Recently on Cyclingnews.com |
 Mt Hood Classic Photo ©: Swift |
89th Giro d'Italia - GT
Italy, May 6-28, 2006
Photography
Stage 20 - Saturday, May 27: Trento - Aprica, 212 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Everyone wants their part of the Giro d'Italia, especially when it hits the Dolomites
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) lost more time on GC today and hasn't had a happy Giro
- Damiano Cunego (l) and Gutierrez found a rhythm together as they headed to Aprica
- Ivan Basso commanded the course on his way to winning stage 19 to Aprica
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was gallant in his riding today, sticking with Basso for most of the day
- Hairpin #23 greets the riders as they climb in the Dolomites
- The gruppo maglia rosa ride up the wicked slopes of stage 19
- Jose Gutierrez (Phonak) found the going tough today
- Stage 19 winner Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) found it tougher today, finishing in eighth
- A king's backdrop for the king of the Giro, Ivan Basso
- Snow persists throughout the Dolomites, even in May...
- For most riders today's stage was a chance to take in the amazing scenery - for yet another day!
- Ivan Basso has looked strong for the duration of this year's Giro, and that continued today
- Jose Serpa (Sella Italia) puts in the big ones as he climbs the Gavia
- Pantani is revered in this part of the world...and could it be the year his Giro-Tour double is repeated?
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) makes his way through the tifosi
- It was standing room only on the big slopes of stage 19
- Jose Gutierrez and Damiano Cunego rode together for most of the closing stages to Aprica
- Paolo Savoldelli and Juan Manuel Garate get through the throngs of fans heading to Aprica
- Ivan Basso and Gilberto Simoni ride together during the closing kilometres of stage 19
- Basso and Simoni part the crowds to make their way up to Aprica
- Ivan Basso holds aloft a photo of his newborn son, Santiago
- This one's for you, Santi... says Ivan Basso as he wins the penultimate stage of this year's Giro
Stage 19 - Friday, May 26: Pordenone - Passo di San Pellegrino, 220 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Ivan Basso is huge in Italy, and this fan agrees
- Jan and Rudy have a chat... Jan Ullrich consults manager Rudy Pevenage
- Jan Ullrich takes a ride through the Dolomites for some pre-Tour training
- Will a peloton fit through? Riders head through some pretty sweet rock formations during stage 19
- It wasn't a place for those that get a little claustrophobic
- The odd waterfall here and there made for yet more natural highlights
- Some of the best scenery was reserved for today's stage to the Passo Di San Pellegrino
- It was another day of superb scenery throughout the Dolomites
- Gilberto Simoni kept going ahead of Ivan Basso on today's final climb
- Simoni performed well today to make sure he secures a podium place in Milan
- Ivan Basso showed why he's going to wear the maglia rosa into Milan on Sunday
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) came back late in today's stage to finish 12th
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) showed why he's in the best climber's jersey
- Piepoli leads the gang of big names, including Simoni, Basso, Gutierrez, Cunego and Pena
- Leonardo Piepoli rides ahead of Simoni and Basso
- Simoni and Basso ride together late in stage 19 up the Passo Di San Pellegrino
- Gilberto Simoni and Ivan Basso were stuck together late in today's stage
- Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros) gives it his all
- Garate keeps pushing during the closing stages of today's mega slog
- Juan Manuel Garate was the stronger man in the finale of the stage, according in Jens Voigt
- Pena, Danielson and Savoldelli ride together once Pena had dropped back from the gruppo maglia rosa late in the stage
- Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) comes into the finish as winner of stage 19
- Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) wins stage 19 atop Passo Di San Pellegrino
- The satisified look of a man who has just won a Giro stage - Juan Manuel Garate was that man today
- Juan Manuel Garate (QuickStep) on the podium after winning today's stage
- Garate says thanks to someone looking down on him today
Stage 18 - Thursday, May 25: Sillian - Gemona del Friuli, 227 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- The Dolomites offer spectacular views and a bike race to boot!
- Anyone seen my hairpin? There are plenty of them through the gorgeous Dolomites
- John Gadret (AG2R) crashed and had to abandon the race
- It was a sorry sight for poor old John Gadret, who had been riding very well all race
- Pantani lives on... as the maglia rosa passes a mural with Pantani likeness painted on it
- The tifosi make it tight up the day's climbs - especially when the maglia rosa is coming up
- Jan Ullrich sits comfortably saying to himself, 'Just wait for July, Basso...'
- CSC are extremely tight-knit around their leader Ivan Basso
- Ivan Basso descends during stage 18
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) takes it down nice and easy on a descent
- CSC never let the gaps get too big between themselves and Ivan Basso
- The peloton comes down one of the day's descents
- John Gadret broke his collarbone in a crash during stage 18
- What could have been for John Gadret as he's taken to hospital following a crash
- Phonak gets down to business on the front of the peloton
- Ivan Basso sits next to Victor Hugo Pena in the peloton
- Ivan Basso corners carefully on a descent during stage 18
- Gerolsteiner's Stefan Schumacher looks around to see what his break companions are up to in the final kilometres
- Schumacher was watchful in the last few kilometres, and played it perfectly
- Stefan Schumacher was too strong for the other escapees in the finale
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) wins stage 18 into Gemona Del Friuli to make it two wins at this year's Giro
- Two wins and feeling strong is Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner)
- More kisses for Stefan Schumacher at this year's Giro
- Stefan Schumacher practices those disco moves on the podium in Gemona Del Friuli
- The peloton comes home with Paolo Bettini doing his best to win the sprint for sixth
- Paolo Bettini didn't look too happy about missing the break today, having to settle for sixth place instead
- Ivan Basso has a little trouble getting into that maglia rosa, which must surely feel like his alone by now
- On the podium in pink again is CSC's 'champion-elect' Ivan Basso
- Ivan Basso and Manuela Di Centa on the podium in Gemona Del Friuli
Stage 17 - Wednesday, May 24: Termeno - Plan de Corones, 158 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Dario Cioni (Liquigas) and Benoit Poilvet (Credit Agricole) ride together during stage 17
- Scott Davis (T-Mobile Team) and Raffaele Illiano (Selle Italia) were prominent during the stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) comes into the finish after another tough day
- The scene at the finish where the weather was anything but spectator-friendly
- A couple of Liquigas lads are happy to make it to the finish
- Gilberto Simoni (r) hangs tough as race leader Ivan Basso (c) looks on
- Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio (l) and Basso ride up Furkel Pass
- Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio rides ahead of Ivan Basso and Jose Gutierrez Cataluna
- Julio Alberto Perez Cuapio sits comfortably in front of Jose Gutierrez Cataluna
- Leonardo Piepoli (r) and Ivan Basso found themselves riding together again during stage 17
- Leonardo Piepoli gets away from what appears to be some sort of yetti behind him
- And then the yetti decides to chase after Ivan Basso
- 'Come on Jose!' Jose Gutierrez Cataluna (Phonak) gets some encouragement up the tough slopes
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was a favourite for stage 17 before the Giro started over two weeks ago
- Gibo Simoni gits his teeth and gets up the final pass of the day
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) sits tight and hangs on for dear life
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) found the big grades really tough today
- Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) wishes he was back on the flat contesting sprint finishes
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) gets another stage win ahead of Ivan Basso
- Piepoli is a happy man to be finished for the day, AND to have won another stage
- So it's straight to the bus to be cleaned up and shipped out for the day
- Even Ivan Basso looks a little worse for wear today
- Jose Gutierrez Cataluna (Phonak) comes into the finish area
Stage 16 - Tuesday, May 23: Rovato - Trento/Monte Bondone, 180 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Gilberto Simoni does it tough ahead of Ivan Basso up Monte Bondone
- Ivan Basso leads Simoni through one of the many hairpins
- Gilberto Simoni rides alone on his way to second place on stage 16
- Ivan Basso glides through a hairpin up Monte Bondone
- Ivan Basso (CSC) made another seemingly effortless attack on the 17km climb to finish stage 16
- That's gold! Ivan Basso gives the age-old salute to say eberything is A-OK
- A swarm of Lampres? Lampre riders look after their man Damiano Cunego up Monte Bondone
- Bobby Julich (CSC) rides at the front of CSC's train, which did the trick again today
- So that's what it looks like to be near the back of the peloton
- Ivan Basso (r) gets out of the saddle as he's about to blast off on another solo attack before the finish
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) worked hard for his man Basso again today
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) does his best to hold on ahead of Ivan Basso
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) rides alone during stage 16
- Chechu Rubiera (Discovery Channel) leads his team captain, Paolo Savoldelli
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides in front of his Lampre teammates dyuring stage 16
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) rides within himself up Monte Bondone
- Jose Gutierrez and Leonardo Piepoli ride together up Monte Bondone during stage 16
- John Gadret (AG2R) nears the finish in Trente Monte Bondone
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) finished the day in 20th, over four minutes down on Basso
- Riders wind their way through some great countryside up Monte Bondone
- Now THAT is a postcard during stage 16
- CSC leads the way during stage 16 to Trente Monte Bondone
- Another day, another hairpin for riders as they hit the Dolomites
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Oh yes, Ivan - you are tops! Ivan Basso lets the gathered crowd know that he's happy
- Does this scene look familiar? Ivan Basso climbs alone en route to victory
- Basso is greeted by his sister, Elisa… and the question remains - why can't we all have a post-race welcoming committee like that one?
- Basso and Inigo Cuesta practice their Madison throws up Monte Bondone
- The peloton makes its way up Monte Bondone
Stage 15 - Monday, May 22: Mergozzo - Brescia, 182 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Ivan Basso signs some autographs at the start in Mergozzo
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) has started seeing things since Ivan Basso essentially eliminated his chances of the overall win
- GC contenders at the start of this Giro, Ivan Basso (l) and Gilberto Simoni are now far apart on GC
- Simoni rues his decision to have those wretched oats for breakfast
- There can only be one... JAN!
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was in good spirits at the start in Mergozzo today
- Ullrich to base, do you copy? Jan Ullrich makes contact with the T-Mobile mobile before the stage start
- Riders pass through some fertile-looking farmland during stage 15
- Ivan Basso and Paolo Bettini ride together during stage 15
- Ivan Basso enjoys a drink en route to Brescia - like a twist of lime, Mr Basso?
- The peloton winds it way through some old streets en route to Brescia
- Today's stage was totally flat and never looked like rising more than a few metres
- The peloton didn't allow the break to get too much time today
- Paolo Bettini was composed on his way to winning stage 15
- Ivan Basso further strengthened his grip on the maglia rosa with a relaxing day in the saddle
- Looking in control as always, Ivan Basso rode comfortably during stage 15
- Paolo Bettini takes a swig as the day was quite warm - compared to recent days!
- Basso's wheel was the place to be for QuickStep's Paolo Bettini
- It was a very close finish between Olaf Pollack (l) and Paolo Bettini
- And although it looked like Pollack had taken the win
- Bettini realised he'd got his stage
- And then it was time to celebrate in Brescia
- It was almost another opportunity for Bettini to protest a contested stage sprint
- But that didn't eventuate and the Italian could relax and enjoy the win
- Before congratulating Olaf Pollack when he realised there was nothing to worry about
- Yeah, that was good... says Paolo Bettini
- Hanging with his good mate on the podium was Paolo Bettini
- And there was the winner's trophy to add to his collection
- Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) was a satisfied customer after his stage win in Brescia
- Yes, you were numero uno today, Paolo. Paolo Bettini salutes his fans after the win
- All smiles on the Brescia podium for the ever-present stage hope, Paolo Bettini
- What's that old saying about mothers, faces and love?
- Ivan Basso puts on another maglia rosa on the podium in Brescia
- And the requisite champagne flowed once again for Basso
Stage 14 - Sunday, May 21: Aosta - Domodossola, 224 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Basso and Bettini before the start in Aosta
- Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) gets ready to ride this morning
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is relaxed before the start in Aosta
- Today's scenery was spectacular to say the least
- Riders are dwarfed by some massive mountains en route to Domodossola
- Security, get that devil away from the riders!
- Danilo Di Luca and Damiano Cunego ride together during stage 14
- Tunnel time for riders on stage 14 heading up to Gran San Bernardo
- 'So he was like, you know...'
- 'And then I was like, I know...' Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso share a lighter moment during stage 14
- Ivan Basso (CSC) was once again commanding in pink
- Ivan Basso is well protected by his CSC team mates
- Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) does his share of the work in the break
- Ivan Basso sits comfortably in the bunch
- Ivan Basso is looking every bit the race leader in control
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) finished the day tucked away in the peloton
- CSC turn right...
- And they turn left...towards victory in Milan
- Ivan Basso (CSC) gets out of the saddle
- Liberty Seguros are keeping their man Scarponi amongst it
- Now that's a building!
- As far as race scenes go, it doesn't get much better than this
- Ivan Basso celebrates the end of another day in the maglia rosa
- One of the world's biggest bike races pales into insignificance against this kind of backdrop
- Spot the rider
- Ivan Basso has time to enjoy the view, and why not!
- The tunnel to Switzerland transported riders through the tall stuff
- Laverde and Baliani celebrate after Laverde's win
- How sweet it is! Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) takes the win
- Time to take a peek at where the rest are for Luis Laverde
- Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) on the podium
- Time to celebrate with some champagne for Luis Laverde
- Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) wins in Domodossola
- Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) put in a satisfying effort today
- Paolo Tiralongo (Lampre) takes the sprint for third
- Paolo Bettini eases in to hold onto his sprinter's jersey
Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com
- Luis Laverde (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) gets the win on stage 14 in Domodossola
- Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) rolls in to take 12th place
- Possibly the ugliest fan at this year's Giro d'Italia was enjoying himself
- Today's stage in a word? Spectacular!
- Looks great but it's pretty damn cold
- Mountains galore in stage 14 as the peloton passed through Switzerland
- Speed on the flats were once again pretty high today
- Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) rides in the sprinter's jersey
- Who's a pretty biy, then? Ivan Basso looking all angelic before todays' stage
- Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) wasn't in a good way after his crash, with multiple serious injuries
- Riders cross the Swiss border but don't have to worry about customs...
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) finished with the main peloton.
- Bobby Julich (CSC) and bike with his trademark elliptical O,Symmetric chanirings.
- Fortunato Baliani (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) and other breakaway riders tuck for a descent.
- Ivan Basso (CSC) started and finished the day in the leader jersey. Will he tough it out to Milano?
- The light at the beginning of the tnnel
- The peloton passes through an old city.
- The CSC team leads the peloton
- Spectacular scenery was again a feature of the Giro as the stage climbed back into winter.
- Mellow yellow - Saunier Duval does the feed zone thing.
- A young fan waves the Giro on.
- Luis Felipe Laverde Jimenez (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) claims the win
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) still has to make up over five minutes on Ivan Basso if he is to defend his title.
Stage 13 - Saturday, May 20: Alessandria - La Thuile, 216 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Jose Rujano gets a tow in the tough conditions of stage 13
- Ivan Basso dominated on another uphill finish
- Ivan Basso and Jose Gutierrez ride together during stage 13
- Guess who made an apearance... yes, Il Diablo decided it was time his suit got a wash of sorts
- Ivan Basso makes it look easy on his way to finishing second on stage 13
- Piepoli, Basso and Simoni ride together in the later part of today's stage
- Leonardo Piepoli leads Basso as they make their way to the summit
- Ivan Basso gaps Gilberto Simoni on his way to the top of Colle San Carlo
- Ivan Basso and Leonardo Piepoli slug it out on Colle San Carlo
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) rides within himself during stage 13
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) does it tough on his way to ninth
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) gets in a groove climbing the Colle San Carlo
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) lookeed comfortable in the tough conditions
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) had a day he'd probably rather forget
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) probably discovered early today that another stage win was going to be tough to come by
- José E. Gutierrez Cataluna (Phonak) performed well to finish in third, just over a minute behind Basso
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) grits his teeth in the tough conditions
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) took off like the proverbial bat on the descent
- Ivan Basso (CSC) was a little more cautious on the descent
- Gutierrez gets on the gas as he comes out a corner on the descent
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) made up some cruicial time thanks to his superior descending skills
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) waits for a lift after abandoning
- Anyone heading to La Thuile? Jose Rujano looks for a ride to the finish
- With no lift on offer Jose Rujano had to ride the remainder of the stage
- Bjarne Riis and his charge wait for the start in Alessandria
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rolls into the finish in ninth place
- Paolo Savoldelli rounded out the top ten at the finish in La Thuile
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) rolls in to finish the day in 18th, over three minutes behind Piepoli
- What can I say? Paolo Savoldelli tries to explain so it was so damn cold today
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates his win
- A big effort from Leonardo Piepoli to win stage 13
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Prodir) led the way home to take the stage
- Ivan Basso (CSC) rolled in safe in the knowledge he'd further crushed his rivals
- Maglia rosa mortgage for Ivan Basso - can he go all the way?
- A yellow salute from Piepoli on the podium in La Thuile
- Leonardo Piepoli looks well chuffed on the podium after winning stage 13
- Be afraid... be very afraid!
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Ivan Basso (CSC) rolls into the finish at La Thuile
- Basso and Piepoli ride together during stage 13
- Damiano Cunego did it tough on his way to finishing ninth
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) celebrates on the podium
- Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval) salutes the sodden crowd
- Time to party for Leonardo Piepoli
- Piepoli soloed in to take today's stage
Images by Makoto Ayano/www.cyclingtime.com
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) found the going a little too tough today and had to abandon
Stage 12 - Friday, May 19: Livorno - Sestri Levante, 165 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com
- Ivan Basso's group looked comfortable all day
- Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) puts his head down and works hard
- The mist comes towards the leaders as they climb
- The leaders make their way along the coast
- Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) descends following his crash
- Matt White (Discovery Channel) has been working hard all race for Savoldelli
- Mirco Lorenzetto (Milram finished well down in the standings today
- Niki Sorensen (CSC) is another of Basso's busy worker bees
- Alberto Ongarato (Milram) finished the day in 8th
- Now into stage 12, the Giro is beginning to enjoy some great scenery
- Addy Engels (Quick Step) attacks with Sella behind him
- Giovanni Lombardi heads up CSC's defence of Ivan Basso's lead
- Evgeni Petrov (Lampre) corners on a descent during stage 12
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Ouch! Roberto Laiseka knows that he has done some damage after an early fall
- Basliani and Sella (r) ride together while in the leading pack
- Ivan Basso exemplifies the relaxed, strong stage racer
- The Phonak guys ride together during stage 12
- Bobby Julich leads the CSC train
- Snack time for Ivan Basso during stage 12
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides in the peloton
- Ivan Basso (CSC) stays tucked away safely in his CSC convoy
- Jens Voigt (CSC) rides hard for Basso on stage 12
- Di Luca and Basso ride together during stage 12
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) rides in the bunch
- The CSC army rolls forward with their leader Ivan Basso safely inside the convoy
- The peloton makes its way through some of Italy's most beautiful countryside
- Did we say anything about gorillas? Or was it just the mist bit?
- Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) shows a bit of the strain
- Ivan Basso looks comfortable during stage 12
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) rides within himself on stage 12
- Basso to base, do you read me Bjarne? All is well for Ivan Basso stage 12, and he Bjarne Riis know
- Danilo Di Luca grimaces after being involved in an early crash
- Vai, vai, vai Danilo! Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) gives it some gas
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) powers ahead after an early crash
- A couple of Lampre lads keep themselves among the CSC army
- Paolo Bettini and his daughter have a chat before the start of stage 12
- A big thumbs up for the Selle Italia boys
- Selle Italia boss Gianni Savio shares some time with his riders before the stage
- Cunego and Ullrich share a moment on the way to Sestri Levante
- Damiano Cunego (l) and Jan Ullrich ride together during stage 12
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was also involved in the early crash
- Feeling the pinch: Robert Laiseka (Euskaltel) winces after falling off early in the stage
- Robert Laiseka (Euskaltel) is in a great deal of pain after an early crash
- The scenery justs gets better as the race progresses
- Ivan Basso (CSC) has a bit of trouble uncorking the champagne
- Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) was the strongest in the closing stages
- Step one of the Horrach boggie - wave your fingers
- Step two of the Horrach boggie - flap your arms about
- Step three of the Horrach boogie - get your hands in the air - come on!
- That's TWO thumbs up from Spaniard Joan Horrach
- A happy Spaniard on the podium is one Joan Horrach
- My name is Joan - the girls love me and my fast legs!
- The Horrach boogie gets a run at the end of stage 12
- Joan Horrach (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) looked very contented on the podium
- Yeah yeah! Joan Horrach celebrated Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears' first Giro stage win in 2006
- You're lookin' at a winner! Joan Horrach was one happy winner today
Stage 11 - Thursday, May 18: Pontedera - Pontedera, ITT, 50 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) on the start ramp
- A last drink for Der Kaiser
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) checks his equipment
- Ivan Basso (CSC) gets ready
- Ivan Basso (CSC) sits
- Ivan Basso (CSC) sprints off
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) playing the harp?
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) departs
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is ready
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) looking nervous
- Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) gets ready
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) waits to go
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) even has a gold saddle
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) has his head down
- Ivan Basso (CSC) past the leaning tower of Pisa
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) front on
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile)
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) was one of T-Mobile's strong men
- The Giro d'Italia visits Pisa
- Watching the action in Pisa
- Warming up in Pisa
- Through Pisa at halfway
- The feature of today was the leaning tower of Pisa
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) rides past the leaning tower of Pisa
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in action
- Ivan Basso (CSC) in the aero position
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) out on the road
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) on a bend
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) keeping it upright
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) round a bend
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) looking for relief
- Quique Gutierrez (Phonak) in action
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas)
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) going flat out
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) focuses
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) looking tired
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile)
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) en route
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) struggled today
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) powers along
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) out on the road
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) rides in the purple points jersey
- Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Phonak) on the last turn
- Ivan Basso (CSC) concentrates into the turn
- Ivan Basso (CSC) goes through the tunnel after Cunego
- Ivan Basso (CSC) bears down on Cunego
- Ivan Basso (CSC) gets ready to pass Cunego
- Ivan Basso (CSC) on a mission
- Ivan Basso (CSC) post-race
- A happy Jan
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) salutes
- Der Jan enjoying this
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is kissed on the podium
- Ivan Basso (CSC) puts on another pink jersey
- Ivan Basso (CSC) gets another podium kiss
- Ivan Basso (CSC) lets loose again
Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) en route to victory
- Ivan Basso (CSC) nears the end
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) rides to the finish
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) losing time
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) nears the end
- Tom Danielson (Discovery) finished 11th and moved up five places on GC
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) finished 30th
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) keeps the concentration up
- Addy Engels (Quick.Step)
- Giovanni Lombardi (CSC)
- Staf Scheirlinckx (Cofidis) looking lean
- Matt Hayman (Rabobank) rides past the leaning tower of Pisa
- Paolo Fornaciari (Lampre-Fondital) rides past the leaning tower of Pisa
- Matt White (Discovery) gets the job done
- Maxime Monfort (Cofidis) finished five minutes down
- Michael Blaudzun (CSC) showing good form
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) cruises home
- Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) on his way to 22nd
- Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) crosses the river Arno
- Jens Voigt (CSC) leads teammate Niki Sorensen
- Wim Van Huffel (Davitamon-Lotto) comes around the last bend
- Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne)
- Juan Manuel Garate (Quick.Step)
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) suffers a bit at the end
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) in an interesting skinsuit
Stage 10 - Tuesday, May 16: Termoli - Peschici, 190 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) running out of advantage
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) inside the final 500m, with the break coming back to him
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) takes the corner
- Pellizotti well placed
- Jens Voigt (CSC) leads the bunch up the last climb
- All aboard the Voigt train
- Ivan Basso (CSC) follows the lead
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery) with Bettini on his wheel
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) gets ready to salute
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) wins the 10th stage in Peschici
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) is pretty happy
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) claims 20th place
- The bunch finishes with all the favourites up front
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) salutes from the podium
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) looks for a target
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) in a shower of spumante
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) gets that winner's kiss
- Ivan Basso (CSC) puts on pink again
- Ivan Basso (CSC) isn't quite comfy in it
- A pink kiss for Ivan
- Ivan Basso (CSC) lets 'em have it
- Ivan Basso (CSC) sprays the crowd
- Ivan Basso (CSC) enjoying the moment
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- CSC in front early on
- The Giro on the Gargano Peninsula
- The Giro passes through Manfredonia
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) tucks in
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) keeps it going on the last climb
- Ivan Basso (CSC) rolls in ahead of Cunego
- Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Phonak) finishes for 21st
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) reflects at the end of the first half of the Giro
- Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) has a big grin
Stage 9 - Monday, May 15: Francavilla al Mare - Termoli, 147 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R, C) beats Paolo Bettini (R) and Olaf Pollack (L) with a good bike throw to win stage 9
- Ivan Basso (CSC) sprays the crowd
- The maglia rosa was a little hard for Ivan Basso to get into...
- But he suits it, doesn't he?
- The peloton rolls out of Francavilla Al Mare, headed for Termoli
- Cyrille Monnerais (Française des Jeux, l) and Yuriy Krivtsov (AG2R Prevoyance) were active during today's stage
- Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R Prevoyance) was a happy chap on the podium
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- The big fella comes to the line with his nose in front
- It was a close finish with three throws in it...
- But Vaitkus has it by a whisker
- Olaf Pollack (l) didn't capitalise on his team's good leadup work
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) celebrates prematurely at the finish of stage 9
- The satisified grin of Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R-Prevoyance) after he beat Paolo Bettini on stage 9
- Yeah, that's the one! Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R-Prevoyance) celebrates his stage win
- Tomas Vaitkus (AG2R-Prevoyance) was the stage 9 winner
- A big grin for AG2R's Tomas Vaitkus on the podium
- Tomas Vaitkus puts the hammer down at the finish in Termoli
- It all comes together at the finish in Termoli
- Dang! Olaf Pollack isn't happy to have missed out on a stage win
- Ivan Basso (l) and Paolo Savoldelli share a lighter moment before the start
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) looked very serious before the start of today's stage
- Ivan Basso adjusts his spiffy Smith sunglasses
- Ivan Basso (CSC) is escorted to the start
- The maglia rosa is worth the effort to get it on, as Ivan Basso will attest to
- Pucker up, girls it's time to kiss Ivan Basso as he celebrates another day as race leader
- Champagne time again for Ivan Basso (CSC) on the podium in Termoli
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) appears to have recovered from his sickness two days ago
- Ready for a big day in pink is CSC's Ivan Basso
- He's got a big heart, this one. Giovanni Lombardi checks to see if Ivan Basso has the heart of a lion - he found it to be even bigger.
- Jan Ullrich (l) and Matthias Kessler discuss the intricacies of bike pumps before the start
- Jan in the sun. Jan Ullrich readies himself for another day of hot riding
- 'It says you just add water...' Jan Ullrich works out the T-Mobile's formula for the day's stage
- Juan Manuel Garate and Paolo Bettini get out of the finish area after Bettini's narrow stage loss
- A disappointed Paolo Bettini makes his way through the rabble after the finish
- Ivan Basso (CSC) puts on the maglia rosa for another day
- More kisses for Ivan on the podium in Termoli
- Another day, another maglia rosa for CSC's Italian master, Ivan Basso
- Buon pasta, Danilo! Danilo Di Luca checks out some food before the stage start
- Ivan Basso (CSC) was all smiles before the start of stage 9
Stage 8 - Sunday, May 14: Civitanova Marche - Maielletta/Passo Lanciano, 171 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- A happy Ivan Basso prepares to celebrate his stage 8 win
- Time to celebrate what was a strong win for Ivan Basso
- Ivan Basso says 'see you later' as he attacks in the final kilometres of stage 8
- Ivan Basso looks extremely satisfied after his stage win
- Ivan Basso has been here before and in 2006 he's looking even stronger
- Ivan Basso (CSC) salutes from the podium
- Raise your hands if you think it's 'race on' time!
- Spray time for Ivan Basso (CSC)
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) did the hard yards for his leader Ivan Basso
- Basso punishes them and doesn't show any sign of suffering
- The Italian GC brigade - Di Luca, Simoni & Cunego, with Basso ahead of them
- Dual champion Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was looking to keep himself in touch with the leaders today
- Defending champion Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) found the pace a little tough near the finish today
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) dropped to sixth on general classification after today's stage
- Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) finished the stage in 16th
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) had a tough day at the office
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) dug in hard today after illness yesterday
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) made the late running and attacked hard
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) works hard for that last spurt on his way to 7th on today's stage
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) corners uphill near the finish - he finished the day sixth on general classification
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was well-protected during what proved to be a tough stage
- The Saunier steam train were working hard for their man Simoni
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) takes a swig during today's stage
- Danilo Di Luca (l) and Matt White (r) do it tough during stage 8
- The big four of today's stage - Basso, Di Luca, Simoni and Cunego
- Julio Perez Cuapio (Ceramica Panaria-Navigare) finished the day in 10th
- Ivan Basso (CSC) has mastered the art of suffering but not showing it
- Having shaken off the pack Ivan Basso (CSC) shows a bit of the strain on his way to the finish
- Aaron Olson (Saunier Duval) leads the effort to keep team leader Simoni in touch all day
- Serguei Gonchar and Olaf Pollack did their heels in during stage 8
- Jan Ullrich and Michael Rogers kept the T-Mobile flag flying during stage 8
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) looked composed during stage 8
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) worked well in support of Ivan Basso during stage 8
- Carlos Sastre tows his leader up the tough finishing pass, according to plan
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) worked hard during stage 8
- Damiano Cunego attacked in the closing kilometres of stage 8
- Ivan Basso headed out alone after counter attacking Cunego during the closing stages of the run to Maielletta Passo Lanciano
- The 'Little Prince', Damiano Cunego corners near the finish of stage 8
- José Gutierrez (Phonak) held off Caruso for third place on stage 8
- Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros) performed strongly to finish in fourth
- Emanuele Sella (Ceramica Panaria) was doing it tough near the end of stage 8
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) earned himself a solid 18th place on today's stage
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) did his best to limit the damage on today's stage
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- The day's stage winner gets ready to ride before the start
- Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre) tries to get a bottle
- Cunego and Basso were the day's ultimate protagonists...and set up a showdown between the two classy Italians
- Danilo Di Luca shows the strain of a hard day in the saddle
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) found it hard to hold onto the maglia rosa today
- Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) kept grinding away for team leader Simoni
- Jose Rujano decided to fly the coop and made a good attempt at gaining some time after his sickness yesterday
- Carlos Sastre and Ivan Basso worked it hard for CSC at the front today
- Gilberto Simoni leads the Saunier Duval crew, who were very vigilant during today's stage
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) found the going tough today, but wasn't too worried after the finish
- Say arrivederci to the leaders, Paolo. Paolo Savoldelli found the pace a little too high near the finish today
Stage 7 - Saturday, May 13: Cesena - Saltara, 230 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Giving it his all. Rik Verbrugghe grits his teeth and puts in the big ones near the end of stage 7
- Oh so close... Rik Verbrugghe pushes himself toward the finish
- Rik Verbrugghe just had enough juice in the tank to make it across the line
- Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) comes into the finish as stage winner
- Thanks very much Rik Verbrugghe salutes from the podium
- Spray time for Rik Verbrugghe after winning stage 7
- Kisses for Rik Verbrugghe after he took the win on stage 7
- A tired Rik Verbrugghe about to cross the line
- Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis) salutes briefly at the end of today's stage
- One happy Ukranian - again! Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is congratulated on his maglia rosa
- Paolo Savoldelli (r) finished strongly in Saltara at the end of a tough day
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) makes another podium appearance as the leader of the Giro
- More kisses for Serguei Gonchar as he takes the leader's jersey for a second time in this Giro
- Yep, yep, yeah! Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) celebrates on the podium
- Olaf Pollack (r) rides behind teammate Serguei Gonchar. Gonchar would take back the maglia rosa at the end of the stage
- Biding his time. Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) kept himself well hidden today
- The tall and short of it... Jan Ullrich and Paolo Bettini ride together during stage 7
- The peloton passes through one of the towns on today's route
- The peloton were content to spend most of their day with the break in check
- Riders made their way into some higher ground today
- Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) wasn't going to hold onto the maglia rosa today
- Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) did it tough today
- The countryside just gets better as the Grio progresses
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) didn't put himself in the protagonist's chair today
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) didn't make much noise during today's stage
- Discovery Channel had it under control for their man Savoldelli
- Spain's Juan Manuel Garate made his presence felt during stage 7
- Juan Manuel Garate (Quick Step) was very visible during today's stage, and spent most of the day in the select chase group
- Discovery set the tempo on the gravel climb
- Those Italians love the gravel... as riders made their way through a section of dirt road during stage 7
- Matt White (l) gives it his all for the Discovery Channel team
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) kept enough in the tank to have a go at the end of the stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was keeping his profile low today
- Ivan Basso (CSC) keeps his poker face on despite today's steep inclines
- Keeping an eye on each other were Basso, Cunego and Savoldelli
- Ivan Basso (CSC) rides in front of his countryman and rival Damiano Cunego (Lampre)
- In the driver's seat is CSC's Italian maestro Ivan Basso
- The Lampre crew look after their man Cunego during today's stage
- Cunego (l) and Sella (r) ride hard during stage 7
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rides ahead of compatriot Ivan Basso
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was well-protected during the stage
- Getting ready for battle is Liquigas' Danilo Di Luca before stage 7
- Bring on the scenery! Riders pass through some rock formations during today's stage
- Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) sits among the chasing bunch along the gravel part of today's stage
- They've started the gravel early in this year's Giro - and they're not done with it yet!
- Matt White (Discovery Channel) works hard at the front for Savoldelli
- Poor ol' Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) has had a tough few days
- Ivan Basso (CSC) maintained a good position at the finish today after looking in control all day
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) performed well on today's stage
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks a little worse for wear at the finish
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Ivan Basso was in control all day today
- Sylvain Calzati (r, AG2R) made his presence felt today
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) roed solidly today
- The Disco boys really rode as a pack on today's stage - a good sign for team leader Paolo Savoldelli
- Dario Cioni (Liquigas) lost a lot of time on today's stage
- CSC kept watch for their man Basso today
- Unmistakably Italian scenery greeted riders during today's stage
- The Lampre lads were really putting it together for their leader Cunego
- Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) looked comfortable on his way to 16th on the stage
- Manuele Mori (r) and Marco Pinotti (l) ride together during stage 7
- Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) only spent one day in pink
- Paolo Tiralongo (Lampre) finds the going tough during stage 7
- Matt White (Discovery Channel) does the hard yards for his team
- Mario Cipollini has been a constant sight at this year's Giro
Stage 6 - Friday, May 12: Busseto - Forlì, 223 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Gilberto Simoni and the Saunier Duval lads looking comfortable during stage 6
- Race leader and teammate Serguei Gonchar (r) with Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at the start in Busseto
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) signs autographs before the start in Busseto
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides ahead of race leader and teammate Serguei Gonchar
- UCI president Pat McQuaid enjoyed some sunshine in Busseto
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) at the sign on
- Don't you like what papa gave you? Paolo Bettini gets domestic at the start in Busseto
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) at sign on
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) was well-protected all day
- Hey, nice work Serguei says Paolo Bettini (l) to T-Mobile's Serguei Gonchar
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step, l) looks comfortable during the stage
- One for the ladies... Robbie McEwen gets a change of jersey
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) bides his time for the sprint finish in Forli'
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) enjoyed a day in the maglia rosa
- A lighter shade of pink for Serguei Gonchar
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) even got into some high-cadence spinning during the stage
- The T-Mobile crew were keeping things together for their man in pink and the inevitable sprint finish
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looked good during today's stage
- Here they come - Robbie McEwen got his nose in front
- And it wasn't long before...
- The Aussie could raise his arms...
- And celebrate another win
- By a comfortable margin
- Numero tre for McEwen after he won in Forli'
- Three, three, three for Robbie McEwen at Giro '06
- Win number three at this year's Giro for Robbie McEwen, and he reminds us of this fact
- A very happy Robbie McEwen on the podium again
- Kisses for Robbie on the podium in Busseto
- Danilo Di Luca (2nd from right) rolls into the finish in Busseto
- Mario Cipollini did the rounds during today's stage
- Hang on a second while I get this thing on! Underneath is a happy Olaf Pollack
- If the jersey fits... Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) puts on his maglia rosa
- Mua, mua... Olaf Pollack gets his kiss on the podium
- Pollack in pink and the second maglia rosa for T-Mobile in two days
- This one's for you! Olaf Pollack salutes from the podium
- Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) gets a kiss for his efforts in Busseto
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage into Forli ahead of Pollack (r) and Vaitkus (l)
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) pulls on the purple points jersey
- Olaf Pollack (T-Mobile) is the new maglia rosa
Stage 5 - Thursday, May 11: Piacenza - Cremona, TTT, 38 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Team CSC were solid on their way to the stage win
- T-Mobile fan out on their way to securing second on the stage
- T-Mobile rode very well to almost snatch the stage win
- Gerolsteiner were hoping their ride qould keep Schumacher in pink
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) does his turn in the maglia rosa
- Hey, you like it too? Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) enjoys the maglia rosa
- Team CSC salute the crowd as stage winners
- Ivan Basso and CSC get a little spray time happening
- Selle Italia-Serramenti Diquigiovanni didn't finish high on the rankings today, but wait for the mountains!
- Bouygues Telecom ride together on their way to 16th
- Euskadi-Euskatel were the whipping boys of today's team time trial
- Panaria found the going tough and it showed in the results
- AG2R-Prevoyance had a go but ended up in 15th
- Cofidis finished in 19th
- Milram were minus one man which made things kind of tough
- Robbie McEwen leads the Davitamon-Lotto crew
- Perfect formation for Liberty Seguros-Wurth
- Liberty Seguros-Wurth aren't known for their time trialling, and finished 17th
- Saunier Duval-Prodir were out to protect Gilberto Simoni's chances
- Saunier Duval-Prodir have a couple of national champions in their squad, but finished 18th
- The orange train of Rabobank put in a big effort to finish 14th
- Credit Agricole rounded out the day's top ten
- Phonak worked well together but could only manage eighth
- Quick.Step-Innergetic made some early inroads before finishing sixth
- Francaise des Jeux finished in a respectable fifth place
- Liquigas set the best time before CSC smashed it
- Lampre had a top-ten stage finish to keep Cunego in the hunt
- Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears finished the day in 13th place
- Discovery Channel weren't quite the same without a certain Texan
- Gerolsteiner worked hard but couldn't hold onto the maglia rosa today
- Ivan Basso (CSC) has a little trouble with the champagne bottle on the podium
- T-Mobile's Serguei Gonchar makes sure he's good to go on the podium
- Yessss! Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) raises his arms as leader of the Giro
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) is one happy camper in pink
- I can't believe this is happening! Serguei Gonchar gets a kiss as race leader
- Go on, Serguei... give it a good spray! And doesn't he love it?
- Ukranian Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) lets fly with the champagne
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) salutes the crowd
- Bouygues Telecom wait for the start of their ride
- Ceramica Panaria-Navigare begin their ride
- AG2R-Prevoyance about to start their time trial
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is focussed on the task at hand
- McEwen adjusts his glasses before the TT start
- Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) concentrates hard before the start
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre) gets prepared to ride
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks relaxed in Piacenza
- T-Mobile about to ride what was a very fast time trial
- Jan Ullrich looks ready to terminate the competition
- Hey, Mr Armstrong! How's it going in Italy? Lance Armstrong has been following the Giro with Discovery Channel
- Discovery Channel looked the part but didn't quite get it together
- The scene from the starting gate in Piacenza
- We couldn't tell you what it is... but we can only guess it's ome kind of overgrown rodent
- Euskadi-Euskatel gets the signal to begin their race against the clock
- Do you think those women enjoyed their jobs today?
- Rabobank is ready to ride
- T-Mobile's Michael Rogers limbers up before the time trial
- The Gerolsteiner lads were out to hold onto the leader's jersey today
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) takes a moment out to think about the task ahead
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Euskaltel-Euskadi sets out.
- It's time.
- Lampre-Fondital hits the road
- Liquigas launches down the start ramp
- Saunier Duval-Prodir gets going
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Chamnnel) limbers up.
- AG2R Prevoyance heads out
- Bouygues Telecom sets off
- CSC sets out.
- Lampre-Fondital on the way to eighth
- Lampre-Fondital
- Liquigas powering to fourth place.
- Liquigas
- Liquigas
- Milram on the way to a mid-field finish; respectable for a team with no TT specialists.
- Phonak would finish ninth.
- Belgian TT champion Marc Wauters leads his rabobank team on the way to 14th
- Saunier Duval-Prodir - losing 1:26 will slightly dent Simoni's chances for the overall.
- Saunier Duval-Prodir
- Team T-Mobile featuring world TT champion Mick Rogers, far right
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) takes a drink
- Ceramica Panaria-Navigare comnpeting with Euskaltel for brightest team strip.
- AG2R Prevoyance
- Bouygues Telecom
- Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
- Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
- Cofidis
- Credit Agricole
- Robbie Mcewen leads Davitamon into battle, wearing the purple jersey of sprint points leader.
- The Discovery Channel team - looking well-drilled as always.
- Discovery finishes a ride that was good for third place.
- Lance Armstrong waves from the Discovery team car.
- Euskaltel-Euskadi - not the world's best team time trial squad.
- Gerolsteiner lost the leader jersey
- Gerolsteiner leans into a curve
- Gerolsteiner finishes in fifth place
- Team CSC celebrates its team TT win.
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) celebrates. UCI president Pat McQuaid looks like he'd prefer to be looking at a podium girl...
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) still grinning as he is congratulated by the podium girls.
Stage 4 - Tuesday, May 9: Wanze - Hotton, 182 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) rides in the maglia rosa
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner)
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) with Gibo Simoni on his wheel
- The peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- A long peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) enjoying the race track
- The peloton rides during stage 4
- The peloton in the countryside
- Matthias Russ working hard
- The Gerolsteiner train worked to protect the maglia rosa
- Rebellin and Schumacher
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) is also well placed on GC
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) marked by Jose Rujano (Selle Italia)
- Gerolsteiner keeping Schumacher protected
- Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner) leads the bunch on a descent
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) next to Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step)
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) on a descent
- Cheering on the Giro
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in the peloton
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rides next to Damiano Cunego
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) looking good
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) tailed by Lombardi and Basso
- Gerolsteiner and CSC on the front
- Ivan Basso (CSC) in the action
- Di Luca and Basso ride close to each other
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins stage 4
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage from Paolo Bettini
- Davitamon-Lotto scores its second win with McEwen
- Yeah
- Post-stage grin from Robbie
- Robbie McEwen on the podium
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is a happy man
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) salutes from the podium
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) does it for the second time
- Another maglia rosa for Schumi
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) gets a kiss on the podium
Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com
- Lance Armstrong visited the Giro today
- Lance Armstrong poses with Paolo Savoldelli
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) enjoys pink
- Gerolsteiner chasing on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- The Giro on the Francorchamps race track
- The Giro on the Francorchamps race track
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) in the peloton
- Grischa Niermann (Rabobank) on the front of the break
- Gerolsteiner chasing
- Jussi Veikkanen (FDJ) near the front
- Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel) leads on a descent
- Matt White (Discovery Channel)
- The peloton ascends another climb
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage from Paolo Bettini
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) with the spray
Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com
- Music was afoot in Wanze this morning, creating a fun vibe for the start of the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia in Belgium.
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) has a reasonably free role to play in this Giro, the Stage 11 time trial in Pontedera one of his big targets.
- Graeme Brown (Rabobank) escorting his wife Hayley to the start in Wanze. Can't you afford a car, Brownie?
- Saunier Duval-Prodir's American Aaron Olson loosening his limbs before the start.
Images by Elmar Krings
- The race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- On the track
- The peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- The peloton on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- The five leaders on the race track at Spa-Francorchamps
- Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner) leads the peloton at Francorchamps
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) in the thick of it
- CSC on the front
- Jens Voigt (CSC)
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) enjoying the track
Stage 3 - Monday, May 8: Perwez - Namur, 202 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) in search of an espresso
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) grabs a pre-race coffee
- Ivan Basso (CSC) grins at the start
- Italy meets Belgium in the Giro
- Michele Scarponi (Liberty Seguros) and a fan
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) is wired for sound
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) at the start
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is half a head taller than Jose Rujano
- Rubiera and Savoldelli at the start
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is a happy maglia rosa
- Crowds of fans ready to greet the Giro
- Rolling out for the start
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) a little nervous at the start
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) performs his usual pre-race check
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets a quick wheel change
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets a push from Johan Bruyneel
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) cruises at the back
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) starts to chase after a puncture
- Slava Ekimov has the task in hand
- Regaining the peloton
- Better now
- Chechu Rubiera (Discovery) leading
- The front part of the bunch makes its way up the Citadel of Namur
- The front part of the bunch makes its way up the Citadel of Namur
- Chechu Rubiera (Discovery) makes a break for it
- Chechu Rubiera (Discovery) with a gap
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on the Citadel of Namur
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) leads the charge behind the front riders
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) with Jens Voigt on his wheel
- Mauricio Ardila (Rabobank) with Pellizotti on his wheel
- Di Luca and Gonchar hurting
- Ivan Basso (CSC) navigating the wet cobbles
- Merckx and McGee shoulder to shoulder
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) cruises up, a minute down
- The peloton snakes up the Citadel
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) drives the pace behind Rubiera
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) follows Schumacher
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) wins the stage ahead of Rubiera
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) takes third place
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) at the finish
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) salutes from the podium
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) prepares the cork
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) on the podium in pink
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) now in pink
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) smiles in pink
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) gets a kiss
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) signs some autograps
- Manuele Mori (Saunier Duval) and son
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looking better
- Who is that Merckx'd man?
- Moises Aldape Chavez (Panaria) on the attack
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets a push from Johan Bruyneel
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) rolls across the line, knee bleeding
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) surrounded by teammates after his crash
- The Giro in Wallonia
- On the bike stretching
- The Giro in all its colour
- The breakaway led by Moises Aldape Chavez
- Bettini makes it look easy but it's not
- Alberto Loddo (Selle Italia) and Paolo Bettini duke it out on the Citadel
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) with Rubiera on his wheel
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) at the Giro
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) on a wet day
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) in the maglia rosa
Images by Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com
- Ivan Basso (CSC) exudes his typically quiet confidence.
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) in a pensive mood before the start in Perwez.
- Riders gather at the start line in the sleepy village of Perwez.
Images by Les Clarke/Cyclingnews.com
- Garden gnomes are dear to the hearts of Cyclingnews staff, and were in abundance at today's start in Perwez.
Images by Giorgio Masnikosa/members.chello.se/giorgio.masnikosa
- Jussi Veikkanen's final adjustments
- Popular guy Alessandro Petacchi
- Damiano Cunego
- Cool: Sandy Casar
- Maglia rosa Paolo Savoldelli
- Mr Discovery's Ekimov
- Maglia blu Brad McGee
- Arnaud Gerard grabs the bag
- Gustav Larsson is hungry
- At home at last!
- Faces of pain 1: Jussi Veikkanen
- Faces of pain 2: Arnaud Gerard
- Faces of pain 3: Gustav Larsson
- Faces of pain 4: Cyrille Monnerais
- Faces of pain 5: Robbie McEwen
- Faces of pain 6: Nicholas Vogondy
- Faces of pain 7: Serge Baguet
- How did I do that?
Stage 2 - Sunday, May 7: Mons - Charleroi/Marcinelle, 203 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- It got pretty busy at sign on in Mons
- Lampre-Fondital signs on
- The sign on in Mons was wet
- Birthday boy Paolo Savoldelli looks around for a podium girl…
- Watch where you're putting that euphonium, hear?
- Keeping the crowd entertained at the finish in Charleroi was not easy, as this brass band proved
- Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) leads his breakaway companions
- The peloton en route to Marcinelle
- The concentration is evident
- The peloton during stage 2
- Discovery Channel protected Savoldelli
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) enjoying his day in pink
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel)
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) behind Jose Luis Rubiera
- Ivan Basso (CSC) with Giovanni Lombardi by his side
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) nestled in the peloton
- Davitamon, Milram and Discovery set the tempo
- Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) rides away from his companions
- Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) went solo
- Benat Albizuri (Euskaltel) and Gabriele Missaglia (Selle Italia) towards the end
- Benat Albizuri (Euskaltel) leads Missaglia
- Jens Voigt (CSC) in the firing line
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) prepares to put his hands up
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) beats Pollack and Bettini to win stage 2
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage into Marcinelle
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins the stage into Marcinelle
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) celebrates
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) pulled it off
- McEwen is congratulated by Preben Van Hecke
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) on the podium with son Ewan
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) salutes with his trophies
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) grins on the podium
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) has done this before
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) likes the taste
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) lets loose
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) with a pink grin
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) pulls on the pink jersey
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets another kiss
- You wouldn't spray us with that bottle, would you?
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is the best climber
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) was awarded the blue points jersey
Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com
- The bunch comes along in their rain jackets
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) says bleargh
- Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) loves the wet
- Benat Albizuri (Euskaltel) was one of the four men who animated the stage
- Matthew White (Discovery) enjoying the rain
- Nice church!
- The peloton rolling along
- A diversion
- Jens Voigt (CSC) keeping an eye on things
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) in a rain jacket
- Benat Albizuri leads the break
- Davitamon and Milram controlling it
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) wins in Marcinelle
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) and son Ewan
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) with a podium shower
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on the podium in pink
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Instilling it early
- Past the Place de L’Eglise in Merbes-le-Château
- Here comes the Giro!
- Ivan Basso (CSC) rides next to Paolo Savoldelli
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is the champ
- McEwen and Ewan on the podium
Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com
- Today's press centre in Marcinelle was a grave for 262 miners in the disaster of 1956
- It's all about style in the Giro d'Italia
- Graeme Brown (Rabobank) just managed a top ten spot
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) was fourth yesterday and came in eleventh today
- Christian Moreni (Cofidis) looks like he needs to apologise for a sprinting manoeuvre
Images by Giorgio Masnikosa/members.chello.se/giorgio.masnikosa
- Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) gets wet
- And so does Gilberto Simoni
- Italian fans in Belgium
- The train stops Mikael Delage (Francaise des Jeux)
- Le bidon
- Le peloton
- It's a long way
- Popular Frenchman
- Popular Belgian
Stage 1 - Saturday, May 6: Seraing (Belgium) ITT, 6.2 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Luc Claessen/www.ctm-images.com
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) rockets to a win
- Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) almost won himself another prologue
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) in action
- Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) posted the 12th best time
- Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne) wasn't quite at his best
- Jens Voigt (CSC) goes all out
- Ivan Basso (CSC) rounds the last corner
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) rode well today
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) was a respectable 16th
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) brakes hard
- Marc Wauters (Rabobank) Belgian time trial champion
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) guides it home
- Ivan Parra (Cofidis)
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is beset by gifts
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) salutes the crowd in the maglia rosa
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) drenches a podium girl in Italian sparkling wine
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- The RAI journalists
- Andrea Bartali and Faustino Coppi
- Angelo Zomegnan (Giro boss) with his Tour counterpart Christian Prudhomme
- Cannavo and Biondi and some witches?
- Andrea Bartali, the director of La Gazzetta and Faustino Coppi
- The Giro d'Italia is go! Frantisek Rabon is the first rider off
- Savio and Lefevere both have a vested interest in Jose Rujano
- The McEwen family
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) prepares for the start
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) stays hydrated
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) straps on the gear
- Der Jan is go
- Bobby Julich (CSC) takes a pre-race swig
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) in his favourite discipline
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) is ready
- Ivan Basso (CSC) gazes ahead
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) looking focused at the start
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) sets off
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) heads for home
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) finishes off
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on the podium
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) salutes the crowd in the maglia rosa
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) in pink as the first leader
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) gets the Frascati happening
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) back in pink
- Emanuele Sella (Panaria)
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) got it over and done with
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) was 80th, and still has a long way to go
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) lifted in front of a home crowd
- Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) in the Italian TT champ's colours
- Serguei Gonchar (T-Mobile) punishes himself for 5th
- Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) held the fastest time for a while
- Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) was eighth
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) heads for the corner
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) ended 9th today
- Jose Rujano (Selle Italia) isn't really a time trial specialist
- Jose E. Gutierrez (Phonak) rode to a fine third place
- Bradley McGee (Francaise des Jeux) storms home with the new best time
- Marc Wauters (Rabobank) finished in the top 20
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) lost some time on the descent
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) getting it over with
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) doing his least favourite discipline
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) trying to stay in contention for the pink
- Ivan Basso (CSC) cranking it up
Images by Les Clarke/Cyclingnews.com
- Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) cracks a smile after the stage
- Jens Voigt (CSC) put in a big effort on the tough course
- Mauricio Ardila (Rabobank) finished the day a long way down the standings
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) is satisfied with his time trial performance
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) looks a bit spent after finishing 10th
- Thankyou very much! Paolo Savoldelli was a popular stage 1 winner
- That's tops says Paolo Savoldelli after winning stage 1
- Paolo Savoldelli hoists his stage winner's trophy high
- Paolo Savoldelli salutes from the podium after winning stage 1
- Time to spray the podium girls for Paolo Savoldelli
- Paolo Savoldelli gets a kiss on the podium after winning stage 1
- Paolo Savoldelli tries the first maglia rosa of the 2006 Giro on for size
- Paolo in pink on the first day of the Giro - and he loved it!
Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com
- Belgian Rik Verbrugghe was disappointed about his performance
- Stefan Schumacher surprised everybody with a great result
- Mauricio Ardila will be aiming for the last week of this Giro
- Paolo Bettini was exhausted at the finish
- Jose Enrique Gutierrez Cataluna was fastest at the line, but McGee and Savoldelli beat him shortly afterwards
- Belgian time trial champion Marc Wauters didn't perform very well
- Ivan Basso (CSC) had a solid time trial
- 'Il Falco' won the prologue in Romandy, today he won the first stage in the Giro d'Italia
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Giro d'Italia podium set up
- The cool kids on the sidelines
- Waving the Italian flag in Belgium
- Not a good start
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) on his way to 10th place.
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval-Prodir)
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) on his way to a win
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) takes the first win of the Giro
- The podium girl gets a little champagne
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) dons the Maglia Rosa
Images by Giorgio Masnikosa/members.chello.se/giorgio.masnikosa
- Giovanni Lombardi
- Youngest at Giro Mikael Dalage
- Bradley McGee
- Ready to go
- Basso and Riis
- Alessandro Petacchi
- Ooops, who was that?
- Ivan Basso
- Eddy Merckx?
- Everybody's Jan
- Bobby Julich
- Pollack kisses his daughter before the start
- Il.jpg Grillo with RAI
- Paolo Bettini
- Danilo Di Luca
- Damiano Cunego
- Brad McGee
Stage 1 - Saturday, May 6: Seraing - Seraing ITT, 6.2 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com
- Simoni and friends warming up
- the not-so-beautiful surroundings of Seraing
- Dario Andriotto going through one of the few corners
- Emanuele Sella giving all he can
- Discovery veteran Ekimov powering around in Seraing
- Paolo Fornaciari looking happy before the time trial
- Inigo Chaurreau is still looking for his best form
- Jörg Ludewig stretching out before his start
- Addy Engels gets ready
- Patrice Halgand was concentrated
- CN talking to Matthew Hayman
- Mathew Hayman was looking relaxed
- Jonathan McCarty looked eager for a good time trial
- Belgian legend Johan Museeuw was spotted on the track
- Leonardo Scarselli heading for the start
Team presentation, Liege, Belgium, May 4, 2006
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Ivan Basso (CSC) is challenger number one this year
- Ivan Basso (CSC) greets Paolo Savoldelli
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) between two Giri
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is looking forward to the challenge
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) is here
- Gonchar and Ullrich are two of T-Mobile's most experienced riders
- Liquigas-Bianchi on stage, in front of an estimated crowd
- Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) enjoying the atmos
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) comes up to the stage
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) is ready for action
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) likes the Italian flag over there
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) rolls up
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) looking tres debonair
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel)
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) with former winner Felice Gimondi
- Ekimov (l) is still clearly enjoying life as a pro
- Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) and Ivan Basso greet each other
- Discovery Channel on stage
- Gilberto Simoni (Saunier Duval) going for a third Giro win
- Saunier Duval can be spotted in a crowd
- Lampre-Fondital
- Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Fondital) : the kid is back
- Basso and Cunego say ciao
- Team CSC on stage
- Ivan Basso (CSC) knows it will be a tough race
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) troubled?
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looking lean
- Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) waits his turn
- Gently does it for Jan Ullrich
- Der Kaiser wants to try the Giro again
- Serguei Gonchar with Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile)
- T-Mobile standing proud
- T-Mobile on stage
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) in Liege
- Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas)
- Check out the red shoes in Liquigas
- Let's get some music happening
- Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux)
- Philippe Gilbert and Brad McGee (Francaise des Jeux)
- Francaise des Jeux led by Brad McGee
- Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) using the Giro for form gaining
- Rabobank seems to be looking the other way
- Robbbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) is one of the top sprinters
- Davitamon-Lotto will be mainly behind McEwen
- Jose Rujano with his DS Gianni Savio
- The incredible hulk: Jose Rujano (Selle Italia-Serramenti Diquigiovanni)
- Selle Italia-Serramenti Diquigiovanni has its climbing weapon Jose Rujano
- Axel Merckx (Phonak)
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) likes Liege
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) with Victor Hugo Pena
- Axel Merckx (Phonak) greets Felice Gimondi
- Martin Elmiger in the centre for Phonak
- Caisse d'Epargne back in black
- Euskaltel-Euskadi will provide more orange flair
- Cofidis
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) has gone for the black dye
- Gerolsteiner has several potential stage winners
- Credit Agricole on stage
- Bouygues Telecom
- Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) always good for a stage or two
- Quick.Step has a couple of national champions in its ranks
- Quick.Step's national champions: Serge Baguet (Belgium) and Juan Manuel Garate (Spain)
- Liberty Seguros
- Michele Scarponi and Giampaolo Caruso (Liberty Seguros)
- Liberty director Marino Lejaretta with his rider Michele Scarponi
- AG2R Prevoyance on the Liege-sponsored podium
- Mazzanti and Sella are two of Panaria's trump cards
- Ceramica Panaria is one of the wild cards
Pre-race press conferences, Liege, Belgium, May 4, 2006
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) with a young fan
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) looking sharp
- Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) at the pre-race presser
- The two sprinting giants Alessandro Petacchi and Robbie McEwen
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) talks about his chances
- Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) at the pre-race presser
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) speaks at his pre-race press conference
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) in Liege
- Danilo di Luca (Liquigas) wonders what the next three weeks will bring
Damiano Cunego & Lampre recce Plan De Corones, Italy, April 27, 2006
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Damiano Cunego points out the stage's biggest challenge - the 2273m finish at the Plan De Corones
- Cunego and company ride the Passo Delle Erbe. At 1987m above sea level this climb will soften the riders up nicely before the finale.
- The start of the final stretch - the road to Plan De Corones isn't exactly
- The top lift station - it's going to get crowded up here...
- Where's my mountain bike? The ski company plans to improve this road for the stage finish.
- Damiano Cunego hops aboard a snowplough.
- Hmmmm - Damiano Cunego looks thoughtful at the prospect of riding his shiny Wilier up here
- Cunego ponders getting gert big caterpillar tracks fitted to his bike...
- All aboard!
- Damiano Cunego (right) and team-mates take a stroll up the 'road' at the top of Plan De Corones
- Men at work.
- The Lampre boys take the wheel of a plough/grader.
- The easy way to the top - it'll be a bit more taxing on May 24.
- There's still a bit of work to do before the race arrives, but hey, they've got almost a month.
- If the road's not open maybe everyone can just hop in a snowplough...
2006 Giro route launch, November 12, 2005
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by AFP Photo
- The map of the Giro 2006 as presented at the official launch of the 89th Giro d'Italia in Milan, November 12 2005. The Giro will start in Seraing (Belgium) on May 6 and will finish in Milan on May 28 2006.
- The map of the Giro 2006 is seen during the official presentation of the 89th Italian Cycling Tour in Milan 12 November 2005.
- Gilberto Simoni poses in front of the map of the Giro 2006 during the official presentation of the 89th Italian cycling tour in Milan 12 November 2005
- An artist performs in front of the Logo of the Giro 2006 during the official presentation of the 89th Italian cycling tour in Milan 12 November 2005.
- Damiano Cunego (L), Danilo Di Luca and Paride Grillo pose in front of the map of the Giro 2006 during the official presentation of the 89th Italian cycling tour in Milan 12 November 2005.
Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti
- Francesco Moser and Felice Gimondi made an appearance at the Giro presentation
- A few likely-looking lads in Maurizio Fondriest, Francesco Moser, Giuseppe Saronni and Felice Gimondi
- A who's who of the Giro Maurizio Fondriest, Francesco Moser Giuseppe Saronni, Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx and Ercole Baldini
- Danilo Di Luca and Franco Ballerini pose together during the presentation
- Danilo Di Luca and Franco Ballerini have a chat
- Damiano Cunego and partner Margherita enjoy the Giro presentation
- Plenty of mountains in 2006 at the Giro d'Italia
- Italy's hopes rest on their shoulders. Damiano Cunego, Danilo Di Luca, Gilberto Simoni, Paride Grillo and Alessandro Petacchi
- That's where I'm gonna win next year Gilberto Simoni looks forward to finishing in Milan next year
- I found Milan on the map again... (l-r): Cunego, Di Luca, Simoni, Grillo and Petacchi witness a genius at work
- On stage entertainment - Felice Gimondi, RAI commentator Auro Bulbarelli and Eddy Merckx live on stage
- Cycling takes balance and strength...
- Just like gymnastics. But I can't see any other connection...
- Alessandro Petacchi looks ahead to what may be a tough Giro
- Gilberto Simoni and friends... Auro Bulbarelli, Damiano Cunego and Alessandro Petacchi
- A route around Italy
- Ercole Baldini and Giro boss Angelo Zomegnan pose reluctantly for the camera
- Fiorenzo Magni and Ercole Baldini swap some memories
- Eddy Merckx and Amedeo Colombo, head of the Italian Professional Riders' Association
- Former Giro winners Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx and Ercole Baldini enjoy the Giro presentation
- Somebody say something funny, Felice? Gimondi laughs as Ballerini and Merckx share obligatories
- And more famous faces (l-r):Franco Ballerini, Felice Gimondi and Eddy Merckx
- Eddy Merckx and Vuelta boss Victor Cordero having a good ol' chinwag
- Wonder what they're talking about... Eddy Merckx and Christian Prudhomme in Milan
- Hey Paride, that's Dario Cioni's seat! Paride Grillo looks pretty happy to be in Milan for the presentation
- Italian Cycling Fedration boss Renato Di Rocco (l) has a laugh during the presentation
- Mr Mondonico and Michele Bartoli (r) look pretty relaxed at the presentation
- I'm diggin' the white shoes from the band dudes
- There was plenty of interest in what should be a killer 2006 Giro
- Paolo Savoldelli's maglia rosa from this year's Giro is displayed at the Giro presentation
- Ah, it's the boys... Damiano Cunego, Danilo Di Luca, Gilberto Simoni, Paride Grillo and Alessandro Petacchi pose together in front of the route map
- Look mum, I found Milan!
- The Mazda Palace hosted the Giro presentation
- It was a full house for the Giro presentation
