Tour of Qinghai Lake - 2.HC

China, July 14-22, 2007

Photography

Stage 9 - July 22: Circuit Xining, 110 km (20 laps of 5.5 km)

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

All the Aussies that finished the tour.
The riders line up for the last time this tour.
The yellow jersey had protection during the race.
The pace was high on the flat circuit.
Even the workers took a break to watch the race.
Locals lined the streets in force.
Beautiful Xining provided the backdrop for the day's racing.
The many colours of cycling
The peloton raced through the city centre.
The crowd watched on as Dmytro Novosad (Ukraine) had a blast out front.
Perfect weather for a bike race.
The speed was up and so were the umbrellas.
The riders line up going up a small rise.
Crowds lined the streets all the way around the course.
Hoping for a local win
With one lap to go, Discovery Channel took to the front.
And the sprint is on with Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) as the favorite.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) takes his fifth win of the tour.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) gets a pat on the back after taking top GC honours.
A podium girl awaits the start of the presentation.
Ma Haijun (China) celebrates in style after claiming the Asian rider's jersey.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) in his KOM jersey.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) held onto the sprinter's green jersey the entire race.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) can now relax and enjoy himself.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) thanks the crowd.

Stage 8 - July 21: Menyuan - Huzhu, 168.1 km

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

The crowds were out on such a lovely morning.
The peloton leaves Menyuan.
With the sprint approaching, Team Wiesenhof Felt takes the lead.
The peloton rides a gradual downhill through the valley.
The break at 40km.
Patriotic fans line the streets.
The main group heads towards the hills.
Daniel Lloyd (DFL-Cyclingnews.com) makes an attack at the base of the climb.
The yellow jersey group included all the important riders.
The switchbacks made for some good viewing.
Up and up.
Ma Haijun (China) gave his all up the climb.
The riders on the mountain
Peter Herzig (FRF Couriers-NSWIS) and Volodymyr Zagorodniy (OTC Doors-Lauretana) in the hunt for the leaders.
Jose Luis Rubiera (Discovery Channel) descended like a demon, getting off the front solo by the bottom of the descent.
The yellow jersey group against a yellow backdrop
Jose Luis Rubiera (Discovery Channel) takes the win, in front of Joerg Ludewig (Team Wiesenhof Felt).
The main group heads towards the hills.
Ma Haijun (China) can't believe he has the Asian leader's jersey with only one day to go.
Fuyu Li (Discovery Channel) gets a handshake from his manager despite losing his jersey.
Ma Haijun (China) still can't believe it as he walks to the podium area.
Ma Haijun (China) lets loose on the podium.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) retains his KOM jersey.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) is still in green.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) stands strong with one day to go.

Stage 7 - July 20: Xining - Menyuan, 150.8 km

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

Fumiyuki Beppu (Discovery Channel chats wth team manager Ekimov, before the start this morning.
Fuju Li (Discovery Channel) limbers up.
Andre Schulze (Wiesenhof Felt) and team mate Joerg Ludewig taking it easy before the start.
An overview of part of the climb today
The breakaway on the lower slopes.
Even in the middle of nowhere you will find some spectators in China.
The breakaway start the climb.
The view half way down the descent.
Martin Mares (PSK Whirlpool HRAD) takes the win in Menyuan.
The yellow jersey group on the finish straight.
Fuju Li (Discovery Channel) leaves the podium in his Blue jersey.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) had some fun as usual on the podium.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) still hold a 2 second lead.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) got mobbed by the band kids.

Images by Steve Thomas

Discovery Channel out the front early on in the stage.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) rolls along the shaded roads
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) out front.
The peloton whilst still in civilisation.
The peloton head for the hills
It was a mixed weather day. at this time is was sunny.
Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia out the front as the climbing begins.
Farmland was the sight of the day on stage 7
The peloton enjoys the scenery
Action in the peloton
Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia controling the pace.
Fumiyuki Beppu (Discovery Channel) working hard as usual.
The climb as it begins to steepen.
The peleton split as the climb continued.
Oscar Casarrubios (Relax GAM) up close and personal.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) as the temperature starts to drop.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) on his way to the summit.
The top 3 in GC stay nice and close to each other.
Descending into the valley below.
Time for a quick feed.

Stage 6 - July 19: Xining - Xining, 208.1 km

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

The Relax GAM boys prepare for another wet day in the saddle.
Do you think these booties are waterproof?
Talking tactics.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) thinking about who to spray his winning champagne on.
A China National rider prepares for the day ahead.
On the starting line.
The riders still in Xining in the neutral zone.
Riders reflect on their chances
Felix Odebrecht (Wiesenhof Felt) and Kasper Jebjerg (Danmark) attempt a break.
Beppu Fumiyuki (Discovery Channel) followiing a break.
Don’t worry about the rain there is a bike race to see.
The peloton makes its way along the freeway.
Some spectators get a good vantage point.
Torsten Schmidt (Wiesenhof Felt) has a big effort.
This gentleman could very well have seen all 6 tours of Qinghai Lake.
Some of the friendly kids of Qinghai Provence.
Antonio Cruz (Discovery Channel) looks pretty happy with his teams performance.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) in front of a large crowd.
Fuyu Li (Discovery Channel) should be happy with all the publicity he is receiving.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) toasts the crowd after receiving his KOM jersey.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) tries to drown the crowd in champagne.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni_Selle Italia) leads by only 2 seconds.

Stage 5 - July 18: Guide - Xining, 115 km

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

The riders line up to sign on, on a wet morning.
The local boys Marida await the start.
The peloton head towards the hills.
Perez Mancebo in the bunch.
Unique surroundings for the riders
Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia rode out the front as the approached the climb.
The bunch rolls along.
Scenic lower slopes
Ghader Mizbani (Giant Asia) went it alone, and reached the summit first.
Oscar Casarrubi (Relax GAM) and Stanislav Kozubek (PSK Whirlpool Hradec Kralove) attacked the leaders as well.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) sitting strong with the main lead group.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) leads the chasing group.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) is far to strong and takes an easy sprint for his third win of the tour.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) all smiles after his win.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) must be getting used to receiving the flowers by now.
Fuju Li (Discovery Channel) is looking good already to take out the overall Asian classifaction.
Sergio Barbero (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) lets the bubbly flow.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) loving his time on stage.
Daniel Lloyd (DFL-Cyclingnews.com) is the new yellow jersey wearer.
Daniel Lloyd (DFL-Cyclingnews.com) leaves the podium.
Daniel Lloyd (DFL-Cyclingnews.com) talks to the media.

Stage 4 - July 17: Xihaizhen - Guide, 172.4 km

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

Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) posses with a few fans (notice the Aussie t-shirts).
A girl in traditional costume at the start of todays race.
Part of the pre race entertainment.
Will this be the last day that Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) has the Qinghai Lake yellow jersey on his back.
With an early sprint Team Wiesenhof went to the front.
The crowds lined the roads again today to cheer on the riders.
The riders pass through a small town.
At the base of the climb Clement Lhotellerie (Skill-Shimano) attacks the group.
and the rain started to fall as they headed to the hills.
Alex Rassmussen (Danmark) applies another layer as the temperature drops.
Discovery Channel were once again out front.
Sergio Barbero (CLM/Serramenti PVC) leading the three breakaways as they rise towards 3880m.
The road was wet up the climb.
The main bunch half way up the climb.
One of the local farmers watches the action.
Cameron Jennings (DFL-Cyclingnews.com) struggled on the climb.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) struggled a bit, but stayed in contention with the long descent.
Clement Lhotellerie (Skill-Shimano) was first to the base of the mountain and was putting in a massive effort with 15km to go.
The sprint.
Joerg Ludwig (Team Wiesenhof) takes the win after a long sprint.
Joerg Ludwig (Team Wiesenhof) gets some breath.
Fuyu Li (Discovery Channel) is enjoying the publicity after retaining the Asian Riders classification jersey.
Joerg Ludwig (Team Wiesenhof) rellished his time on the podium.
Sergio Barbero (CLM/Serramenti PVC) is the new KOM leader.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) once again made the most of the champagne.
Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Selle Italia) in yellow for the first time.

Stage 3 - July 16: Bird Island - Xihaizhen, 152.4 km

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

Andr Sheydyk (Ukraine) posses with some traditionaly clothed locals.
The peleton on the outskirts of Bird Island.
The pace was on early, with several break attempts.
The first break belonged to Kristoffer Nielson (Danmark), Philippe Schnyder (CLM/Serramenti PVC) and Kane Oakley (DFL-Cyclingnews.com).
The yellow jersey had protection all day.
After the first break was caught, another was soon in action.
Relax-GAM working out front of the main group.
Alexander Porsev (Russia) suffered a tumble.
The wind caused the peleton to split into several groups.
Discovery Channel out front.
Peter Herzig (FRF Couriers-NSWIS) leads a three man break.
Afternoon tea time.
Discovery Channel out front as the peleton rolls through the countryside.
The three break away riders near the summit of the days main climb 46km from home.
Discovery Channel was making sure it caught the break.
The break with the peleton in the near distance.
20km from the finish and the teams were preparing themselves for the finale.
The peloton with the hills in the distance.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) gets some revenge on yesterdays winner Andre Schulze (Wiesenhof Felt).
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) has a laugh with teammates on the way to the podium.
Whats going on here then?
The crowd at the podium had a great time.
Fuyu Li (Discovery Channel) remains in the Asian Jersey.

Stage 2 - July 15: Qinghai Lake Hotel - Bird Island, 120.7 km

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

Matthew Rice (Jelly Belly) dons one of the local cowboy hats.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) signs on.
the Peloton in pretty suroundings during the early part of the stage.
Not quite sunflowers but not to bad.
The peloton getting lolst in a sea of yellow.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) riding safely in the bunch.
Fang Xu (Skil-Shimano) leads the bunch in pursuit of the break.
Some of the locals come to see the action.
A local lady awaits the riders.
The riders bring lots of interest when riding through the little towns along the way.
the three escapers make there way aroung Qinghai Lake.
Yakitty Yak
The main group pass the shores of Qinghai Lake.
Discovery Channel were present on the front again today.
Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly) leading the escapers.
The peleton reach the top of the KOM.
The sprint into Bird Island.
Andre Schulze (Wiesenhof Felt) takes the win with Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) claiming second.
The podium girls prepare the days jerseysfor presentation.
Fuju Li (Discovery Channel) holds onto the Asian Riders jersey.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) in the sprinters jersey empties his champagne on the crowd.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) is enjoying being in yellow.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) this years only yellow jersey wearer.

Stage 1 - July 14: Xining - Qinghai Lake Hotel, 145.5 km

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

David Deroo (Skil-Shimano) and team mate Clement Lhotellerie warm up before todays stage.
Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel) limbers up.
Ju Chao (China Marida) and Yu Shijie relax before todays stage.
Matt Rice (Jelly Belly) says G'day in sunny Xining.
The Peleton make its way out of Xining.
Jose Rubiera (Discovery Channel) gers some running repairs before the climb of the day.
The succesful break on some smooth roads.
As the race headed towards the hills the break still had 40 seconds.
Beppu Fumiyuki (Discovery Channel) leads the main group.
As usual in China the crowds are very colourfull.
Discovery Channel controlled the pace, keeping an eye on the leaders.
It was a fine day for racing.
John Devine (Discovery Channel) works his way up the climb.
Floris Goesinnen (Skil-Shimano) alone with a big backdrop.
Nacor Burgos (Relax-GAM) in action.
Floris Goesinnen (Skil-Shimano) still out in front, but not for long.
The decisive break
Nacor Burgos (Relax-GAM) has a turn out front with the lead group.
The winning group riding under a pleasant sky.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) takes out stage 1.
Li Fuji (Discovery Channel) talks to the media after a sucessful day.
Peter Herzig (FRF Couriers) made a few fans today.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) on the podium after taking out todays stage.
Li Fuji (Discovery Channel) lets loose with the bubbly.
Floris Goesinnen (Skil-Shimano) enjoying the spoils of winning a jersey.
Allan Davis (Discovery Channel) happy to be in yellow.