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Tour of California - 2.HC

USA, February 18-25, 2007

Photography

Stage 7 - February 25: Long Beach - Long Beach (Circuit race), 124.7km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

Ivan Dominguez wins the last stage of the 2007 Tour of California
Adam Hansen (T-mobile) leads the break followed by Danny Pate (Slipstream)
Team Discovery chasing the break
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery)
Michael Rogers (T-Mobile)
VITORIA David (Bmc)
Team CSC
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) in the pack
Pack comes through the finishing area
Team CSC celebrating the overall team award
Top 3 podium
Levi may rule on the bike, but he is beat by the bottle of Champagne

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

And they're off...
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) starts off the day in yellow.
The break that almost stayed away.
Discovery comes to the front to get things under control.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) sitting comfortably in the pack.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) sitting next to fellow sprinter JJ Haedo (CSC).
Adam Hansen (T-Mobile) leads the break on the back side.
The group makes its way around the far turn on the course.
Discovery spent lots of time on the front today controlling things.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery)
Fans watch as the group makes its way along the course.
Long Beach brought the riders close to the water again.
Adam Hansen (T-Mobile) leans into a turn with Tim Johnson (HealthNet) close behind.
Sean Sullivan (Toyota United) powers it down the back side.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) kept it together to stay in yellow today.
The main bunch passes by the downtown buildings of Long Beach.
The group passes by on another lap.
Going through Long Beach.
The break working well together.
Passing the amusements in Long Beach.
The main field powers through on the last lap.
Coming to the line.
TV star Patrick Dempsy was on hand at the finish.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) gets congratulated by points jersey winner JJ Haedo (CSC).
CSC took home the team award.
Christian Vandevelde (CSC) celebrates after a hard week.
The final top three with race winner Levi Leipheimer (Discovery), Jens Voigt (CSC) second and Jason McCartney in third.

Images by Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com

This Long Beach pooch is a fan of the Slipsteam-Chipotle argyle boys.
Taylor Tolleson (Slipsteam-Chipotle) tries some new shades before the start.
Bart Dockx' (Predictor-Lotto) legs after eight days of California sun.
Ivan Basso (Discovery Channel) signs in.
Paulo and the Long Beach whale.
Fast Freddy delighted by his fans.
Best young rider Robert Gesink (Rabobank).
This bike racing thing seems to be catching on with the U.S. fans.
The race gets rolling on the Long Beach Grand Prix auto circuit.
HealthNet's Tim Johnson drives the break.
Slipstream-Chipotle's Danny Pate animates.
The BMC boys take a pull.
US Development Team rider Caleb Fairly gets some on-the-road mechanical assistance.
Ivan Dominguez brings one home for Toyota-United.
Leave it to an Aussie (Stuart O'Grady) to start flinging champagne. CSC celebrates winning the team competition.

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

The peloton lead by Discovery Channel with Levi Leipheimer right there.
Rabobank rider Mathew Hayman having some fun before the racing starts.
The breakaway led by T-Mobile's Adam Hansen.
The Giant girls were having fun.
The bunch flies through Long Beach.
Toyota United rider Ivan Dominguez takes the win.
The top three from today's stage (l-r) Gerald Ciolek (T-Mobile), Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United Pro), Graeme Brown (Rabobank).
The final jersey winners from the 2007 Tour of California.
A familiar sight - Team CSC take the best team award.

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

The entertainment for the race.
A Team Slipstream rider out by himself.
Discovery protecting Levi Leipheimer's overall lead.
Tim Johnson and Karl Menzies (Health Net) lead the break.
Discovery controlling the peloton.
Ivan Basso peels off after a spell on the front.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United Pro) sitting pretty.
Davide Frattini (Colavita/Sutter Home).
Johnson and Menzies still driving the break.
Ivan Basso got rid of his knee warmers as the pace heated up.
Chris Horner leads Predictor-Lotto's efforts to bring the break back.
Levi Leipheimer comfortably tucked away behind Ivan Basso.
Levi Leipheimer in the thick of things.
Health Net controls the peloton

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

The final podium McCartney, Leipheimer and Voigt
Jason McCartney, Levi Leipheimer and Jens Voigt
Ivan Dominguez takes the sprint
Levi Leipheimer in yellow
Leipheimer finishes the last stage in yellow
Levi Leipheimer at the start of the final stage
Graeme Brown and Ivan Dominguez
Alpaca Lamas
Levi Leipheimer leads Jens Voigt
Jacob Piil
Tom Danielson
Ivan Basso
George Hincapie
Levi Leipheimer
Long Beach crowds
Ivan Basso and Team Discovery
Discovery in Long Beach
Long Beach finish

Stage 6 - February 24: Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita, 169.6km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

JJ Haedo (CSC) takes his second win in California ahead of Greg Henderson (T-Mobile).
A stack of carbon for the Rabobank team.
Fred Rodrigeuz (Predictor-Lotto) was all smiles at the start.
Aaron Olson (T-Mobile) ready for the day.
The group rolls out from scenic Santa Barbara.
On the way to the second KOM of the day.
Chris Wherry (Toyota United) tries to bring the second group back up.
The group on the climb.
The lead group comes through.
T-Mobile did lots of work today with Michael Rogers in the break.
Bobby Julich (CSC) leads the rest of the CSC boys on the second KOM.
Discovery and Healthnet come to the front when they head into the finishing circuits.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) comes in shadowed by CSC.
The break tries hard to stay away with 2 laps to go.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) heading into the last lap.
Stewart O'Grady (CSC) powers the break.
Tim Johnson (Healthnet) tries his hardest to get the group up to the the break.
Gerolsteiner works the outside to try and get their man up front.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) cruises in after a hard days work.
JJ Haedo (CSC) made the sprint today look easy.
JJ Haedo (CSC) gets swarmed by the press after the finish.
George Hincapie (Discovery) goes straight to medical after crossing the line.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

Discovery Channel leading the chase
Forster unclips after contact with Fred Rodriguez
JJ Haedo wins his second stage

Images by Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com

Ojai locals bring a bit of Belgium to the Southern California sunshine.
The bike was the way to get to the best spectator points.
Riders climbed out of the Ojai Valley, a renown spa destination, to the third KOM of the day.
Tour of California official Thaddeus Verhoff measures off the 200 meters to-go signs below the KOM.
Painter elves were busy last night on the climbs.
The field attacks the category 3 climb out of Ojai.
The cow goes crazy.
Today's stage flew over the climbs.
The break arrives in Santa Clarita.
It's all over for the break in Santa Clarita.
HealthNet lines it up behind Basso and Hincapie.

Images by Steve Cohen/www.sportsshooter.com/STEVEC

Viktar Rapinski (Navigators) leads the break coming into the circuit.
Discovery Channel leads the peloton on the first circuit.
CSC is right there.
Discovery Channel is showing the strain.
JJ Haedo (Team CSC) is ready to pounce.
The Magenta of T-Mobile protecting Greg Henderson.
Quick Step-Innergetic leads the break, but checks out the competition.
Mathew Hayman (Rabobank) powers the break.
JJ Haedo (Team CSC) takes the finish of stage 6.
Adam Hansen (T-Mobile) winds down.
Discovery Channel is all smiles.
T-Mobile looks a little dejected.
Team CSC worked hard today getting JJ Heado the win.
JJ Heado (Team CSC) gets congratulations.
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Innergetic) shows his serious side.
Stuart O’Grady (Team CSC)
Robert Gesink (Rabobank) is the best rider under 25.
JJ Heado (Team CSC) says green will do.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) keeps the yellow jersey.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) is all smiles.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

SaulRaisin
Paolo Bettini among the crowds
Ivan Basso and Paolo Bettini
UCI ProTour team director meeting
Levi Leipheimer in yellow
Rough roads in Stage 6
Stage 6 rough roads must have caused some flats!
The peloton negotiates some tricky roads.

Stage 5 - February 23: Solvang - Solvang (ITT), 23.5km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Levi Leipheimer powers to the stage five finish
Toyota United Pro's Sean Sullivan
Jelly Belly
Mike Sayers (BMC) is a local favorite
Davide Frattini (Colavita)
A Jelly Belly rider speeds past one of the many farms in Santa Ynez valley
Henk Vogels (Toyota United)
Caleb Manion (Toyota United)
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) is ripped.
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) isn't his usual skeltal self.
The handsome young Jelly Belly rider Nic Reistad
Tony Cruz had been time trialing all week, so one more couldn't hurt.
This Predictor-Lotto rider Bart Dockx
Phil Zajicek wags his tongue
JJ Haedo set a fast time
Charly Wegelius (Liquigas)
T-mobile with the San Rafael mountains as a backdrop
Tom Danielson (Discovery) on the flats
Slipstream's Steven Cozza
Fabian Cancellara started early but finished fast.
Health Net's Kirk O'Bee
Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner)
Jackson Stewart (BMC)
Navigators' Darrin Lill
Michael Barry (T-mobile) looking lean
Credit Agricole's Cyril Lemoine was the best young rider in the TT
Luca Paolini (Liquigas) is more of a sprinter.
Mountains jersey holder Christophe Laurent
Ivan Basso's grimace replaced his usual grin
Jakob Piil (T-mobile)
Justin England (Toyota) crests the hill
Jason McCartney (Discovery) working hard
Young rider leader Matthew Lloyd (Predictor Lotto)
Christian Vandevelde (CSC) at the summit
Bobby Julich (CSC) at the top of the climb
Michael Rogers (T-mobile)
Health Net's Ryder Hesjedal had a good Tour of California
Maurico Ardila Cano (Rabobank)
Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) had an off day
Rory Sutherland (Health Net) had a good Tour of California
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) shifts into a harder gear
Leipheimer pushing his way to the win
The intermediate timing point had a great view
One of the many fans on the climb
Voigt comes across the top of the hill
McCartney gets his flowers
The podium (l-r) Jason McCartney, Levi Leipheimer, Jens Voigt.
Leipheimer gets another day in yellow
Big crowds watch the podium ceremony

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

Chris Wherry (Toyota)
World TT champ Fabian Cancellara (CSC).
Jackson Stewart (BMC) under the California sun.
Christophe Laurent (Credit Agricole) and a little snow in the mountains.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) lets all hang out.
George Hincapie (Discovery) bites his tongue for a little added horse power.
Benjamin Jacque-Maynes (Priority Health)
Stuart O'Grady (CSC) flies down the hill.
Ben Day (Health Net) smokin' through a downhill turn.
Jens Voigt (CSC) cranks it.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) in winning form.
The crowd waits for the awards.

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

Charles Dionne (Colavita Sutter Home) about to catch his minute man.
Charles Dionne (Colavita Sutter Home) up close.
George Hincapie (Discovery) had a solid ride for fifth place.
Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) doesn't look too comfortable in the TT.
Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) rips through a turn.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) goes fast by the American flag.
The Danish look has found its way to Solvang.
The podium (l-r) : Jason McCartney (Discovery), Levi Leipheimer (Discovery), Jens Voigt (CSC).

Stage 4 - February 22: Seaside to San Luis Obispo, 215.2km

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Images by Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com

Imagine coming out of your Seaside house and finding $18,000 worth of bikes in the driveway.
The day started with rain in Seaside, California.
Health Net's Kyle Gritters gets a pre-race massage from team assistant Debby Lipsky.
Italians born with one hand on an espresso and the other on a bike.
George Hincapie conducts a pre-race interview in Spanish.
Switzerland's Oliver Zaugg rolls out from Seaside.
Building the finish line in San Luis Obispo.
The lords of cycling jest before attacking the Big Sur coast.
It's Bettini at the line in San Luis Obispo.

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

It's a seal's day as it rains in Northern California.
Bettini gets a big bottle of wine.
A very cool ice sculpture in Seaside as rain falls for the start of the race.
Northern California's spectacular coast line.
Even the squirrels have come out for the Tour of California.
Oh so close at the finish... Bettini gets it from Gerald Ciolek and Juan José Haedo.
Bettini discusses his first big win of 2007.
Colavita/Sutter Home rider Alejandro Acton took the most aggressive rider jersey.
Levi Leipheimer still happy in the leader's jersey.

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

The peloton crosses the famous Bixby bridge.
The bunch passes over the Rocky Creek bridge.
Back onto hard land for the group.
Discovery comes to the front on the Bixby bridge.
Aaron Olson (T-Mobile) leads the break.
The break worked well together until about 10km to go.
Passing by the famous rock at Morro Bay.
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) receives a commemorative bottle of wine from the local wineries association.

Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com

Riders coming into Morro Bay likely didn't notice the old-school sailing ship making its way up the coast.
A Liquigas rider carries the field up a small rise as they enter Morro Bay in pursuit of the seven-man breakaway.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

Crossing the famous Bixby bridge on California's Pacific coast.
Bangin' the boards at the finish in San Luis Obispo
Two world champs: Paolo Bettini and Gerald Ciolek lock horns in the sprint...
...the lunge for the line...
...experience prevails over youth as Bettini takes his first big win in the US.
The world champ requests a post race espresso.
Another day of huge crowds at the Tour of California.
Gerald Ciolek doesn't seem too enamored with second place on today's stage.
There was no curse on Bettini and his rainbow jersey today.
Team CSC's JJ Haedo takes over the points jersey from his teammate Jens Voigt.
A happy Levi Leipheimer still holds a slender three second lead over Voigt.

Stage 3 - February 21: Stockton to San José, 152.2km

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Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Team CSC's Jens Voigt leads home race leader Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel)
The peloton rolls past a field of apple trees early in the day.
As the day gets underway, so does the first break.
The Liquigas boys decide what to do.
The break still going strong.
Discovery decides it's time to get things under control.
The bunch comes up the Patterson Pass Road climb.
And the bunch rolls on through the unique landscape.
Clouds threatened rain later in the day but didn’t slow the front group.
The break makes it's way up Patterson Pass Road.
Jurgen Van De Walle (Quickstep-Innergetic) concentrates as Jacob Piil (T-Mobile) checks out the scenery.
The peloton passes through a windmill farm.
Part of the picteresque Patterson Pass Road climb.
The group bunches up as they hit the climb.
Allan Davis (Discovery) had a little trouble with the climbs today.
Scott Stewart (USA National) climbs Patterson Pass Road.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) speeds up to the group.
Shawn Milne (Healthnet/Maxxis) spent his fare share of the day of the front.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) and Jens Voigt(CSC) lead the break at the bottom of Sierra Road.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) leads team leader Levi Leipheimer up to the KOM.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) keeps the pressure on.
The field starts to get blown apart.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) keeping the pace up to catch the leaders.
The group struggles as Ivan Basso (Discovery) keeps going hard.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) comes to the front.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) leads Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) and Robert Gesink (Rabobank).
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) hammers the pedals up the climb.
Jens Voigt (CSC) and Jason McCartney (Discovery)about to get caught by the Lepheimer group.
Jens Voigt (CSC) was the man of the day today.
Jason McCartney (Discovery) tries to make the chase harder.
A little local wildlife on the descent.
Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) comes to the front with 10 miles to go.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) fought hard to the end today.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) up close and personal.

Images by PhotoSport International

Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) passes through a windmill farm.
Voigt's stage win takes Team CSC's count to two.
Voigt now holds second place on general classification.
Jacob Piil (T-Mobile)
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel)
Jens Voight (CSC)
Levi on the podium… again
Allan Davis (Discovery)

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

Levi signs autographs for the fans before signing in for the stage.
The riders were glad the wind on Patterson Pass was not blowing.
Discovery Channel's Jason McCartney and Voigt were the first riders up Sierra Road.
Yellow jersey-holding Leipheimer goes up Sierra Road.
Emile Abraham (Priority Health) was the last rider over Sierra Road.

Images by Len Ramirez

McCartney leads the break up one of the steepest sections of Sierra Road.
Dimitri Fofonov (Credit Agricole) feels the pain of Sierra Road's 15 per cent gradient.
Charly Wegelius (Liquigas) pours it on.
Ivan Basso (Discovery Channel) paces race leader Leipheimer and Chris Horner (Predictor-Lotto) up the mountain.
Leipheimer makes it look easy.
Legs and lungs hard at work under stormy skies.
Tony Cruz (Discovery Channel) put in a great effort.
A long way to the top: mid-pack riders are just looking to survive.

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

Steve Hegg gets his box.
Jelly Belly knows how to keep fans happy.
Hennie Kuiper inspects a bike.
CSC mechanic does a last minute gear change.
Fabian Cancellara (CSC) in a bit of pain.
Germany's Sven Krauss (Gerolsteiner).
Fast Freddy, not going so fast...
Mauro Da Dalto (Liguigas) checks his position at the back.
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole).
Even when it hurts, you can still make faces at the photographers.
California isn't always about the beautiful people.

Images by Russ & Nancy Wright/www.wAbbiOrca.com

Saul Raisin (Credit Agricole) rides with a few friends ahead of the race.
Patterson Pass before the peloton passes through.
Go Ben Jacques-Maynes and Fred Rodriguez!
The crowd grows at the top of Patterson Pass as the race nears.
A group of 17 or so broke away early.
Riders climb up Patterson Pass.
The peloton passes through less than a minute behind the break.
Riders pass through the windmills on Patterson Pass.
The race caravan stretched from the bottom of the last Patterson Pass climb to the top.
As quickly as they came, it's all over.

Images by Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com

Cancellara and Bettini share an Italian thought at the Stockton start.
Mario Aerts climbs Sierra Road under Belgian-looking skies.
Jens Voigt on the climb.
Leipheimer and Horner apply the pressure.
It was a good day for Julich and the CSC boys.
Freddy Rodriguez shows the strain of a long day in the saddle.

Images by Aleksandr Noy

Fans chat at the side of the road waiting for the peloton to ride by.
Here they come
Luca Euser (Slipstream Sports) leads frenchman urgen Van De Walle (Quick Step-Innergetic) for the day's first KOM
Riders in the break stayed away for most of the day but were caught before the finish
Jens Voigt (Team CSC)
Mike Sayers (BMC) rides up behind Kirk O'Bee of Health Net/Maxxis
With the break past, the fans wait for the main group
Discovery was all smiles but it would take a concerted team effort to keep stage 3 under control
The main group kept their cool
The weather was cool enough for vests but warm enough to open them up on the climbs
Heading home. The fans mount their own rides to follow the race caravan back down the mountain.

Images by Mike Jacoubowsky / www.chainreactionbicycles.com

Big crowds on the Sierra climb
Lead group rides over the top of Sierra Mountain
Levi Leipheimer, Jason McCartney and Chris Horner ride together over Sierra Mountain

Images by Larry Rosa

Mike Sayers of Team BMC gives a pre race interview
Fast Freddie (Team Predictor-Lotto) gets ready for the race
Two up and coming race fans make sure the bike is good to go
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) peaks out the bus minutes before being called to the line
The Golden Slipper
Paolo has a laugh with the crowd before the race
Happy autograph seekers waiting outside the Discovery bus
Jakob Pill (T-Mobile) chats his fellow racers
Big Crowds turn out to watch the Tour of California leave Stockton
Third and final lap. Stage 2 winner JJ Haedo (CSC) leads the field out of Stockton
A small break gets free on the Patterson Pass climb
The chase group led by Tony Cruz and the Disco boys
The pack makes it over the first part of Patterson Pass
The pack heads toward the first KOM at the summit of Patterson Pass

Images by Dennis Hoover / www.hooverfoto.com

Andrew Bajadali (Jelly Belly)
Mauro Facci (Quick Step)
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
Tony Cruz (Discovery)
Team Slipstream bikes ready for action
The Colavita squad
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) keeps a quick pace on the final cat 1 climb
Jens Voigt (CSC) keeps a close watch on race leader Levi Leipheimer (Discovery)
Ivan Basso (Discovery)
George Hincapie (Discovery) leads the previous days most aggressive rider Christophe Laurent (Credit Agricole)

Stage 2 - February 20: Santa Rosa to Sacramento, 187.2km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

JJ Haedo takes stage two
Christophe Laurent(Credit Agricole) came up the first climb of the day in the lead and captured the most aggressive rider prize.
David McCann (Colovita/Sutter Home) comes up and helps form the break.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) leads the bunch on the first KOM climb.
Robert Gesink (Rabobank) riding mid pack early on the climb.
Bobby Julich (CSC) on the climb
Henk Vogels (Toyota United) suffering a bit today.
Emile Abraham (Priority Health) attacks his way to the top.
Riders make their way into the finishing circuit.
Big crowds lined the final straight.
JJ Haedo (CSC) easily takes away the win today.
JJ Haedo (CSC) happy on the podium.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) will keep the yellow jersey heading into San Jose.
Huge crowds showed up for the podium presentation in front of the state capitol building.

Images by Fred Patton/www.phoenix-sports.com

The official finish photo shows Haedo well ahead of Paolini

Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com

Most aggressive rider of the day, Christophe Laurent (Credit Agricole).
David McCann (Colavita/Sutter home) on the first climb.
The field struggles up the first climb.
A lot of familiar faces at the front as the field enters the finishing circuit.
Jens Voigt (CSC)
Brian Sheedy (Priority Healthnet)
JJ Haedo (Team CSC) was in good position at the start of the last lap.
JJ Haedo (Team CSC) shows who is number one after wining stage 2.
The stage 2 podium (l-r): Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole), JJ Jaedo (Team CSC) and Luca Paolini (Liquigas).
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) retained the overall lead.
The Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulates the jersey wearers in Sacramento.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

The peloton on the finishing circuits in California's state capital.
Leipheimer had plenty of fans on the course today.
Huge crowds lined the finishing circuits in Sacramento.
JJ Haedo (Team CSC) interviewed after the race.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) salutes from the podium.
Haedo grabbed his third career win in the Tour of California.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger came out to support the race.
Bravo chaps... Arnie gives the various leaders a round of applause.

Images by Mark Stemmy

Christophe Laurent (Credit Agricole) flying up the first climb of the day on Trinity Road.
Omer Kem (Priority Health) losing contact with Laurent on Trinity.
Omer Kem suffering.
David McCann (Colavita-Sutter Home) one of the three members of the early break, falling into his own rhythm on the climb.
Team Discovery Channel leads the peloton up the Trinity Grade.
The Disco boys lead the way through the California hills, as locals let their favorites be know on the road itself.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) keeps a watchful eye on the KOM leader, Thomas Peterson (Team Slipstream).
Michael Barry (T-Mobile) rides near the front on the climb.
Sergey Lagutin (Navigators Insurance) looks comfortable out of the saddle.
Jens Voigt (CSC) drags his ample frame up the climb.
Christophe Kern (Credit Agricole) makes his way up Trinity.
World Champion Paolo Bettini (QuickStep-Innergetic) trying to cool off on the climb after a cold morning start to the stage.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United Pro) follows his own tempo up the climb.
Frederik Willems (Liquigas) survives the climb, which was a bit of short, sharp, shock treatment for the beginning of the stage.
Scott Zwizanski (Priority Health) doesn't look comfortable.
The Governator (or is it) makes an appearance in the broom wagon.
California's finest on horseback keep the peace at the state capital.
T-Mobile and CSC are present near the front as the peloton rolls into Sacramento.
At the start of the 2nd lap of the finishing circuit the Navigators squad forces the pace.
The Navigators fly through downtown Sacramento.
Henk Vogels (Toyota United) tries to squeeze past the T-Mobile leadout train.
The HealthNet squad struggle to get on terms.
HealthNet tries to get organized.

Stage 1 - February 19: Sausalito - Santa Rosa, 155.7km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Graeme Brown (Rabobank) just gets it ahead of Greg Henderson (T-mobile) and Allan Davis (Discovery)
Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) explains some finers points of todays race.
Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) ready on the start line.
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) gets set for the day.
Bernard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) and Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile)happy on the start line.
Ivan Basso (Discovery) excited about starting today.
George Hincapie (Discovery) and David Zabriskie (CSC) ham it up at the start.
Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) and George Hincapie (Discovery) ready to go.
The bunch rolls through the California countryside.
The bunch goes past an original looking ranch house along the route.
Discovery riders come to the front to manage the pace on one of the windier parts of the course.
Riders tackle one of the little rises past the feed zone.
The group makes it's way along the California coast.
The jagged coastline greeted the bunch as it makes it's way north.
Riders bunch up as the wind picks up later in the race.
The first real break of the day tries to get up the road.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) bridges up to the back of a group.
Jean Marc Marino (Credit Agricole) tackles a climb.
Sheldon Deeny (USA National) works his way back on.
The group gets back together after some small attacks.
David Zabriskie (CSC) catches back on after some mechanical issues.
The bunch makes it's way up the Coleman Valley Rd. climb.
Discovery comes to the front with 25K to go.
The last group that tried hard to get away.
A massive pileup with 2 laps still to go takes down most of the field.
The dragrace to the line begins.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) keeps the leader jersey for another day.

Images by Laura Weislo / Cyclingnews

Marking 300-meters to go at the finsh in Santa Rosa
VIP's get to watch the finish from special areas
TV crews setup in the finish area of Monday's stage from Sausalita to Santa Rosa
The television production requires two huge truckloads of equipment
Paul Sherwin is at the Tour of California commentating for the US sports channel Versus

Images by Dennis Hoover/www.hooverfoto.com

Levi Leipheimer in the leader's jersey, chasing back after his crash
The peloton rolls along
The t-mobile train rockets into Santa Rosa

Images by PhotoSport International

Images by Mitch Friedman/www.mitchophoto.com

Leipheimer signs in at the start.
Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) soaks up the Californian sun.
T-Mobile leads the way into Santa Rosa.
Discovery Channel, Rabobank and T-Mobile sprint to the finish.
Greg Henderson (T-Mobile) was shocked when told he didn't win.
Graeme Brown (Rabobank) wasn't suprised when informed of his victory.
Greg LeMond being interviewed
Podium (L-R): Greg Henderson (T-Mobile), Graeme Brown (Rabobank) and Allan Davis (Discovery Channel)
Leipheimer keeps the yellow jersey, for another day.

Images by Russ & Nancy Wright/www.AbbiOrca.com

Waiting for the Tour of California
Sonoma's Steven Cozza gets lots of support
More waiting, with some happy local California cows
Brian Worthy rides up the hill
More Cozza well-wishes
Thor and Cippo
BMC and Paolo Bettini have friends in the area.
One way to ascend Coleman Valley Road
A welcoming day of sunshine for the first stage of TOC
Richard Fries announces AND distributes Jelly Belly beans.
Fans reaching for the Jelly Bellies
Saul Raisin, of Credit Agricole, rode up the hill with a Roaring Mouse Cycling Team member.
Go go go Levi
Mavic support part way through a full day
Quick Step-Innergetic's Jurgen Van De Walle en route to securing the KOM jersey.
Thomas Peterson, of Team Slipstream, chases Van de Walle
The peloton crests the hill.
Discovery leads the pack up Coleman Valley.
Jackson Stewart, BMC
Steve Cozza (Slipstream) and Gustavo Artacho (Colavita/Sutter Home) sandwiched between Health Net and CSC support.
BMC support car
The broom wagon/minivan

Images by Amando Mendoza

Bettini and his Angel at the start under the Coit Tower.

Images by Peter Vaughan

Apparently, not everyone is a Bettini fan.

Prologue - February 18: San Francisco ITT, 3.1 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) laid it all on the line today and came in with a prologue winning time of 4’49”
Frederik Willems (Liquigas) trying out some American racing on his shiny new American made Cannondale.
Tim Johnson (Healthnet) puts in a good ride and comes in only 12 seconds back on the winner.
Tony Cruz (Discovery) back in his old team colors.
Stuart O'Grady (CSC) had a strong ride coming in 10 seconds behind.
Sebastien Hinault (Credit Agricole) riding far away from his French homeland.
Brian Sheedy (Priority Health) comes up ride behind Hinault.
Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) grits it out for the young fans.
Tom Danielson (Discovery) stayed within a respectable 10 seconds of the leader today.
David Zabriskie (CSC) comes through sporting his National Championship stripes.
George Hincapie (Discovery) finished a strong 9th, only 8 seconds back.
Justin England (Toyota United) comes by 20 seconds off the pace.
Chris Horner (Predictor/Lotto) one of the favorites for the overall.
Alexandre Moos (BMC) giving it all he's got.
Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) cranking it out.
Christian Vandevelde (CSC) coming off of a super strong last season.
Michael Barry (T-Mobile) showing off his new T-Mobile colors.
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) will be looking for some big finished this week.
Tom Zirbel (Priority Health) coming in strong.
Paolo Bettini (Quickstep) had a little trouble earlier on the course with a dropped chain.
Danny Pate (Slipstream) comes by only 18 seconds back.
Freddy Rodriguez (Predictor/Lotto) looking for the top.
Bobby Julich (CSC) comes through calm and collected.
Kirk O'Bee (Healthnet/Maxxis) will be after the sprint finishes this week.
Fabian Cancellara (CSC) World Time Trial Champion.
Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) pulled off another good TT today coming in at 14 seconds back.