8th Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under - 2.HC

Australia, January 17-22, 2006

Photography

Stage 5 - Sunday, January 22: Adelaide City Council Circuit, 90km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) looking good in ochre
Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) likes Adelaide
Russell Van Hout (Uni SA) has had a great tour
The riders start stage 05
The peloton rounds the top corner
The early breakaway
Davitamon Lotto did their share on the front
Matt Hayman (Uni SA) leads the break
The peloton whisk past the spectators
Ag2r looks after Gerrans like a king
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) in the bunch
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) leads the break which only had three in it
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) surrounded by team mates
With three laps to go Matt Hayman (Uni SA) had been dropped from the break
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto) near the front coming up to the KOM
Davitamon Lotto out the front with one to go
The finish was a close one
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) took the win though
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) on the podium
Luca Paolini (Liquigas) took the most aggressive rider
William Walker (United Water) was the young rider of the tour
Uni SA was the team of the tour
After today's effort, Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) was the sprint champ
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto) won the KOM
Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) was happy with second
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) takes in the applause
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) Champion for 2006
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) lets loose
See you next year guys

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Look mum, no hands!
Jaan Kirsipuu (Credit Agricole) in the thick of it on the final day
Luca Paolini (Liquigas) tries some party tricks on a corner on the final day of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
Matt Hayman (UNI-SA Australia) corners in the leading break
Johan Van Summeren (Davitamon Lotto) leans into a bend at the end of the home straight in Adelaide
The peloton make their way down King William street in the centre of Adelaide for the final day of the Tour
Simon Gerrans (AG2R Prevoyance) talks to media after winning the Tour
David Tanner (United Water) prior to the final day of the Tour in Adelaide
The team from Bouygues Telecom find shelter under a tree before the final day's racing in stifling heat again in Adelaide
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) relaxes before the final stage and will try and get in a few rounds of golf after the Tour is completed at his Australian home on the Gold Coast
Jose Luis Arrieta from Spain (22) and the boys from AG2R Prevoyance have performed strongly to take leader Simon Gerrans to the line in the Tour
Russell Van Hout (UNI-SA Australia) in his SA Lotteries sprint points jersey has the road ahead of him on the final day
The crowd were getting into the action of the Tour on the final day

Images by Rachel Burke/www.maximumattack.biz

This fan had a great vantage point and was all set for the start of Stage 5 of the 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under.
Carlos Barredo and Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) discuss tactics prior to the race start.
Russell Van Hout looked decidedly relaxed before the race.
A Liquigas rider deep in thought, or praying for cooler weather?
Preparing to face the harsh conditions.
Aussies lead the field out - Will Walker (United Water), Russell Van Hout (UniSA), Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto), Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) and Simon Gerrans (AG2R - Prevoyance).
A couple of Davitamon-Lotto riders mix it up with the AG2R - Prevoyance team.
St Peter's Cathedral in North Adelaide made a lovely backdrop.
The AG2R - Prevoyance team stuck together for the entire race, protecting Simon Gerrans.
Braving the heat and flying the flag, supporters of Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole).
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) was in fantastic form during every stage this year.
Riders still had enough in the tank for a sprint to the finish on the last stage of the 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under.
Down to the wire - it really was a photo finish!
Allan Davis receives a well deserved pat on the back from a Liberty Seguros team mate.
Final relief from scorching temperatures for Dimitri De Fauw (Chocolade Jacques) after the finish.
Rubbing the sweat from his eyes, Russell Van Hout (UniSA).
Overall 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under champion Simon Gerrans (Aus) AG2R Prevoyance.
Stage 5 winner, Allan Davis takes time out from post-race interviews to re-hydrate.
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) had many local fans, and kindly thanked them by donating his autographed race number to a young spectator.
Inaugural recipient of the Amy Gillett Trophy, Jenny MacPherson.
Local UniSA rider Gene Bates.
Young gun Will Walker again took out the Share the Road U23 rider jersey in Stage 5.
Stage 5 winner, Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros-Würth) displays his trophy.
King of the Mountain, Cadel Evans.
Victors of the 2006 Tour Down Under, the UniSA team.
Donning the leader's ochre jersey once again.
Let the champagne flow!
Luca Paolini (Liquigas-Bianchi) mastered the champagne spray to reach the crowds of spectators at the presentation podium.
Sharing a drink with the crowd.
Chaotic celebrations on the podium!
Simon Gerrans with an impressive magnum of Jacob's Creek champagne.
KOM champion, Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) enjoys some of the major sponsors product.
Simon Gerrans cools off with some celebratory champers!

Stage 4 - Saturday, January 21: Willunga - Willunga, 147km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) signs on
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto) in the sign on area
Mauro Da Dalto (Liquigas) signs on, on a hot morning
David Tanner (United Water) limbers up
The early break at the end of lap one
Russel Van Hout (Uni SA) was after a good ride today
The chasers were a couple of minutes down
Paul Crake (Uni SA) has impressed this week
The main group with Ag2r out in front again
The leaders still had a good gap after lap 2
Ag2r were taking care of Simon Gerrans today
plenty of umbrellas today, but no sign of rain
The promo girls will smile in any heat
Spectators await the riders
There was a fair crowd today despite the heat
The crown at the top of the hill
Russel Van Hout (Uni SA) leads Paul Crake (Uni SA) to the top first
The remains of the break near the top of the hill
William Walker (United Walker) leads Gene Bates (Uni SA)
Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) had a go to break from Gerrans
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) wasn’t far of Sanchez at the summit
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) put in a big effort and it paid off, retaining the leaders jersey
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) and team mate Cadel Evans rode up together
Wes Sulzberger (United Water) during the climb
The police got into the action
Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) makes his way to the summit
Here mate have a drink
Henk Vogels (Davitamon Lotto) and Robert McLachlan (Uni SA) on the climb
Sean Sullivan (Uni SA) gets some refreshment
Riders cross the KOM line

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Cadel Evans (L) of the Davitamon Lotto team, looking cool in the heat of the Tour Down Under
Everyone was ducking down to Willunga to see the Tour Down Under!
The Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under goes all around the world to cycling fans
Some of the leading group of riders make their way along Aldinga beach during stage four
Feel like a dip?
The team from Ag2r keeps watch for tour leader Simon Gerrans on the front of the peloton at Aldinga beach
Davitamon Lotto crew member Stephan hands a feed-bag to Mario Aerts in Willunga
Tour leader Simon Gerrans (Ag2r Prevoyance) safely in the peloton during stage four
The lead group leave Aldinga beach and head for the climb out of Willunga
The leading group make their way towards Willunga before the KOM climb out of the town
Paul Crake (L) and his UniSA teammate Russell Van Hout (R), make their move on the climb out of Willunga
Russell Van Hout and Paul Crake both of the UNI-SA team descend towards Willunga with a twenty second gap on four chasing riders with five kms to go
Russell Van Hout (R) shares a great stage victory with team-mate Paul Crake after the pair broke clear on the climb out of Willunga 20 km from the finish
Van Hout cools down after his winning ride in forty degree heat in the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) is offered some ice to cool down after an exhausting stage of the Tour Down Under
Australian sprinting ace Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) cools down after suffering like all others in a tortuous day of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
South Australian hero Russell Van Hout (UNI-SA) on the podium a stage winner of the 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
One day to go for Tour leader Simon Gerrans before he can claim total rights to the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under winner's ochre jersey

Images by Rachel Burke/www.maximumattack.biz

Everyone wanted to get close to the riders.
A Chocolade Jacques rider leading the bunch on lap 1 of stage 4 of the 2006 Tour Down Under at Snapper Point, Aldinga.
Checking the gap, one of the Liquigas riders keeps an eye on the bunch.
Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) up front in the chasing bunch at Snapper Point, Aldinga.
Braving the searing heat, the Laubman and Pank promo girls were welcomed by spectators at the KOM giving out hats.
No mistaking the location, Old Willunga Hill played host to the King of the Mountain in stage 4 of the Tour Down Under.
A family friendly event, many spectators lined the road ready to cheer on the brave souls climbing the mountain.
Umbrellas were the saving grace in today's heat, and came in all shapes and sizes.
The crowd favourite was obvious at the KOM today.
Laubman and Pank marked the KOM, and have been a long-time sponsor of the TDU.
Russell Van Hout (UniSA) won today's KOM at Willunga.
Cool water, a welcome relief shared between rivals.
Jonathon Clarke (SouthAustralia-ais.com) cools off.
A Navigators rider refills his drink bottle with water from a generous spectator.

Images by Some Bloke/www.webaddress.com

Sean Sullivan (UniSA) also cools off with some water donated by a spectator.
Although a late arrival, the She-Devil made a return to the KOM this year just in time to encourage the riders up the hill.

Stage 3 - Friday, January 20: Strathalbyn - Yankalilla, 154km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

Glen Chadwick (Navigators Insurance) says cheese at the start
Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) refreshes his sunglasses in the morning heat
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto) on a descent near Mt Compass
The peloton followed 3 minutes later
Serge Pauwels (Chocolade Jacques) attacked first on the KOM
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) had a go
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto) eventually took out the climb though
The peloton rode under hot skies today
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) attacked at the 105km mark
Mathew Hayman (Uni SA) joined Barredo
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) lost his chain and Hayman kept going
Mathew Hayman (Uni SA) rode well today
The bunch all back together again
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto)
Alexandre Botcharov (Credit Agricole) leads the group
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) made the decisive move with around 10 km to go
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) on the home run
The others had no answer to Barredo
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) heading for a win
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) crosses the line in Yankalilla
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) up on stage
Carlos Barredo (Liberty Seguros) was also awarded the most aggressive today
William Walker (United Water) Still in the young riders jersey
Daniel Becke (Milram) received the sprinters jersey
Cadel Evans (Davitamon Lotto) the new KOM leader
The podium girls had to put up with a lot in the heat today
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) still the leader and still smiling

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Tour leader Simon Gerrans (L) has all his team of Ag2r Prevoyance ahead of him at the front of the peloton
Hay! Here comes the peloton
The Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under village is situated right in front of the Tour's accommodation centre, the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide
Let's go shopping with Liquigas!
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) signs a green jersey for commentator Paul Sherwen
Tour Chief Commissaire, Michael Robb (R) from Ireland and his assistant Martin Bruin from Holland in Strathalbyn for the start of stage three
The voices of world cycling, Phil Liggett (L) and Paul Sherwen in Australia for the 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
The leaders contest a SA Lotteries intermediate sprint point at Pt.Elliot during stage three
It's the hottest Tour on record, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees consistently during the race spectators are bringing out the brollys for shade
The boy's from Liberty Seguros find shelter at the front of a house in Yankalilla after the finish to stage three
William Walker on the podium in his Share the Road best young rider's jersey
Ok, who wants the flowers?

Stage 2 - Thursday, January 19: Stirling - Hahndorf, 146km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

It was a carnival atmosphere in Stirling thismorning
William Walker (United Water) signs on
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) with some fans
The riders take off on a hot morning
The peloton pass through Woodside
The main break of the day
Ag2r took control of the peloton
The break had no time to look at the views
Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r) gets some refreshment
Ag2r stayed out front of the main group all day
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) leading the break through Handorf
Paul Crake (Uni SA) made his move with about 35km to go
Paul Crake (Uni SA) was joined by Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) soon after
Hilton Clarke (Navigators Insurance) got all hot and bothered
Jens Renders (Chocolade Jacques) feeling the heat
The two breakaways head for the finish together
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) takes the win in front of a large crowd
Behind the scenes at the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) prepares to go on stage
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) enjoys the spoils of winning
Paul Crake (Uni SA) was the most aggressive rider today
William Walker (United Water) still in the young riders jersey
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) in the sprint jersey
Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r) throws his hat into the crowd after receiving his KOM jersey
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) a crowd favourite and still the leader
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) checks out the leaders jersey

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Jaan Kirsipuu (Credit Agricole) from Estonia, has ridden in every Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under held, along with Aussie Alan Davis
Gene Bates (UNI SA-Australia) is running out of room and tries to move Sergey Lagutin (Navigators Insurance) out of the way on a KOM climb at Echunga
Sergey Lagutin (Navigators Insurance) throws a punch at Aussie Gene Bates (UNI SA-Australia) after Bates had tried to find a pathway through
People and riders everywhere on the Laubman and Pank KOM at Echunga
The peloton climbing in the hills surrounding Adelaide on day two of the tour
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) from Norway, takes on plenty of drinks as more riders call for them in the heat on day two
2005 winner Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) from Spain grabs a drink from the team car
Daniele Colli (Liquigas) from Italy enjoys a tart on the Tour Down Under
Luca Paolini (Liquigas) from Italy, one of the International star riders in this year’s Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under

Stage 1 - Wednesday, January 18: Mawson Lakes - Angaston, 148km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

Ben Brooks (Navigators Insurance) in the sign on area
Shaun Higgerson (South Australia.com/AIS) shows of his new kit
William Walker (United Water) enjoying a higher profile these days
The Liquigas boys enjoy a café before the commencement of today's stage
The early break included Robert McLachlan (Uni SA) and Shaun Higgerson (SouthAustralia.com/AIS)
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) leading the bunch
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) won the intermediate sprint into Nuriootpa
A four man break formed with the final winner coming from them
The chasers make their way through the picturesque South Australian scenery
Mitch Docker (United Water) was a bit shell shocked after a stack but went on to complete the race
Russell Van Hout (UniSA) appreciating his jersey and putting in a big effort
William Walker (United Water) leads Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto)
The Milram team put in a big effort to bridge the gap but was unsuccessful
The break including (L/R) Simon Gerrans (Ag2r), William Walker (United Water), Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros), and Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) with 10 km to go
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) makes his move with 4km to go
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) is in good form
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) takes the win just ahead of Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros)
A long hot day in the saddle finally over
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) makes his way to the podium
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) feeling good
Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) in the most aggressive jersey
William Walker (United Water) gets a kiss but is already thinking of tomorrow
KOM jersey winner Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r)
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) in the new leaders jersey

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Josh Wilson (United Water) from Tasmania takes on a caffeine fix prior to the start of stage one
Riders can reach for the sky during the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under
Daniele Colli (Liquigas) in the thick of it during stage one
A Bouygues Telecom rider finds some work for the team mechanic just past the first Laubman Pank King of the Mountains point
Cyril Dessel (Ag2r Prevoyance) at the 2006 Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under
The peloton had given up the chase on the leaders and could take in some of the South Australian scenery
Laubman Pank King of the Mountain jersey leader, Samuel Dumoulin from France, is a little unsure about the podium kiss
Tour leader Simon Gerrans (Ag2r Prevoyance) shares a joke with Tour commentator Jim Jakes, and shows some battle scars to go with it

Prologue - Tuesday, January 17: Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic, 50km

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) naturally strong
Liquigas-Bianchi against a warm Adelaide sun
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) signs on
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) concentrating as the peloton round a bend
The VIPs get the best vantage points
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) leads an early break
Mark Renshaw (Credit Agricole) was in the action thie evening
Vincent Jerome (Bouygues Telecom) had a go but it didn’t last long and was swallowed up
The East End a nice place for a ride
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r) one of the TDU favourites in a small break
Liberty Seguros worked as a team to bring the break together with 3 laps to go
The peloton under the finish line with 2 laps to go
The pace was on with 1 lap to go
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) was too strong
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) loving the attention
One of the best seats in the house
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) is looking good for the next week's racing
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto) loving Adelaide

Images by Rachel Burke/www.maximumattack.biz

Flying the flag in support of Australian cycling, major sponsor, Jacobs Creek.
This year sees the introduction of the ochre Leader's jersey.
Promotional vehicles add to the colour and spectacle of this year's Tour Down Under.
Last year's winner, Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros) signs-on before today's Tour Down Under Classic.
The streets (and every vantage point) along the circuit were jam packed with a crowd eager to witness the magic of the Tour Down Under.
The riders watched on as the South Australian Pipes and Drums band played the national anthem before the race.
A young fan preparing himself for the race start with a promotional whistle, decked with an SA Lotteries cap.
Fans line the stage getting themselves ready to cheer as the race begins!
The looks on the spectators faces say it all! A nasty crash involving Rony Martias (Bouygues Telecom) and Matthew Hayman (UniSA).
A champion of the future? Robbie McEwan's nephew, Zac, on his dad's shoulders.

Team presentation - January 16, 2006

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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph

A large crowd turned out for the team presentation
Minister for tourism Jane Lomax Smith spoke before the teams came out
The promo girls say g’day...
The United Water team will be out to do big things this week
UniSA stand a good chance of performing well this week
South Australia.com-AIS showcase some of Australia's best young riders
The Navigators Insurance boys have brought a strong squad to Australia
Chocolade Jacques-T Interim will make their first appearance down under
Bouygues Telecom are another first-time visitor to Australia
Liquigas-Bianchi make their way on stage
Liquigas-Bianchi received a big reception from the audience
Team Milram will make their debut in South Australia
Davitamon Lotto will have five Aussies riding in Australia
Ag2r-Prevoyance are another popular squad in Australia
Credit Agricole have plenty of firepower in Adelaide
Liberty Seguros-Wurth have the reigning champion in their ranks
Girls girls girls...
The teams were presented in Adelaide