1st Tour of Ireland - 2.1

Ireland, August 22-26, 2007

Photography

Stage 5 - August 26: Athlone - Dublin, 147.7km

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Images by Aidan Collins

• Three breakaway riders enter the circuit at Baggot Street bridge: David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) followed closely by Thomas Berkhout (Rabobank) and Marco Marcato (LPR)
• David O'Loughlin leads over Baggot Street Bridge.
• The peloton allowed the breakaway riders to get clear leaving them to contest for the stage win.
• The peloton on Baggot Street
• David O'Loughlin (Navigators) and Marco Marcato (LPR) have four laps to go.
• The breakaway riders come around the the corner on to Baggot street with only three laps to go
• Stijn Vandenbergh will surely take the yellow jersey now
• David O'Loughlin on Baggot Street
• Marco Marcato (LPR) takes the stage win in Dublin.
• Marco Marcato (LPR) wins the stage in Dublin.
• Thomas Berkhout (Rabobank) comes in second.
• Irish National Champion David O'Loughlin (Navigators) comes in third.
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet) has won the Tour of Ireland!
• Marco Marcato (LPR), stage winner, on the podium
• Roger Beuchat (LPR) wins the King of the Mountains competition
• The podium (from left) Matti Breschel (CSC), Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet) and Roger Beuchat (LPR) celebrate with champagne.
• Stage 5 winner Marco Marcato (LPR) drinks champagne on the podium
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet) drinks champagne from his trophy.

Images by Tour of Ireland

• Riders cross a bridge on a clear, sunny day
• The peloton rolls along.
• David O'Loughlin (Navigators) leads the break.
• Marco Marcato (L.P.R) celebrates his win.
• Stijn Vandenberg (Unibet) smiles in his leader's jersey.
• All the jersey winners share a podium.
• This handy trophy doubles as a drinking vessel.

Images by Stephen McMahon

• On the banks of the River Shannon, the town of Athlone in County Westmeath played host to the start of Stage 5 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Baden Cooke (Unibet.com) was involved in one of the crashes that marred the action on Stage 4. Despite being stiff and sore the Australian rider chose to start Stage 5 so that his team mate and race leader Stijn Vandenbergh had adequate support on the road.
• Stephen Roche checks out the weight of fellow Irishman Stephen Gallagher's (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team) Specialized Tarmac.
• Australian rider Glen Chadwick (Navigators Insurance) ponders the road ahead at the start of Stage 5.
• With a lead of just one point over Matti Breschel (Team CSC), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) needs to be on guard if he is to take the green jersey home to Norway.
• After the rain and wind of Stage 4, blue skies and warm sunshine returned to the Tour of Ireland as the peloton rolled of Athlone and began their journey to Dublin.
• With a short stage and a slight tail wind the pace was fast and furious. Here, British rider Hamish Haynes (Team DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) leads an early breakaway group.
• Frank Schleck (Team CSC) sets a brisk but steady tempo at the head of the main peloton.
• Jeremy Hunt (Unibet.com) is on police duty today for a change.
• Francesco Tomei (Ceramica Panaria Navigare) leads the breakaway group.
• Best placed Irish rider on the GC David McCann (Colavita Sutter Home Cycling) looks like he is committed to staying away.
• With no representatives in the leading group, the Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team and Plowman Craven Evans Cycles Team set about reeling in the attackers. Irish rider Stephen Gallagher leads the way.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) is on the hunt for points as the race hurtles towards the east coast.
• Feeding time for Team Maxbo-Bianchi. Despite the pressure to retain it, Edvald Boasson Hagen seemed to be enjoying his day in the green jersey. It has been a good race so far for the Norwegian squad.
• Three riders have gone clear after 62 kilometres. Irish National Champion David O’Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) leads Marco Marcato (Team LPR) and Thomas Berkhout (Rabobank).
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) is looking good for the overall race win as the peloton roll through the outskirts of Leixlip in County Kildare.
• Team Maxbo-Bianchi led the chasing peloton through Lucan village and along the Liffey Valley.
• As the peloton enter the Phoenix Park in Dublin City the breakaway trio have a lead of almost three minutes.
• The peloton are running out of time and road. With 10 laps of a 2.4 kilometre circuit ahead there is a real danger of the main field being lapped by the trio. The sprinter’s teams are setting a furious pace.
• The breakaway trio have succeeded in lapping the main field. Here, David O’ Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) makes his way through the neutralised peloton.
• It is now guaranteed that the victory will go to one of the trio. It is all about tactics with one lap to go.
• Marco Marcato (Team LPR) takes victory on Stage 5 of the Tour of Ireland 2007. Thomas Berkhout (Rabobank) finished second.
• O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) had to settle for third place on the stage which, when his valiant efforts on Stage 4 are considered, was no meagre achievement.
• A very happy Marco Marcato (Team LPR).
• With two stage wins and overall victory in the King of the Mountains Classification, it has been an excellent week for Team LPR. Roger Beuchat receives his final red jersey and crystal trophy.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) secured overall victory in the Points Classification with fifth place on Stage 5.
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) took the yellow jersey with victory on Stage 1 and rode with exceptional composure to maintain his lead and take overall victory in the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• The final podium got very messy when the champagne arrived. It was great to see the riders letting off some steam after a hectic five days of racing.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) used all his tactical know how to avoid being saturated by race winner Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com).
• Order was eventually restored on the podium. With the racing finished and good reason to celebrate there was only one thing left to do…
• …share a celebratory swig of champagne and toast a fantastic five days of racing at the first edition of the Tour of Ireland. Roll on next year.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• O'Loughlin attack's.
• The break away in the streets of Dublin.
• Working well together.
• Pheonix Park.
• The peloton making thier way through Dublin.
• The peloton was brought to a stop by the lead bikes, as they were about to be lapped by the breakaway.
• Vandenbergh finished the tour as winner.
• Marcato won the final stage.
• Marcato saluting the crowd.
• Breschel on the podium in the sprinters jersey.
• Vandenberg on the final podium.
• A demonstration of a paceline.
• The crowds in Dublin were enthusiastic.
• The mountain jersey winner Beauchat on the podium.
• Points winner Matti Breschel (Team CSC) with the green jersey on the green island.
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) held on to the win in the end.
• The final podium Breschel, Vandenbergh, Beauchat and stage winner Marco Marcato.
• Champagne is sticky enough but if you get showered by four guys simultaneously...
• Cooke protected Vandenbergh very well on the final stage
• The break lapped the field which is a rare sight in the professional Euro races.
• David O'Loughlin is the Irish champion and even his handle bar is green.
• Marcato won his first race of the 2007 season.

Stage 4 - August 25: Galway - Galway, 232.5km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Stage 4 of the Tour of Ireland 2007 started in Galway, the City of the Tribes, and covered over 230 kilometres. Subsequently, there was plenty of water on standby.
• With the longest stage looming and a foreboding weather forecast this was as close as any of the riders would come to a relaxing slice of life on Stage 4 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Team Slipstream manager Allen Lim’s meticulous preparations could make all the difference on a technical and demanding course.
• With a top ten GC position to defend, American rider Craig Lewis (Team Slipstream) will need to know where the climbs, sprints and, most importantly, feeding stations are on Stage 4.
• Austrian rider Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile Team) limbers up.
• The last man on the road: Ray Brewster drives the dreaded Broom Wagon on the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Business as usual for the Unibet.com as Stage 4 gets under way. Here, Jeremy Hunt sets a steady tempo as the race leaves Galway City behind and heads for the rugged landscape of Connemara.
• Like leader of the Points Classification Matti Breschel (Team CSC), many of the riders chose to wear an extra layer of clothing. There were reports of fresh and misty conditions on some of the climbs and a strong possibility of rain.
• Last placed GC rider Adam Bergman makes the first move on Stage 4. He is accompanied by New Zealand rider Gordon McCauley (Plowman Craven Evans Cycles) with Danny Pate (Team Slipstream) on his way over from the main peloton.
• The trio are riding very well together and are obviously committed to the cause.
• Roger Beuchat (Team LPR) and Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk) have ridden across to the leading group. The five begin to build a significant lead.
• Jeremy Hunt (Unibet.com) continues to lead the peloton at a high tempo.
• This trend continues as the race makes its way through Cong, the hometown of Irish National Champion David O’Loughlin (Navigators Insurance).
• Darkening clouds on the horizon as the peloton makes its way towards the first KOM of the day at Finny.
• Narrow roads on the way up the second category climb at Finny.
• You-know-who leads the peloton over the top of the first KOM.
• It was wet, it was windy and it was very tough going, but the sound of miniature cow bells no doubt gave some of the riders reason to smile.
• The wet conditions made descending especially treacherous. Lasse Bochmann (Team CSC) fell heavily and had to be taken to hospital. Fortunately, reports filtered through later in the stage that he was out of danger.
• The breakaway press on, their lead hovering around the five minute mark.
• Weather conditions deteriorated further and the peloton began to fragment.
• The pressure mounts on the breakaway group as their lead begins to drop dramatically. Here, Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk) gives his best efforts maintain their advantage.
• Several teams are now involved in the pursuit. T-Mobile, Unibet.com and Ceramica Panaria Navigare share the workload and subsequently increase the likelihood of a bunch sprint into the seaside town of Salthill on the outskirts of Galway City.
• Danny Pate (Team Slipstream) and Roger Beuchat (Team LPR) have decided to go it alone on the final KOM climb at Keeagh.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) looking determined, and was no doubt keen to retain his lead in the Points Classification.
• Danny Pate (Team Slipstream) and Roger Beuchat (Team LPR) dig deep into their mental and physical reserves, but, with the sprinters hunting for victory, their advantage over the main field is under serious threat.
• After a dramatic chase and an exceptionally fast sprint finish, Norwegian strongman Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) takes victory on Stage 4 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) celebrates his victory.
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) retained the yellow jersey and, with only one stage remaining, is looking good for overall victory.
• It is a hard life for Best U-25 jersey holder Wesley Sulzberger (South Australia AIS). As well as charming company on the podium, he has the possibility of a place on the final podium if everything goes to plan tomorrow.
• Roger Beuchat (Team LPR) takes the lead in the King of the Mountains Classification.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) dons the green jersey of Points Leader after his victory on Stage 4 of the Tour of Ireland.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) is obviously and understandably pleased with his day.
• The peloton fly by an old castle on Stage 4.

Images by Tour of Ireland

• American Danny Pate (Team Slipstream) and Switzerland's Roger Beuchat (Team L.P.R.) push hard in tough conditions on Stage 4.
• Ireland's David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) leads the chasing bunch.
• Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo Bianchi) powers home to victory.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo Bianchi) took the lead in the points classification.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Vandenbergh wearing yellow.
• Vandenbergh keeping an eye on his competition.
• The peloton makes its way past on of the many old buildings in Ireland.
• Boasson Hagen gets the win.
• The peloton make their way up a misty climb.
• Coming up on the KOM sprint , with Unibet.com leading.
• Unibet.com spent a lot of time on the front of the peloton.
• Danny Pate leading the breakaway.

Stage 3 - August 24: Tralee - Ennis, 194km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Team Slipstream unveiled a prototype titanium bicycle and Ian McGregor was chosen as test pilot.
• Unfortunately disaster struck, but McGregor was not seriously injured and managed to start Stage 3 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• The Team Slipstream circus continued with an accomplished exhibition of juggling. The American squad brought more than its appetite and enthusiasm for racing to the start of Stage 3 in Tralee, County Kerry.
• Team Giant Asia professional Paul Griffin (Irish National Team) was happy to be back in his native Tralee for the start of Stage 3 and no doubt keen to mix it up on his home turf.
• Paul Griffin (Irish National Team) led the peloton out of Tralee and received a hero’s welcome from his home crowd.
• The route was lined with fans of all ages and with the sun also beaming down on the riders the stage was set for a great day’s racing on the way to Ennis, County Clare.
• With the first five kilometres neutralised due to a road traffic accident, many riders were keen to get stuck in. The attacking began as soon as the flag was dropped.
• Zakkari Dempster (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) leads the main breakaway group of the day.
• The peloton seemed happy to let the breakaway group go for the moment. Here, Points Classification leader Matti Breschel (Team CSC) discusses the eternal question with his team mates: to chase or not to chase.
• All the while the escapees press on. Here, Australian rider Ben Day (Navigators Insurance) focuses on the task at hand.
• Although there was no distinct chase organised, the peloton maintained a brisk pace. In the interests of their top ten GC team mate Glen Bak, U-23 Irish National Champion Mark Cassidy and Paidi O’ Brien (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team) kept a close eye on affairs at the front.
• Eventually there is a definite response from Unibet.com, T-Mobile Team and Team CSC. A high pace was maintained in order to discourage any further attacks.
• The breakaway realise their goal and attain a strong advantage of 4 minutes 35 seconds. They are riding well together as the race passes through Tarbert. The first intermediate sprint of the day was not contested as such, maximum points being taken by Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Maxbo-Bianchi).
• Mexican rider Moises Aldape Chavez was one of the six escapees.
• High speed drive thru for T-Mobile Team at the feeding station after 91 kilometres.
• Paidi O’Brien (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team) and Craig Lewis (Team Slipstream) share a can of cola.
• Former British National Champion Jeremy Hunt (Unibet.com) spent extended spells on the front.
• Telecommunication technician Michael Moriarty tunes into race radio as the breakaway group passes by on the road to Limerick.
• Zakkari Dempster (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) leads the break up towards the third category KOM at Cahir Mountain.
• Lasse Bochmann (Team CSC) led the pursuing peloton.
• Frank Schleck (Team CSC) raises the pace as the time gap to the escapees begins to fall. A bunch sprint could be on the cards.
• With eight kilometres to go the breakaway is on the verge of being reeled in by the Team CSC led peloton.
• With 75 metres to go Team LPR are obviously confident that Borut Bozic will prevail in the sprint.
• The Slovenian rider times his sprint to perfection and takes an excellent victory on Stage 3 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Borut Bozic (Team LPR) was overjoyed with his win.
• Winner of Stage 3 of the Tour of Ireland 2007: Borut Bozic (Team LPR).
• Wesley Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) will continue to wear the white jersey as best placed U-25 rider.
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) celebrates another day in yellow. What will tomorrow’s 220 km stage bring? No doubt his team are ready to defend.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) retains his lead in the Points Classification.
• Spanish rider Luis Pasamontes (Unibet.com) took the lead in the King of the Mountains classification.
• Many of the bike manufacturers had their latest products on display.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• The start was harmonious
• Unibet's lonely road ahead as the sponsor had pulled out.
• The Irish crowd enjoyed the racing and the ads were fittingly in green.
• Vandenberg, Cooke, Eisel and House racing through Irish towns.
• The peloton riding along the coast.
• The field prays for the end of the day.
• The sprint for first.
• Borut Bozic (Team L.P.R) wins the stage
• Pat McQuaid in his home race.
• Matt Pinsent is a four-time Olympic champion.
• The peloton rolls over a scenic bridge.
• Ian Stannard from the T-Mobile Development program. Some say he'll have a great future.
• What a wedding in the heart of the Tour of Ireland.
• Irish country side at its best.
• Pinsent and McQuaid get attention.
• Pinsent and McQuaid shake hands.

Stage 2 - August 23: Clonakilty - Killarney, 166km

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• It is never too early for a party in the town of Clonakilty, County Cork. The riders arrived to the sign on and were greeted by local musicians who were intent on getting Stage 2 off to a rockin' start.
• The brilliant sunshine made a significant contribution to the atmosphere at the start village in Clonakilty. Here, a Team LPR rider catches a souvenir snapshot before getting ready for another demanding day in the saddle.
• Irish rider David McCann (Colavita Sutter Home Cycling) rode aggressively on Stage 1 and is no doubt keen to continue that trend for the rest of the race.
• Race leader Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) arrived at the sign on looking as though he had fully recuperated from his efforts on Stage 1.
• American rider Ian McGregor (Team Slipstream) was up for a bit of 'craic' at the start of Stage 2 in Clonakilty. The village is renowned for its savoury puddings which would have been distributed locally by messengers on bicycles identical to this fine specimen.
• There is the serious business of a road race to consider and Irish Road Race Champion David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) has the look of man who is definitely ready for action.
• Stage 2 of the Tour of Ireland 2007 is a go. The riders will race through West County Cork and into County Kerry before finishing in Killarney.
• The attacks begin almost immediately and subsequently the pace is ferocious.
• Norwegian National Champion Alexander Kristoff (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) leads the peleton in pursuit of a breakaway.
• The peleton has fragmented into several large groups by the time the race passes through the village of Skibbereen after 27 kilometres.
• Gert Vanderaerden (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) has a brief consultation with the race doctor and is soon back in the peleton.
• With the attacks coming thick and fast Marcel Beima and Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile Team) strove to maintain their position at the front of the peleton so that they might monitor affairs.
• Norwegian rider Svein Vold (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) concentrates on staying in contact as the main field cross over the first serious climb of the day.
• Dermot Nally and Martyn Irvine (Irish National Team) pace themselves to the top of the third category KOM after 51 kilometres.
• Roberto Traficante (Team LPR) leads a breakaway group of six riders.
• Team CSC are keen to neutralise any attacks as the race draws ever nearer the first category climb of Healy Pass.
• The rugged and unforgiving category one climb of the Healy Pass.
• Gordon McAuley (Plowman Craven Evans Cycles) leads Kristan House (Navigators Insurance) on the Healy Pass.
• The climb took its toll on the chasing group.
• Race Leader Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) receives service from his team mechanic after a rear wheel puncture.
• Vandenbergh was quickly back on the road and back to the head of affairs.
• The final ascent of the day was the second category climb of Molls Gap.
• Uzbekistanian rider Sergey Lagutin (Navigators Insurance) was the first rider over the top of Molls Gap and maintained a slender lead before being caught on the run into Killarney.
• Team CSC controlled the peleton with a high tempo as it approached the top of Molls Gap.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) justifies the efforts of his team-mates and confirms his class by taking victory on Stage 2 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Despite his obvious exhilaration at having won the stage Breschel's face shows that it was no easy achievement.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC), winner of Stage 2 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• After a day of intelligent and consistent riding, Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) retained his race lead.
• Wesley Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) accepts the white jersey for best placed U-25 rider on behalf of Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) who leads this classification.
• Matti Breschel (Team CSC) takes the lead in the Points Classification. The podium girls for the Tour of Ireland are Julie and Suzie and seem to have enjoyed the race so far.

Stage 1 - August 22: Kilkenny - Cork, 174km

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Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• A worker watches from the top of West Gate Clonmel as the peloton passes through.
• Great Britain's Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) finished 64th in the main bunch on the opening stage.
• Irish rider David McCann (Colavita - Sutter Home) came home in 25th place.
• Ukrainian Valeriy Kobzarenko (Navigators Insurance) finished in seventh place, 15 seconds behind the winner.
• American Aaron Olson (T-Mobile Team) took second place on the opening stage.
• The leading group arrived at the climb with a massive margin over the main bunch.
• Belgian Stijn Vandenberg (Unibet.com) pushed hard and came out on top on the first stage.
• Riders faced an interesting challenge when the commissaires' BMW stalled on the challenging climb.
• Mark Cassidy (Murphy & Gunn - Newlyn - M. Donnelly - Sean Kelly) and Austrian rider Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile Team) drive a large group up the climb.
• The main peloton arrives as thousands of spectators look on at the tough Stage 1 climb.
• The break is in sight of the field
• The peloton crosses the River Suir in Sean Kelly's hometown of Carrick
• Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet) gets his first pro win in Ireland
• The peloton on the Vee climb
• Sean Kelly is a national hero

Images by Stephen McMahon

• With temperatures set to soar these Colavita Sutter Home Cycling riders were glad to find some shade prior to the start of Stage 1.
• A stimulating muscle rub or maybe some extra sun cream for this Team Maxbo-Bianchi rider.
• Andy and Frank Schleck (Team CSC) were very generous with their time, giving interviews and signing autographs, prior to the start of Stage 1.
• Paídi O’Brien (Murphy & Gunn/Sean Kelly Team) and Nicolas Roche (Irish National Team) in conversation at the start of Stage 1.
• Thumbs up from this young fan for the start of the Tour of Ireland in Kilkenny.
• The next Andy and Frank Schleck? These brothers were enjoying the experience of watching their heroes roll out of Kilkenny City on Stage 1.
• Mark Cassidy (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team) looking keen and focussed early on Stage 1.
• Unibet.com riders were at the head of affairs from the off. Here Stijn Vandenbergh and Troels Vinther eye up the road ahead.
• Racing began in earnest on the road to Carrick-on-Suir, with many of the teams keen to make an impression.
• After 40 kilometres Matti Breschel (Team CSC) took the first sprint of the day at Carrick-on-Suir from Glenn Bak and Paídi O’Brien (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team).
• Rider 81 Nicholas Roche (Irish National Team) was active in the early part of Stage 1 but was unfortunately forced to retire from the race before the halfway mark having suffered in recent days with a saddle sore.
• Craig Lewis (Team Slipstream) leads the decisive break on the picturesque second category climb of 'The Vee' which separates County Tipperary and County Waterford.
• Looking composed and focussed, Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) leads the break.
• Giving every effort in hot and humid conditions, Glenn Bak (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team) sets a steady tempo on the lower slopes of the 'The Vee'.
• Some riders use a compact chainset for challenging climbs, some use a Robin Subaru EHO35 4-stroke motor to drive their back wheel. This contraption was spotted at the top of 'The Vee' climb.
• With nine of the teams represented in the ten man break, the peleton were in no hurry to chase and had time to appreciate some of the scenery as they passed through the historical city of Lismore in County Waterford.
• The break continue to work well together and have opened a significant gap of over six minutes with forty kilometres remaining. Here, Valeriy Kobzarenko (Navigators Insurance) pushes the pace.
• Swedish rider Marcus Ljungqvist (Team CSC) in action on Stage 1 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Wesley Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) and Gabriel Rasch (Team Maxbo-Bianchi) leading the breakaway on the Midleton Road into Cork City.
• Aaron Olson (T-Mobile Team) and Glenn Bak (Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly/Sean Kelly Team) force the pace as the breakaway approaches the outskirts of Cork City.
• Turning into a strong headwind with fifteen kilometres to go made life difficult for the leading group. Roger Beuchat (Team LPR) grits his teeth at the front of the breakaway.
• The people of Cork City turned out in great numbers and gave the riders every encouragement as they rolled into the city.
• Before crossing the river Lee and reaching the finish line on the South Mall, the riders had two short laps to complete in Cork City. They would have to cross the intimidating climb of St. Patrick's Hill on both occasions.
• All bets are off and it is every man for himself on the brutally steep St. Patrick's Hill.
• Belgian rider Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) attacked his breakaway companions after the second ascent of St. Patrick's Hill and soloed to his first professional victory on Stage 1 of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• To the victor belong the spoils: Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) receives his crystal trophy, champagne and the first yellow jersey of the Tour of Ireland 2007.
• Winner of Stage 1 and Race Leader Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com) celebrates.
• With leader of the Points Classification wearing yellow, American rider Aaron Olson (T-Mobile Team) will start Stage 2 in the Green Points jersey. Not a bad colour to be in when racing in Ireland.
• Wesley Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com-AIS) receives the white jersey of Best Placed Under-25 rider on behalf of Stijn Vandenbergh (Unibet.com). Sulzberger rode very well on Stage 1 and will no doubt be keen to take the lead in this category.
• At the last time check that they received, the breakaway had a lead of 12 minutes 18 seconds. By the time the main field crossed the finish line this had gone out to 13 minutes 32 seconds.

Images by Aidan Collins

• ProTour rider's legs. We can buy the shorts, the jersey, even the bikes, but unfortunately no mail order company can deliver a pair of these.
• The Irish national team at the start of stage 1
• The Schleck Brothers (Andy and Frank - Team CSC) doing a pre-race interview
• Rob Patridge (recycling team) at Kilkenny Castle before the start
• Cycling legend Sean Kelly at the start line before the race
• The peloton ascending at ninemilehouse on stage 1
• Eventual stage winner Stijn Vanenbergh leads the pack up the ascent of "The Vee" Cat 2 Climb
• Boy Van Poppel (Rabobank) on the ascent of "The Vee" category 2 climb with the rest of the peloton
• The peloton on the ascent of "The Vee" category 2 climb, Stage 1
• The ten-man breakaway on its first ascent of St. Patrick's Hill, Cork (Category 1 climb)
• Timothy Duggan (Team Slipstream) and Glen Bak (Murphy & Gunn) at the tail of the ten man breakaway on their first ascent of St. Patrick's Hill
• The first ascent of St. Patrick's Hill, Cork (Category 1 climb)
• Stijn Vandenbergh wins Stage 1 in Cork 14 seconds clear of second place
• Glen Bak (Murphy & Gunn) comes in 10th, last in the breakaway on stage 1
• Stage 1 winner and yellow jersey Stijn Vandenbergh sprays champagne on the podium
• Stage winner and yellow jersey Stijn Vandenbergh after the finish of Stage 1 in cork.

Pre-race press conference

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Images by Stephen McMahon

• Current Irish Road Race Champion David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) was pleased at the prospect of racing in Ireland again.
• O'Loughlin arrives at the race with good form and is as motivated as ever.
• David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) and Baden Cooke (Unibet.com) fielded questions from the press.
• Baden Cooke is a potential winner of the event and has arrived in excellent condition having recovered from a shoulder injury.
• Sean Kelly, possibly thinking of Stage 1 which passes through his home town of Carrick-on-Suir and finishes in Cork city. Five kilometres before the finish the riders will tackle two ascents of St. Patrick's Hill, an exceptionally steep and difficult climb which is revered in Irish cycling circles.
• Former Tour de France Green Jersey winner Baden Cooke (Unibet.com) in conversation with a journalist.
• Stephen Roche, David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) and Sean Kelly.
• Manager of Team DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed Eric Vanderaerden with his former adversary Sean Kelly.
• It was business as usual for the mechanics and support staff.
• Team Slipstream's bikes drying in the afternoon sunshine.
• What kind of action will these wheels see over the coming five days?
• Team Slipstream bikes reassembled and ready for the road.
• With teams from America, Australia and Continental Europe, travel power adaptors are an essential part of team kit.

Images by PhotoSport International

• Stephen Roche competing in the 1987 edition of the Nissan Classic.