70th Tour de Suisse - PT

Switzerland, June 10-18, 2006

Photography

Stage 9 - June 18: Kerzers - Bern ITT, 30 km

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Images by AFP Photo

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) thunders through the rain to win the final stage time trial in Bern
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) salutes from the podium
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is happy at being on the podium again
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) zips up the leader's jersey that counts
Tour de Suisse winner Jan Ullrich is kissed on the podium
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) with the Tour de Suisse winner's trophy
The final podium: Jorg Jaksche (3rd), Jan Ullrich (1st) and Koldo Gil (2nd)

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

A satisfied Jan Ullrich speaks to the press after his Tour de Suisse win
Ullrich was very happy with his victory, showing as it does that he is on course to reach the Tour de France in top form
Ullrich said he felt fresh and was confident he would get stronger before the Tour start on July 1
Ullrich savours his win

Stage 8 - June 17: Ambri - Ambri, 155 km

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Images by AFP Photo

Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) sucks down another bidon
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) waits for the start of stage 8
Thumbs up but Koldo Gil isn't that confident of holding off the rest tomorrow
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) climbs during stage 8
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) couldn't shake Ullrich today
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) follows the pace in stage 8
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) thinking of tomorrow's TT
William Bonnet (Credit Agricole) on a climb during stage 8
Sebastien Minard (Cofidis) during the eighth stage
Alberto Contador (Wurth) en route to victory
Alberto Contador (Wurth) descending into Ambri
Alberto Contador (Wurth) wins the eighth stage into Ambri
Alberto Contador (Wurth) revels in victory
Alberto Contador (Wurth) gets a podium cheer
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) smiles from the podium.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Jorg Jaksche (Wurth) waits for the start of stage 8
Jorg Jaksche (Wurth) smiling
Erik Zabel (Milram)
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at the start
Alberto Contador (Wurth) comes up to the top
Alberto Contador (Wurth) looks for the top
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) on the front
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) trying to shake the rest
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) on the front
Suffering
Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas)
Jorg Jaksche (Wurth) hammers to the top
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) near the top of the Gotthardpass
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looking good
Frank Schleck (CSC) drives his group
Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) hangs on
Caruso finds it hard
Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) going hard
Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne) comes up to the top
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner)
Giuseppe Guerini (T-Mobile) finding some mountain climbing form
Noice
A group comes up the San Gotthardpass
Laurent Brochard (Bouygues)
Mirko Celestino (Milram) comes up the San Gotthardpass
Mirko Celestino (Milram)
Time for a feed
There's the summit
Climbing the San Gotthardpass
Alex Moos (Phonak) leads Christian Vandevelde
Manuel Beltran (Discovery) over the top of the Gotthardpass
Nearly there
Riders cross the summit of the Gotthardpass
The top of the San Gotthardpass
Alberto Contador (Wurth) wins in Ambri
Alberto Contador (Wurth) celebrates his win
Herrero and Evans cross for second and third
Alex Moos (Phonak) wins the sprint for fourth
Moos leads the Gil group to the finish
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) finishes
Alberto Contador (Wurth) smiles on the podium
Alberto Contador (Wurth) enjoys the moment
Alberto Contador (Wurth) on the podium
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) puts on the jersey
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) likes the fit
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) enjoys the moment

Stage 7 - June 16: St. Moritz - Ascona, 233 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Here comes Oscar
He's got it!
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) frustrates the peloton
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) wins the seventh stage
Oscar can't believe it
Time to celebrate
That hurt but it was worth it
Daniele Bennati (C) won the sprint for second ahead of Zabel (L)
Erik Zabel (L) and Daniele Bennati
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) finished sixth
Race leader Koldo Gil comes in
Laurent Brochard rolls in
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) was in the break, but missed Oscar's move
Giampaolo Caruso (Wurth) comes in ahead of Jose Zubeldia
Giampaolo Caruso (Wurth) and Jose Zubeldia have a chat
Jose Zubeldia (Euskaltel) is not happy
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) is to being finished today
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) after stage 7
Salvatore Commesso (Lampre-Fondital) missed the key move
Frank Schleck (CSC) post stage
Finish line chaos
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) waves from the podium
Oscarito smiles on the podium
A happy Oscar
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) salutes
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) smiles from the podium
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) in the lead again
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval) likes the feel

Stage 6 - June 15: Fiesch - La Punt, 210 km

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Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) emerges in La Punt, victorious.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gives his victory salute in La Punt.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is a happy camper.
Jorg Jaksche (Würth) finishes second, 36 seconds down, with Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) in the distance.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) crosses the line 40 seconds in arrears.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) growing stronger day by day.
Frank Schleck (CSC) leads home the group containing overnight leader Angel Vicioso (Würth).
Giampaolo Caruso (Würth) and Angel Vicioso (Würth) finish 2'09 down on stage winner Gil.
Jorg Jaksche (Würth) knows every second he can get over Ullrich will count in the final time trial.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) licking his lips with thoughts of July.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) spent his last day in yellow today.
Frank Schleck (CSC) is now sixth overall.
Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile Team) did his share of suffering today.
As did Michael Boogerd (Rabobank).
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) boards the podium.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) salutes the crowd.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) dons the maillot jaune.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) likes yellow.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) likes podium girls. Who doesn't?
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) really likes podium girls.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) isn't so sure about the Würth bear.
Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas).
Erik Zabel (Milram) looking very tanned.
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) refuels.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step) plummeted down the leaderboard after today's stage.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) flies up the Albulapass.
Koldo Gil (Saunier Duval-Prodir) climbing like an angel.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) and Jorg Jaksche (Würth) trail Gil on the final climb.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) digs deep on the final climb.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) testing himself before La Grande Boucle.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) looking leaner by the day.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) does his best to shake Jorg Jaksche (Würth) off his wheel.
Jorg Jaksche (Würth) won't go away.
Jose Gomez Marchante (Saunier Duval-Prodir) was dropped by the group with Ullrich and Jaksche.
Simon Gerrans (AG2R) was the best of the early breakaway.
Frank Schleck (CSC) and Angel Vicioso (Würth) do their best to limit their losses on the Albulapass.
Frank Schleck (CSC) leads the groupe maillot jaune.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) digs deep.
Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel).
Michael Boogerd (Rabobank).
Snow still covered some sections of the Albulapass.
Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) was some way off his best today.
The Swiss Alps provided a stunning backdrop.
Sven Montgomery (Gerolsteiner).
The peloton shattered into small groups on the Albulapass.
Laurent Brochard (Bouygues Telecom).
Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas).
The crowds were out in force on the Albulapass.
Who's up for skiing?
The riders miniaturized by the enormity of the Swiss Alps.
Another group on the Albulapass.
Erik Zabel (Milram) with a blank expression.
A fish eye's view.
Spooky.
Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile Team) well inside the hurt bag.
Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile Team).
Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) will need to step up his form in a few weeks' time.
Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) is another steady improver.
A group containing Axel Merckx (Phonak).
On the lower slopes of the Albulapass.
The peloton on the Albulapass.

Stage 5 - June 14: La Chaux-de-Fonds - Leukerbad, 210 km

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Images by AFP Photo

Steve Morabito (Phonak) rides up to the finish alongside breakaway companion Jurgen Van Goolen (Discovery Channel).
Steve Morabito (Phonak) clenches his fists after taking his first ever professional win.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) enjoying his win in Leukerbad.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) tries to get 'the wave' happening.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) gives a one-armed salute after taking out the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse.
Hai-yah!
Steve Morabito (Phonak) accepts the applause from the crowd with open arms.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) is pretty happy about his victory in his neo-pro year.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) becomes the new race leader of the 70th Tour de Suisse.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) gets the obligatory smooches from the obligatory glamours.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

The peloton head towards the finish in Leukerbad.
Onward and upward they go.
Here come the peloton!
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Innergetic) sits near the head of the bunch.
The peloton one long line.
Jurgen Van Goolen (Discovery Channel) leads Steve Morabito (Phonak).
Jurgen Van Goolen (Discovery Channel) and Steve Morabito (Phonak) press home their advantage.
Eventual winner Steve Morabito (Phonak).
The lead pair work together on the final climb.
Alberto Contador (Würth) attacks the bunch, with early breakaway rider Kjell Carlström (Liquigas) hanging on.
Alberto Contador (Würth) digs deep, with Carlström on his wheel.
The remnants of the bunch chase down Contador and Carlström.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) takes matters into his own hands.
The bunch flying towards the finish.
Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile Team) got tailed off towards the finish.
Alexandre Moos (Phonak) was some way off his best today.
Axel Merckx (Phonak) choosing not to extend himself too much.
While Mirko Celestino (Milram) wants it to end.
Points leader Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) not riding too hard.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) comes home a comfortable winner after a day-long breakaway.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) is pretty happy.
Yeesss... Steve Morabito (Phonak) clenches his fists.
Morabito's breakaway companion Jurgen Van Goolen (Discovery Channel) has nothing left in the tank.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) comes flying past Van Goolen seconds after crossing the line.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team, L) keeps improving by the day, finishing just 17 seconds behind Morabito.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) also rode very well to finish with the Ullrich group.
Frank Schleck (Team CSC) finished one spot behind Ullrich.
Jorg Jaksche (Würth) also finished in the Ullrich group.
Michele Scarponi (Würth) finished in 20th place.
Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile Team) finished 23rd.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) looks for the nearest exit.
Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas) finished 4'40 behind.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) enjoying the moment.
Steve Morabito (Phonak) enjoying the company.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) becomes the new race leader.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) flanked by two Swiss beauties.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) prefers brunettes.
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Innergetic) comes rolling in.

Stage 4 - June 13: Niederbipp - La Chaux-de-Fonds, 151 km

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Images by AFP Photo

Swiss soccer fans wave banners to support their country in the Football World Cup.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) tested himself once again by featuring in today's main break.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) appears to be coming good just at the right time.
A face of joy, a face of pain - Angel Vicioso (Würth, L) takes the fourth stage in La Chaux-de-Fonds, outsprinting David Herrero Llorente (Euskaltel-Euskadi).
Angel Vicioso (Würth) is ecstatic with his win.
Angel Vicioso (Würth) punches the air with delight.
You can call me Cap'n Nuyens - Nick Nuyens (Quick Step) is serious about Suisse.
If the jersey fits - Nick Nuyens (Quick Step) is getting used to wearing the golden fleece of Suisse.

Stage 3 - June 12: Einsiedeln - Arlesheim, 160 km

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Images by AFP Photo

Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Innergetic) has done his world champion's stripes proud, already with 17 victories this season.
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile Team) giving his legs a last test before his appointment at La Grande Boucle.
Overnight leader Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) rides at the head of the peloton.
Paolo Bettini (Quick.Step-Innergetic) looks like he's ready to pounce...
Nick Nuyens (Quick.Step-Innergetic) outsprints Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) and Jörg Jaksche (Würth) for his second victory this season.
Nick Nuyens (Quick.Step-Innergetic) gets the better of Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile) and Jörg Jaksche (Würth) to take the third stage.
Nick Nuyens (Quick.Step-Innergetic) yells with delight after winning the third stage of the Tour de Suisse.
Nick Nuyens (Quick.Step-Innergetic) dons the golden fleece of the 70th Tour de Suisse.
Nick Nuyens (Quick.Step-Innergetic) enjoys his moment in the limelight.

Stage 2 - June 11: Bremgarten - Einsiedeln, 165 km

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Images by AFP Photo

Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) refuels
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) rides in yellow during stage 2
Boonen follows Bennati in the bunch
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) concentrates on the task at hand
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) with teammate Andreas Kloeden
Daniele Contrini (LPR) wins in Einsiedeln
Daniele Contrini (LPR) celebrates his win
Daniele Contrini (LPR) happy on the podium
Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) pulls on the leader's jersey
Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital) is the new leader

Stage 1 - June 10: Baden - Baden, 154 km

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

The start village in Baden
Wurst is a major sponsor at the Tour de Suisse.
Andreas Kloden and the rest of the T-Mobile team
Star rider Jan Ullrich gets another peculiar request
Ullrich was in good spirits prior to the start of the stage
Simon Gerrans (AG2R Prevoyance) tells Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) and Allan Davis (Astana Wurth) the old injury stories
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) chats to compatriots Simon Gerrans (AG2R Prevoyance) and Allan Davis (Astana Wurth) prior to the start of stage one of the 2006 Tour de Suisse on Saturday
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) is here to build form before the Tour de France. He may try something this week.
The Phonak team is presented to the crowd in what is its home race
Erik Zabel (Team Milram) is in demand
Stefano Garzelli (Liquigas) is also building up for the Tour.
Freddy Rodriguez is acting as lead out man for Robbie McEwen (Davitamon Lotto)
Small, but perfectly formed
The Euskaltel team await the start
One of the rider's bikes has noted the precise info about the day's climbs and bonus sprints
Frank Schleck was fourth last year
Robbie McEwen was happy in the sun
So too Tom Boonen
The day would bring yet another victory for the world champion
Despite their rivalry on the bike, Boonen and McEwen had a good chat before the start. Here both of them await the countdown for stage one
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at the start of the first stage
Jan Ullrich waits too
Ullrich won this race in 2004 and will get a valuable pointer as to his form this week
Hang on! A young spectator tries out a more difficult mount
Two of the people working on the race
Having ridden most of the Giro, Ullrich is fine tuning his form
Former world champion Oscar Freire was in a good mood prior to the start of the Tour of Switzerland
The green jersey is also a real possibility for him, provided he stays healthy
McEwen salutes the crowd
Ullrich was focused before the start
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) thunders home to take his seventeenth win of the season, ahead of Daniele Bennati (Lampre) and Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Paolo Bettini shows the strain of the strong riding he did for Boonen
To the victor, the spoils
Stage win, yellow jersey and the attention of these two: no wonder Boonen is smiling
Michael Albasini (Liquigas) was caught before the end but he had the sprints jersey as compensation
Jose Antonio Redondo (Astana Wurth) was away for most of the stage. The mountains jersey was his prize
More podium time for Boonen
Albasini talks to the press
Boonen gives his conference

Images by AFP Photo

Swiss supporters watch the first stage go by
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) was prominent in the peloton
Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) looks happy as he rides in the bunch
Happy Jan
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) wins the first stage in Baden
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) zips up the yellow jersey