61st Vuelta a España - GT

Spain, August 26-September 17, 2006

Photography

Stage 21 - September 17: Madrid - Madrid, 150 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Floyd Landis poses in front of the Phonak team bus before the start of the final stage in Madrid
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) enjoying the final day
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) gives the V sign
• Vino and Valverde shake hands during the last stage
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) keeping his focus
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) smiles in the gold livery
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) chats to his team car
• Vino and Kashechkin were a lethal combination in this year's Vuelta
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) chats to the Liquigas car
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) smiles in the white combination jersey during the stage
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) talks to a teammate during the final stage
• Fourth place overall Carlos Sastre (CSC) looking happy
• Team Astana survived with eight riders to the finish
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) still had all his men around him at the end
• The final podium (L to R): Alejandro Valverde (2nd), Alexandre Vinokourov (1st) and Andrey Kashechkin (3rd)

Images by Unipublic

• The minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Doña Elena Espinosa with the Spanish secretary of state, Jaime Lissavetzky, and the commercial director of the Vuelta, Manuel Díaz.
• Team Astana lead into Madrid
• Aaron Kemps (Astana) leads Vino and Kash
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) in the thick of it
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) takes a corner
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) with Carlos Sastre and teammates
• Kash and Vino at full speed in the final stage
• Tight racing on the final stage
• The peloton in the streets of Madrid
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) drives the breakaway
• Luis Perez (Cofidis) was a member of the break
• Erik Zabel (Milram) triumphs in the final stage
• Chris Horner (Davitamon) congratulates Vinokourov
• Vino gets plenty of congratulations
• Erik Zabel (Milram) smiles on the podium
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) smiles in the gold jersey
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) salutes with his winner's trophy
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) kisses his trophy
• The final podium (L to R): Alejandro Valverde (2nd), Alexandre Vinokourov (1st) and Andrey Kashechkin (3rd)
• The two Kazakhstanis with their flag on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) congratulates Vinokourov on the podium
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) won the mountains jersey
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) was a comfortable winner of the points jersey
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) with the winners of the Vuelta Junior
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) also took home the combination jersey
• The winners of the Vuelta junior: Joaquin Pesudo, Pablo Comins and Roberto Aguilera (boys) and Zuriñe Viana, Mar Manrique and Miriam Merediz (girls)

Stage 20 - September 16: Rivas Vaciamadrid - Rivas Vaciamadrid ITT, 28 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) comes into the frame
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) goes full gas
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) getting a lot of support
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) nears the end

Images by Unipublic

• Cutting the ribbon to start stage 20
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) before the start
• Deep breath for Jose Angel Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval)
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) sets out from the start house
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) was unbeatable again
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) looking compact
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) gets it cranking
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) starts his ride
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) powers along
• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) finished second in the stage
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) kept hold of fourth place
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) on his way
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) had the fastest time for quite a while
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) was sixth after a solid ride
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) wasn't riding at his maximum today
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) has been strong in the final week
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) now secure in the mountains jersey
• Bingen Fernández (Cofidis) during his test against the clock
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) has held the points jersey for most of the Vuelta
• Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne) has been a hard worker for Valverde over the last three weeks
• Francisco Ventoso (Saunier Duval)
• Kazakhstani officials happy with Vino's win
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) salutes as the stage winner
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) gets assistance with his maillot oro
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) kisses the gold jersey
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) with the mountains jersey
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) in the white combination jersey

Stage 19 - September 15: Jaén - Ciudad Real, 195 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) beats Fofonov and Loosli to win stage 19
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) is delighted with his second ever victory
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) salutes from the podium
• Jose Luis Arrieta (AG2R) gets a podium kiss
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) looks good in gold now

Images by Unipublic

• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) ready to greet the day
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) at sign on
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles at the start
• Triki Beltran (Discovery Channel) signing on
• Cutting the ribbon in Jaen
• The bunch sets out
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) looking comfy
• The peloton early on
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) attacks with Garcia Acosta and Cuesta
• The leading break working on a climb
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) in the thick of the action
• The landscape was sparsely populated
• The peloton crossing a bridge
• The Astana boys hard at work
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) looking tired
• Aketza Peña (Euskaltel-Euskadi) leading the break
• The peloton nears Puertollano
• The peloton passes the beauteous Elcogas IGCC power station near Puertollano
• Astana on the front
• Astana set tempo all day
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) gets a kiss
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) smiles in the points jersey
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) and the kids

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) has the mountains jersey and soul catcher

Stage 18 - September 14: Granada - Sierra de la Pandera, 153 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• José Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval-Prodir) attacks on the lower slops of Sierra de la Pandera, with Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) in hot pursuit.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) bides his time on the wheel of Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears).
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) on a mission.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) wins Stage 18 atop Sierra de la Pandera, as team-mate Alexandre Vinokourov celebrates behind him.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) pumps his fists with delight atop Sierra de la Pandera.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) kissed on the podium.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) salutes the crowd.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) is looking every bit the 2006 Vuelta a Espana champion.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) triumphs on Stage 18.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) crosses the line ahead of his team-mate Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team).
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) on the podium with his trophy.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) stands proudly on the podium.
• A beanied Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) on the podium.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) happy to be in the maillot oro.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) leads his fearless leader Alexandre Vinokourov on the La Pandera.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) once again displayed a show of force in the mountains.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) fights to stay in contention.
• Now that's steep...
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel-Euskadi) leads Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir).
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) leads Anton and Piepoli.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) rode to a top-10 finish today.
• Luis Pérez (Cofidis) finished one place behind Danielson, in ninth.
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) came 11th.
• Sylvester Szmyd (Lampre-Fondital) finished 13th.
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) was 14th.
• Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel) rounded out the top 15 placegetters.
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) drives on alone up La Pandera.
• Iñigo Cuesta (Team CSC) and Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto) ride together.
• Things got a bit foggy at the top.
• And a bit craggy, too.
• Oh - and a bit rocky.
• And maybe a little spooky.
• And perhaps a little dizzy.
• And even a little surreal.
• The autobus make their way up the climb.
• José Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval-Prodir) takes third place.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) ended up fourth on the day.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) was fifth.
• Luis Pérez (Cofidis) and Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) were 9th and 10th.
• Oh boy, that was a hard day...
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana Team) on the podium.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) couldn't be happier.
• Without incident, Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) will wrap up the mountains classification.
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery Channel) looking a little stunned.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) dons the combination jersey.
• The Kazahstani twins - Andrey Kashechkin and Alexandre Vinokourov on the podium.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) leads team-mate Andrey Kashechkin up La Pandera.
• The craggy rockface of Sierra de la Pandera.
• José Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval-Prodir) tried to win the stage, but couldn't match the might of Astana today.
• A lonely place.
• Unusual rock formations form part of the mystique of La Pandera.
• Not far to go now.
• Now that's discouraging!
• The peloton make their way up the climb, single file.

Stage 17 - September 13: Adra - Granada, 167 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) beats Alexandre Vinokourov to win stage 17
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) beats Alexandre Vinokourov to win stage 17

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) goes for it on the final climb of the Puerto de Monachil.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) riding out of his skin on Stage 17.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) leads team-mate Alexandre Vinokourov and José Angel Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval-Prodir).
• Behind them, Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) and Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) sense the urgency.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) and Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) attempt to bridge to the group containing Vinokourov.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) was an emphatic winner in Granada.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) is beside himself.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) makes the most of the moment.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) can't believe it.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) does believe it!
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) is equally delighted, as he now assumes the race leadership.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) kisses his maillot oro.
• Fans cheer on eventual stage winner Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel).
• Stéphane Goubert (AG2R Prevoyance) rides with Sergio Paulinho (Astana Team).
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) finished 10th on the stage.
• Luis Pérez (Cofidis) finished seventh today.
• Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) has been riding exceptionally well throughout the Vuelta.
• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) en route to third place on the stage.
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) doing his best on the final climb.
• Groups behind the leaders try to contain their losses
• A little push never hurt anyone.
• Pop.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) wasn't at his best today, losing 12'29.
• Flags flying high at the top of the climb.
• A group forge their way up the climb.
• Here comes Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) and co.
• Ahhhh - the summit.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) crosses the summit.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) couldn't do much for his team leader today.
• The autobus en route to Granada.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) doing a great job for his leader Alexandre Vinokourov.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) is growing stronger as the days go on.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) in panic mode.
• The only way is up on the Alto de Monachil
• Riders struggle up the final climb.
• Once you pop, you want to stop.
• A pair of Euskaltel-Euskadi riders make their way up the climb.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) wants it to end.
• Spectators packed the crest of the Alto de Monachil.
• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) comes into Granada to take third place.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) sprints for fourth.

Stage 16 - September 12: Almería - Astronomical Observatory of Calar Alto, 145 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) in search of mountain points
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) passing the observatory
• The peloton comes up to the observatory on the Calar Alto
• Passing the observatory at the summit of the Calar Alto climb
• The peloton at the top of the climb
• The peloton ascends the Alto de Calar Alto
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) waits for an opportunity
• Jose Redondo (Astana) on his own on the final climb
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) on Valverde's wheel
• Tom Danielson (Discovery) had better legs today
• Sastre follows Valverde
• Manuel Beltran (Discovery) suffering
• Luis Pérez (Cofidis) finished eighth
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in the hurt box
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) was 15th at 1'28
• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) with Piepoli
• Jose Angel Gomez Marchante (Saunier) lost time today
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) was in the early break all day
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) did not have the greatest of days
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) fighting for the summit
• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) controlling things behind Anton
• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) on the front of Valverde's group
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) wins the 16th stage
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) celebrates at the finish
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) beats Vinokourov for second
• Van Goolen and Brajkovic came in nearly six minutes down
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) rides to the summit
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) towards the end
• Gusev and Gustov come up to the finish
• Damp supporters on the Calar Alto
• A small group comes to the end
• Some are on their way up while others are coming down after the finish
• Suffer time in the bunch
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) after finishing third
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) comes in ahead of Danielson
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) finished 12th
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) is tired
• Piepoli and Marchante after the finish
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) salutes from the podium
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium

Images by AFP Photo

• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) ponders the situation at hand
• The peloton in the sunshine during stage 16
• Caisse d'Epargne leading the bunch during stage 16
• Jesus Hernandez (Relax) on the ground after crashing during stage 16
• Jesus Hernandez (Relax) after his crash
• Inigo Cuesta (CSC) leads a soaked GC group
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) is thirsty, despite the weather

Stage 15 - September 10: Motilla del Palancar - Ford factory (Almussafes), 175 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) triumphs in Almussafes on Stage 15 of the Vuelta a España.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) beats Stuart O'Grady (CSC, L) and Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Cafitta) to take out the fifteenth stage.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) was a comfortable winner in today's chaotic finale.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) praises the Lord.
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) enjoys the winner's spoils.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) has his eyes on the big prize one week from now.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) and Carlos Sastre (CSC) share a few laughs.
• The peloton motor towards the finish in Almussafes.
• Race leader Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) sits comfortably on the wheel of team-mate Oscar Pereiro.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Another sunny day in Spain
• The peloton all together
• A time of ease in preparation for the final week
• Fans made time to catch the race even the more quiet, remote sections of the course
• Stage 15 ran from Motilla del Palancar to the Ford factory in Almussafes; 182km in all
• A Pro Tour caravan Takes up the whole road and requires more support personnel than the number of racers
• Riders working their way back through the caravan to get into the peloton
• The wind up: Gerolsteiner rider Robert Förster (second from left) was able to provide his team's first stage victory in the 2006 Vuelta
• Forster waves in celebration of his sprint victory
• David Millar (Saunier Duval Prodir) looks disappointed with his finish. He only finished 33 seconds back
• Hydration was the key to survival on another hot day
• Forster gets the podium treatment
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) retains the leader's jersey - and a lovely statue in honor of the stage's finish at the Ford Factory in Almussafes
• Valverde
• Being Watched by both statues…
• … and humans
• Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner)
• Forster again
• Carlos Sastre (right)
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team)

Images by Unipublic

• Leader of the pack
• Jorge Garcia Marin (Relax) was part of an early two-man break
• Jorge Garcia Marin (left) and Kjell Carlström (Liquigas)
• An easy day for the rest of the bunch
• Jorge Garcia Marin
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Innergetic - center) getting chatted
• Riders fuel up and work on their tan lines
• Credit Agricole keeps the pace moving
• Carlos Sastre (CSC - center) laughs at something David Millar (Sanier Duval Prodir) says
• Cruising
• Riding into the sunset
• Jorge Garcia Marin (Relax)
• The two breakaway riders stayed away until there was 14 kilometers left in the stage
• The Spanish countryside
• Marin and Carlstrom
• Marin and Carlstrom
• The run into town: Sunday's stage finished at the Ford factory in Almussafes
• Blue skies and fertile soil make this region of Spain perfect for agriculture
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) on stage for the presentation of the jerseys
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Innergetic - center) sat in the back until the final kilometers; where he played a role in sprint and finished fifth in the stage
• Robert Forster (Gerolsteiner), winner of stage 15
• Ah, the kiss, almost worth the win by itself
• A Ford executive presents Alejandro Valverde, current Vuelta leader, with a trophy to commemorate the stage finish at a Ford factory
• Forster wins the sprint ahead of Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC), Danilo Napolitano (Lampre-Fondital), Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) and Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Innergetic)
• Out in the hills
• Highlands foliage
• Snaking through the countryside

Stage 14 - September 9: Cuenca - Cuenca ITT, 33 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) en route to victory on Stage 14 of the Vuelta a España.
• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) salutes the fans.
• Comeback almost complete - David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is probably eyeing the world championship time trial after his performance today.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) appears to have sore legs after his TT effort today, where he finished fourth, 13 seconds behind David Millar.
• Alejandro Valverde's legs are getting leaner as the race goes on.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) gives it everything during his time trial ride.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) out of the saddle.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) was the provisional leader until David Millar bested his time by less than a second.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir)
• Millar finishes it off
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) increased his lead over the top ten GC threats on Saturday
• Valverde in the closing meters
• Valverde in gold
• Millar on the podium
• Millar hasn’t known that feeling for a while
• Alejandro Valverde
• Alejandro Valverde
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) posted the second-fastest time of the day; only hundredths of a second behind Millar
• Alessandro Petacchi (Team Milram)
• Against Cuenca's great city walls
• Laslo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole)
• Black must have been a tough color to wear in the heat
• Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears rider
• Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team)
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas)
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team)
• Janez Brajkovic
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana Team) placed third in Saturday's time trial
• José Angel Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval-Prodir) rounded out the top five
• José Angel Gomez Marchante
• Carlos Sastre (CSC)
• Astana team rider
• Riders who were not followed by a team car at least got some support.
• Mads Kaggestad (Credit Agricole)
• Riders navigated sections of Cuenca's old city walls on their 33-kilometer trek
• Old stone walls
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram)
• An Astana rider from above
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
• David Millar with his first Pro Tour win since returning from a two-year doping suspension
• An Astana rider
• Carlos Sastre shadowed by a supporter
• Alejandro Valverde in the final kilometers

Images by Unipublic

• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looking cool before the start.
• Valverde suffered for his success.
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) had a hard day.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) finished a very close 2nd place.
• Valverde paced himself well, conceding little to Vino.
• Valverde prepares to take the stage.
• Getting caught hurts almost as much as doing the catching.
• David Millar raises the roof.
• Benoît Joachim (Discovery Channel) wears the Luxembourg National TT Champ jersey.
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) finished an astonishing 9th place.
• Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears gets a cheer.
• Not exactly aerodynamic - but very stylish.
• David Millar has done this before.
• Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner)
• Alejandro Valverde is congratulated on another day in gold.
• Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears rider avoids the cobbles.
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery) had a good ride, finishing 18th.
• David Millar and the rest of Saunier Duval were pretty pleased.
• Laslo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) in the Hungarian National Champ kit.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) couldn't shake Valverde.
• Millar's teammates will certainly be celebrating tonight.
• Suffering was the order of the day.
• Thor Hushovd in the Sprint leader's jammies, er, jersey.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) wears the white jersey of the Combination Classification.
• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) put in a solid ride in the KOM jersey.
• Astana team - smile or grimace?
• Valverde was color coordinated.

Stage 13 - September 8: Guadalajara - Cuenca, 170 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) points to the heavens after winning Stage 13.
• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) beats the bunch home by less than a second.
• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) celebrates his win, while Thor Hushovd (L) and Alejandro Valverde (R) sprint for second.
• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) on the podium.
• Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) is a happy camper.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) extended his overall lead in the race.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) piles on the pressure late in the race, with Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) grimacing to stay on his wheel and Carlos Sastre (CSC) losing contact.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) gives it some gas.
• Team-mates Oscar Pereiro and Alejandro Valverde ride next to each other.
• Snack-time for race leader Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears).
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) takes in some fluids.
• Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) breaks clear of the peloton.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) about to discover what's in his bag of swag.
• The peloton single file as the chase begins in earnest.
• A horseman gallops along with the bunch.
• A tribute to Pantani - the sign reads "Marco Pantani is in the highest"
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) accepts some good luck charms.
• Spaniards Carlos Sastre (L) and Oscar Pereiro share a light moment before the start of Stage 13.
• The peloton ride past sweeping plains and blue skies.
• The peloton at full speed.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) wins the team's first stage
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas)
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears)
• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
• Sanchez
• Valverde keeps the leader's jersey for at least one more day
• Valverde leads the chase on the roads into picturesque Cuenca
• Valverde surges
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Innergetic)
• Trying to finsh with a high placing
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas)
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana), brining up the rear
• Sanchez' teammates haven’t had much success in the Vuelta - their best finish before Friday was Inigo Landaluze’s third on stage 11, plus Sanchez’ 14th place overall heading into today
• A narrow but scenic route through the town's old walls
• Kevin Hulsmans Quick Step-Innergetic

Images by Unipublic

• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears)
• Early action
• Passing a Pantani shrine on the climb over Alto del Castillo
• On the climb
• Sanchez wins
• The peloton passes across dry Spanish countryside under partly-cloudy skies
• Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) on the podium
• In cruise mode; the pack waited until two thirds of the stage was complete before chasing the five-man break
• Lush green hills
• Fighting for position on the wind-up into town
• Riders try to keep it together for a bunch sprint after the break is caught. Samuel Sanchez had other ideas and launched himself in a wining solo move with 3km to go
• Sunglass; this year's fashion statement
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) visiting friends and fans in the finishing straight
• Discovery Channel had an incentive to keep the gaps down today with two riders still in the top ten in GC; Janez Brajkovic (6th) and Manuel Beltran (7th)
• As did with the leaders jersey on their teammates back
• Hot enough for you?
• Valverde looked comfortable today
• Valverde checks the speed limit on the highways of Spain.
• Discovery parks two horse on the front to keep the pace high and the gap to the breakaway close
• Directing traffic
• The break: Frederic Bessy (Cofidis), Michael Boogerd (Rabobank), Lars Bak (CSC), Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) and Iñigo Landaluze (Euskaltel)
• Don’t miss the turn to Cuenca
• Valverde holds onto the leader's jersey
• The break early in the day
• Just before the start in Guadalajara

Stage 12 - September 7: Aranda de Duero - Guadalajara, 162 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles at the start
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) looking happy
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) greets the day
• Erik Zabel (Milram) looking forward to today
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) ponders the meaning of life
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) at the start
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) ready for action
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) at the start
• Valverde and Sastre at sign on
• A. Valverde
• A. Petacchi
• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) gets the wheel straight
• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) checks his bike
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) waits for another stage
• Martinez and Valverde at the start
• The peloton waits for the start of stage 12
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) was the best rider today
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) had plenty of time to enjoy the win
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) wins the 12th stage
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) raises his arms
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) celebrates
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) finished third
• Ruggero Marzoli (Lampre) wins the sprint for 13th
• Valverde, Kashechkin and Sastre cross the line
• Valverde, Kashechkin and Sastre come in
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) finishes
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) at the finish
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) on the podium
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) smiles on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) in gold on the podium

Images by AFP Photo

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) during stage 12
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) follows his teammates in the bunch
• The peloton framed against the Spanish countryside
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) on the attack
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) ahead of Kashechkin
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) chats to Alejandro Valverde during stage 12
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) leading Valverde
• High speed on the descent
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) leading Vinokourov
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) wins the 12th stage
• Luca Paolini (Liquigas) stands on the podium

Images by Unipublic

• Smilin' Valverde
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) after sign on
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) smiles at the start
• Olivier Kaisen (Davitamon) tries to get something happening
• An early breakaway that didn't quite succeed
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) picks up speed
• The peloton
• The rain in Spain
• Alexandre Usov (AG2R) is nonplussed by the rain
• An AG2R rider tries to keep the rain off
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) takes off his jacket
• Astana driving it
• Strung out in pursuit
• Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) drives the break
• Astana leading the bunch
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) follows the wheels of the CSC riders
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey with the kiddies

Stage 11 - September 6: Torrelavega (Oscar Freire Velodrome) - Burgos, 165 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) checks his bike
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) makes sure things are perfect
• Nothing rubbing
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) rolls up
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) at the start
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) happy to be where he is
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) signs an autograph
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery) signs an autograph
• Ruggero Marzoli (Lampre) at sign on
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) after signing on
• Vino and Di Luca shake hands
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) is having a good Vuelta
• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) gets ready
• Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) searching for form in the Vuelta
• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) in the mountains jersey
• Italian coloured gloves for the Italian champ Bettini
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) happy at sign on
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) is ready
• Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) straps on the helmet
• Erik Zabel (Milram) a little concerned
• The peloton leaves the Oscar Freire velodrome in Torrelavega
• Here we go again
• The bunch a blaze of colour in Torrelavega
• The peloton rolling out for stage 11
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) wins the 11th stage
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) salutes
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) enjoying it
• Inigo Landaluze (Euskaltel) beats Gustov for second
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) had no problems taking fourth
• Walter Beneteau (Bouygues) wins the sprint for 14th
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) finishes the stage
• The smilin' cricket at the finish
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) gets a podium kiss
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) smiles on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) puts on the gold jersey
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) salutes in gold
• The man in gold Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)

Images by Unipublic

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles in the bunch
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) was well supported, as usual
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) in the peloton
• Caisse d'Epargne setting tempo on a climb
• The Astana boys cool themselves
• The peloton enjoying the scenery in stage 11
• Alexandre Usov (AG2R) riding on the front
• The break working together, led by Leblacher
• Joaquin Rodriguez (Caisse d'Epargne) rides at the back of the break
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) hammering the break
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) during his long escape
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) finished fourth and increased his lead in the points classification

Stage 10 - September 5: Avilés - Museo de Altamira (Santillana del Mar), 190 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) has the winning advantage
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) in the final metres
• Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) pushes it home for second
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) finished 12th today
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) wins the 10th stage
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) celebrates
• Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) crosses for second
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) was fourth
• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) rolls in
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) finishes
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) comes in
• David Millar (Saunier Duval) rides in, 2'40 down
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) leads Alejandro Valverde and the bunch home
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) follows Pereiro
• Valverde leads Sastre
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) rides to the finish
• The front part of the bunch comes up to the finish
• The peloton strung out in the finale
• Lined out in the last 500m
• Some chit-chat in the bunch
• The peloton rides up the final 500m
• Tom Danielson (Discovery) kept himself near the front
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) survived today in good shape
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) after the finish
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) after the finish
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) salutes from the podium
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) on the podium as the winner
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) smiles on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) puts on the gold jersey
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles in the gold jersey
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium in gold
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) salutes in the gold jersey
• Pietro Caucchioli (Credit Agricole) smiles in the mountains jersey
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey

Images by AFP Photo

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) gets a kiss from his girlfriend before the start
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) early on in the stage
• Uros Murn (Phonak) recovers after a crash
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) had his team work today
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) rides during stage 10
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) focuses during stage 10
• CSC chasing hard
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) keeping his cool
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) wins the 10th stage

Images by Unipublic

• The peloton could not bring back the break.
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) wins stage 10.
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) savours his win.
• Uros Murn (Phonak) finished over 5 mins down after this crash.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) closely marked by CSC.
• A golden smile from Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne).
• Uros Murn (Phonak) inspects his wounds.
• The Caisse d'Epargne team controlling affairs.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) on the podium.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) in the lush Spanish countryside.
• The breakaway worked well together to hold off the bunch.
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) on the podium.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) looking comfortable.
• The peloton on a gentle descent on the mostly-flat stage.
• The peloton.
• The peloton close to the Atlantic coast.
• The peloton heads to the Castilla region.
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) drives the break.
• Francisco José Ventoso (Saunier Duval-Prodir) tries for a win on home soil.
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) does his turn at the front.
• The peloton heads to Santillana del Mar.
• Team CSC controlling the race for Sastre.

Rest Day 1 - September 4: ,

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Images by AFP Photo

• Francisco Ventoso (Saunier Duval) upset the big guns on stage 3.
• Erik Zabel (Milram) was a popular winner on stage 4.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) won stage 5.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) was the strongest on La Covatilla
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) and Alejandro Valverde try to limit their losses on stage 5.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) has continued his great Tour form on the flat stages.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) won stage 7.
• A stage win for Team CSC and a leader's jersey for Carlos Sastre.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) leads the Vuelta after nine stages.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) attacks near the end of stage 9, with teammate Andrey Kashechkin following.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) leads the group in pursuit on stage 9.

Images by Unipublic

• Mario De Sarraga (Relax-Gam) on his stage 2 epic break.
• Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Innergetic) beat the pure sprinters on stage 2.
• The pain on the faces of Valverde, Kashechkin and Sastre on stage 5.
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) one of the surprise packets of the Vuelta.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) has not reproduced his Tour form.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) feel the pain on stage 9.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) lying second overall.

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• CSC leader Carlos Sastre before the start of stage 8.

Stage 9 - September 3: A Fonsagrada - Alto de La Cobertoria, 206 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) tries to drink and climb out of the saddle at the same time
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) attacks with 6 km to go, with teammate Andrey Kashechkin following
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) leads the group in pursuit of Vino and Kash
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) wins the stage atop Alto de La Cobertoria
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) celebrates victory
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery) after the finish, having lost the gold jersey
• Smilin' Vino kissed on the podium
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) is the new leader

Images by Unipublic

• Bernhard Kohl (T-Mobile) before the start. He crashed and did not finish.
• The peloton during stage 9
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) trying to get something happening
• The breakaway
• Carlos Barredo (Astana) bridged up to the break with three more riders
• Well this is interesting
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) on the front
• The peloton during stage 9
• Lined out in the trees
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) was the best placed rider in the break
• Egoi Martinez (Discovery) leads the survivors of the big break
• Igor Anton (Euskaltel) suffering
• Mauricio Ardila (Rabobank) takes a drink
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) gets a bike change
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) had a headstart on the final climb, but it didn't last long
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) can feel it
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) sets the tempo with Kashechkin on his wheel
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) sensing victory
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks back at Valverde
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) comes in for second
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) tries to limit the damage
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery) in suffer mode
• Vino and Valverde post stage

Stage 8 - September 2: Ponferrada - Lugo, 173 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) catches the bunch by surprise to take the eighth stage in Lugo.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) performs a copycat manoeuvre of his Champs Elysées victory two years ago to take Stage 8 of the Vuelta.
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) on the podium.
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) continues to wear the maillot oro for another day.
• Kevin Van Impe (Quick.Step-Innergetic) escaped after 68 km and rode away alone, but was eventually caught 9 km from the finish.
• Smiling Spaniards Alejandro Valverde and Oscar Pereiro in the driver's seat at the Vuelta.
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) sucks on a candy bar.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) gets a little peckish.
• Josep Jufre (Davitamon-Lotto) was involved in a crash roughly 70 kilometres into the eighth stage, slicing an artery in his arm and losing between 1-1.5 litres of blood.
• Josep Jufre (Davitamon-Lotto) in agony after his crash.
• The peloton en route to Lugo.
• The peloton en route to Lugo.

Images by Unipublic

• Synchronise watches , we're goin' in!
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) is in da house
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) smiles at the start
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) waits for the start
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) rides in the gold jersey
• Another break tries to get clear
• Saunier Duval towards the back
• The bunch riding hard
• The peloton very strung out
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) going hard with Haselbacher on his wheel
• Josep Jufre (Davitamon-Lotto) stems the blood flow after cutting his arm open on a roadside barrier
• Josep Jufre (Davitamon-Lotto) is seen to by the medical staff
• Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) doing domestique duties
• The peloton rounds a bend during stage 8
• Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon) takes a corner
• Kevin Van Impe (Quick.Step-Innergetic) takes a swig from his bidon
• Kevin Van Impe (Quick.Step-Innergetic) starts hallucinating
• Milram and Credit Agricole keep things under control
• Credit Agricole wins it up with one lap to go
• Haselbacher and Pereiro attacking with one lap to go
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) is kissed on the podium
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) smiles in the gold jersey
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) also has the mountains jersey
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) in the combination jersey
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) still in the points jersey

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Discovery Channel team manager Johan Bruyneel was in a good mood this morning after his team took the maillot oro of race leadership yesterday.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) relaxes near the team bus.
• Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) is the best placed Astana rider overall.
• Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) and his team-mates celebrate their best overall team award at the end of stage 8.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) is interviewed.
• Sastre with fans
• Gerolsteiner leader Davide Rebellin
• The signs of his stage 1 crash are still evident
• Hushovd crosses the line and is pushed by a team helper
• The strain of the uphill finish was clear to see
• Alejandro Valverde relaxes before the start
• CSC leader Carlos Sastre before the start

Stage 7 - September 1: León - Alto de El Morredero (Ponferrada), 148 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) blows kisses to the Spanish fans before crossing the line.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) wins the seventh stage of the Vuelta with power and style.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) punches the air in victory.
• Stage winner Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) receives some podium delights.

Images by Unipublic

• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) relaxes in the car
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC) munches on some food
• The peloton rolls out of Leon
• The bunch riding past another Spanish castle
• David Loosli (Lampre) attacks with Staf Scheirlinckx on his wheel
• Loosli and Scheirlinckx get the early break going
• The peloton approaches a common Spanish landmark
• Liquigas setting tempo
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) with Scheirlinckx and Loosli on his wheel
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole) drives the break
• The bunch on the lower slopes of the Alto de El Morredero
• Luis Perez (Cofidis) was one of the early aggressors
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) attacks early on the climb
• Joaquin Rodriguez (Caisse d'Epargne) looks more comfortable than Stijn Devolder
• Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) sets the pace
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) conceded the lead today
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) flies to the summit
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) keeps his eyes on his rivals near the summit
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) wins the stage
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) on the podium in the gold jersey
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) smiles in the gold jersey

Stage 6 - August 31: Zamora - León, 155 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Mathieu Claude (Bouygues Telecom) attacked after 10 kilometres and stayed away until 20 kilometres to go.
• The peloton pass by a pack of sheep during the sixth stage of the Vuelta.
• A elderly local cheers on the Vuelta peloton.
• Munchtime for Carlos Sastre (CSC).
• A last-minute lunge from Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole, R) seals the Norweigan his first stage victory of this year's Vuelta, beating André Greipel (T-Mobile Team, M) and Erik Zabel (Team Milram, L).
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) holds on tight as he crosses the line for his first stage victory.
• A happy Hushovd on the podium.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) retains the leader's jersey.

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Michael Barry (Discovery Channel) with the trophy for best team
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) signs a maillot oro
• Smiling...
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) at the end of stage 6.
• A podium girl holds the Cock of Leon. It's a local symbol.
• Vuelta organiser Victor Cordero on the podium.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas), in the maillot oro for the second evening.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) is interviewed for radio.
• Despite his position as race leader, Danilo Di Luca says that he does not expect to win the race. He is using it as preparation for the world championships, which most definitely is a target.
• Stage winner Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) talks to the media.

Images by Unipublic

• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas)
• The peloton rolls through the Spanish countryside.
• An early break on stage 6.
• Stuart O'Grady (CSC) and Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas), at right.
• The peloton rolls into a village.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
• The Euskaltel - Euskadi team are getting close to home turf.
• Euskaltel - Euskadi has three riders within two minutes of Di Luca.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) tucked into the peloton.
• The peloton takes on some fuel.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne)
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in the leader's jersey.
• Dennis Menchov (Rabobank).
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in the leader's jersey.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) relaxing in the bunch.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in the leader's jersey.
• The Liquigas team controlling affairs for Di Luca.
• The Peloton with the obligatory shot of a galloping horse.
• José Miguel Elias (Relax-gam) in the mountains jersey.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) edges out Zabel and Petacchi.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) receives some flowers.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) signing autographs.
• Cyclocross style.
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in the leader's jersey.
• Mathieu Claude (Bouygues Telecom) during his breakaway attempt.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey.
• All breakaways were doomed to failure.

Stage 5 - August 30: Plasencia - Estación de Esquí La Covatilla (Béjar), 178 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Carlos Sastre (CSC) leads Alejandro Valverde in pursuit of the front riders
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) wins the stage on La Covatilla
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) salutes as he wins the stage
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) is kissed on the podium as the new race leader

Images by Unipublic

• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) signing on
• Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero (Phonak) in his last ever race?
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) signs autographs
• Cutting the ribbon in Plasencia
• The peloton waiting to start
• Kilometre zero and Astana goes on the attack
• The peloton in the early stages
• Paulinho and Valverde near the start
• A Francaise des Jeux rider tries to escape
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) made the leading group
• Inigo Landaluze (Euskaltel) was one of the day's protagonists
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) leads the break
• Arroyo and Gusev working
• The tail end of the bunch
• The main bunch ascends a rocky climb
• The peloton like ants
• Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) rides with Caucchioli
• Inigo Landaluze (Euskaltel) on his own in the lead
• The leading break working together
• Benoit Joachim (Discovery) in search of mountain points
• Sergio Paulinho (Astana) punctured, but quickly returned to the leaders
• Caisse d'Epargne riding tempo for Valverde
• Jose Angel Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval) away on his own
• Inigo Cuesta (CSC) shreds the lead group
• The pain on the faces of Valverde, Kashechkin and Sastre
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) celebrates victory
• Laszlo Bodrogi (CA) comes into the finish
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) has the gold jersey, but doesn't expect to keep it
• Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) with his gold bouquet
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in the points jersey

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• A pensive Tom Danielson after stage 5.
• Danielson was disappointed to lose a little bit of time, but said that the Vuelta was 'a long race' and that he expected to feel better as the tour progressed.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) admitted at the finish that his form is perhaps on the way down after a good Tour de France. He is the defending champion after the disqualification of Roberto Heras for doping.
• Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) was justifyably happy with his strong ride.
• First on the stage was Danilo di Luca (Liquigas).
• Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) took the maillot oro of race leader.
• Go on, then...
• The combination jersey is also Danilo di Luca's.
• A nice end to an exciting day.

Stage 4 - August 29: Almendralejo - Cáceres, 142 km

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Nice looking neutral support bikes at the race
• Unlike at the Tour de France, the service here is provided by Shimano
• Alejandro Valverde during one of many interviews
• Iban Mayo takes a coffee before the start
• Olympic champ Paolo Bettini has already nabbed a stage win
• Oscar Pereiro is a huge hit with the fans
• So too Valverde, here doing another interview
• Winning the Vuelta would make up for his Tour de France disappointment. He crashed out there with a broken collarbone
• Flexible and relaxed before the start
• Carlos Sastre shelters in the shade
• With this heat, the fountain looked inviting
• Mayo has a laugh
• He is back in good form after a poor Tour
• Chill out time for the Saunier Duval team
• So too for Chris Horner, who is here relaxing in the shade of an orange tree
• Interview time for Relax-Gam
• Horner after the stage
• A very satisfied Erik Zabel
• This is Zabel's biggest win in quite some time
• Thor Hushovd held onto yellow once again

Images by AFP Photo

• Germany's Erik Zabel (L) of Team Milram, Norway's Thor Hushovd (2L) of Credit Agricole, France's JP Nazon Jean Patrik (2R) of AG2R Prevoyance and Spanish Jose Verdoso (R) of Saunier Duval sprint to the finish line.
• Germany's Erik Zabel (L) of Team Milram, Norway's Thor Hushovd (2L) of Credit Agricole, France's JP Nazon Jean Patrik (2R) of AG2R Prevoyance and Spanish Jose Verdoso (R) of Saunier Duval sprint to the finish line.
• Norway's Thor Hushovd of team Credit Agricole puts on the race leader's gold jersey after the fourth stage of the Tour of Spain between Almendranejo and Caceres, 29 August 2006. Erik Zabel won the tight sprint ahead of Hushovd and France's Nazon taking third place
• Germany's Erik Zabel of team Milram celebrates on the podium after winning the fourth stage of the Tour of Spain between Almendranejo and Caceres, 29 August 2006. Zabel won the tight sprint ahead of Norway's Thor Hushovd and France's Nazon taking third place
• Spain's Raul Garcia of team Relax-gam leads the pack during the fourth stage of the Tour of Spain between Almendranejo and Caceres, 29 August 2006. Germany's Erik Zabel won the stage ahead of Norway's Thor Hushovd and France's Nazon taking third place
• The pack rides during the fourth stage of the Tour of Spain between Almendranejo and Caceres, 29 August 2006. Germany's Erik Zabel won the stage ahead of Norway's Thor Hushovd and France's Nazon taking third place

Images by Unipublic

• The peloton on the move
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole), pleased to be in yellow
• Daniel Moreno (Relax-Gam) getting a wheel change
• At the start
• A little advice - probably something like "keep cool and race hard"
• Theo Eltink (Rabobank), fetching bottles
• Hushovd tucked safely between teammates
• Robby McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto), resting in the shade
• Any spot with shade was in hot demand
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole); calm before the storm
• Temperatures rose to over 40-degrees during Tuesday's stage
• Credit Agricole takes care of the race leader and set tempo in the pack
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram), beats Thor Husovd by a sliver of a wheel for the stage win
• The peloton chatters nervously before what they knew would be a hot day on the bike
• The group rolls out
• Danilo Napolitano
• The arid Spanish countryside reflected the hot summer sun
• Hushovd remains in Gold
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto)
• Raúl García De Mateo Relax-Gam
• Southwestern Spain
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) at the top of the podium
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram)

Stage 3 - August 28: Córdoba - Almendralejo, 220 km

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• CSC's race favourite Carlos Sastre
• Two trophies await presentation
• Flowers and another trophy for the yellow jersey
• Relax Gam rider Mario De Sarraga gets a hand
• He is wearing the jersey as mountains leader
• Thor Hushovd salutes the crowd after retaining yellow
• He was second yet again today
• Hushovd's prize
• Hushovd with some young riders
• CSC held on for another day
• This is how you get those finish line images
• A big hit with the crowd
• Another interview for the stage winner
• We hope that this is his son and not a kidnap-for-ransom attempt, given that the police are close by
• Robbie McEwen interviewed before the start
• He is aiming to win a stage in each of the Grand Tours this year, having taken three each in the Giro and the Tour

Images by AFP Photo

• "Schwarzy" gets ready for stage 3
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) sits behind Laszlo Bodrogi
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) swallows some more water
• Credit Agricole working hard for Hushovd
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) feeling the heat a bit
• The peloton passes through another town
• The peloton rides during stage 3 of the Vuelta
• Francisco Ventoso (Saunier Duval) wins the third stage ahead of Hushovd and O'Grady
• Francisco Ventoso (Saunier Duval) is happy on the podium
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) still the leader after stage 3

Images by Unipublic

• Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) looking very orange
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) at the start
• Mario de Sarraga (Relax) in the mountains jersey
• All lined up at the start
• Waiting for the start of stage 3
• The peloton bunched up early on
• Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (Caisse d'Epargne) tows Alejandro Valverde back
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) leading the breakaway
• Enrico Franzoi (Lampre) was one of the powerhouses in front today
• Cruising along in 40 degree heat
• Olive country
• Some spectacular scenery during stage 3
• The peloton rides down another narrow back road
• Hard at work in the bunch
• Credit Agricole leading the charge
• Sharing a coke en route
• Two Bouygues riders work on their tans
• The breakaway goes up another small climb
• Franzoi leads the break
• It's not easy in the heat
• The sprint winds up
• Francisco Ventoso (Saunier Duval) celebrates his win
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in gold
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is received on the podium
• David de la Fuente (Saunier Duval) is the combination leader

Stage 2 - August 27: Málaga - Córdoba, 167 km

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Images by Unipublic

• The queue to sign on
• Daniele Nardello (T-Mobile) signs a t-shirt
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) chats to Inigo Cuesta (CSC)
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) waiting for the start
• Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) sits in the start village
• Di Luca and Petacchi don't look impressed
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) smiles at the start
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) smiling at the start
• Cutting the ribbon to start stage 2
• Race director Victor Codero blows the whistle to start stage 2
• The peloton rides through the barren Spanish countryside
• Raúl García De Mateo (Relax) was the first attacker of the day
• The peloton still relaxed
• Chente Garcia Acosta (L) chats to Pedro Horillo (R)
• That looks dark
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looking cool
• Over another small climb
• Easing into it on stage 2
• The bunch on its way
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) chats to Cyril Dessel in the peloton
• Iban Mayo (L) chats to a teammate
• Look out for the flag
• Mario De Sarraga (Relax-Gam) working hard
• Mario De Sarraga (Relax-Gam) on his own for much of the day
• Relax-Gam boys at the back
• Lars Bak (CSC) working for Sastre
• Carlos Sastre (CSC) chats to his director
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) in the bunch
• Davitamon-Lotto in command of the chase
• Mario De Sarraga (Relax-Gam) passes an intermediate sprint
• Mario De Sarraga (Relax-Gam) looks back to see Joachim and Marichal coming
• Benoit Joachim (Discovery) and Thierry Marichal (Cofidis) after catching De Sarraga
• The peloton strung out on the run into Cordoba
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) wins the stage with a great sprint
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) puts on the maillot oro
• Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) in the points jersey

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Vladimir Karpets and Iban Mayo at the start in Malaga
• Good morning!
• Olympic champ Paolo Bettini is building form before the World's.
• So too Alexandre Vinokourov who, along with Bettini, was in the middle of the fight for gold last year until Tom Boonen stole the show
• Vinokourov's BH bike
• He topped the podium twice in the Tour and now Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) is looking for a stage success here.
• Davide Rebellin had very bad luck yesterday, the Gerolsteiner rider crashing during the TTT
• The effects of that crash were very visible today
• Ouch...
• Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is trying to top the podium on at least one stage here, thus taking a victory in each of the Grand Tours this season.

Stage 1 - August 26: Málaga - Málaga TTT, 7.2 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Team CSC on the way to an opening stage victory.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) celebrates on the podium
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) is congratulated.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) celebrates with the Danish team's director Bjarne Riis
• The Caisse D´Espagne team on the way to second place in the team tme trial
• The Milram team was a slightly surprising third - an excellent results for the Petacchi-led squad.
• Discovery Channel on the way to fourth place
• CSC Team celebrates on the podium

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Iban Mayo rides back to his team hotel after finishing the TTT
• Carlos Sastre was delighted with his win
• And with good reason...
• The first leader's jersey of his career, believe it or not
• Sandwiched and smiling
• Sastre is interviewed for TV
• The TTT was run quite late - this was the view when the press conference was ending
• Another TV interview for the Spaniard
• Somewhere in this throng is the Vuelta race leader

Images by Ed Tarwinski

• Takes a lot of motorcycle cops to run the Vuelta
• Don't park here
• David Loosli out of the saddle
• The Credit Agricole team lay down some horsepower
• Hey, wait for me!
• Feel tired just watching 'em
• Frédéric Bessy (standing) and Thierry Marichal
• Team Leader Frédéric Bessy ready for some Pain
• Leonardo Duque (Cofidis) warms up
• Frédéric Bessy waits for his boys
• Geoffroy LeQuatre (Cofidis) looks like he means business
• Saunier Duval captain Alberto Benitez Ramon and his squad
• Glad it's not a headwind...
• Team Astana gets some sweat up
• Dicovery Channel concentrates on the task ahead
• That's fast
• Rabobank outside the stadium where the race started
• Spanish hero Oscar Pereiro attracted big crowds
• The Caisse D´Espagne bikes
• José Vicente Garcia Acosta looks fast
• Phonak Leader Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero takes a call
• Checking out the hardware

Pre-race, August 25

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• ProTour leader Alejandro Valverde at the Illes Balears press conference
• He was in a relaxed mood and is motivated for a strong Vuelta
• His teammate Oscar Pereiro could end up as the winner of the 2006 Tour de France
• Pereiro said he is hopeful of a good Vuelta, despite being tired due to media commitments in the past month.
• Valverde, Eusebio Unzue and Pereiro at the press conference
• Unzue was hopeful that his team can win the race
• Pereiro, Sastre, Menchov and Valverde pictured at the teams presentation
• Each will have hopes of winning this race
• Grand Tour debut for under 23 world championship silver medallist Will Walker