Tour of Qinghai Lake - 2.HC

China, July 15-23, 2006

Photography

Stage 9 - July 23: XN Circuit Race, 84km

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

the riders wait for the starting gun
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) thinks about what he has to do
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) looking relaxed at the start
The fans were out in force today
the break in action
the peloton spread out lead by Canada at this point
The pace was on today
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) in the peloton
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) on his way to winning the tour
With one lap to go the pace was really on to catch the break
Bogdan Bondrev (Intel-Action) held everyone off, for his second win this tour
Thousands of people were out today
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) makes his way through the crowd for the presentation
The police hold the large crowd back
Keeping an eye on the huge crowd
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) talks to the media
No, the applause goes out to you girls
Bogdan Bondrev (Intel-Action) on the podium
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) wins the Asia rider category
Garcia-Casarrubi (Relax-Gam) is the KOM champion
Nacor Rojo (Relax-Gam) finished in the green jersey
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) is this years overall champion

Stage 8 - July 22: Menyuan - Huzhu, 166km

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

The band kids enjoying the festivities
Good one Bryan Smith (TIAA-CREF)
Tim Duggan (TIAA-CREF) and Greg Reain (Canada) made a break early on
The two brek aways pass some nice scenery
The peloton in more beautiful country
The main bunch going up a small rise
DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed were in front until the climb
The small lead group at the start of the climb
The switch backs made more good viewing
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) was still in sight of the lead group
Alexander Dyachenko (Capec) leads a group of three that broke free of the leaders
Martinez Castillo (Relax-Gam) listens in for instructions
The lead group approach the summit
Martinez Castillo (Relax-Gam) leading at the base of the descent
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) working hard no to loose too much time
Martinez Castillo (Relax-Gam) takes a great win
Good work boys, Team manager Jesus Cueva congratulates his boys
Michael Creed (TIAA-CREF) had a big day
Once again there was a big crowd for the finish
Martinez Castillo (Relax-Gam) on the podium
Champagne for everyone
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) looks set to win the tour tomorow

Stage 7 - July 21: Xining - Menyuan, 151km

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

the early break make their move
The peloton swoosh along on the wet road
the intermediate sprint was easily won by David McCann (Giant Asia)
Riding in scenic surroundings, pity its raining
The break lead by David MCCann (Giant Asia)
The face says it all
The peloton approaching the climb
Darren Lill (South Africa) is the first to attack on the climb
An overview of the lower slopes
Darren Lill (South Africa) working out front
Darren Lill (South Africa) was looking strong half way through the climb
The eyes have it
Darren Lill (South Africa) was caught by Ghader Mizbani (Giant Asia) and Jose Valero (Relax-Gam) near the top
Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) had a speedy descent and was in the lead at the base of the mountain
Big crowds again lined the streets in every town and village
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) in the front group with only Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) ahead
Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) working hard with 15km to go
the final sprint
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) wins his first stage of the tour
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) stoked with his win
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) after the race
BILL Clinch and Edward talk the crowd through the presentation
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) cleaned up for the podium

Stage 6 - July 20: Xining - Minhe - Xining, 208km

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

DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed looking flash in their kit
Marcin Osinski (Intel-Action) tries to shack things up early on in the piece
Dean Downing (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) initiates the break after several attempts
Riders enter a tunnel
The peleton all intact except for the six break aways
The peleton ride past a town
Liquigas stayed close together
The six man break take a corner
Large crowds as usual were on hand to see the action
The peloton ride through some Chinese country side
Baoqing Song (China) and Alexey Shmidt (Omnibike Dinamo) attempt to bridge the gap to the break
FRF Couries-Caravello team mates Peter Herzig and Tony Mann also make the attempt to reach the leaders
The lead group with 50km to go had around four minutes on the peloton
Kui Song (Merida) has a fall, part one
part two…
part three…
being run over by a car now that’s gotta hurt
part five.
And he's not praying, or maybe he is?
The wreck being pulled out of the gutter
With 25km to go the peloton were in full swing
Bogdan Bondrev (Intel-Action) takes the win
Dean Downing (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) is glad todays over
Bogdan Bondrev (Intel-Action) is also glad that today is over
Rhys Pollock (Marco Polo) totally exhausted
The yellow (well maybe dirt) jersey after the finish
The FRF Couriers-Caravello boys talk about what just happened
That’s better a fresh yellow jersey for Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano)

Stage 5 - July 19: Guide - Xining, 114km

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

DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed boys relax before todays stage
The peleton rode through some interesting terrain thismorning
More nice scenery
Skil-Shimano rode on the front before hitting the hills
A massive backdrop
The peleton in some unique surroundings
Alexey Bauer (Omnibike Dynamo Moscow) instigated the first attack at the base of the climb
Nine other riders also joined him
Spectators await the riders
Young and old came to see the bikes
David McCann (Giant Asia) leading as the road ascended
The lead group passing some crops
The yellow jersey trying hard to keep in touch
Daniel Spence (South Africa) has a go in front
The yellow jersey group pass some interesting rock formations
The weather boys doing a good job
Oscar Pintor (Relax-Gam) and Alexandr Dyachenko (Capek) make the break near the top
Thomas Rabou (Marco Polo) gave his all on the climb
David McCann (Giant Asia) working hard to keep in touch with the leaders
One could say it was foggy on the descent
The two leaders below the fog
Skiba Sebastian (Intel-Action) shows his skills
Back on the flat and 25km to go
With 20km to go Thomas Rabou (Marco Polo) and David McCann (Giant Asia) break free
David McCann (Giant Asia) takes the win
Haijun Ma (China Marida) Stoked with third place
David McCann (Giant Asia) with the spoils of winning
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) still in the black Asian rider leader
Oscar Pintor (Relax-Gam) in the KOM jersey
Nacor Rojo (Relax-Gam) the sprinter leader
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano holds on to the yellow jersey

Stage 4 - July 18: Qinghai Lake Hotel - Guide, 164km

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

Bill Clinch from Australia interviews Tobias Erler before the stage start
Giant Asia controlled the front of the race up to the climb
The ever friendly locals give us a wave
The riders approach the climb
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) pushes the pace
Ma Haijun (China Marida) leads a group up the climb
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) sits in the bunch as the sun comes out
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) in front again
Near the top the five leaders all look at each other for someone to lead
The peloton approaches 3880m
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) leading a small group on the roof of the world
The winding descent in the valley below
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) on the descent
Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) and Alexander Dyachenko (Capec) on the charge with 20km to go
Maarten Tjallingii (Ski-Shimano) went it alone but was caught by Lloyd and Dyachenko
Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) and Maarten Tjallingii (Ski-Shimano) 10km from home and amongst some interesting surroundings
The two leaders sprint it out in front of a large crowd
Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) wins in fine form
Leigh Palmer (DFL-Cyclingnews) looked a bit worse for wear after the stage
Jos Harms (Löwik Meubelen) seemed happy after a hard day at the office
Daniel Lloyd (Giant Asia) on the podium
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) with the money shot

Stage 3 - July 17: Xihaizhen - Qinghai Lake Hotel, 147km

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

The China Merida Team were ready to go this morning
FRF Couriers-Caravello lead the bunch near the first intermediate sprint
The peloton in the usual scenic surroundings
The peloton chasing down early breaks
The public enjoying every bit of this race
Attacking instincts kicked in at the base of the climb
Daniel Spence (South Africa) and Alexander Dyachenko (Capec) rode out front together up the climb
The peloton makes its way up the climb
Krzysztof Miara (Intel-Action) was stuck in no-man's land
Askari Hossein (Giant Asia Racing) and Oscar Pintor (Relax-Gam) attacked the main group to chase down the leaders
Alexander Dyachenko (Capec) and Daniel Spence (South Africa) reach the top together
The views from the top
After the top it was time to work if they were to catch the leaders
On a small descent
Maarten Tjallingii (Skil-Shimano) working in front to try and retain the yellow jersey in his team
They rode through some barren country in the last part of the stage
Jean Noel Wolf (Marco Polo) with some extra water
Darren Lill (South Africa) and Kenny Van Hummel (Skill-Shimano) had a go with 25km to go
Denys Kostyuk (Intel-Action) won it with a strong sprint
Denys Kostyuk (Intel-Action) elated with his win
Rhys Pollock (Marco Polo) poses with his Trek
Denys Kostyuk (Intel-Action) celebrates in style
Alex Pavlov (South Africa) in the KOM jersey
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia Racing) the new yellow jersey wearer

Stage 2 - July 16: Bird Island - Xihaizhen, 152km

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

The locals at Bird Island dressed up in traditional costume for the start
Team Lowik Meubelen prepare for todays stage
Brendan Brooks (FRF Couriers-Caravello) signs on
If you wear yellow you get to start at the front
The TV plane comes in for a closer look
Peter McDonald(FRF Couriers-Caravello) Attempting to break away
Local kids out on the road pause for a photo opportunity
Go boys
The wind was playing havoc today and the field was split into a few groups
Keeping close to try and save some energy
KOM jersey wearerAskari Hossein (Giant Asia Racing Team) riding in the bunch
The public really come out to watch the race as they pass through there town with 40km to go
Russel Downing (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) puts the hammer down approaching the second last KOM
The peloton starting to come together again
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) looking comfortable on the climb
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) then has chain trouble on the descent…..
But is bought back to the bunch by a trusty team mate
Jasper Lenferink (Lowik Meubelen) and Pichot Alexandre (Bouygues Telecom) make a break with 70 to go
And is soon joined by Alex Pavlov (South Africa)
Giant Asia Racing Team and Skil-Shimano lead the chase
The leading trio with 20km to go
The bunch caught the break with 3km to go, and it was all on
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) does it again just nudging out Cody Stevenson (FRF Couriers-Caravello)
The FRF Couriers-Caravello boys looked happy but tired after the race today
Its tough to find a good vantage spot for the finish
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) lets the champaign fly after two wins in two days
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia) is the best Asian rider
Alex Pavlov (RSA) leads the mountains comp
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) in the sprinters jersey
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) having a great tour so far

Stage 1 - July 15: Qingahi Lake Hotel - Bird Island, 121km

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

The Russians were popular this morning
Part of the opening ceremony
Performance girls wait their turn at the opening ceremony
The large crowds watch the ceremony from in the lake itself
David Mc Cann (Giant) at the sign on area
Nicola Loda (Liquigas) in good spirits before the race
Tony Mann (FRF Couriers- Caravello) put on a brave face despite being struck down with Zining belly
Several attempts for a break happened early on
The bunch ride past the plentiful canola fields
Sergio Marinangeli (Naturino-Sapore Di Mare) made the first real break of the day
The peloton had some amazing scenery today
The break against the back drop of Qinghai Lake
Relax-Gam lead the chase…..
But the break was getting stronger
on a road to somewhere
The lead group on one of the few hills of today
Pierre Drancourt (Bouygues Telecom) leads a threesome on the attack
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia Racing Team)
A Tibetan local came to see what the fuss was all about
Some of the amazing characters of the area
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) takes out today tough 1st stage
Russell Downing (Cyclingnews-Litespeed) gets a cool down after the tough day
Dean Downing (Cyclingnews-Litespeed) gets a sugar boost
Kevin Miller (Canada) happy the stage is over
Hossein Askari (Giant Asia Racing Team) is the leader in the Asia Riders category
Rene Weissinger (Skil-Shimano) stands tall on the winners podium

Team presentation, July 14, 2006

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The army were present at today's opening ceremony
Large crowds greeted the riders
Performers wait back stage
The costumes were bright
Pat McQuaid and wife are present at the race this year
The floating bike the riders were presented on

FRF-Caravello, July 14, 2006

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Peter McDonald gives the thumbs up at Beijing Airport
Group photo as the team board the plane heading for Xining
Air China food
The teams were met at the airport for transfer to the hotel in Xining
Tony Mann is welcomed to Xining
Josh Marden happy to be in town
The Xining Hotel
Joe McDonnell before a training ride
Peter McDonald in good spirits before a training ride
Team Manager Andrew Portess checks out one of the bikes
off on a ride
The happy rollerskate repair man
China, not as backwards as you might think
Team Mechanic Liam Clarey on the job
Liam and Andrew prepare for the teams training ride
Looks like the altitude has got to Cody Stevenson
Cody Stevenson leaving the hotel (no lift)
off on a ride
a leg and a nurse
Equipment for the medical
Brendan Brooks having his medical
Brendan Brooks had to contend with two nurses
Cody Stevenson lying very still
Peter McDonald, and co. check out the results
Tony Mann says peace out man
Checking results