Tour de Georgia - 2.HC

USA, April 18-23, 2006

Photography

Stage 6 - April 23: Cumming, GA - Alpharetta, GA , 190.2km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

J.J. Haedo (Toyota United) does it again
These little tykes were all ready for the autographs.
Pick your bottle well.
Greg Lemond talks to the crowds before todays charity ride.
Tim Johnson (Health Net) knows how to butter up the media.
The bunch rolls out of Cummings.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) descends from the KOM.
Rolling through the countryside.
Up close and personal with the Mavic moto.
The break gets up the road.
The light at the end of the tunnel.
Caleb Manion (Jelly Belly) puts the pressure on leading up to the KOM.
Phonak steady on the front.
Peter Mazur (Prodir) takes the sprint.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) keeps the pressure on at the front.
The bunch gets strung out towards the finish.
Jeff Louder (Health Net) and Will Frischkorn (TIAA CREFF) try to stay away.
Will Frischkorn (TIAA CREFF) fought hard till the end.
Danny Pate (TIAA CREFF) counter attacks.
The run into the finish.
J.J. Haedo (Toyota United) just gets Gord Frasier (Health net) on the line.
J.J. Haedo (Toyota United) happy with today's stage win.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) puts another notch in this season's belt.

Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com

Phonak was on the front most of the day for Yellow Jersey Floyd Landis.
Sprint Jersey Freddie Rodridguez (Davitamon-Lotto) stayed safely in the pack.
Aurelien Clerc (Phonak) climbs Burnt Mountain.
The caravan winds through the rolling hills of North Georgia.
Benjamin Noval (Discovery) climbs the one rated climb of the day.
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) wore the Most Aggressive Rider jersey.
The Crowds in Alpharetta for the final circuits.
The photogs better watch out for the champagne! Discovery won best team.
Yeah, Baby! Floyd Landis (Phonak) wins the Tour De Georgia.
Floyd Landis and Tom Danielson get into a champagne fight on the podium

Stage 5 - April 22: Blairsville, GA - Brasstown Bald Mountain, GA, 152.1km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Floyd Landis (Phonak) leads Tom Danielson (Discovery) just before Danielson attacks for the win.
The bunch rolls out in the rain this morning.
More rain later in the race.
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) comes through leading on Brasstown Bald.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) looks back as Tom Danielson (Discovery) attacks.
Janez Brajkovic (Discovery) comes through holding on to the best young rider jersey.
Todd Wells (Targetraining) had a great ride today.
Andrew Bajadali (Jelly Belly) focuses on the top.
A Phonak rider gets a push from an excited fan.
Another group tackles the infamous switchback near the top.
Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) looks for the top.
Dave Zabriskie (CSC) on the way up.
Justin England (Toyota United) had a great ride today to come in 9th.
Tom Danielson (Discovery) takes the top spot of the podium again on top of Brass Town Bald.

Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com

A little fan rings his bell as the riders come by.
Tom Danielson (Discovery) pips Floyd Landis (Phonak) at the line atop Brasstown Bald.
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) worked tirelessly for leader Tom Danielson.
A Navigators rider grimaces in pain.
Most aggressive rider Jason McCartney (Discovery) won the jersey for a second time today with a long breakaway.
Nathan O'Neill (Health Net p/b Maxxis) placed just outside the Top 10.
Trent Wilson (Jittery Joes) shows the strain of the day.
Marco Pinotti (Prodir) got a Top 10.
The Top 3 for the Brasstown Bald stage: Floyd Landis (Phonak), Tom Danielson (Discovery), and Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery).

Stage 4 - April 21: Dalton, GA - Dahlonega, GA, 191.4km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Freddie Rodriguez (Davitamon Lotto) finally gets a stage win.
Do not mess with this man.
Evan Elken (Jittery Joes) sports the new Georgia backwoods themed team kit.
Freddie Rodriguez (Davitamon Lotto) checks out the green ribbon donned by the peloton today in honor of Saul Raisin.
A Saunier Duval rider plugs in for the day.
The initial break heading towards the first sprint.
Egoi Martinez (Discovery) not enthused about the rain.
The bunch passes by the oldest mill in the southeast.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) takes notice of the photographers.
Lucas Euser (TIAA CREF) leads the break.
Phonak spent the day on the front keeping things in control.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) makes the move to get away from the break.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) keeps the pressure on.
The bunch rolls through.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) spends more time on the front.
The peloton rolls through the Georgia countryside.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) goes solo.
More Georgia scenery.
Gord Frasier (Health Net) climbs through on a new ride from Cannondale.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) looking remeniscent of two years earlier.
Freddie Rodriguez (Davitomon Lotto) has it made going to the line.
Fred Rodriguez and son Aiden take to the podium.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) gets his reward for today's effort.

Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com

The Bobke Girls asked Boll Roll to "Show us your Bobke!"
Fast Freddie Rodriguez expresses himself while crossing the finish line as the winner.
Michael Lange (TIAA-CREF) finished with the first group.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) won the Aaron's Most Aggressive Rider Jersey with a break.
Today's Top 3 - Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery), Freddie Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto), and Matteo Tosado (Quick Step)
Life is good for Best Young Rider Lucas Eusher (TIAA-CREF)
Floyd Landis (Phonak) retained the Yellow Leader's Jersey.
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery) is tired after today's stage. He relaxes before the press conference.

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews

Jason McCartney (Discovery) attacked a lot today. Here he tries to hide behind some Georgia foliage.
The climbs really separated the field. A noticeable shrinkage in the size of the main field was evident.
Francisco Ventoso (Suanier Duval-Prodir) easily took the sprint points on offer today.
The good ole boys are rooting for Floyd and co.
Dave Zabriskie (CSC) leads the break up the first climb.
No, this is not a shot from 2005. The rains returned.

Images by Beth Seliga/

Team TIAA-CREF director, Jonathan Vaughters struggles to figure out how to wear a photo vest.
Floyd Landis in Autograph alley.
Thinking of Saul.
Floyd's fan club - junior division.
Lots of fans.
Phonak maintains the pace to limit the threat to race leader Floyd Landis.
Fast Freddie Rodriguez takes the win!
Lucas Euser (TIAA-CREF) picks up the KOM bonus.
A very popular podium guest.
Lucas Euser (TIAA-CREF) shows off the KOM jersey.

Stage 3 - April 20: Chickamauga, GA - Chattanooga, TN, 39.9km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Floyd Landis (Phonak) on the way to victory in the time trial
Vassili Davidenko (Navigators) gets aero to gain every extra second.
Justin England (Toyota United) rode well today to move up into 13th place.
Andrew Bajadali (Jelly Belly) had a good ride to come in 4'35" behind the leader.
Lars Michaelson (CSC) blazes through in a full tuck.
Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) sporting the Italian national TT champ colors.
Yaraslov Popovich (Discovery) comes through 1'53" behind Landis.
Freddie Rodriguez (Davitamon Lotto) not doing his favorite thing but looking good anyway.
Nick Gates (Davitamon Lotto) looking strong.
Trent Wilson (Jittery Joes) another US based Australian.
Nathan O'Neill (Health Net) flies the Australian national champ colors.
Tom Danielson (Discovery) on his way to second place.
David Zabriskie (CSC) 24 seconds off of the pace set by Floyd Landis.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) moves into the leader jersey.

Images by Beth Seliga/

Tom Danielson (Discovery) signs autographs before the start.
Fast Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon) .
The race could not take place without its band of traveling marshals, complete with Rocky the Squirrel.
Local school children used the race to learn more about geography.
Will Frischkorn (TIAA-CREF).
Tom Danielson (Discovery).
Floyd Landis (Phonak) takes the win.
Best wishes in several languages from the local schoolkids
Proudly sporting yesterday’s “Most Aggressive Rider” jersey.
Nic Ingels (Davitamon-Lotto)
And marshals were there to inspire a little friendly rivalry between classes.
Each class chose a country to cheer for and had to learn a little something about their country.

Images by Brad Rittenhouse/brphotos@gmail.com

Georgia starting gun - well what do you expect when you hold a time trial next to a battlefield.
Dave Zabriskie's TT bike ready to go
Dave Zabriskie's road bike gets a day off
And so do Discovery's road bikes
Dave Zabriskie (CSC) signs autographs before the start.
Viktor Rapinski (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home Wines)
Gustavo Artacho (Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home Wines)
Aaron Olson (Saunier Duval)
Trent Lowe (Discovery Channel)
A Little Too Close
Tony Cruz (Toyota-United)
Danny Pate (TIAA-CREF)
Benjamin Noval (Discovery Channel)
Viatcheslav Ekimov (Discovery Channel)
Viatcheslav Ekimov (Discovery Channel)
Nathan O'Neill (Health Net pb Maxxis)
David Zabriskie (CSC)
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel)
Floyd Landis (Phonak)
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)
David Zabriskie (CSC)
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) is in a good position to challenge for the lead after the TT.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) - not unhappy about winning the TT
Floyd Landis (Phonak)
The Podium - David Zabriskie (CSC), Floyd Landis (Phonak) and Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel)
Dave Zabriskie has his eye on the top step.
Fast Freddy Rodriguez (Davitamon - Lotto) is points jersey leader
Kirk O'Bee (Health Net pb Maxxis) remains king of the mountains
Floyd Landis (Phonak) takes the leader jersey by a margin of just four seconds.
The jersey holders

Images by Bill Parsons/www.sceniccityvelo.com

Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joe's-Zero Gravity)
Tony Cruz (Toyota-United)
Nic Ingels (Davitamon)
Sean Sullivan (Toyota-United)
Photographers struggle to contain their excitement
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) - the TT is not his specialty
Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly) - TT bandido.
He's behind you! Matteo Tosatto (QuickStep) has a shadow.
Danny Pate (TIAA-CREF) with aerodynamically positioned spare bike.
Justin England (Toyota-United) takes inspiration from being chased by a team 4WD. Just like city commuting then...
Viatcheslav Ekimov (Discovery Channel)
Nathan O'Niell (Health Net pb Maxxis)
Dave Zabriskie (CSC)
Floyd landis (Phonak) - all power
Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon)
Cesar Grajales (Navigators)
Jason McCartney (Discovery Channel)
Justin England (Toyota-United)
Lars Michaelsen (CSC)
Martinez De Esteban Egoi (Discovery Channel)
Vassilli Davidenko (Navigators)
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)

Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com

Floyd Landis (Phonak) passes a team-mate on the way to winning the TT.
Caleb Manion (Jelly Belly) was one of the last riders off.
KOM Jersey Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) looks up at the switchback on the Lookout Mountain climb.
Tony Cruz (Toyota-United) concentrates.
Australian TT champion Nathan O'Neill (Health Net) powers down the final stretch.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) stage winner and rock star!
Today's top 3 - David Zabriskie (CSC), Floyd Landis (Phonak), and Tom Danielson (Discovery)

Stage 2 - April 19: Fayetteville, GA - Rome, GA, 186.9km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Tom Danielson (Discovery) has a chat with ex team boss Lance Armstrong.
The group bunches up when the rain begins to fall.
Ahhh, spring flowers starting to come up in Georgia.
Nic Ingels (Davitamon/Lotto) takes his turn on the front.
Davitamon/Lotto controls the pace.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) follows teammate Jose Enrique Gutierrez Cataluna.
The local golf community came out in force today to see the race go by.
Riders pass over one of the many rivers today.
Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) came in to town fast to capture the KOM jersey.
Davide Frattini (Colovita) comes in hot on the heals of Kirk O'Bee.
Lars Michaelsen (CSC) sporting the leader jersey after yesterday's stage win.
Alejandro Acton (TargetTraining) off solo for most of the day, got swallowed up on his way into town.
Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel) bests the sprinters in stage 2 to take the day and the overall.
Jaun Jose Haedo (Toyota-United) wins the field sprint for second place.
Today's jersey winners - Alejandro Acton as the most aggressive, Kirk O'Bee in the mountain jersey, Yaroslov Popovych wearing the leader jersey and Freddie Rodriguez as the sprint leader.

Images by Beth Seliga/

The peloton rolls through scenic Georgia countryside.
The chase gets organized.
Lots of fans turned out for stage 2.
Davide Bramati (Quick Step) finds a novel way of keeping the rain off.
Clearing skies.
US cyclocross national champ Todd Wells in the “off season”.
Viatcheslav Ekimov (Discovery Channel) - as ever, a tireless worker for team leaders Danielson and Popovych.
Local flavor.
Rural Georgia was on show in stage 2
Ian MacGregor (TIAA-CREF) at race start.
A long day for Alejandro Acton (TargeTraining) whose solo break animated the race.
Golf carts filled with fans lined the course.
Team TIAA-CREF takes time for a quick photo.
The stage 2 podium.
Plenty of kisses for the winners.

Stage 1 - April 18: Augusta, GA - Macon, GA, 207.4km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

James Brown - the "Godfather of soul" welcomed the riders to Macon this morning.
Floyd Landis (Phonak) does a quick interview before the race.
The boys wait for the start.
Riders line up for stage 1.
School kids had a special seat to watch the race leave Macon this morning.
More school kids lined the road once the race got out of the city.
Victor Rapinski (Colovita) tried early on to get away.
Riders make their way past the scenic courthouse in Sparta, GA.
Kodak/Sierra Nevada leads the first break of the day up the road.
Dan Bowmen (TIAA-CREF) & Neil Sherley (Jittery Joes) keep the pace high in the break.
Aaron Olson (Saunier Duval) rode strongly today to take the most aggressive rider jersey.
CSC and Discovery string it out.
Toyota-United and Davitamon Lotto come to the front.
Aron Olson (Saunier Duval) fights to stay away on the finsihing circuit.
The bunch comes through under the canopy of some Spanish moss.
Lars Mickalson (CSC) takes the win.
Lars Mickalson (CSC) and the spoils of his win.

Images by Beth Seliga/

Music legend James Brown here with cycling announcer, Dave Towle, stopped by to show his support for racing in GA.
2005 race winner Tom Danielson is here to try for two in a row.
Political lobbying for the presidential election is alive and well in GA.
This fan came all the way from New Jersey to cheer on his favorite riders.
The race started with three opening parade circuits…
Team TIAA-CREF looks ready to start the race.
The first stage of the race is mostly flat, with three Maxxis Sprint lines along the way.
TIAA-CREF’s Tom Peterson hopes to win the Best Young Rider jersey, as he did in California.
The day's only real break - featuring Aaron Olson, Jackson Stewart, Dan Bowman and Andy Bajadali, couldn’t hold off the charging peloton. TdG0021_41806: And everyone was back together again for the finishing circuits.
Discovery’s Jason McCartney takes a turn up front.
TIAA-CREF’s Craig Lewis is hoping to make his mark on the race this year as well.
In the end, it was CSC’s Lars Michaelson who claimed the stage win.
And to the victor…
… go the spoils.

Teams presentation, April 17

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) returns to Georgia as the defending champion and hopes to take the first back-to-back wins here before targeting the Giro d'Italia.
Floyd Landis (Phonak, left) and Dave Zabriskie (CSC, center) will be looking to challenge Danielson, right.
Discovery Channel director Johan Bruyneel
Henk Vogels (center) and Fred Rodriguez (right) will contend for stage wins despite the absence of Davitamon-Lotto's star sprinter Robbie McEwen
Elvis is in the building - Floyd Landis (Phonak) and trademark big sunglasses.
Viacheslav Ekimov will be a powerful helper in Discovery Channel team-mate Danielson's bid for repeat victory.
Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) discusses the upcoming days of racing at the presentation.
The Discovery Channel team.
Team TIAA-CREF.
Alex Candelario (Jelly Belly) looks to be planning to scare the opposition into submission with bandit style.
Team Health Net will be representing for the US homegrown teams.
Dave Zabriskie (CSC) is expected to be a threat in the time trials.