 win
Time to celebrate what was a strong win for Ivan Basso
Ivan Basso says 'see you later' as he attacks in the final kilometres of stage 8
Ivan Basso looks extremely satisfied after his stage win
Ivan Basso has been here before and in 2006 he's looking even stronger
Ivan Basso (CSC) salutes from the podium
Raise your hands if you think it's 'race on' time!
Spray time for Ivan Basso (CSC)
Carlos Sastre (CSC) did the hard yards for his leader Ivan Basso
Basso punishes them and doesn't show any sign of suffering
The Italian GC brigade - Di Luca, Simoni & Cunego, with Basso ahead of them
Dual champion Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was looking to keep himself in touch with the leaders today
Defending champion Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) found the pace a little tough near the finish today
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) dropped to sixth on general classification after today's stage
Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) finished the stage in 16th
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) had a tough day at the office
Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) dug in hard today after illness yesterday
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) made the late running and attacked hard
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) works hard for that last spurt on his way to 7th on today's stage
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) corners uphill near the finish - he finished the day sixth on general classification
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was well-protected during what proved to be a tough stage
The Saunier steam train were working hard for their man Simoni
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) takes a swig during today's stage
Danilo Di Luca (l) and Matt White (r) do it tough during stage 8
The big four of today's stage - Basso, Di Luca, Simoni and Cunego
Julio Perez Cuapio (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) finished the day in 10th
Ivan Basso (CSC) has mastered the art of suffering but not showing it
Having shaken off the pack Ivan Basso (CSC) shows a bit of the strain on his way to the finish
Aaron Olson (Saunier Duval) leads the effort to keep team leader Simoni in touch all day
Serguei Gonchar and Olaf Pollack did their heels in during stage 8
Jan Ullrich and Michael Rogers kept the T-Mobile flag flying during stage 8
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) looked composed during stage 8
Carlos Sastre (CSC) worked well in support of Ivan Basso during stage 8
Carlos Sastre tows his leader up the tough finishing pass, according to plan
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) worked hard during stage 8
Damiano Cunego attacked in the closing kilometres of stage 8
Ivan Basso headed out alone after counter attacking Cunego during the closing stages of the run to Maielletta Passo Lanciano
The 'Little Prince', Damiano Cunego corners near the finish of stage 8
José Gutierrez (Phonak) held off Caruso for third place on stage 8
Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros) performed strongly to finish in fourth
Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria) was doing it tough near the end of stage 8
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) earned himself a solid 18th place on today's stage
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) did his best to limit the damage on today's stage

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

The day's stage winner gets ready to ride before the start
Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre) tries to get a bottle
Cunego and Basso were the day's ultimate protagonists...and set up a showdown between the two classy Italians
Danilo Di Luca shows the strain of a hard day in the saddle
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) found it hard to hold onto the maglia rosa today
Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) kept grinding away for team leader Simoni
Jose Rujano decided to fly the coop and made a good attempt at gaining some time after his sickness yesterday
Carlos Sastre and Ivan Basso worked it hard for CSC at the front today
Gilberto Simoni leads the Saunier Duval crew, who were very vigilant during today's stage
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) found the going tough today, but wasn't too worried after the finish
Say arrivederci to the leaders, Paolo. Paolo Savoldelli found the pace a little too high near the finish today

Stage 7 - Saturday, May 13: Cesena - Saltara, 230 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Giving it his all. Rik Verbrugghe grits his teeth and puts in the big ones near the end of stage 7
Oh so close... Rik Verbrugghe pushes himself toward the finish
Rik Verbrugghe just had enough juice in the tank to make it across the line
Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) comes into the finish as stage winner
Thanks very much Rik Verbrugghe salutes from the podium
Spray time for Rik Verbrugghe after winning stage 7
Kisses for Rik Verbrugghe after he took the win on stage 7
A tired Rik Verbrugghe about to cross the line
Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) salutes briefly at the end of today's stage
One happy Ukranian - again! Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is congratulated on his maglia rosa
Paolo Savoldelli (r) finished strongly in Saltara at the end of a tough day
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) makes another podium appearance as the leader of the Giro
More kisses for Serguei Gonchar as he takes the leader's jersey for a second time in this Giro
Yep, yep, yeah! Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) celebrates on the podium
Olaf Pollack (r) rides behind teammate Serguei Gonchar. Gonchar would take back the maglia rosa at the end of the stage
Biding his time. Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) kept himself well hidden today
The tall and short of it... Jan Ullrich and Paolo Bettini ride together during stage 7
The peloton passes through one of the towns on today's route
The peloton were content to spend most of their day with the break in check
Riders made their way into some higher ground today
Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) wasn't going to hold onto the maglia rosa today
Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) did it tough today
The countryside just gets better as the Grio progresses
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) didn't put himself in the protagonist's chair today
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) didn't make much noise during today's stage
Discovery Channel had it under control for their man Savoldelli
Spain's Juan Manuel Garate made his presence felt during stage 7
Juan Manuel Garate (Quick Step) was very visible during today's stage, and spent most of the day in the select chase group
Discovery set the tempo on the gravel climb
Those Italians love the gravel... as riders made their way through a section of dirt road during stage 7
Matt White (l) gives it his all for the Discovery Channel team
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) kept enough in the tank to have a go at the end of the stage
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was keeping his profile low today
Ivan Basso (CSC) keeps his poker face on despite today's steep inclines
Keeping an eye on each other were Basso, Cunego and Savoldelli
Ivan Basso (CSC) rides in front of his countryman and rival Damiano Cunego (Lampre)
In the driver's seat is CSC's Italian maestro Ivan Basso
The Lampre crew look after their man Cunego during today's stage
Cunego (l) and Sella (r) ride hard during stage 7
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides ahead of compatriot Ivan Basso
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was well-protected during the stage
Getting ready for battle is Liquigas' Danilo Di Luca before stage 7
Bring on the scenery! Riders pass through some rock formations during today's stage
Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) sits among the chasing bunch along the gravel part of today's stage
They've started the gravel early in this year's Giro - and they're not done with it yet!
Matt White (Discovery Channel) works hard at the front for Savoldelli
Poor ol' Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) has had a tough few days
Ivan Basso (CSC) maintained a good position at the finish today after looking in control all day
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) performed well on today's stage
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks a little worse for wear at the finish

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Ivan Basso was in control all day today
Sylvain Calzati (r, AG2R) made his presence felt today
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) roed solidly today
The Disco boys really rode as a pack on today's stage - a good sign for team leader Paolo Savoldelli
Dario Cioni (Liquigas) lost a lot of time on today's stage
CSC kept watch for their man Basso today
Unmistakably Italian scenery greeted riders during today's stage
The Lampre lads were really putting it together for their leader Cunego
Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) looked comfortable on his way to 16th on the stage
Manuele Mori (r) and Marco Pinotti (l) ride together during stage 7
Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) only spent one day in pink
Paolo Tiralongo (Lampre) finds the going tough during stage 7
Matt White (Discovery Channel) does the hard yards for his team
Mario Cipollini has been a constant sight at this year's Giro

Stage 6 - Friday, May 12: Busseto - Forlì, 223 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Gilberto Simoni and the Saunier Duval lads looking comfortable during stage 6
Race leader and teammate Serguei Gonchar (r) with Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at the start in Busseto
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) signs autographs before the start in Busseto
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides ahead of race leader and teammate Serguei Gonchar
UCI president Pat McQuaid enjoyed some sunshine in Busseto
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) at the sign on
Don't you like what papa gave you? Paolo Bettini gets domestic at the start in Busseto
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) at sign on
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was well-protected all day
Hey, nice work Serguei says Paolo Bettini (l) to T-Mobile's Serguei Gonchar
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step, l) looks comfortable during the stage
One for the ladies... Robbie McEwen gets a change of jersey
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) bides his time for the sprint finish in Forli'
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) enjoyed a day in the maglia rosa
A lighter shade of pink for Serguei Gonchar
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) even got into some high-cadence spinning during the stage
The T-Mobile crew were keeping things together for their man in pink and the inevitable sprint finish
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looked good during today's stage
Here they come - Robbie McEwen got his nose in front
And it wasn't long before...
The Aussie could raise his arms...
And celebrate another win
By a comfortable margin
Numero tre for McEwen after he won in Forli'
Three, three, three for Robbie McEwen at Giro '06
Win number three at this year's Giro for Robbie McEwen, and he reminds us of this fact
A very happy Robbie McEwen on the podium again
Kisses for Robbie on the podium in Busseto
Danilo Di Luca (2nd from right) rolls into the finish in Busseto
Mario Cipollini did the rounds during today's stage
Hang on a second while I get this thing on! Underneath is a happy Olaf Pollack
If the jersey fits... Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) puts on his maglia rosa
Mua, mua... Olaf Pollack gets his kiss on the podium
Pollack in pink and the second maglia rosa for T-Mobile in two days
This one's for you! Olaf Pollack salutes from the podium
Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) gets a kiss for his efforts in Busseto

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage into Forli ahead of Pollack (r) and Vaitkus (l)
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) pulls on the purple points jersey
Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) is the new maglia rosa

Stage 5 - Thursday, May 11: Piacenza - Cremona, TTT, 38 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Team CSC were solid on their way to the stage win
T-Mobile fan out on their way to securing second on the stage
T-Mobile rode very well to almost snatch the stage win
Gerolsteiner were hoping their ride qould keep Schumacher in pink
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) does his turn in the maglia rosa
Hey, you like it too? Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) enjoys the maglia rosa
Team CSC salute the crowd as stage winners
Ivan Basso and CSC get a little spray time happening
Selle Italia-Serramenti Diquigiovanni didn't finish high on the rankings today, but wait for the mountains!
Bouygues Telecom ride together on their way to 16th
Euskadi-Euskatel were the whipping boys of today's team time trial
Panaria found the going tough and it showed in the results
AG2R-Prevoyance had a go but ended up in 15th
Cofidis finished in 19th
Milram were minus one man which made things kind of tough
Robbie McEwen leads the Davitamon-Lotto crew
Perfect formation for Liberty Seguros-Wurth
Liberty Seguros-Wurth aren't known for their time trialling, and finished 17th
Saunier Duval-Prodir were out to protect Gilberto Simoni's chances
Saunier Duval-Prodir have a couple of national champions in their squad, but finished 18th
The orange train of Rabobank put in a big effort to finish 14th
Credit Agricole rounded out the day's top ten
Phonak worked well together but could only manage eighth
Quick.Step-Innergetic made some early inroads before finishing sixth
Francaise des Jeux finished in a respectable fifth place
Liquigas set the best time before CSC smashed it
Lampre had a top-ten stage finish to keep Cunego in the hunt
Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears finished the day in 13th place
Discovery Channel weren't quite the same without a certain Texan
Gerolsteiner worked hard but couldn't hold onto the maglia rosa today
Ivan Basso (CSC) has a little trouble with the champagne bottle on the podium
T-Mobile's Serguei Gonchar makes sure he's good to go on the podium
Yessss! Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) raises his arms as leader of the Giro
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is one happy camper in pink
I can't believe this is happening! Serguei Gonchar gets a kiss as race leader
Go on, Serguei... give it a good spray! And doesn't he love it?
Ukranian Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) lets fly with the champagne
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) salutes the crowd
Bouygues Telecom wait for the start of their ride
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare begin their ride
AG2R-Prevoyance about to start their time trial
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is focussed on the task at hand
McEwen adjusts his glasses before the TT start
Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) concentrates hard before the start
Damiano Cunego (Lampre) gets prepared to ride
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks relaxed in Piacenza
T-Mobile about to ride what was a very fast time trial
Jan Ullrich looks ready to terminate the competition
Hey, Mr Armstrong! How's it going in Italy? Lance Armstrong has been following the Giro with Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel looked the part but didn't quite get it together
The scene from the starting gate in Piacenza
We couldn't tell you what it is... but we can only guess it's ome kind of overgrown rodent
Euskadi-Euskatel gets the signal to begin their race against the clock
Do you think those women enjoyed their jobs today?
Rabobank is ready to ride
T-Mobile's Michael Rogers limbers up before the time trial
The Gerolsteiner lads were out to hold onto the leader's jersey today
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) takes a moment out to think about the task ahead

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Euskaltel-Euskadi sets out.
It's time.
Lampre-Fondital hits the road
Liquigas launches down the start ramp
Saunier Duval-Prodir gets going
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Chamnnel) limbers up.
AG2R Prevoyance heads out
Bouygues Telecom sets off
CSC sets out.
Lampre-Fondital on the way to eighth
Lampre-Fondital
Liquigas powering to fourth place.
Liquigas
Liquigas
Milram on the way to a mid-field finish; respectable for a team with no TT specialists.
Phonak would finish ninth.
Belgian TT champion Marc Wauters leads his rabobank team on the way to 14th
Saunier Duval-Prodir - losing 1:26 will slightly dent Simoni's chances for the overall.
Saunier Duval-Prodir
Team T-Mobile featuring world TT champion Mick Rogers, far right
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) takes a drink
Ceramica Panaria-Navigare comnpeting with Euskaltel for brightest team strip.
AG2R Prevoyance
Bouygues Telecom
Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
Cofidis
Credit Agricole
Robbie Mcewen leads Davitamon into battle, wearing the purple jersey of sprint points leader.
The Discovery Channel team - looking well-drilled as always.
Discovery finishes a ride that was good for third place.
Lance Armstrong waves from the Discovery team car.
Euskaltel-Euskadi - not the world's best team time trial squad.
Gerolsteiner lost the leader jersey
Gerolsteiner leans into a curve
Gerolsteiner finishes in fifth place
Team CSC celebrates its team TT win.
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) celebrates. UCI president Pat McQuaid looks like he'd prefer to be looking at a podium girl...
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) still grinning as he is congratulated by the podium girls.

Stage 4 - Tuesday, May 9: Wanze - Hotton, 182 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) rides in the maglia rosa
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner)
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) with Gibo Simoni on his wheel
The peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
A long peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) enjoying the race track
The peloton rides during stage 4
The peloton in the countryside
Matthias Russ working hard
The Gerolsteiner train worked to protect the maglia rosa
Rebellin and Schumacher
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) is also well placed on GC
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) marked by Jose Rujano (Selle Italia)
Gerolsteiner keeping Schumacher protected
Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner) leads the bunch on a descent
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) next to Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step)
Axel Merckx (Phonak) on a descent
Cheering on the Giro
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in the peloton
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides next to Damiano Cunego
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) looking good
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) tailed by Lombardi and Basso
Gerolsteiner and CSC on the front
Ivan Basso (CSC) in the action
Di Luca and Basso ride close to each other
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins stage 4
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage from Paolo Bettini
Davitamon-Lotto scores its second win with McEwen
Yeah
Post-stage grin from Robbie
Robbie McEwen on the podium
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is a happy man
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) salutes from the podium
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) does it for the second time
Another maglia rosa for Schumi
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) gets a kiss on the podium

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

Lance Armstrong visited the Giro today
Lance Armstrong poses with Paolo Savoldelli
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) enjoys pink
Gerolsteiner chasing on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
The Giro on the Francorchamps race track
The Giro on the Francorchamps race track
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in the peloton
Grischa Niermann (Rabobank) on the front of the break
Gerolsteiner chasing
Jussi Veikkanen (FDJ) near the front
Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel) leads on a descent
Matt White (Discovery Channel)
The peloton ascends another climb
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage from Paolo Bettini
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) with the spray

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

Music was afoot in Wanze this morning, creating a fun vibe for the start of the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia in Belgium.
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) has a reasonably free role to play in this Giro, the Stage 11 time trial in Pontedera one of his big targets.
Graeme Brown (Rabobank) escorting his wife Hayley to the start in Wanze. Can't you afford a car, Brownie?
Saunier Duval-Prodir's American Aaron Olson loosening his limbs before the start.

Images by Elmar Krings

The race track at Spa-Francorchamps
On the track
The peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
The peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
The five leaders on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner) leads the peloton at Francorchamps
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) in the thick of it
CSC on the front
Jens Voigt (CSC)
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) enjoying the track

Stage 3 - Monday, May 8: Perwez - Namur, 202 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) in search of an espresso
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) grabs a pre-race coffee
Ivan Basso (CSC) grins at the start
Italy meets Belgium in the Giro
Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) and a fan
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) is wired for sound
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) at the start
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is half a head taller than Jose Rujano
Rubiera and Savoldelli at the start
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is a happy maglia rosa
Crowds of fans ready to greet the Giro
Rolling out for the start
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) a little nervous at the start
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) performs his usual pre-race check
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets a quick wheel change
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets a push from Johan Bruyneel
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) cruises at the back
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) starts to chase after a puncture
Slava Ekimov has the task in hand
Regaining the peloton
Better now
Chechu Rubiera (Discovery) leading
The front part of the bunch makes its way up the Citadel of Namur
The front part of the bunch makes its way up the Citadel of Namur
Chechu Rubiera (Discovery) makes a break for it
Chechu Rubiera (Discovery) with a gap
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on the Citadel of Namur
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) leads the charge behind the front riders
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) with Jens Voigt on his wheel
Mauricio Ardila (Rabobank) with Pellizotti on his wheel
Di Luca and Gonchar hurting
Ivan Basso (CSC) navigating the wet cobbles
Merckx and McGee shoulder to shoulder
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) cruises up, a minute down
The peloton snakes up the Citadel
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) drives the pace behind Rubiera
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) follows Schumacher
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) wins the stage ahead of Rubiera
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) takes third place
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) at the finish
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) salutes from the podium
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) prepares the cork
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) on the podium in pink
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) now in pink
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) smiles in pink
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) gets a kiss

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) signs some autograps
Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) and son
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looking better
Who is that Merckx'd man?
Moises Aldape Chavez (Panaria) on the attack
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets a push from Johan Bruyneel
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) rolls across the line, knee bleeding
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) surrounded by teammates after his crash
The Giro in Wallonia
On the bike stretching
The Giro in all its colour
The breakaway led by Moises Aldape Chavez
Bettini makes it look easy but it's not
Alberto Loddo (Selle Italia) and Paolo Bettini duke it out on the Citadel
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) with Rubiera on his wheel
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) at the Giro
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) on a wet day
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) in the maglia rosa

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

Ivan Basso (CSC) exudes his typically quiet confidence.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) in a pensive mood before the start in Perwez.
Riders gather at the start line in the sleepy village of Perwez.

Images by Les Clarke/Cyclingnews.com

Garden gnomes are dear to the hearts of Cyclingnews staff, and were in abundance at today's start in Perwez.

Images by Giorgio Masnikosa/members.chello.se/giorgio.masnikosa

Jussi Veikkanen's final adjustments
Popular guy Alessandro Petacchi
Damiano Cunego
Cool: Sandy Casar
Maglia rosa Paolo Savoldelli
Mr Discovery's Ekimov
Maglia blu Brad McGee
Arnaud Gerard grabs the bag
Gustav Larsson is hungry
At home at last!
Faces of pain 1: Jussi Veikkanen
Faces of pain 2: Arnaud Gerard
Faces of pain 3: Gustav Larsson
Faces of pain 4: Cyrille Monnerais
Faces of pain 5: Robbie McEwen
Faces of pain 6: Nicholas Vogondy
Faces of pain 7: Serge Baguet
How did I do that?

Stage 2 - Sunday, May 7: Mons - Charleroi/Marcinelle, 203 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

It got pretty busy at sign on in Mons
Lampre-Fondital signs on
The sign on in Mons was wet
Birthday boy Paolo Savoldelli looks around for a podium girl…
Watch where you're putting that euphonium, hear?
Keeping the crowd entertained at the finish in Charleroi was not easy, as this brass band proved
Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) leads his breakaway companions
The peloton en route to Marcinelle
The concentration is evident
The peloton during stage 2
Discovery Channel protected Savoldelli
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) enjoying his day in pink
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel)
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) behind Jose Luis Rubiera
Ivan Basso (CSC) with Giovanni Lombardi by his side
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) nestled in the peloton
Davitamon, Milram and Discovery set the tempo
Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) rides away from his companions
Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) went solo
Benat Albizuri (Euskaltel) and Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) towards the end
Benat Albizuri (Euskaltel) leads Missaglia
Jens Voigt (CSC) in the firing line
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) prepares to put his hands up
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) beats Pollack and Bettini to win stage 2
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage into Marcinelle
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage into Marcinelle
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) pulled it off
McEwen is congratulated by Preben Van Hecke
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) on the podium with son Ewan
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) salutes with his trophies
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) grins on the podium
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) has done this before
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) likes the taste
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) lets loose
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) with a pink grin
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) pulls on the pink jersey
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets another kiss
You wouldn't spray us with that bottle, would you?
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is the best climber
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) was awarded the blue points jersey

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

The bunch comes along in their rain jackets
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) says bleargh
Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) loves the wet
Benat Albizuri (Euskaltel) was one of the four men who animated the stage
Matthew White (Discovery) enjoying the rain
Nice church!
The peloton rolling along
A diversion
Jens Voigt (CSC) keeping an eye on things
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) in a rain jacket
Benat Albizuri leads the break
Davitamon and Milram controlling it
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins in Marcinelle
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) and son Ewan
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) with a podium shower
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on the podium in pink

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Instilling it early
Past the Place de L’Eglise in Merbes-le-Château
Here comes the Giro!
Ivan Basso (CSC) rides next to Paolo Savoldelli
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is the champ
McEwen and Ewan on the podium

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

Today's press centre in Marcinelle was a grave for 262 miners in the disaster of 1956
It's all about style in the Giro d'Italia
Graeme Brown (Rabobank) just managed a top ten spot
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) was fourth yesterday and came in eleventh today
Christian Moreni (Cofidis) looks like he needs to apologise for a sprinting manoeuvre

Images by Giorgio Masnikosa/members.chello.se/giorgio.masnikosa

Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) gets wet
And so does Gilberto Simoni
Italian fans in Belgium
The train stops Mikael Delage (Francaise des Jeux)
Le bidon
Le peloton
It's a long way
Popular Frenchman
Popular Belgian

Stage 1 - Saturday, May 6: Seraing (Belgium) ITT, 6.2 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com

Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) rockets to a win
Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) almost won himself another prologue
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) in action
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) posted the 12th best time
Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne) wasn't quite at his best
Jens Voigt (CSC) goes all out
Ivan Basso (CSC) rounds the last corner
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) rode well today
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was a respectable 16th
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) brakes hard
Marc Wauters (Rabobank) Belgian time trial champion
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) guides it home
Ivan Parra (Cofidis)
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is beset by gifts
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) salutes the crowd in the maglia rosa
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) drenches a podium girl in Italian sparkling wine

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

The RAI journalists
Andrea Bartali and Faustino Coppi
Angelo Zomegnan (Giro boss) with his Tour counterpart Christian Prudhomme
Cannavo and Biondi and some witches?
Andrea Bartali, the director of La Gazzetta and Faustino Coppi
The Giro d'Italia is go! Frantisek Rabon is the first rider off
Savio and Lefevere both have a vested interest in Jose Rujano
The McEwen family
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) prepares for the start
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) stays hydrated
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) straps on the gear
Der Jan is go
Bobby Julich (CSC) takes a pre-race swig
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) in his favourite discipline
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) is ready
Ivan Basso (CSC) gazes ahead
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) looking focused at the start
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) sets off
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) heads for home
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) finishes off
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on the podium
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) salutes the crowd in the maglia rosa
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) in pink as the first leader
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets the Frascati happening
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) back in pink
Emanuele Sella (Panaria)
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) got it over and done with
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) was 80th, and still has a long way to go
Axel Merckx (Phonak) lifted in front of a home crowd
Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) in the Italian TT champ's colours
Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) punishes himself for 5th
Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) held the fastest time for a while
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) was eighth
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) heads for the corner
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) ended 9th today
Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) isn't really a time trial specialist
Jose E. Gutierrez (Phonak) rode to a fine third place
Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) storms home with the new best time
Marc Wauters (Rabobank) finished in the top 20
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) lost some time on the descent
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) getting it over with
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) doing his least favourite discipline
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) trying to stay in contention for the pink
Ivan Basso (CSC) cranking it up

Images by Les Clarke/Cyclingnews.com

Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) cracks a smile after the stage
Jens Voigt (CSC) put in a big effort on the tough course
Mauricio Ardila (Rabobank) finished the day a long way down the standings
Carlos Sastre (CSC) is satisfied with his time trial performance
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks a bit spent after finishing 10th
Thankyou very much! Paolo Savoldelli was a popular stage 1 winner
That's tops says Paolo Savoldelli after winning stage 1
Paolo Savoldelli hoists his stage winner's trophy high
Paolo Savoldelli salutes from the podium after winning stage 1
Time to spray the podium girls for Paolo Savoldelli
Paolo Savoldelli gets a kiss on the podium after winning stage 1
Paolo Savoldelli tries the first maglia rosa of the 2006 Giro on for size
Paolo in pink on the first day of the Giro - and he loved it!

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

Belgian Rik Verbrugghe was disappointed about his performance
Stefan Schumacher surprised everybody with a great result
Mauricio Ardila will be aiming for the last week of this Giro
Paolo Bettini was exhausted at the finish
Jose Enrique Gutierrez Cataluna was fastest at the line, but McGee and Savoldelli beat him shortly afterwards
Belgian time trial champion Marc Wauters didn't perform very well
Ivan Basso (CSC) had a solid time trial
'Il Falco' won the prologue in Romandy, today he won the first stage in the Giro d'Italia

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Giro d'Italia podium set up
The cool kids on the sidelines
Waving the Italian flag in Belgium
Not a good start
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) on his way to 10th place.
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval-Prodir)
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on his way to a win
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) takes the first win of the Giro
The podium girl gets a little champagne
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) dons the Maglia Rosa

Images by Giorgio Masnikosa/members.chello.se/giorgio.masnikosa

Giovanni Lombardi
Youngest at Giro Mikael Dalage
Bradley McGee
Ready to go
Basso and Riis
Alessandro Petacchi
Ooops, who was that?
Ivan Basso
Eddy Merckx?
Everybody's Jan
Bobby Julich
Pollack kisses his daughter before the start
Il.jpg Grillo with RAI
Paolo Bettini
Danilo Di Luca
Damiano Cunego
Brad McGee

Stage 1 - Saturday, May 6: Seraing - Seraing ITT, 6.2 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

Simoni and friends warming up
the not-so-beautiful surroundings of Seraing
Dario Andriotto going through one of the few corners
Emanuele Sella giving all he can
Discovery veteran Ekimov powering around in Seraing
Paolo Fornaciari looking happy before the time trial
Inigo Chaurreau is still looking for his best form
Jörg Ludewig stretching out before his start
Addy Engels gets ready
Patrice Halgand was concentrated
CN talking to Matthew Hayman
Mathew Hayman was looking relaxed
Jonathan McCarty looked eager for a good time trial
Belgian legend Johan Museeuw was spotted on the track
Leonardo Scarselli heading for the start

Team presentation, Liege, Belgium, May 4, 2006

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Ivan Basso (CSC) is challenger number one this year
Ivan Basso (CSC) greets Paolo Savoldelli
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) between two Giri
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is looking forward to the challenge
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is here
Gonchar and Ullrich are two of T-Mobile's most experienced riders
Liquigas-Bianchi on stage, in front of an estimated crowd
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) enjoying the atmos
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) comes up to the stage
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is ready for action
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) likes the Italian flag over there
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rolls up

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) looking tres debonair
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel)
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) with former winner Felice Gimondi
Ekimov (l) is still clearly enjoying life as a pro
Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) and Ivan Basso greet each other
Discovery Channel on stage
Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) going for a third Giro win
Saunier Duval can be spotted in a crowd
Lampre-Fondital
Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) : the kid is back
Basso and Cunego say ciao
Team CSC on stage
Ivan Basso (CSC) knows it will be a tough race
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) troubled?
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looking lean
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) waits his turn
Gently does it for Jan Ullrich
Der Kaiser wants to try the Giro again
Serguei Gonchar with Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile)
T-Mobile standing proud
T-Mobile on stage
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in Liege
Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas)
Check out the red shoes in Liquigas
Let's get some music happening
Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux)
Philippe Gilbert and Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux)
Francaise des Jeux led by Brad McGee
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) using the Giro for form gaining
Rabobank seems to be looking the other way
Robbbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is one of the top sprinters
Davitamon-Lotto will be mainly behind McEwen
Jose Rujano with his DS Gianni Savio
The incredible hulk: Jose Rujano (Selle Italia-Serramenti Diquigiovanni)
Selle Italia-Serramenti Diquigiovanni has its climbing weapon Jose Rujano
Axel Merckx (Phonak)
Axel Merckx (Phonak) likes Liege
Axel Merckx (Phonak) with Victor Hugo Pena
Axel Merckx (Phonak) greets Felice Gimondi
Martin Elmiger in the centre for Phonak
Caisse d'Epargne back in black
Euskaltel-Euskadi will provide more orange flair
Cofidis
Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) has gone for the black dye
Gerolsteiner has several potential stage winners
Credit Agricole on stage
Bouygues Telecom
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) always good for a stage or two
Quick.Step has a couple of national champions in its ranks
Quick.Step's national champions: Serge Baguet (Belgium) and Juan Manuel Garate (Spain)
Liberty Seguros
Michele Scarponi and Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros)
Liberty director Marino Lejaretta with his rider Michele Scarponi
AG2R Prevoyance on the Liege-sponsored podium
Mazzanti and Sella are two of Panaria's trump cards
Ceramica Panaria is one of the wild cards

Pre-race press conferences, Liege, Belgium, May 4, 2006

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) with a young fan
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) looking sharp
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) at the pre-race presser
The two sprinting giants Alessandro Petacchi and Robbie McEwen
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) talks about his chances
Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) at the pre-race presser
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) speaks at his pre-race press conference
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) in Liege
Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) wonders what the next three weeks will bring

Damiano Cunego & Lampre recce Plan De Corones, Italy, April 27, 2006

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Damiano Cunego points out the stage's biggest challenge - the 2273m finish at the Plan De Corones
Cunego and company ride the Passo Delle Erbe. At 1987m above sea level this climb will soften the riders up nicely before the finale.
The start of the final stretch - the road to Plan De Corones isn't exactly
The top lift station - it's going to get crowded up here...
Where's my mountain bike? The ski company plans to improve this road for the stage finish.
Damiano Cunego hops aboard a snowplough.
Hmmmm - Damiano Cunego looks thoughtful at the prospect of riding his shiny Wilier up here
Cunego ponders getting gert big caterpillar tracks fitted to his bike...
All aboard!
Damiano Cunego (right) and team-mates take a stroll up the 'road' at the top of Plan De Corones
Men at work.
The Lampre boys take the wheel of a plough/grader.
The easy way to the top - it'll be a bit more taxing on May 24.
There's still a bit of work to do before the race arrives, but hey, they've got almost a month.
If the road's not open maybe everyone can just hop in a snowplough...

2006 Giro route launch, November 12, 2005

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Images by AFP Photo

The map of the Giro 2006 as presented at the official launch of the 89th Giro d'Italia in Milan, November 12 2005. The Giro will start in Seraing (Belgium) on May 6 and will finish in Milan on May 28 2006.
The map of the Giro 2006 is seen during the official presentation of the 89th Italian Cycling Tour in Milan 12 November 2005.
Gilberto Simoni poses in front of the map of the Giro 2006 during the official presentation of the 89th Italian cycling tour in Milan 12 November 2005
An artist performs in front of the Logo of the Giro 2006 during the official presentation of the 89th Italian cycling tour in Milan 12 November 2005.
Damiano Cunego (L), Danilo Di Luca and Paride Grillo pose in front of the map of the Giro 2006 during the official presentation of the 89th Italian cycling tour in Milan 12 November 2005.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Francesco Moser and Felice Gimondi made an appearance at the Giro presentation
A few likely-looking lads in Maurizio Fondriest, Francesco Moser, Giuseppe Saronni and Felice Gimondi
A who's who of the Giro Maurizio Fondriest, Francesco Moser Giuseppe Saronni, Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx and Ercole Baldini
Danilo Di Luca and Franco Ballerini pose together during the presentation
Danilo Di Luca and Franco Ballerini have a chat
Damiano Cunego and partner Margherita enjoy the Giro presentation
Plenty of mountains in 2006 at the Giro d'Italia
Italy's hopes rest on their shoulders. Damiano Cunego, Danilo Di Luca, Gilberto Simoni, Paride Grillo and Alessandro Petacchi
That's where I'm gonna win next year Gilberto Simoni looks forward to finishing in Milan next year
I found Milan on the map again... (l-r): Cunego, Di Luca, Simoni, Grillo and Petacchi witness a genius at work
On stage entertainment - Felice Gimondi, RAI commentator Auro Bulbarelli and Eddy Merckx live on stage
Cycling takes balance and strength...
Just like gymnastics. But I can't see any other connection...
Alessandro Petacchi looks ahead to what may be a tough Giro
Gilberto Simoni and friends... Auro Bulbarelli, Damiano Cunego and Alessandro Petacchi
A route around Italy
Ercole Baldini and Giro boss Angelo Zomegnan pose reluctantly for the camera
Fiorenzo Magni and Ercole Baldini swap some memories
Eddy Merckx and Amedeo Colombo, head of the Italian Professional Riders' Association
Former Giro winners Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx and Ercole Baldini enjoy the Giro presentation
Somebody say something funny, Felice? Gimondi laughs as Ballerini and Merckx share obligatories
And more famous faces (l-r):Franco Ballerini, Felice Gimondi and Eddy Merckx
Eddy Merckx and Vuelta boss Victor Cordero having a good ol' chinwag
Wonder what they're talking about... Eddy Merckx and Christian Prudhomme in Milan
Hey Paride, that's Dario Cioni's seat! Paride Grillo looks pretty happy to be in Milan for the presentation
Italian Cycling Fedration boss Renato Di Rocco (l) has a laugh during the presentation
Mr Mondonico and Michele Bartoli (r) look pretty relaxed at the presentation
I'm diggin' the white shoes from the band dudes
There was plenty of interest in what should be a killer 2006 Giro
Paolo Savoldelli's maglia rosa from this year's Giro is displayed at the Giro presentation
Ah, it's the boys... Damiano Cunego, Danilo Di Luca, Gilberto Simoni, Paride Grillo and Alessandro Petacchi pose together in front of the route map
Look mum, I found Milan!
The Mazda Palace hosted the Giro presentation
It was a full house for the Giro presentation