93rd Tour de France - ProT

France, July 1-23, 2006

Photography

Stage 20 - Sunday, July 23: Antony (Parc de Sceaux) - Paris Champs-Elysées, 152 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) at the start
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) reflects on what might have been
• The four jersey wearers at the start
• Jean-Marie Leblanc retires from the Tour de France
• Cunego, Rasmussen, Landis and McEwen: the four jersey winners in the Tour
• Phonak controls with Horner up there for Davitamon
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in yellow
• Koos Moerenhout and Victor Pena on the front
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) leading the bunch
• Chris Horner (Davitamon) playing a spoiler role in the break
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in control
• The peloton lines out on the finishing straight
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) concentrates during the last stage
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is the man!
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) with Koos Moerenhout
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) steps on stage with son Ewan
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) enjoying the post-race atmos
• Viatcheslav Ekimov (Discovery Channel) after his final Tour de France
• T-Mobile on the podium as best team
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) has fun with his teammate Arnaud Coyot
• Dave Zabriskie (CSC) enjoying the Champs-Elysees
• Evans and McEwen on the post-stage parade

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides in the maillot jaune
• Phonak's remaining six workers lead Floyd Landis into Paris
• Phonak leads into the finishing straight on lap 1
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides down the Champs-Elysees
• The finish line in sight
• The peloton comes down the Champs-Elysees
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) triumphs in the final stage
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is happy
• Landis congratulates Kloden at the finish
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides with the American flag
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes in the maillot jaune
• The podium (L to R): Oscar Pereiro (2nd), Floyd Landis (1st) and Andreas Kloden (3rd)
• Team T-Mobile was the best team in the Tour
• The jersey winners: Robbie McEwen (points), Floyd Landis (overall), Michael Rasmussen (mountains) and Damiano Cunego (best young rider)
• The new boss and the old: Christian Prudhomme (L) and Jean-Marie Leblanc (R)

Images by AFP Photo

• Jean-Marie Leblanc flags the riders off for their final stage. It was also Leblanc's final Tour de France as race director.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides with his teammates during the final stage
• The peloton rides beside the Seine
• The peloton heads up to the Arc de Triomphe
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in yellow, with Jimmy Casper on his wheel
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) and the Phonak train thunder down the Champs-Elysées
• Christian Knees (Milram) on the front of the breakaway
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) strikes out for home, leaving McEwen behind
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) wins the final stage on the Champs-Elysées
• Mighty Thor Hushovd celebrates his victory
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) on the podium

Stage 19 - Saturday, July 22: Le Creusot - Montceau-les-Mines ITT, 56 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Christophe Mengin (Française des Jeux)
• Viatcheslav Ekimov (Discovery) was a top 10 finisher
• David Zabriskie (CSC) had a good day to end 6th
• Carlos Da Cruz (Française des Jeux)
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) was fifth
• Iñaki Isasi (Euskaltel)
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner)
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre)
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was the best rider today
• Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom) passes his 2 minute man Christophe Rinero (Saunier Duval-Prodir).
• Stephan Goubert (AG2R)
• George Hincapie (Discovery) was hungry as a shark today
• Christian Vandevelde (CSC) was again solid and finished 22nd
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) trying to put time into Cunego
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) trying to put time into Fothen
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R)
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) was the man again
• Oscar Pereiro (Illes Balears) trying to hold yellow
• Oscar Pereiro (Illes Balears)
• Robbie Hunter (Phonak) had to ride the whole TT out of the saddle
• David Arroyo (Illes Balears)
• Jose Azevedo (Discovery)
• Mickael Rasmussen (Rabobank) had a better TT than last year
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile)
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) kept his fifth overall
• Andreas Klöden (T-Mobile) was super in finishing second
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) fell back to fourth overall

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) powering along during stage 19
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) brings it home
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) after the finish
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) triumphant on the podium

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) almost there
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) drives it home
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) finishes third
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) after his ride
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) rounds the final bend
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) heads for home
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) crosses for fourth
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) after the finish
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) receives commiserations
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) crosses the line with the best time
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) finishes
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) powers home for second
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) kept his sixth place on GC
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) sprints for home
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) finishes his ride in 10th
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) surrounded by media
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) rehydrates
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) happy to have kept the best young rider jersey
• Photographers catch David Millar
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) was top 20
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) again lost six minutes
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) was not brilliant today, but he held his GC place
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) didn't do so good
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner)
• Frank Schleck (CSC) covered in sweat
• Dave Zabriskie (CSC) has the fastest time for a while
• RAI commentators Davide Cassani and Auro Bulbarelli
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is proud
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) smiles
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) on the podium after his second stage win
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes the crowd
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) has done it
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is happy with this yellow jersey
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) smiles in yellow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is the man
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is a happy man
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) puts on the maillot jaune
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) likes the fit
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on the podium with Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault
• Eddy Merckx congratulates Landis
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) salutes in the white jersey
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is the best young rider in the Tour

Images by AFP Photo

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) warming up
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) warming up
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) was not the fastest today, but he did more than enough to take the maillot jaune
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) speeds towards victory
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) was compactly fast
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) sprints for the line, but was only good enough for fourth
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was once again the best today
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) en route to second and a third place on the overall podium
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) powers home
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) rode a good TT to finish 11th
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) surrounded by the media after his ride
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is very happy with his second stage win
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes on the podium
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is the maillot jaune again

Stage 18 - Friday, July 21: Morzine - Mâcon, 193 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) got in the first break out of Morzine.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) led the break away trio earlier today.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) patrolled the front of the group with a teammate up the road.
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) and Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) come through.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides in the bunch next to teammate Robbie Hunter.
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) lays into a tight corner.
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval-Prodir) going aero on the descent.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) looking pretty happy with himself today.
• Andreas Klöden (T-Mobile) was all business today.
• Matteo Tosatto (Quickstep) takes the win.
• Matteo Tosatto (Quickstep) punches the air with excitement after his win.
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) comes in looking worn out after such a long hot day.
• Dave Zabriskie (CSC) rolls in looking not too happy.
• Oscar Pereiro (Illes Balears) keeps the yellow jersey for tomorrows TT.
• Things get a little a little crazy when the riders come into the finish.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) looking cool in white
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) happy to be the best young rider
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides in the white jersey
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) tries to escape with Yaroslav Popovych
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) celebrates
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) takes a big win

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) heads for the line
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) beats Cristian Moreni to the line
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) beats Cristian Moreni to win
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) wins the stage in Mâcon
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) punches the air
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) is delighted
• Tosatto celebrates
• Moreni and Tosatto after the finish
• Cristian Moreni (Cofidis) post-stage
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) post-stage
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) rolls across for fourth
• Sebastien Hinault (CA) wins the sprint for fifth
• Best young rider Damiano Cunego, post-stage
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) gives Quick.Step its first stage win
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) on stage
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) the winner
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) the stage winner
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) smiles on the podium
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) hopes he can do it
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) is helped by Bernard Hinault
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) salutes in the maillot jaune
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) hopes for a good day tomorrow
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is the best young rider by just 5 seconds
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) smiles in the white jersey

Images by AFP Photo

• David Millar (Saunier Duval) tried an early move with Popovych and Vaugrenard, which failed
• The legs of the breakaway in stage 18
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) on the front of the break
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) powers the breakaway
• Saunier Duval led the chase for a long time
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) bides his time
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) sits in the bunch
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) keeps his cool before the start
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) protected by his teammate Florent Brard
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) leads out the sprint with Moreni on his wheel
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) triumphs in stage 18 in Mâcon
• Matteo Tosatto (Quick.Step) is a happy man

Stage 17 - Thursday, July 20: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Morzine, 199 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The first group comes through on the Col des Saisies with Mont Blanc in the background.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) stayed hydrated on a hot day like today.
• The yellow jersey group comes into site.
• And the yellow jersey group continues on the climb.
• The main bunch comes up Saisies.
• The bunch climbs through the beautiful scenery of the Alps.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) comes by setting a blistering pace.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on the way to his incredible win in Morzine.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) trying to minimise his loses on the Col de Joux-Plane.
• Oscar Pereiro (Illes Balears) comes past with mountain leader Mickael Rasmussen close on his wheel.
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) leads Frank Schleck (CSC) up the Joux-Plane.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) finds it hot going on the climb.
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) leads another group up today's difficult climb.
• A small group makes it's way through the tall pines on the Joux-Plane.
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) fights hard to not lose much time.
• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) struggled a bit today.
• Patrick Sinkewitz (T-Mobile) makes it up.
• Patrice Halgand (Credit Agricole) gets some encouragement from the team car.
• Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) rides in by himself.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• A helicopter shadows the riders
• Go you good thing, go!
• Oscar Pereiro (Phonak) with David Millar in tow
• Pereiro and Moreau climbing
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) descending
• Christophe Le Mevel (CA) was part of the early break
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) on the front of the group
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) with Sinkewitz, Righi and O'Grady
• Landis and Sinkewitz were the only two left after a while
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) in stage 17
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) kept himself cool today with a handy bidon
• This is the way Floyd Landis kept his body temperature down
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) gets ready to attack
• The devil tries to tempt Carlos Sastre
• The devil can jump
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes on the podium
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) crosses the line in Morzine
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) receives the best young rider jersey
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is congratulated by Bernard Hinault

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) chats with McEwen
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) in yellow during the early part of the stage
• Florent Brard drinks another bidon
• Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta rides tempo on the Col des Saisies
• Florent Brard was up front for Caisse d'Epargne
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) with Vladimir Karpets in tow
• Nicolas Jalabert drives the tempo on the climb
• Michael Rogers couldn't keep up with Landis, and neither could Kloden, Sastre and Evans
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) attacks on the Col des Saisies
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) checks back
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) drops Kloden and co. on the first climb
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) nestled in the bunch
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) pours another bottle of water on his head
• Caisse d'Epargne trying to keep control
• Patrice Halgand (Credit Agricole) leads the break on the descent of the Saisies
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) takes a corner
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) descending
• George Hincapie (Discovery) taking a corner smoothly
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) was not quite at his best today
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon) leads a group on a twisty descent
• The peloton chases Landis
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) with Patrik Sinkewitz (T-Mobile) glued to his wheel
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides up the Col de Joux-Plane
• The yellow jersey on the Col de Joux-Plane
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) with Michael Rasmussen
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) sees Cunego up ahead
• Boogerd, Evans, Schleck and Menchov riding together for a bit
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) riding his own tempo
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) in the hunt
• Schleck and Evans climbing together
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) with Michael Boogerd
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) on the front of his group on the Joux-Plane
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) rounds a bend
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is having a great final week
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) climbing well today
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) rides behind Pereiro
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) suffering
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) in pursuit of Landis
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) with Evans on his wheel
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) tries to limit the damage on the Joux-Plane
• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) rides ahead of the group maillot jaune
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) leading Pereiro, Kloden and Mazzoleni
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) with Boogerd, Cunego, Schleck and Evans
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) very happy with his victory
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) after crossing the line
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) finishes second
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) did a great ride for third
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) crosses for fourth
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) wins the sprint for fifth place, 7'08 behind Landis
• Boogerd leads Pereiro home for fifth
• Rasmussen, Sinkewitz and Menchov cross the line
• I'm back says Floyd Landis
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is still very much in the Tour
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) not looking quite as comfortable as he did
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) still in yellow…just
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is the probable mountains champion of the Tour 2006
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is awarded the best young rider jersey
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) in the white jersey of best young rider
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is the new best young rider, by just 5 seconds

Images by AFP Photo

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) attacks on the Col des Saisies, with Kloden, Rogers, Sastre and Evans in tow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) leaves Kloden and Sastre behind on the Saisies
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) accompanied by David Arroyo
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rides past a fan who is busting a move
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) will have sore arms, but he used his aero position well today
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) in pursuit of Landis
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) uses his descending skills to good effect too
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) waves his fist of fury at the finish
• Landis with Phonak's PR man Georges Luchinger at the finish

Stage 16 - Wednesday, July 19: Le Bourg-d'Oisans - La Toussuire, 182 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Mickael Rasmussen (Rabobank) gets some support from a fan early on the Galibier.
• The main bunch gets strung out on the Col du Galibier.
• The long climb and scenic backdrop of the Galibier.
• Tadej Valjavec (Lampre) leads eventual stage winner Mickael Rasmussen and Sand Casar.
• The group continues on the climb.
• A bunch rounds one of the many turns of the Galibier.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) couldn't hold on to the climbers jersey today.
• Another group makes its way up.
• Mickael Rasmussen (Rabobank) looks up towards the finish on the way to his win.
• T-Mobile made the blistering pace up the climb to La Toussuire.
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) looked good with about 10K to go.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) fights hard on the final climb.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) just couldn't handle the pace today.
• Another chase group comes through towards the finish.
• The still large main field passes 10K to go.
• Riders pass an older house along the climb.
• What's left of the field passes by after a long hard day.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The Col du Galibier was the first challenge of the day
• The mighty col du Galibier
• The race comes up the Col du Galibier
• Casar, Valjavec and Rasmussen on the Galibier
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) on the front of the yellow jersey group
• Landis climbs in the GC riders group
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) lost the mountains jersey today
• Thomas Lovkvist (FDJ)
• Pippo Pozzato in the gruppetto
• A helicopter follows the leaders on the Galibier
• Coming up the Col du Galibier
• The peloton on the Col du Galibier
• The Col du Galibier dwarfed the riders
• Sinkewitz with another group of riders
• Jose Rujano (Quick.Step) finished the stage a long way down
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) on the way to the top
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) en route to second
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) leads Pereiro and Evans
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon) hangs tough
• Moreau, Dessel and Caucchioli on the last climb
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) after being passed by the GC group
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) lost some time
• Rogers and Mazzoleni follow Zubeldia
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides alone
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) played a spoiler role for Rasmussen today
• Schleck and Fothen come up to the finish
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) keeping his tempo
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) heading for the summit
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) on La Toussuire
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) struggles
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) digs deep
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) had to pace Landis to the finish
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) suffers on the final climb
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) wins stage 16
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) triumphs in La Toussuire
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) at the end
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) finished second
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) sprints for third
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) stops the clock after finishing third
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon) was fourth today
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) crosses the line in fifth
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) at the finish
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) crosses the line
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) after a tough day
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) and Floyd Landis come to the finish
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) leads his captain home
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) didn't have a good day
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) after the finish
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) gulps down a can of drink
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is surrounded by his helpers
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) after crossing the line
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) on stage as the winner
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) salutes from the stage
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) is a happy maillot jaune
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) salutes from the podium
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) happy on the podium
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) salutes in the polka dotted jersey
• Rasmussen is happy in dots
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) in the dots

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Lance Armstrong was at the Tour today again
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) crashed today, and pulled out
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) had another solid day in the mountains
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) leads Pereiro and Evans
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is delighted with his win
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) leads Floyd Landis home
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rehydrates after a bad day
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) gives the thumbs up
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) regained the maillot jaune today

Images by AFP Photo

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on the front
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) douses himself with water
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) sits in the group
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) gets some encouragement
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) wins the stage to La Toussuire
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is overjoyed
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) leads Landis in

Stage 15 - Tuesday, July 18: Gap - L'Alpe-d'Huez, 187 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) leads stage winner Frank Schleck (CSC) on the way to the top.
• Andreas Klöden (T-Mobile) comes by just ahead of Floyd Landis.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on the way to taking the yellow jersey on the top of Alp d'Huez.
• Fans react as Andreas Klöden and Floyd Landis come by.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) fought hard all the way to the top.
• The yellow jersey comes through with the jersey still in the balance.
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) rode hard but lost more time today.
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) came in nearly 3 minutes back today.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) putting the power to the pedals.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gets in by himself.
• Mathias Kessler (T-Mobile) early stage winner was off the pace today.
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) way off the yellow jersey pace.
• An Illes Balears rider comes by looking pretty happy.
• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) just sneaks past a Dutch fan cheering on the home team.
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) took his time and came in 28'01" back.
• A big group comes by with quite a ways to go.
• An Aussie fan cheers on Robbie McEwen at the front of the sprinters group.
• Another group makes its way to the top way at the back.
• The bunch still climbing
• The sprinters group comes up.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) brings up the tail end of the bunch.
• The Aussies are everywhere!
• I'm not sure what the Dutch will find, but it sounds promising.
• The view that the riders will get tomorrow going up the Col du Galibier.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• L'Alpe d'Huez is a tortuous climb
• L'Alpe d'Huez
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) leading Frank Schleck
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on the hunt for a stage win
• Frank Schleck (CSC) follows Cunego up
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) in front of the Landis group
• Chavanel and Mazzoleni on the front of the Landis group
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) with Landis in tow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) was in control today
• The Landis group near the summit
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) on his own
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) in chase mode
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) leads Denis Menchov
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rides up in the red
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) did a good job for Landis today
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) leads Rogers
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) on the climb
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) strengthened his lead on the dots
• George Hincapie (Discovery) was in the early break
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) rides up at his own tempo
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) was his team's best rider in 29th
• Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) with Fothen on his wheel
• Thomas Lövkvist (FDJ) follows Jose Angel Gomez
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) was 55th today
• Fans on the mountain watching the race
• Plenty of colour on L'Alpe d'Huez
• The sprinters bus
• A group of dropped riders comes up the climb
• Riders pass one of the 21 switchbacks
• Frank Schleck (CSC) zips up his jersey
• Frank Schleck (CSC) wins the stage on L'Alpe d'Huez
• Frank Schleck (CSC) salutes in victory
• Frank Schleck (CSC) looks back
• Frank Schleck (CSC) after the line
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) couldn't do better than second
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) after finishing second
• Garzelli wins the sprint for third
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) after crossing the line
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) performed well for a top five
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) was top 10
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) finishes with Rasmussen and Caucchioli
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) couldn't quite hold the yellow
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) stops his clock
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) started well, but blew up
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) comes to the finish
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) finishes 37th and keeps the white jersey
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) didn't like the way it went uphill
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) rehydrates
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) keeps warm
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) after a good day out
• Frank Schleck (CSC) a proud winner
• A happy Schleck on the podium
• Frank Schleck (CSC) smiling
• Frank Schleck (CSC) waves to the crowd
• Frank Schleck (CSC) is happy with his win
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) prepares to don the maillot jaune
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) the new MJ
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes on the podium
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on the podium in yellow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) grins in yellow

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) descends
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) had breathing difficulties, and abandoned today
• The Col d'Izoard has its own moonscape
• Are we there yet?
• A group of riders on the col d'Izoard
• The alien landscape of the Izoard
• Hurting on the col d'Izoard
• The Col d'Izoard in some of its glory
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on the Izoard
• Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas) heads for the summit of the Izoard alone
• The summit of the Izoard
• Descending the col d'Izoard
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) leads Patxi Vila on the col de Lautaret

Images by AFP Photo

• The peloton in the Alps
• The peloton rides in the early part of the stage
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) on the front of the break
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) starts to reduce the break
• Cunego and Schleck ride past French flags
• Frank Schleck (CSC) attacks Damiano Cunego with less than 2 km to go
• Frank Schleck (CSC) is delighted to win stage 15
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes as he becomes the new maillot jaune

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Michael Boogerd looks admiringly at some photos of himself in the Pyrenees.
• Another break for Jens Voigt? Don't count it out!
• World champion Tom Boonen will be saving his legs today. Well, he'll be trying to...
• Five minutes before the start.
• Race doctor Gerard Porte wishes Cyclingnews bon journee.
• Some local onlookers in Gap.

Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) post-stage
• Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas) post-stage

Stage 14 - Sunday, July 16: Montélimar - Gap, 181 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The Jalabert brothers have a chat before today's stage.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) tries to make his way through the photographers to the start line.
• The first break of the day rolls through the lavender fields.
• Oscar Pereiro (Illes Balears) comes through the lavender.
• Salvatore Commesso (Lampre) leads on the descent into Gap.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) comes by at the head of the chase.
• Oscar Pereiro (Illes Balears) holds onto the yellow jersey for another day.
• Mickael Rasmussen (Rabobank) rolled in by himself today, 3'49" back.
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) descends hard off the Col de la Sentinelle.
• Mario Aerts (Davitamon-Lotto) descends hard off the Col de la Sentinelle.
• David De la Fuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) holding on to the climbers jersey.
• Riders descend off the Col de la Sentinelle.
• The roads in stage 14 were melting in the heat and were chopped up by the Tour caravan
• A close look at the state of the roads in stage 14

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) rides to the start
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) rides during stage 14
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) on a descent
• The peloton en route to Nyons
• The Tour never stops
• Mmm…apricots
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was dropped early in the stage, but fought to continue
• Look out Ricardo… you could be in for a surprise
• David Canada (Saunier Duval) watches the peloton go past with a ripped and bloodied jersey
• David Canada (Saunier Duval) sits on the rail after breaking his collarbone in a crash
• Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) is put into a stretcher after breaking his thigh in a crash
• Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) is attended to by the race doctors after his fall
• Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) on the ground after crashing out of the breakaway
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) on another hot day
• Commesso and Fedrigo away on the last climb
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) celebrates in Gap

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) hits the front
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) wins the stage
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) beats Salvatore Commesso to win stage 14
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) salutes in Gap
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) savours his win
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) celebrates
• Salvatore Commesso (Lampre) was a disappointed second
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) was fourth
• Moreau wins the sprint for fourth
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) comes in at the back of the front group
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) finishes with the bunch
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) stops his clock
• Riders finish as others head for their buses
• Some sprinters finish stage 14
• Erik Zabel (Milram) comes in
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) comes in
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) rode well again today
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) post-stage
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) survived a crash to finish stage 14
• The finish-line crush around Pierrick Fedrigo
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) is escorted to the podium
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) after stage 14
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) post-stage
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) on the podium
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) salutes on stage
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues)
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) is a happy stage winner
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) puts on the maillot jaune
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) waves with another lion
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles in the maillot jaune
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) still in yellow as we head into the final week

Images by AFP Photo

• Crowds watch the Tour on a hot Sunday
• George Hincapie (Discovery) tried to get in an early break, but failed
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) close to Floyd Landis during the stage
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) with Salvatore Commesso in tow
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) beats Salvatore Commesso to win stage 14
• Pierrick Fedrigo (Bouygues) celebrates victory

Stage 13 - Saturday, July 15: Béziers - Montélimar, 231 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The break already away at about 50 km in.
• The bunch rolls through a lush vineyard of Provence.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) has a laugh with David Zabriskie (CSC).
• The peloton bunches up during its leisurely pace earlier in the day.
• Andriy Grivko (Milram) takes his pull on the front of the break.
• The chalk board shows the leaders at 27'55" off the front.
• David Zabriskie (CSC) sits comfortably towards the back of the field.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) rode protected by teammates all day but gave up the jersey in the end.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The two leaders come up the straight
• Jens Voigt (CSC) powers to the line
• Jens Voigt (CSC) celebrates a big win
• Jens Voigt (CSC) happy at the finish
• Andriy Grivko (Milram) comes across for 5th
• Chavanel takes the sprint for third
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) beats Quinziato for third
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) crosses for fourth
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) lucked out with fourth
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon) wins the sprint for sixth
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon) crosses the line in front
• Jens Voigt (CSC) after his win
• Jens Voigt (CSC) is marched up to the podium
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) was a little disappointed after the stage
• Post-stage with Oscar Pereiro
• Jens Voigt (CSC) on stage
• Jens Voigt (CSC) with his trophies
• A happy Jensy
• Raymond Poulidor congratulates Jens Voigt
• Jens Voigt (CSC) salutes the crowd
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) on stage
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) pulls on the jersey
• Happy Oscar
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) le maillot jaune
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) is pretty happy with his new jersey
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles in yellow
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) in the maillot jaune
• Raymond Poulidor congratulates Pereiro

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in view
• David de la Fuenta (Saunier Duval) is still the mountains leader
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) cools off on a hot day
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) with Gibo in tow
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) biding his time
• The break rides past an old village
• Gibo looks shocked
• The bunch gallops along
• Race ya!
• Cooling off at Le Tour
• Welcome to the Tour 2006
• Riders wizz past a steam train
• Simoni, Ballan and others look at the nice train
• Jens Voigt (CSC) triumphs over Oscar Pereiro

Images by AFP Photo

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) didn't seem worried about keeping yellow today
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon) in discussion with Floyd Landis during the stage
• Jens Voigt (CSC) drives the breakaway
• Jens Voigt (CSC) powers to the finish ahead of Pereiro
• Jens Voigt (CSC) celebrates his stage win
• Jens Voigt (CSC) is a happy German!
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) is the new maillot jaune!

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) continues to be as popular as ever at the Tour de France.
• A few local faces at the start in Béziers.
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) says he's given up on GC, and will now focus on a stage win.
• Nicolas Jalabert (Phonak) will be giving his all to make sure team leader Floyd Landis stays in yellow.
• Discovery Channel team manager Johan Bruyneel a happy man after Yaroslav Popovych's win yesterday.
• Nicolas Portal (Caisse d'Epargne) enjoys some company at the start in Béziers.
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R-Prevoyance) getting a quick trim shortly before the start.
• Part of the village in Béziers.
• George Hincapie and crew enjoying a bit of downtime before the stage start.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-Fondital) came very close to a stage win yesterday.
• Race leader Floyd Landis (Phonak) heads for the start line.
• Mountains leader David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval) popular with the locals.
• A view of the Tour from the stage.

Stage 12 - Friday, July 14: Luchon - Carcassonne, 211 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The break group becomes disorganized.
• The main bunch strung out past the village of Saint-Lizier.
• Riders still on the chase.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) wins the sprint for 4th.
• Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) rolls in after a long hard day.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) takes to the podium after his win.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) happy to still be in yellow.
• The Aussies are everywhere!

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) wins the stage in Carcassonne
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) likes the feeling
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) crosses the line to win
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) enjoys the moment
• Ballan finished second
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-Fondital) couldn't do better than second
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) didn't have the legs to go for it
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) finishes a painful 4th
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) rolls across
• McEwen and Boonen head for the line
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) won the sprint for 5th
• The bunch sprint for 5th was won by Tom Boonen
• Boonen and McEwen roll across after placing 5th and 6th
• Wegmann and Kloden finish in the bunch
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) didn't have any problems today
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon) finishes the stage
• The telltale signs of a hard race: Riders don't even know how to eat and drink any more.
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) rolls in with the bunch
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre) after the finish
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-Fondital) gives his view
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) the stage winner
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) waves from the stage
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) surprised, but happy
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) with his winner's trophy
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) pulls on the maillot jaune
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on stage in yellow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes after his first day in yellow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in the maillot jaune again
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) with a tricolore lion

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in yellow, before the stage
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) bided his time today
• World champ Tom Boonen follows Garzelli through a field of sunflowers
• Vive le Tour!
• Bert Grabsch on the front of the Phonak train
• The lead break passes through a tunnel
• The peloton passes through a tunnel
• Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas) with Erik Zabel on his wheel
• Le Mevel leads the breakaway
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) wins the stage in Carcassonne
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) tells it how it was after the stage
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) gave it his best

Images by AFP Photo

• George Hincapie (Discovery) was in the early break that didn't quite make it
• Nicolas Jalabert gives a bidon to his teammate Robert Hunter
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) attacks the break
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) put in a powerful solo attack with 3 km to go to win stage 12
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) wins the 12th stage into Carcassonne
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) celebrates his win in Carcassonne

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Jens Voigt thinking about one of his infamous day-long attacks?
• Oscar Freire gives Cyclingnews his big bad bandito face.
• Levi Leipheimer a far happier man today than he was a few days ago.
• Stuart O'Grady gives some time to a few young admirers.
• Rabobank have quickly become the dominant team of the Tour de France after their exceptional teamwork in the Pyrenées yesterday.
• Riders get ready to make their way to the départ fictif.
• The press cars leave a few minutes ahead of the peloton.
• Some Luchon locals take in a bird's eye view.
• New maillot jaune Floyd Landis looked the business in yellow.
• Not long to go now...
• Aww, thanks Robbie. Can you show me how to sprint one day?
• The various classification leaders on the start line in Luchon.

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) at the winner's press conference
• These bikes performed really well yesterday
• Zabriskie, Zabriskie, Zabirskie, Zaribskie ....better stop now
• Rinero will be one of the riders who might have a go for the win today
• Erik Zabel looked like he recovered really well from yesterday's mountain stage
• An Austrian fan, you don't see them quite often
• A bit of folklore in Luchon, the traditional clothing was shown by these locals
• Retiring boss of the Tour de France JM Leblanc and his press chief Phillipe Sudres
• Savoldelli crashed on the descent of the Pla-de-Beret yesterday, while cruising to the hotel ... one Falco down
• Isaac Galvez the Spanish sprinter enjoyed the company of his family at the start in Luchon
• Quatorze Juillet, an important day for the French people ... this lady is definitely hoping for a French win today!

Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• French champ Florent Brard knows the French would like to see him win on Bastille day
• 'Pippo' Pozzato does a little posing at the start
• Yesterday's locomotive for Menchov, Michael Boogerd, looked rather tired...
• A happy Stuey O'Grady
• Thor Hushovd will he take revenge on his unlucky fate today?
• 'Il Falco' injured himself in a crash yesterday
• Discovery's best-placed rider: José Azevedo.

Stage 11 - Thursday, July 13: Tarbes - Val d'Aran/Pla-de-Beret (Spain), 208 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• A view of the climb up the Col du Tourmalet.
• David De LaFuente (Saunier Duval-Prodir) comes up the Col du Portillon by himself.
• The chase group comes up with Leipheimer and Landis still tucked in.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) on his way to yellow.
• The yellow jersey had minimal protection today.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) comes by off the back.
• A Phonak rider makes his way up.
• Part of the split in the field.
• Another group makes its way up the Portillon.
• Riders were spread out all over the climb.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) finds it hard going after his earlier attack.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• David Millar (Saunier Duval) ready to start
• The leaders near the summit of the final climb
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) drives the front group
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in some pain
• Landis sits at the back of the group
• Evans and Sastre chase the Landis trio
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) fought but lost 1'31 today
• A couple of Vinokourov fans stand out in the mostly Basque crowd
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel) pulls Frank Schleck (CSC)
• Moreau's tongue wasn't as good as Boogerd's teeth
• Ivan Parra (Cofidis) was part of the lead group for a while
• Georg Totschnig leads Rogers and Fothen
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) was a strong 13th place today
• Jose Azevedo (Discovery Channel) leads Gilberto Simoni
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) tries to keep yellow
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) in the company of Bruseghin
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) follows Patrik Sinkewitz up
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) was the next best rider from his team
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) comes up the climb
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) lost the spotty jersey today
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) is cheered on
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) lost 6'25 today
• Christophe Rinero (Saunier Duval) fights for every metre
• George Hincapie (Discovery) was over 20 minutes down
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) lost a lot of time
• 1 km to go for this trio
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) wins in Pla-de-Beret
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) celebrates his win
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon) leads Sastre home for fourth
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) did a superb job today for Menchov
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) comes in behind Frank Schleck (CSC)
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) comes in 10th
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) post-stage, waiting for confirmation of yellow
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on stage
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) with his victory spoils
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) has finally done it
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) now in yellow
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) salutes from the podium
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) waves in the maillot jaune
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) became the fifth American to don the maillot jaune
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) kept the white jersey of best young rider

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) hopes for a snug fit
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) was one of the early victims of today's stage
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was good, but not quite good enough today
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) fights to hold the maillot jaune
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) comes up the final climb
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) leads the group through the mainly Basque fans
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks around as he follows Landis
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) beats Levi Leipheimer to win stage 11

Images by AFP Photo

• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) leads the early breakaway
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) drives the group on the final climb
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) wins the stage on Pla-de-Beret
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) enjoys the win
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) in the maillot jaune for the first time

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Lampre boys Damiano Cunego and Salvatore Commesso relax in the team car before the start of the eleventh stage of the Tour de France.
• A colourful float at the start in Tarbes.
• Gerolsteiner's Marcus Fothen leads the young riders' competition.
• Five minutes before the depart fictif.
• A man to watch today.
• With Caffeine! Music to a rider's ears.
• The peloton's left, but Chris Horner's still signing autographs and chatting with the fans. Hup, Horner, Hup!

Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• Gilberto Simoni adjusting his saddle before the start in Tarbes.
• I can do this just as well.
• Looks good to me!

Stage 10 - Wednesday, July 12: Cambo-les-Bains - Pau, 193 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Plush green fields provided a stark contrast to the scenery up north.
• The valley that the race came up through today.
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) leads the break on the Col du Soudet.
• Iñaki Isasi (Euskaltel-Euskadi) finding it a bit rough going.
• Christophe Rinero (Saunier Duval-Prodir) chases the front group.
• Iñigo Landaluze (Euskaltel-Euskadi) a little off the back of the leaders.
• Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) made the break early on and then faded.
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) was also in the main break today.
• Carlos Da Cruz (Française Des Jeux) comes through 5'15" behind the leaders.
• T-Mobile leads the chase bunch up the Col du Soudet.
• Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) back in the group after losing the break.
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) had to fend for himself on the climb.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) tried hard to stay in the lead group today.
• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues Telecom) couldn't hold onto the mountain jersey today.
• Oscar Freire Rabobank) not enjoying the climb.
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) did not look very good today.
• Christian Vandevelde (CSC) comes through.
• The Gerolsteiner boys come through leading a group.
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) excited with his win.
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) takes to the podium.
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel)
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) takes over the maillot jaune.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Mercado beats Dessel to win the stage
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) celebrates in Pau
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) is mobbed
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) in post-race celebration mode
• Inigo Landaluze (Euskaltel) arrives for third
• Christian Moreni (Cofidis) beats Rinero for fourth
• Christian Moreni (Cofidis) finishes
• Christophe Rinero (Saunier Duval) had a solid ride for fifth
• Christian Moreni (Cofidis) was fourth in the stage
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre) beats Zabel for eighth
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre) after winning the sprint for eighth
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) finishes in the bunch, but loses the jersey
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) finished at 12'00
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) made it to the finish with the bunch
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) comes in with Simon Gerrans
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) finishes with the bunch
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) chugs down a bottle of water after a long day
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) had a tough day
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) on stage
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) salutes from the podium
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) happy with his stage win
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) puts on the maillot jaune
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) is the new leader
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) salutes in the maillot jaune
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) the new maillot jaune
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) is congratulated by Hinault
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) is also the leader in the mountains GC

Images by AFP Photo

• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) contemplates another day in yellow
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) leads Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) in their escape
• Inigo Landaluze (Euskaltel) chases the two leaders
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) wins the 10th stage in Pau ahead of Cyril Dessel
• Juan Miguel Mercado (Agritubel) celebrates his win

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Michael Rasmussen already thinking about what lies ahead after signing on.
• A motivated Cadel Evans, who is no doubt happy to get to the mountains unscathed.
• The fans in Cambo Les-Bains were delighted to have the Tour de France visit their neighbourhood.
• Bjarne Riis finds himself changing strategy day by day, in line with the Team CSC's changing fortunes.
• Vladimir Karpets hopes his mullet won't slow him down in the mountains.
• Legendary sprint king Mario Cipollini as popular as ever.
• Big Mother is watching you.
• Feeding time for the piggies in Cambo Les-Bains.

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Discovery expects a lot from Yaroslav Popovych
• Cadel Evans didn't expect many differences
• Tom Boonen wearing his cap in an old fashioned way

Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• Jens Voigt, always ready to roll
• The Rabo riders look up to something at the start in Cambo-les-Bains
• Not looking forward to today: World champ Tom Boonen chatting to Alessandro Ballan

Stage 9 - Tuesday, July 11: Bordeaux - Dax, 170 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• One of the sights at the start in Bordeaux today.
• Walter Beneteau (Bouygues Telecom) leads the trio earlier in the day.
• The bunch comes through not going too hard.
• T-Mobile leads as the break goes up the road.
• Patrick Sinkewitz (T-Mobile) leading the T-mobile train.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) comes through in the group.
• The bunch gets strung out along the mostly baron course today.
• Just before the line it was anybody's win.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) come together just past the line.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) tells reporters what happened in the sprint.
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) still very excited to be in yellow.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) signs an autograph before stage 9
• Gonchar and Guerini are popular with the press
• Rogers and Gonchar
• Gonchar and Guerini
• Mazzoleni and Gonchar
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) asks Michael Boogerd for guidance
• Phonak buddies Floyd Landis and Axel Merckx
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) exits sign on
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) waits
• It's not easy being green
• Fabian Wegmann and Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner)
• Tom Boonen and the Quick.Step gang live on stage
• Mario Cipollini is back at the Tour de France
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) has plenty of fans
• Freire has his wheel in front
• Boonen, Zabel, Freire and McEwen throw their bikes, but it's Freire who gets it
• The finish
• It was pretty close on the line
• Freire and McEwen in the post-finish bumping
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) congratulates Freire on his win
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) comes in for fourth
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) crosses the line
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) salutes after his second win
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) on stage
• Here you go Serguei, this one's for you
• Yeah, why not? Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile)
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) in the maillot jaune for another day
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) with the spoils of the maillot jaune wearer
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) celebrates another maillot jaune

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Italians still celebrating their team's world cup victory on Sunday
• It's not hard to find an Italian supporter at Le Tour
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) chats with Discovery's Yaroslav Popovych
• The peloton rolls along between Bordeaux and Dax
• Mario Cipollini enjoys the Tour
• Mario Cipollini in the Liquigas car
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) enjoying the Tour so far
• Freire and McEwen throw for the line

Images by AFP Photo

• Stephane Auge (Cofidis) leads Walter Beneteau (Bouygues)
• Serguei Gonchar well protected by his teammates
• The throw sees Freire get the win ahead of McEwen
• Freire and McEwen bump against each other after crossing the line
• Robbie McEwen congratulates Freire on his win
• The finish photo shows Freire ahead of McEwen, Zabel and Boonen

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Sylvain Calzati, winner of Stage 8, has increased his popularity severalfold since his stage win two days ago.
• Bordeaux provided a historic backdrop for today's start.
• Gilberto Simoni gets a trim while being interviewed by Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
• A little more icing on that waffle, sil vous plaît.
• One of the podium girls - en route to another podium in Dax.
• Could today be Robbie McEwen's fourth stage win at the 2006 Tour de France?
• Big Maggie Backstedt plants his bum on top of his Bianchi.
• Backstedt's Bianchi is a little different from the rest - note the massive downtube.
• The Davitamon boys looking very relaxed after a successful Tour so far.

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Gilberto Simoni getting a new haircut
• Brad Wiggins getting comfy
• David Millar reading French paper
• Robbie McEwen relaxing before the start
• Axel Merckx in the village de départ
• Davitamon-Lotto were relaxed
• Fothen in his white jersey
• Gustav Erik-Larsson having a laugh
• Simon Gerrans before the start
• Vasseur and Gilbert had a chat

Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues) in the polka dot jersey
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) rolls up

Rest Day 1 - Monday, July 10: Bordeaux,

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is emerging as a favourite.

Images by AFP Photo

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) had mixed fortunes in the opening week.
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) upstaged the favourites on the first stage.
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) easily one the first big test.

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) proved that persistence gets rewarded.
• Bunch sprints were the order of the day in the first week

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Class is permanent. Oscar Freire wins stage 5.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is now eighth.
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) is well-placed for an assault in the mountains.
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) highlighted his team's depth of talent.

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) had a forgettable time trial.

Stage 8 - Sunday, July 9: Saint-Méen-le-Grand - Lorient, 177 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• The initial break gets under way
• The bunch comes through.
• The break comes up the Cote de Mur-de-Bretagne.
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) leads the break.
• David Zabriskie (CSC) spent the afternoon in the break.
• Phonak leads the chase.
• Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Discovery) makes it over the climb with the rest of the bunch trailing.
• Robbie McEwen (Daviamon-Lotto) wins the long sprint for 4th.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) before his first day in yellow
• Ukrainians Serguei Gonchar and Yaroslav Popovych
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) with Beppe Guerini
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) rides in the pack
• Eddy Mazzoleni with Serguei Gonchar
• Mazzoleni and Gonchar side by side
• Mazzoleni and Gonchar chat in the feed zone
• Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) gets hungry and eats his hat
• Phonak set the pace for Floyd Landis today
• Filippo Pozzato (Quick.Step) enjoying the Tour
• Daniele Righi working for Lampre-Fondital
• The break rides past an ancient cathedral in Brittany
• Here comes the break
• Phonak leads the chase through a Breton village
• Patrice Halgand takes his sunnies off
• Carlstrom and Halgand give chase
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) wins the eighth stage
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) celebrates in Lorient
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) with the photo of his family
• Kjell Carlstrom (Liquigas) wins the sprint for second

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Cycling is popular in this part of the world
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) gets a huge cheer
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) triumphs in Lorient
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) crosses the line with a photo of his family
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) celebrates his win
• The peloton in sight of second and third place
• Kjell Carlstrom (Liquigas) beats Halgand for second
• Kjell Carlstrom (Liquigas) takes second
• The sprint for fourth place in Lorient
• The dash for fourth sees McEwen get it
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) easily wins the sprint for fourth in Lorient
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) strengthened his grip on the green
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) not happy again
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) cruises in
• Vlad Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) crosses the line
• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues) spent another day in polkadots
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) post-race
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) looks for a drink
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) at the end of his first day in yellow
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) gets up on stage
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) on the podium as stage winner
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) smiles on the podium
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) dons the yellow jersey
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) will wear the maillot jaune going into tomorrow's rest day in Bordeaux
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) salutes the crowd
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) salutes at the end of the day in the maillot jaune
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is congratulated by Bernard Hinault
• Everyone wants a podium shot

Images by AFP Photo

• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) in his first maillot jaune
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) punctures towards the end of the stage
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) en route to victory
• Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) wins the stage in Lorient

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Calzati right after his win in stage 8 of the Tour de France.
• Patrice Halgand lost the sprint for second.
• Robbie McEwen won the bunch sprint for fourth place, just before Daniele Bennati.
• Erik Zabel finished sixth.
• Serguei Gonchar enters the rest day with the yellow jersey.
• Mario Aerts was in the decisive break but failed to exploit that position.
• Calzati talking with the media after the race.
• Calzati at the press conference.

Stage 7 - Saturday, July 8: Saint-Grégoire - Rennes ITT, 52 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) comes through early on.
• Robbie Hunter (Phonak) blazes past.
• Jens Voigt (CSC) didn't have too great of a day coming in dead last.
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) German National Champion.
• Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) likes giving lead outs more than TT's.
• Walter Beneteau (Bouygues Telecom) screams by.
• Jose Luis Rubiera (Discovery) finished off the day just over 3 minutes back.
• The race got going under cloudy skies this morning.
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval-Prodir) 3rd place finisher of this years Giro.
• Jose Azevedo (Discovery) comes by to finish 3'55" back.
• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues Telecom) in the mountain jersey.
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) not showing his usual game face.
• Dave Zabriskie (CSC) was a little slow today at 1'55" back.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) looks intently up the road.
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2r) comes through as the streets begin to dry.
• M. Martin Perdiguero (Phonak) wasn't the fastest today but has the longest name.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) comin at ya.
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) had troubles today and finished 5'37" behind.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) came through fast early on.
• Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) goes hard early on the course.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) had a decent ride today coming in 3'17" back.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is far from the yellow jersey hunt after today.
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) had a good ride today and moves to 5th in GC.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) stays in the hunt for yellow only 1'00" back on GC.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) struggled a bit later in the stage.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) spent his last day in yellow.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) waits to start
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) gets the go
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) down the ramp
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) sets off
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is go!
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) focuses
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) sets off
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) is thoroughly warm
• French champ Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) leaves
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) leaves the start house
• Quick.Step manager Patrick Lefevere
• Erik Zabel (Milram) prepares for another Tour TT
• Ete Zabel (Milram) sets off
• Levi gets ready
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery)
• JaJa the Elder does commentary for France 2/3
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) before his ride
• David Zabriskie (CSC) concentrates
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) waits to start
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) was 106th at 6'22
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) is another climber who lost time, finishing 82nd
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) was 52nd today
• Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas) in not his preferred discipline
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) was 9th
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) lost over 5 minutes to finish 75th
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-Fondital) the Italian champ
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) not having a good day
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) changes a gear
• Bobby Julich (CSC) before his crash
• Marcus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) was the best young rider
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) rode well for 8th today
• David Zabriskie (CSC) looks ahead
• Sandy Casar (FDJ) started fast, but faded
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) winds it up
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) was France's top rider in 15th
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) was just outside the top 10
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) keeps aero
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) was his team's best rider in 19th
• George Hincapie (Discovery) during the TT
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) in the zone
• The Green Machine: Robbie McEwen
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in his last day in yellow
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was the best today
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) in action
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) comes up the straight, with Kessler following
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) finishes his ride in 1:01:43
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) was second, despite a mishap
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) grabs water after the finish
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) finished a solid fourth
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) was off the pace today to finish 37th
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) brings it home
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is happy
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) salutes the crowd
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) stage winner
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) puts on the maillot jaune
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile)
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) likes the colour
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) salutes from the podium
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) in yellow
• Hail Serguei!

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Lampre's Cunego, Bruseghin and Ballan are going for their home team in the World Cup final tomorrow
• The Lampre boyz warm up
• Forza Azzurri! Garzelli and Paolini know who to support tomorrow
• Caucchioli and Moreni are Italian supporters, naturally
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) with his Italian supporting girlfriend
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) time trials during stage 7
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) takes a corner
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) powers along
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) en route to victory!
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) jumps for joy!
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) might not qualify as a sprinter with that vertical jump, but he's still happy
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is very happy with the yellow jersey
• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) has the golden fleece

Images by AFP Photo

• Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was the best rider today, by far
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) follows teammate Serguei Gonchar, who caught him for 2 minutes
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) had a solid ride to finish second
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) gets encouragement as he tackles the TT
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) during his ride
• David Zabriskie (CSC) was his team's top rider in 13th
• George Hincapie (Discovery) had an ordinary day to place 24th at 2'42

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Hair dressers at work in the 'village de départ'
• The devil of the Tour de France
• Lövkvist at the finish line
• Boogerd looking at his time?
• Boogie was thirsty
• Zandio might have been gathering these braids for a long time
• Italian champion Marzio Bruseghin finished in a dissapointing 39th place
• Marcus Fothen did a great time trial, recapturing the white jersey
• Serhiy Honchar explained that he prefers Gonchar at the press conference

Images by Audrey Tautouer/Cyclingnews.com

• The Euskaltel riders keeps it cool
• An Euskaltel rider gets ready at the Tour de France start ramp.
• Jens Voig t gets into position.
• Saunier Duval warming up.
• A CSC rider gets ready for his launch.
• Damiano Cunego wondering where he'll put that watch.
• Laurent Brochard having a laugh with the radio journalists.
• Axel Merckx enjoys a laugh.
• Thomas Lövkvist after his time trial.
• Andreas Klöden after his time trial.
• Andreas Klöden recovering from his effort.
• Thor Hushovd didn't look to worried about his time.
• Tom Boonen has finished his time trial.
• Marcus Fothen talking with the press after recapturing the white jersey.

Stage 6 - Friday, July 7: Lisieux - Vitré, 184 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• An FDJ rider gets his morning rub down.
• David Zabriskie (CSC) is riding this new Cervelo SLC-SL.
• Time for a radio adjustment on the road.
• The bunch rolls through the wheat fields of Normandy.
• Welcoming le Tour.
• The sprint for the line.
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) adds another stage win to this year's list.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) rides the TT tomorrow in yellow.
• Big crowds at the finish.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) did not look happy to not have today's stage win.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) rode today's race a bit like a Belgian classic: aggressively!
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the maillot jaune
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the earlier break that got caught
• Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas) suffers in the break
• Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas) grabs a feed bag
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) is one of the better sprinters on Tour
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) leads Backstedt and Geslin
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) on Tour
• Italian tifosi watch the breakaway go by
• The peloton rides past endless fields
• Le Tour rolls on
• A bike disguised as a feather boa
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins, while Tom Boonen doesn’t
• Way hey! That's how you do a sprint

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The bunch thunders up the finishing straight
• McEwen well in front in the dash to the line
• Semaphore? No, just a Tour bunch sprint
• Robbie's got it and Steegmans is already celebrating
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates after a great Steegmans lead out
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) crosses the line to win
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the sprint
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) in post-race triumph mode
• Oh yeah! Robbie does it again
• Bits of the bunch
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) crosses the line
• Filippo Pozzato (Quick.Step) did his job
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) post-stage
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) now has three
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) atop the podium
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates another win
• Hmm, is the yellow jersey really that heavy?
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) smiles wanly
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) really wanted the stage win, but he's still in yellow
• Bernard Hinault gives Boonen some sprinting tips
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) strengthened his lead in the green jersey comp
• Benoit Vaugrenard (FDJ) back in the white jersey

Images by AFP Photo

• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) drives the break through the French countryside
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) was aggressive during stage 6
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) does it for the third time
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates his third stage win

Stage 5 - Thursday, July 6: Beauvais - Caen, 219 km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• One of the imposing cathedrals at today's start.
• The bunch was content to take it easy getting going this morning.
• Today's stage was full of rolling wheat fields.
• The bunch makes its way through the countryside.
• Samuel Dumoulin (AG2R-Prevoyance) leads the break.
• Castle ruins provide a backdrop for the bunch on a rainy afternoon.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) brings the group closer to the finish.
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) before his crash heading into Caen.
• Björn Schröder (Milram) tries to keep the pace in the break high on a small descent.
• The run in to the finish and it looks close.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) throws his bike for the win.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) celebrates the win.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) happy with the win but looking tired.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) ready to roll
• The pre-stage crush
• Jose Rujano (Quick.Step) has opted for rapid hair loss treatment™
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) stocks up
• Pippo Pozzato (Quick.Step)
• Simoni and Boonen
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) has a cunning plan
• George Hincapie (Discovery) fronts up
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) waits for the start
• The back of a winner
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) signs autographs
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) has been quiet up until now
• The Caspers at the Tour
• The start in Beauvais
• The start in Beauvais
• Freire throws but he has plenty to spare
• Freire, Boonen, Isasi: the top 3
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) celebrates his win
• Yeah! Freire does it
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) was fifth
• Erik Zabel (Milram) was top 10
• Erik Zabel (Milram) can smile
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) finishes
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) and the Saunier Duval lads
• Frank Schleck (CSC) lost time after a crash
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) waves to the crowd
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) stage winner
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) balances his trophies
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the maillot jaune
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) in green by just one point

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Jose Rujano (Quick.Step) tests his prototype climbing machine
• Dumoulin and Schröder ride through the wheat fields
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) rides in the bunch
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) is having a good Tour so far
• Better than bird watching
• The break passes through one of many villages today
• The speed of Le Tour
• Saunier Duval riders at the back of the bunch
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in the maillot jaune
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) still the race leader
• Freire (L) dives for the line ahead of Boonen
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) the winner of stage 5
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) celebrates his stage win over Tom Boonen
• Freire throws his arms up while Flecha celebrates behind
• A sweaty Boonen post-stage
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) staying out of trouble

Images by AFP Photo

• Dumoulin helps to drive the eight man break that became two
• Björn Schröder leads Samuel Dumoulin in pursuit of a possible victory
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) lies on the ground after a crash
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) pulls on his third maillot jaune

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) appears to have his eyes focused on an escape in the coming days.
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is keeping a low profile in the opening week of Le Tour. And that's a good thing.
• You won't win the Tour on this bike.
• Maillot jaune Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Innergetic) rarely denies an interview request.
• The Beauvais locals came out in force to wish the Tour de France peloton farewell just before midday today.
• Cyclingnews' Brecht Decaluwé gets in amongst the peloton at the Tour start in Beauvais.
• A few minutes before the départ fictif.
• Darling of the French, Thomas Voeckler (Bougyues Telecom), signs a autograph.
• Sweden's Thomas Lövkvist (Française des Jeux) is quite a popular figure himself.
• Prodigal Belgian Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) was the last rider to hold onto Matthias Kessler's wheel up the Cauberg two days ago.
• There were plenty of good vantage points at the start in Beauvais this morning - so long as you were from Beauvais!
• Groovin' to the music.
• A bike for giants.

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Folklore at the start in Beauvais.
• Flecha will need to bring Freire in position today.
• Ekimov was focused.
• Horner is still suffering from his fall earlier on in the race.
• No Spanish champion this year, Garate was the champ last year.
• Gilbert riding to the start.
• Robbie coming up.
• Gerolsteiner lining up.
• Two big French names, Moreau and Brard; perhaps talking about the football game of last night?
• Lots of people this morning in Beauvais.

Stage 4 - Wednesday, July 5: Huy (Belgium) - Saint-Quentin, 215 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) gives his morning interview before the stage.
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) leads the breakaway group.
• Quickstep spent the day on the front controlling things for the yellow jersey.
• These guys went all out with the straw sculpting.
• The mad dash for the finish line.
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) easily takes the win.
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates his second win in two days.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) at the start
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) exits the sign on
• The man in yellow: Tom Boonen
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) a little nervous
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) adjusts the gear
• Markus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) is best young rider
• Yesterday's winner Matthias Kessler
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) waits for the start
• Eddy Mazzoleni (T-Mobile) with the Italian flag before the start of stage 4
• Eddy Mazzoleni (T-Mobile) hopes for an Italian world cup win
• Discovery Channel still has the team classification
• Savoldelli and Popovych are two of Discovery's key men
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) signs autographs
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) signs autographs
• Jaja and EZ shake hands
• The peloton is a sea of colour
• The peloton at the start
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) heads for the line
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) hands raised
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) can't believe how much we won by
• Oh yeah! McEwen celebrates
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates
• Boonen checks where Bennati finished
• Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas) did a good job for his team today, but no win
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) post stage
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) escorted to the podium
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) gives another V
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is pretty happy
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) smiles on the podium
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) waves to the crowd
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) puts on his second maillot jaune
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) adjusts the jersey
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) waves his lion
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) grins in the yellow
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) back in the green
• Markus Fothen (Gerolsteiner) on the podium as best young rider

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Eddy Mazzoleni (T-Mobile) was a happy man after his team's victory last night in the soccer
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) in his first maillot jaune
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) leads Johan Vansummeren
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) was king for a day
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) rides through Belgium in the maillot jaune
• Boonen and Bennati rivals for the green
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) wearing green today
• Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) collects a musette
• Are you lookin' at me?
• The peloton in the sunshine
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) had plenty of time to celebrate
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the sprint in St Quentin
• Erik Zabel (Milram) an Italian supporter?

Images by AFP Photo

• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) powers the breakaway
• Cows watch the Tour with at least a passing interest
• The Quick.Step train leading the bunch
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) was clearly the best today
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates a huge win in St Quentin

Stage 3 - Tuesday, July 4: Esch-sur-Alzette - Valkenburg (Netherlands), 216 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Johan Bruyneel (Discovery) explains his plans for the day.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) with bandage still in place, rolls to sign in.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) signing autographs at sign in.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) one of today's hopefuls, gives a pre-race interview.
• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues) leads the break earlier in the day.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) going strong on an early climb.
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) powers the break with over a 5 minute lead.
• Credit Agricole works at the front to control the break.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) spending another day in yellow.
• The bunch rolls through the town of Salmchateau.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) trying to get teammate Oscar Freire to the front.
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) solos in for the win.
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) more than happy with his win.
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) makes it a 1,2 stage for T-Mobile.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) takes over the yellow jersey.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) also took over as the sprint leader with today's win.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) crashed out and broke his collarbone. Philippe Gilbert also crashed, but was able to make it back to the peloton
• The Cauberg was the main feature of today's stage
• Boogerd leads the bunch up the Cauberg
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) is quite happy with his stage win
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) celebrates a 1-2 for T-Mobile
• Filippo Pozzato (Quick.Step) after a tough day
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) is the new maillot jaune
• Freddy Maertens congratulations Boonen on his yellow jersey

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) attacks on the Cauberg
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) gives it gas with Gilbert on his wheel
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) on the front
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) tries to keep Freire in contention
• Despite a deflating front tyre Tom Boonen looked good on the Cauberg
• Popovych and Ballan
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) keeps himself in contention
• Carlos Sastre and Frank Schleck lead George Hincapie
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) keeps it going
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) struggles on the Cauberg
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) fights for survival
• A small group on the Cauberg
• Carlos da Cruz (FDJ) on his own
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) on the Cauberg
• Pozzato and Backstedt were the last riders
• Dammit, this used to be easy
• You're about 30 years behind the peloton
• A large crowd greeted the Tour in Valkenburg
• Dropped riders ascend the Cauberg
• Sandy Casar (FDJ) comes up the Cauberg
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) heads for home
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) wins the stage in Valkenburg
• Mick Rogers wins the sprint for second
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) comes home
• Iker Camano (Euskaltel) meets a group of finishers
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) winner of stage 3
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) with his winner's bouquet
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) gets up on the podium
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) salutes from the podium
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) the man in yellow
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) smiles with his lion
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) salutes in the yellow jersey
• The World Champ salutes the crowd
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) pulls on the maillot vert
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) smiles in the green jersey
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) is congratulated by Freddy Maertens after winning the green
• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues) now in dots
• Markus Fothen is best young rider

Images by AFP Photo

• The bunch rides through trees in stage 3
• Jerome Pineau (Bouygues) in the breakaway
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) starts to croak on the Cauberg
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) is a happy chappy
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) celebrates with the yellow jersey

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• Valkenburg Mayor Dr. Constant Nuytens is looking forward to his town hosting the third stage of the Tour de France on July 4 in Holland.
• How to sell the Tour de France to men.
• One time, at band camp...
• Le Départ, sans coureurs, one hour before the start in Esch-sur-Alzette.
• The perennial voice of the Tour de France, Daniel Mangeas.
• If looks could kill... don't mess with the Tour de France.
• Mario Aerts had a strip running down his lower leg to help his knee track correctly when pedalling.
• Green jersey leader Robbie McEwen will be looking to extend his lead in the points competition.
• Gerolsteiner's great American hope, Levi Leipheimer.
• Will Carlos Sastre be CSC's new leader? Time will tell.
• Tom Boonen needs to score a stage victory to boost his confidence in the battle for the maillot vert.
• Cedric Vasseur likes the Tour de France. The Tour de France likes Cedric Vasseur.
• It's important to keep hydrated on days like this and make plenty of trips to the Aquarel tent. This mademoiselle had nothing to do with it.
• Anglo TT talk session - Cyclingnews' Brecht Decaluwé (far L) gets the low-down from three men in the know - (L to R) David Millar, Bradley Wiggins and Michael Rogers.
• The podium girls pack their bags for the finish in Valkenburg.

Images by Elmar Krings

• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) on the attack
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) with Iban Mayo (Euskaltel)
• Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) keeps himself in touch
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues) fights his way up the Cauberg
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) has run outta gas
• Jens Voigt (CSC) comes up the climb after a long day out
• Florent Brard (Caisse d'Epargne) leads a group home
• Peter Wrolich (Gerolsteiner) rides up the Cauberg steadily
• Cretskens and De Jongh suffer up the climb
• Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) tired
• Alex Moos (Phonak)
• Daniele Righi (Lampre-Fondital) looks a bit tired
• Gerolsteiner's Seb Lang cruises up
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) was well off the pace
• Charteau and Engoulvent at the end of the day
• Arnaud Coyot (Cofidis) with Aitor Hernandez in tow
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) comes to the finsih after a crash
• Pozzato and Backstedt near the end
• Reliving old times
• Watching the action on the Cauberg
• Much people
• Time to head off

Stage 2 - Monday, July 3: Obernai - Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), 223 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Motos lined up and awaiting the day in Obernai.
• The Cochonou girls roll through the German-esque start town today.
• More of the publicity caravan.
• Things get rolling in the start village this morning.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) looking confident early on.
• Tom Boonen (Quickstep) second on today's stage.
• Aitor Hernandez (Euskaltel) and David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) asking for some water from the Aquarel moto.
• The bunch comes through with the TV helicopter hot on their heels.
• Riders get strung out through the countryside.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) site comfortably in the pack.
• Riders on the front keep the pace high.
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates his win.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) protests his tangle with McEwen during the sprint.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) back in yellow for another day.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) ready to go
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) is the sunglasses king
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) makes his way through the crowd
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) was bandaged and bruised, but he started
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) heads out from the bus
• Jose Rujano (Quick.Step) signs autographs
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) couldn't start due to a prostate infection
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) couldn't start stage 2
• Erik Zabel (Milram) and his wife
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) pre-start
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) wondering where to go
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) wheels his bike away from sign on
• Discovery Channel rewarded with the team prize
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) chats with Jimmy Casper
• The jersey wearers gather at the start
• There was only one winner
• McEwen is happy; Hushovd is not.
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) holds off Tom Boonen to win stage 2
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates his first stage win
• McEwen enjoys the moment
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) rolls across the line
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) after the finish
• Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) almost did it today
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) is thirsty
• McEwen thanks his teammate Christophe Brandt
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) salutes the crowd
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) salutes
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) happy on the podium
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) in green after stage 2
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) in the maillot vert
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) with his yellow jersey lion
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) puts on the maillot jaune again
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) back in yellow
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) smiles as the new mountains leader

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) describes the results of his fishing expedition to any who will listen
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) after a long, hot day
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) swigs from his bidon
• The two breakaways get another time check
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) in yellow during stage 2
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) in front of the sprint, while Thor Hushovd hits McEwen from behind
• McEwen powers to the line as Hushovd unclicks from his pedal
• McEwen almost home
• McEwen triumphs over Boonen and Hushovd
• McEwen wins, Hushovd doesn't: that is the final outcome of the stage
• Hushovd is not a happy Viking
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates

Images by AFP Photo

• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) rides in yellow during stage 3
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) leads his breakaway companion Aitor Hernandez (Euskaltel) in stage 3
• One way to watch the Tour
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) charges for the line as Hushovd unclips behind him
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the third stage in Esch-sur-Alzette

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• SRM technology has become very refined, with data from Patrik Sinkewitz's SRM Powermeter transferred to ARD's television audience.
• The expectation on Alejandro Valverde is now sky high.
• Quick.Step-Innergetic's latest transfer, José Rujano.
• Erik Zabel has a moment with his wife before the stage start in Obernai.
• Robbie McEwen about to chomp on an energy bar in the Village Départ.
• Thor Hushovd appears in be in some pain today, not even able to sign an autograph.
• It's hard being beautiful...

Stage 1 - Sunday, July 2: Strasbourg - Strasbourg, 183 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) was all smiles at the start today.
• Stewart O'Grady (CSC) gives a quick interview before the start.
• The early break of the day gets up the road.
• The bunch comes through a couple minutes back from the lead group.
• Credit Agricole controls the front of the group.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) was looking fine earlier in the day.
• Jimmy Casper (Française Des Jeux) throws his bike for the win.
• Jimmy Casper (Française Des Jeux) celebrates just after the line.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) went to the ground just past the finish.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) looks to the sky as doctors look him over.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) takes over the yellow jersey.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• The throw for the line
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) wins the stage
• Casper celebrates
• The post-stage mess
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) is a grinner
• Thor Hushovd (CA) is attended to by doctors
• Thor Hushovd (CA)
• Thor Hushovd (CA) on the ground after his accident
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) salutes the crowd
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) the man of the moment
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) also took over the green jersey
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) in green now
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) tries on the maillot a pois for size
• Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) is the mountains leader
• Benoit Vaugrenard (FDJ) the best young rider
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) likes the fit
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) in the maillot jaune
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) smiles in yellow
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) salutes in yellow
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) hopes to end in yellow in Paris

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Christophe Lemevel (Credit Agricole) with his wife
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) is ready
• Credit Agricole did a lot of work at the front today
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) drinks a bidon
• Vansummeren and Vasseur lead the bunch
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) wins in Strasbourg
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) wins the stage ahead of McEwen (L) and Zabel (R)
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) can't believe he's done it
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) arrives at the finish
• Thor Hushovd (CA) is helped away by the medical staff
• It looked bad for Hushovd but he should be OK to start tomorrow
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) dons the maillot jaune
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) waves to the crowd

Images by AFP Photo

• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) looks like he's seen a ghost after winning the first stage in Strasbourg
• Thor Hushovd (CA) lies on the ground after having his arm cut by a spectator at the finish of stage 1
• Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) salutes from the podium as the stage 1 winner
• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) in yellow after stage 1

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

• Benoit Vangrenard has a plan
• Christophe Mengin in his 12th Tour
• Philippe Gilbert gets questions
• A happy Bernhard Eisel
• Bernhard gets the bag
• Happy Norwegians
• Daniel Mangeas entertains the crowd
• Jimmy Casper tired but happy
• Scary sight: a bloodstained Oscar Freire
• Damiano Cunego is home
• So is Stuart O'Grady
• Robbie didn't do it today
• Bruyneel answers happily
• Bjarne Riis does not

Images by Tim Maloney/Cyclingnews.com

• George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) in green before the start

Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

• The Tour Village is an awful hard place to be.
• This is the guy who sits on the back of the bike with the chalkboard, scribbling down time gaps between the break and the peloton.
• Five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault.
• Axel Merckx takes in his daily dose of caffeine.
• Richard Virenque (R) chats with Francaise des Jeux's Sandy Casar.
• Discovery Channel's demon descender, Paolo Savoldelli.
• Wow... the legs of George Hincapie.
• Frank Schleck is getting quite a bit more media attention since Ivan Basso's departure on the eve of the race.
• Dave Zabriskie talks about his prologue performance of yesterday.
• This will be Chris Horner's second Tour de France, and he'll be hoping to get himself in a break over the coming days.
• Cedric Vasseur, calm before the start of the first stage in Strasbourg.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) at the start
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) waiting
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital)
• Erik Zabel (Milram) hopeful
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) the ProTour leader
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) is here
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) ready to sign on
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) with Florent Brard
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) provides a contrast
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) gives the thumbs up
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) with Tom Boonen
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) at the start
• Laurent Jalabert with French champ Florent Brard
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) fancies un café
• Boonen with his lead out man Jose Rujano…
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) with Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Thor Hushovd (CA) rolls up
• World champ Tom Boonen with the bike he hopes will carry him to victory today
• Valverde chats with his colleagues at the start
• Ready to start stage 1

Prologue - Saturday, July 1: Strasbourg ITT, 7 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) comes through for a respectable 19th place finish, only 15 seconds back.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) was back to ride his first Tour prologue in 2 years.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Eusklatel-Euskadi) comes by looking strong.
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) sporting the new German National Champion stripes.
• Christian Vandevelde (CSC) is back to help the team again this year.
• Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) gets the power to the pedals.
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) had a great ride for 6th place, 4 seconds down.
• Sebastian Joly (Française Des Jeux) tongue out and going fast.
• David Arroyo (Caisse D'Epargne-Illes Balears) heads into a turn.
• Jens Voigt, CSC powerhouse comes though.
• Robbie Hunter (Phonak) rode well coming in 22 seconds back.
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) on his way to 8th place.
• Bobby Julich (CSC) looking very fit.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) off to a good start.
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) coming in at 9 seconds back.
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) has high hopes riding on him for this year's Tour.
• Axel Merckx (Phonak) will be there later for team leader Floyd Landis.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) might just get another shot at a yellow jersey this year.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) comes in with the fastest time of 8:17.
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R), the French hope, had a good ride at 13 seconds back.
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) World Time Trial Champion on his way in.
• Dave Zabriskie (CSC) looking focused as usual, wound up in 3rd.
• George Hincapie (Discovery) almost caught Hushovd at 4 seconds back.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) gets to start the Tour with the maillot jaune.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) on the ramp
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) with Felice Gimondi
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) enjoying his warm up
• Don’t mess with Jose Rujano
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) focuses
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-Fondital) pre-start
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) gets the count down
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the start ramp
• Erik Zabel (Milram) is anxious to go
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) a little nervous
• David Millar (Saunier Duval)
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) steps up
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) trying to keep his helmet in frame
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) gets ready
• Thor Hushovd (CA) rode a great TT to win in hard conditions
• Thor Hushovd (CA) in action
• George Hincapie (Discovery) gets up to speed
• David Zabriskie (CSC) had a good ride for third
• David Zabriskie (CSC) pushes for the line
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) was a solid fifth
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) missed his start, but recovered well to finish 9th
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) struggled a bit today
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) opened up well
• Jose Rujano (Quick.Step) in his first race in the new colours
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) is not a TT specialist
• Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) slightly off the pace in 32nd
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) the French TT champ
• Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) finished just outside the top 50
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-Fondital) was 45th
• Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) was 24th on the day
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) rides in the prologue
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) was a good eighth
• Erik Zabel (Milram) was just inside the top 100
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues) looks ahead
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) on his way
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) cranks up the volume
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) in action
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) was among the top sprinters
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) in action
• Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) gives it gas
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) winds 'er up
• Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) focuses
• Christophe Moreau (AG2R) gets going
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) changes up a gear
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) breathes deep
• Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) in his element
• Thor Hushovd (CA) stage winner
• Thor Hushovd (CA) salutes from the podium
• Mighty Thor prologue winner
• May I help you with that? Why, thank you.
• Yep, it's real
• Thor Hushovd (CA) with his lion and flowers
• Thor Hushovd (CA) smiles in yellow
• Yellow jersey winner Thor Hushovd
• Thor Hushovd (CA) in his favoured colour, green

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Thor Hushovd (CA) in full flight
• George Hincapie (Discovery) full power
• George Hincapie (Discovery) drives for the line
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) propels the bike forwards
• Italian TT champ Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-Fondital)
• Who's a happy viking? Thor Hushovd on the podium

Images by AFP Photo

• Thor Hushovd (CA) powers to victory in the opening time trial
• Thor Hushovd (CA) leaves the start gate
• George Hincapie (Discovery) rode well to finish second
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) sets off in his comeback ride

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• This place will be more crowded later on.
• In the last corner the German victory over Argentina is celebrated... and some new asphalt is being placed over the tram track.
• Magnus Backstedt enjoying the coolness of the morning.
• Backstedt inspecting his time trial bike.
• Backstedt joking around with the technicians.
• Stefano Garzelli was also having a look at the time trial bikes.
• Luca Paolini wants to test his bike.
• Backstedt testing the position on the bike.
• The time trial bikes of team Liquigas.
• The start ramp being installed.
• Will we see some new faces in this Tour de France?
• Steven De Jongh was warming up together with Pieter Weening.
• Veteran Ekimov talking tactics.
• A Bouygues Telecom rider
• Tour de France is in search of a new winner...there are enough candidates.
• The podium waiting for some action to come.
• A Lampre-Fondital rider

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

• A sorry sight
• Hot day in Strasbourg
• You don't wanna mess with this guy, Magnus Bäckstedt
• Paolo Savoldelli
• Silent prayer for Eric Zabel
• Bernard Eisel (FDJ) doesn't pay attention to Marc Madiot
• David Canada goes
• So does Pavel Padrnos
• Swedish colours for Gustav Larsson
• José Rujano wears Quick-Step gear
• Magnus Bäckstedt goes
• Underneath McEwen
• Gilberto Simoni gets attention
• Paolo Savoldelli final adjustments
• Danilo Di Luca
• Valverde gets a bike and everything is fine
• The light shines on Tom Boonen

Pre-race medicals - June 29, 2006

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in pre-race training mode
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looks fit, but will he race?
• Oscar Sevilla and Jan Ullrich ride together
• Gonchar and Guerini on the front of the T-Mobile train
• Der Jan is ready
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) smiles as he gets his medical
• C'mon Jan breathe!
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at the medical
• Oscar Sevilla looks nervous, recalling that scene in The Matrix
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) wondering…
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is tired of this game
• Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) answering questions
• Rudy Pevenage looks a little concerned
• Ivan Basso (CSC) hopes that he hasn't been drinking
• Ivan Basso (CSC) on the ECG machine
• Ivan Basso (CSC) at a pre-race press conference
• Ivan Basso (CSC) with manager and mentor Bjarne Riis
• Bjarne Riis (CSC) has decided to race the Tour again for old time's sake
• Basso's bike is checked by a mechanic
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) waits for his heart to be tested
• Johan Bruyneel the Discovery Channel team manager, talks to the media
• George Hincapie (Discovery) gets his blood pressure taken
• George Hincapie (Discovery) can see the funny side of it
• Chechu Rubiera chats with George Hincapie
• Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) knows he hasn't been drinking
• The boys are back in town: Alexandre Vinokourov and Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana-Wurth)
• Some nervous looking Astana-Wurth riders
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana-Wurth) readies himself for a training session
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana-Wurth) is here, but for how long?
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana-Wurth) on the bed for the medical
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana-Wurth) is set upon
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana-Wurth) is beseiged by journos
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana-Wurth) might need reviving
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) has his turn on the ECG machine
• Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) is here
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is Phonak's captain
• Floyd Landis (Phonak) is happy to be here
• Thor Hushovd (CA) gets his pre-race medical
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) on the bed
• Jorg Jaksche (Astana-Wurth) had to leave the Tour because of 'stomach problems'
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) checks out his bike
• Gilberto Simoni plays doctors with David Millar
• Laurent Brochard (Bouygues Telecom) gets his mullet measured according to the strict UCI specifications
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues) during the pre-race medical

Tour Presentation - October 27, 2005

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by AFP Photo

• The old and the new: Jean-Marie LeBlanc (L, outgoing Tour director) shakes hands with Christian Prudhomme, the new top dog
• The new boss: Christian Prudhomme
• LeBlanc and Prudhomme announce the parcours of the Tour de France 2006
• Outgoing Tour boss Jean-Marie LeBlanc explains his plans to take over Belgium
• Tour director Christian Prudhomme presents the parcours of the 2006 edition of Le Grand Boucle

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Jean-Marie Leblanc (L) and Christian Prudhomme stand next to the parcours of the 2006 Tour
• The board showing the map of the 2006 Tour
• The big boys (L to R): Alejandro Valverde, Michael Rasmussen, Ivan Basso, and Gilberto Simoni

Images by Tim Maloney/Cyclingnews.com

• Skoda will be back as Tour de France sponsor in 2006, but Cristian Prudhomme will take over the #1 car of Jean Marie Leblanc next year.
• Gentleman farmer Bernard Hinault, a key member of Le Tour's PR team was nicknamed "Le Blaireau" (The Badger) as a racer due to his temperment, but the Breton has mellowed with age.
• 1962 World Champion Jean Stablinski explains how he took his World Title to some adoring French fans.
• Still France's most popular rider, Richard Virenque is retired but still does public relations work for sponsor Quick.Step
• Davitamon-Lotto team directors Marc Sargeant, Henrik Redant and PR manager Filip Demyttenaere (L-R) like what they hear about the 2006 Tour De France. Well, at least Sargeant and Redant; Demyttenaere is not sure...
• Tour favorite Ivan Basso (L) and two time Giro winner Gibo Simoni (R) are two of the most stylin' riders in the peloton, on and off the bike.
• Rabobank's sport director Erik Breukink (L) and team manager Theo De Rooy (C) are engrossed in conversation about the 2006 Tour De France, while CSC bossman Bjarne Riis (R) has that cat-that-ate-the-canary look. Does the daunting Dane know something we don't? Bet on it.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Crowds flock to the start of stage 4 in Huy at the 2001 Tour de France.
• Richard Virenque wins the stage into Morzine at the 2003 Tour de France, emulating his win three years before.

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

• Another of the groups makes its way up L'Alpe d'Huez at the 2003 Tour de France.
• The start of stage 8 in Morzine at the 2003 Tour de France.