Nature Valley Grand Prix - NE

Minnesota, USA, June 20-24, 2007

Photography

Stage 6 - June 24: Stillwater Criterium, 60/50 mins (M/W)

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• A poised Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) before the start of Stage 6 the Stillwater Criterium.
• The jerseys on the line as call ups are completed.
• They are off!
• Mara Abbott (Webcor) leads Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) up Chilkoot Hill.
• The chase group starts the climb.
• On Chilkoot Hill fans cheer the break riders Mara Abbott (Webcor) and Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton).
• Sport Beans Queen of the Hill leader Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter Home) leads the chase group on the climb.
• The Canon Falls stage winner Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) show the strain of climbing Chilkoot Hill on this fifth day of racing.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) and Mara Abbott (Webcor) work together with roughly a one minute advantage.
• Stage 5's BMC Most Aggressive Rider Rushlee Buchanan (Jazz Apple) looks comfortable on the 18 percent grade Chilkoot Hill.
• Shelley Olds (Proman/Paradigm) sets the pace for the chase group.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) celebrates her stage and overall win.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) takes the field sprint for third with Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter Home) taking fourth.
• Women's podium (L-R): Mara Abbott (Webcor), Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton), and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine).
• Stage 6's BMC Most Aggressive Rider Mara Abbott (Webcor).
• The Wheaties Sprint Champion Rebecca Larson (Aaron's).
• Mara Abbott (Webcor) also took the title of the Boost Best Young Rider.
• Nature Valley Grand Prix Champion Kristin Armstrong of Team Lipton.
• Team Lipton took the Team GC.
• The Pro/1 Men await the start of Stage 6 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
• Toyota United was once again on the front today trying to prevent breaks from happening.
• The Toyota United team at the front chasing down a break attempt.
• Andrew Bajadali (Jelly Belly) goes solo from the field with an attack on Chilkoot Hill.
• Stage 5's BMC Most Aggressive Rider Tim Johnson (HealthNet-Maxxis) works to stay in the main group.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) looked strong for the entire 60 minute race in Stillwater.
• HealthNet riders Frank Pipp and Rory Sutherland push the pace with one lap to go.
• Frank Pipp (HealthNet-Maxxis) out of the saddle heading to the top of Chilkoot Hill and the stage win.
• Frank Pipp (HealthNet-Maxxis) the Stage 6 winner.
• A relieved Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) crosses the line as the races overall champion.
• The Toyota United teammates Caleb Manion and Ivan Stevic relax in some shade after completion of the final stage.
• Men's podium (L-R): Darren Lill (Navigators Insurance), Frank Pipp (Healthnet pb Maxxis), Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis).
• Stage 6's BMC Most Aggressive Rider Darren Lill (Navigators Insurance).
• The Boost Best Young Rider Scott Stewart (VMG Racing).
• The Sport Beans King of the Hill Champion Michael Cody (Jelly Belly).
• The Wheaties Sprint Champion Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).
• The Nature Valley Grand Prix Champion Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).

Images by Frank Rowe

• Rushlee Buchanan (Jazz Apple), BMC's Most Aggressive Rider leading into today's final stage.
• The women tackle Chilkoot Hill for the first of many times.
• Overall race leader Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) was at the front for the entire stage.
• Mara Abbott (Webcor) and Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) quickly opened up a 40-second gap.
• The first chase group contained Australian champion Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital), Felicia Gomez (Aaron's Pro Cycling), and Sports Beans Queen of the Hills leader Alex Wrubleski (Colavita-Sutter Home).
• Jennifer Bodine (Ryan Collegiate/George Washington University). Ryan Builders sponsored a Collegiate All-Stars team which offered valuable high-level racing experience to six athletes.
• Teresa Moriarty (Flanders) tries to keep cool.
• Kristin Wentworth (Team Kenda Tire) , cresting Chilkoot hill, was part of the second chase group.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) wins her third stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix and secures the overall GC.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) storms to third place behind Armstrong and Abbott.
• Sports Beans King of the Hill leader Michael Cody (Jelly Belly) gets wired up.
• The Jelly Belly men looking all GQ before the start.
• Overall race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) does some last-minute stretching.
• Best Young Rider Scott Stewart (VMG Racing).
• A Colavita-Sutter Home rider takes a flyer early in today's stage.
• A local Nature Valley / Penn Cycle rider leads on one of the early laps.
• The men's field bombs down the fast descent.
• Jose Serpa (Colombian National Team), top amateur, finished 11th on the stage and overall.
• With just two laps remaining, Cesar Grajales (Jittery Joe's) looks back at the top of Chilkoot to see Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) and yellow-jersey Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United).
• Cesar Grajales looked good at the top of the climb with one lap remaining, but finished seventh.
• Frank Pipp (HealthNet) prepares to celebrate as he wins the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/Action Images/www.actionimages.cc

• A view from the finish line atop Chilkoot Hill down at the women’s field as they get ready for 50 minutes of racing
• The women’s peloton climb Chilkoot Hill for the first time
• Betina Hold (Cheerwine) leads a Lipton rider around the first turn
• Catherine Powers (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) and Katie Weber (Xplane/Team Revolution) navigate the first turn at the top of the climb
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) makes a solo breakaway early in the race
• Team Kenda Tire rider Debbie Dust eyes the second incline after Chilkoot Hill
• Carmen McNellis (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) suffered a mechanical, received a replacement bike and was forced to chase
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) was joined by Mara Abbott (Webcor Builders) The two worked together for the balance of the race
• Some of the power brokers of the women’s peloton stand on the pedals at the base of the climb
• Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) with a tremendous effort up Chilkoot Hill
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) leads the field up the climb in the closing laps
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) displays her true competitive spirit as she masters the climb
• This Target Training rider suffers up Chilkoot Hill
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) eclipses Mara Abbott (Webcor Builders) on the final climb for the victory
• The women’s podium (left to right) Mara Abbott (Webcor Builders), Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton), and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine)
• The men’s peloton climbs Chilkoot Hill for the first time
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota/United) race leader, navigates the turn into the fast downhill portion of the course
• Chad Hartley (BMC Pro Cycling) attempts to keep cool on a blistering day
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) goes up the road early with a small group
• The break puts time into the field early in the race
• The men snake through at the base of the climb
• Toyota/United takes up the chase in an attempt to bring the race back together
• Health Net shows why they are wearing the BMC most aggressive riders jersey
• The field, back together again , ascends the climb late in the race
• The peloton approaches the 21% grade of Chilkoot Hill
• Steve Tilford (HRRC/Trek Stores) fell victim to a flat early on in the race and was forced to chase alone
• Health Net puts two riders on the podium as Frank Pipp (Health Net) takes the victory
• The men’s podium (left to right) Darren Lill (Navigators), Frank Pipp (Health Net) , and Rory Sutherland (Health Net)

Stage 5 - June 23: Mankato Road Race, 86 miles

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Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• Wheaties sprint leader Rebecca Larson (Aaron's) prepares to set a time standard for the Wheaties Fan Cyber Sprint Competition.
• The women's field got a taste of the Mankato countryside on today's 86 mile stage.
• Heading toward the sprint line Sarah Caravella (Aaron's) hits the pavement along with another rider.
• It was a warm and sunny as the women head to the first Sports Bean Queen of the Hill climb.
• Late in the race it was all Team Lipton at the front of the field.
• Jazz Apple rider Rushlee Buchanan looks back to see how close the Team Lipton is.
• With a stamp of authority Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) charges up the finishing circuit climb.
• A battle scarred Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter Home) fights to stay on Kristin Armstrong's wheel during the Sports Bean Queen of the Hill line the first lap of the four circuits.
• A determined Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) pushes it up the hill on Main Street Mankato.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) celebrates her stage win.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) arriving solo, 39 seconds ahead of the chase group.
• The cheering crowd applauds Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) as she celebrates her stage win.
• Women's podium (L-R): Rachel Heal (Webcor), Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton), Felicia Gomez (Aaron's).
• The BMC Most Aggressive Rider Rushlee Buchanan of the Jazz Apple Cycling Team.
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) retained her Boost Best Young Rider Jersey.
• Maintaining a lead in the Queen of the Hill Competition is Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter Home).
• Placing in all the of the sprints today Rebecca Larson (Aaron's) retains the Wheaties Sprint Leader's Jersey.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton), the Nature Valley Grand Prix race leader.
• Juan Pablo Forero (Colombian National Team) awaits the start of the Mankato stage.
• The BMC Most Aggressive Michael Sayers (BMC) gets the first call up of the stage.
• The current race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).
• Early in the race Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) rode comfortably mid-pack.
• The late race breakaway gets an update on the time gap from Commissaire 2.
• The late race break heads to the first Sport Beans King of the Hill point. The break consisted of Ian Stanford (Abercrombie & Fitch Pro Development), Pat Lemieux (Bianchi/Grand Performance), Tim Johnson (Healthnet pb Maxxis), Benjamin Bradshaw (VMG).
• The peloton rolls along the Mankato country side.
• Heading to the first Sport Beans King of the Hill point has the all the team members of Toyota United and Healthnet at the front.
• Tim Johnson (Healthnet-Maxxis) leads Ian Stanford (Abercrombie & Fitch) up the hill the first time on the finishing circuits.
• Behind the leaders Healthnet pushes the pace up the climb.
• Rory Sutherlund (Healthnet-Maxxis) celebrates the stage win beating Anthony Colby (Colavita Sutter Home) to the line.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) takes the sprint from what remained of the field.
• The Great River Energy Top Amateur Jose Serpa (Colombian National Team).
• The Wheaties Sprint Leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).
• Still in the leaders jersey heading into the Stillwater stage he won last year is Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health) and Jeff Louder (Health Net) attempt to escape in the early miles.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health) and Jeff Louder (Health Net) working well together, but it wouldn't last.
• This four man break established itself late in the race and stayed away until the finishing circuits.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) rode a smart race all afternoon and worked hard for the win.
• The men's peloton attempts to organize a chase with a four man break up the road.
• With two laps of the finishing circuit remaining Toyota/United brings them through the start/finish.
• An animated Toyota/United rider revs up the crowd.
• The pain of the huge hill on the finishing circuit shows on the face of this Navigator's rider.
• Jeff Louder (Health Net) leads Mike Sayers (BMC Pro Racing) on the finishing circuit.
• Ian Stanford (Abercrombie & Fitch) focuses on the hill just in front of him.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) pips Anthony Colby (Colavita Sutter Home) on the line for the victory.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota/United), race leader, finishes strong.
• Men's podium (L-R): Anthony Colby (Colavita Sutter Home), Rory Sutherland (Health Net), and Cesar Augusto Grajales (Jittery Joe's).
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) speaks with the media after winning the stage.
• The women's field climbs the hill on the finishing circuit.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) shows the effects of a long stage as she completes her final laps.
• Betina Hold (Cheerwine) leads the field through in pursuit of Kristin Armstrong.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) crosses the line alone almost a minute ahead of the field.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) obliges the media for a few words after her victory.
• Women's podium (L-R): Rachel Heal (Webcor), Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton), Felicia Gomez (Aaron's).

Images by Frank Rowe

• Rushlee Buchanan (Jazz Apple) is on a solo breakaway at the 65-mile mark of the Mankato Road Race.
• The women's peloton crosses the Blue Earth River during Stage 5 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
• The pack climbs out of the Blue Earth Valley during the Mankato Road Race.
• TEAm Lipton is at the head of affairs for race leader Kristin Armstrong.
• The beautiful southern Minnesota countryside during the women's fifth stage.
• Race leader Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) attacked on the steep Mankato climb.
• Queen of the Hills Alex Wrubleski (Colavita-Sutter Home), Mara Abbot (Webcor Builders), and Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) give chase.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) rode impressively on the steep finishing circuit to win the stage and increase her overall lead.
• Australian champ Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital) leads the second group of chasers on the steep finishing circuit.
• Kristin Armstrong - stage winner, defending champion, and race leader - ponders a reporter's question.
• Pat Lemieux (Bianchi/Grand Performance) leads the four-man breakaway through the Wheaties Sprint in Lake Crystal.
• Toyota-United patrols the head of the peloton for race leader Ivan Stevic.
• The men's peloton is strung out along the Blue Earth River valley.
• The four-man break keeps its lead up the day's first climb.
• The view from the caravan during today's first KOH climb.

Stage 4 - June 22: Minneapolis Downtown, 60/40 mins (M/W)

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Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) in the Nature Valley Grand Prix leader's jersey.
• The Nature Valley Grand Prix is the second stop in the Women's Prestige Series, and here are two of the jersey wearers from Team Lipton - Koro Seehafer (Sprinter) and Lauren Franges (Best Young Rider).
• The women's field awaits the start of the race.
• Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital) gets help from OnSupport in the backside pit.
• Team Lipton was on the front much of the race, protecting the leader's jersey of Kristin Armstrong.
• If it wasn't Team Lipton then it was Cheerwine who controlled the front of the peloton.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) takes the Minneapolis stage for the second year in a row.
• Women's podium (L-R): Nichole Wansgard (Group Health), Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), and Brooke Miller (Team Tibco).
• Women's jerseys: Boost Best Young Rider - Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine), BMC Most Aggressive Rider - Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), NVGP Leader - Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton), Wheaties Sprint Leader - Rebecca Larson (Aaron's).
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) back in yellow in Minneapolis.
• Kirk O'Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) back into the Wheaties Sprint Leaders Jersey.
• Amateur rider Jarred Berger (Team Einstein's Cycling).
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) takes the corner on the fast downtown course.
• The first break that went away... Jackson Stewart (BMC), Mike Jones (Jelly Belly), Tim Johnson (HealthNet-Maxxis), Jonathan Sundt (Kelly Benefits Strategies).
• The Toyota United team set the pace for a majority of the 60 minute criterium.
• The second break to really get established and hang off the front was Frank Pipp (HealthNet-Maxxis), James Meadley (Jelly Belly), Michael Sayers (BMC)
• Kirk O'Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) takes the sprint with Stevic and Henk Vogels (Toyota United) in second and third.
• The new BMC Most Aggressive Rider Michael Sayers of the BMC Pro Cycling Team.
• Men's jerseys: Boost Best Young Rider - David Veilleux (Jittery Joes), Sports Bean King of the Hill - Michael Cody (Jelly Belly), NVGP Leader - Ivan Stevic (Toyota United), Great River Energy Top Amateur - Jarred Berger (Team Einstein's Cycling), BMC Most Aggressive Rider - Michael Sayers (BMC).

Images by Frank Rowe

• Race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) at the start.
• Team HealthNet-Maxxis animated the race early on.
• In the heat of the action - the men's peloton.
• Jonathan Sundt (Kelly Benefits Strategies) bridges to the first break.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) mid-pack, early in the race.
• Mike Jones (Jelly Belly), with his Sport Beans temporary tattoo, establishes the first break with Tim Johnson (HealthNet-Maxxis), Jonathan Sundt (Kelly Benefits Strategies), and Jackson Stewart (BMC).
• Dale Sedgwick (Bianchi/Grand Performance), a local fixture on the cycling scene.
• James Meadley (Jelly Belly), Michael Sayers (BMC), and Frank Pipp (HealthNet-Maxxis) drive the ill-fated second break .
• Toyota-United chase for race leader Ivan Stevic.
• There's lots of orange at the volunteer check-in.
• The women's race starts, with fans in bleachers, at the barriers, and in the skyways.
• The women fly through downtown Minneapolis.
• TEAm Lipton and Cheerwine control the pace early on.
• The women's field rounds the corner onto Nicollet Avenue.
• The crowds are lined up three-deep at Brit's Pub to watch the women's race.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), today's stage winner, leads the pack on one of the final laps.
• The women pass under a skyway at the University of St. Thomas.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton), race leader, protected by teammates near race end.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), stage winner, looks ready to spray the crowd with an energy drink instead of champagne.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/Action Images/www.actionimages.cc

• The lovely and talented Amber Rais (Webcor Builders) prepares for tonight's evening stage.
• Rebecca Larson (Aaron's) converses with Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) on the line.
• A sea of helmets and colour as the women begin the stage.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) leads the peloton in the early laps.
• Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) leads Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) and a TEAm Lipton rider through turn three.
• The women's peloton battled for a huge crowd in downtown Minneapolis.
• Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital) waits patiently as On Support changes her rear flat.
• Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) ramps up the pace at the front of the peloton.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) pips Nichole Wangsgard (Team Group Health) on the line to take the victory.
• Women's podium (L-R): Nichole Wangsgard (Team Group Health), Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), and Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO).
• Roman Kilun (Health Net) awaits the start amidst a huge crowd of fans.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) waves to the crowd as he is called to the line.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota/United) calmly waits for the race to begin as he is introduced.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota/United) breaks right as he attempts a move early on.
• The men's peloton passes the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
• Mike Sayers (BMC) rides at the front of the peloton with a Navigators rider.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) is marked closely by Ivan Stevic (Toyota/United).
• A small, but dangerous group of riders escape off the front.
• This Jelly Belly rider is serious about promoting the sports beans brand.
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota/United) leads the peloton out of turn two.
• Phil Zajicek (Navigotors) shows why he is wearing the BMC most aggressive rider jersey as he bridges up to the break.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota/United) rockets out of the short chute which was packed with fans enjoying themselves.
• Jackson Stewart (BMC) leads the small break at the mid point of the race.

Stage 3 - June 22: St Paul Time Trial, 4.5 miles

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Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• Katheryn Curi (Webcor) rode to a third place in the short five mile time trial.
• Kristen Robbins (Advil-Chapstick) heads out on course.
• Laura Yoisten (Webcor) passes 200m to the finish of the Saint Paul Riverfront Time Trial.
• Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital) finished second today to the reigning time trial World Champion.
• Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) finished the TT in 11.07.
• Kristen Sanders (Aaron's) finished sixth.
• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter Home) finished 15th on the stage and sits in second place in the Boost Best Young Rider category.
• The clear winner World Champion Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) finished the five mile time trial in 10.24, 20 seconds ahead of second place.
• NVGP Leader Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) placed 14th and relinquished the leaders jersey to Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) but maintained her lead in the Boost Best Young Rider competition.
• Women's podium (L-R): Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital), Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton), and Katheryn Curi (Webcor).
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) the Boost Best Young Rider.
• The new race leader - Kristin Armstrong of Team Lipton
• Doug Swanson (Nature Valley) was the first rider under 10 minutes with a 9.55.
• Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) finished fourth after briefly holding the fastest time of the day at 9.38.
• Boost Best Young Rider David Veilleux (Jittery Joes), rode well to finish 22nd and maintain the lead in the young rider competition.
• Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health) one of the few riders finished second with a 9.32.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) sets out to reclaim the leader's jersey.
• Race leader Kirk O'Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) heads out on course in defense of his leader's jersey.
• Martin Gilbert (Kelly Benefit Strategies) was 32nd on the day with a 10.08.
• Doing the math...Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) looks at Amy Smolens calcution on whether he took back the leader's jersey.
• Men's podium (L-R): Ben Jaques-Mayne (Priority Health), Nathan O'Neil (HealthNet-Maxxis), and Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).
• Back in yellow - Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).
• Race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) and Boost Best Young Rider David Veilleux (Jittery Joes).

Images by Frank Rowe

• Ryan Baumann (ABD Cycling) in the aero tuck.
• James Stangeland (Kelly Benefit Strategies) shows fine time trial form.
• Shane Braley (Wheel & Sprocket) puts in a huge effort.
• David Pierce represents the local Nature Valley Racing Team.
• Edward King was one of three top-10 finishers for Priority Health. was one of three top-10 finishers for Priority Health.
• Scott Stewart flies the colors for VMG Racing, which has brought a very young team.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) storms to a top-20 finish.
• Jose Serpa (Colombian National Team) finished in the top 25 today, despite the effort of yesterday’s long breakaway,
• Phil Zajicek (Navigators) - another member of yesterday’s long breakaway posts the sixth best time.
• Ulrich DeYoung (Hagens Berman) seems to be gasping for air during this morning’s time trial.
• Adam Bergman (Colavita-Sutter Home) the local pro
• David Veilleux (Jittery Joe’s) kept the lead in the Best Young Rider competition.
• Nathan O’ Neill (Health Net) wins the time trial, vaulting him from 16th overall to second.
• Martin Gilbert (Kelly Benefit Strategies)
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) reclaimed the overall top spot by posting the third-best time.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) with a look of grit and determination, grinds out the 12th best time.
• Brooke Miller (TIBCO) yesterday’s stage winner concentrates during the time trial.
• Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm) slipped from second to fifth place overall.
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) the overnight leader posted a top-15 time, but slipped to second in GC.
• Kori Seehafer (TEAm Lipton) posted the 10th-best time in today’s individual time trial.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) is now in seventh overall after a strong ride.
• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita-Sutter Home) proudly representing Canada.
• World champion Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) won the time trial, moving her into first place overall.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

• Peter Salon (VMG Racing) enjoys the early part of his trip on the five mile course.
• Mike Jones (Jelly Belly) manages a bit of a smile as he heads towards the turn around.
• Evan Lawrence (BPG/ Montano Velo) tests out the aerodynamic properties of his tongue.
• Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United) employs every wind cheating piece of equipment possible during his run.
• James Stangeland (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) was fluid and smooth for his test against the watch.
• Bernard VanUlden (Navigators Insurance) speeds toward the turn around.
• Sam Johnson (Hagens Berman, LLP) with his eye on the yellow line heads for home.
• Kristin Wentworth (Team Kenda Tire) in her aero position.
• Courtenay Brown (ValueAct Capital) has her eye on the finish line.
• Betsy Galenti (America's Dairyland looks determined as she heads for the turn around.
• Sarah Bamberger (Cheerwine) looking relaxed early in her effort.
• Catherine Powers (Aaron's) just after the turn around on this short five mile course.
• Stalked by the media Amber Rais (Webcor Builders) displays great form.
• Katharina Weber (XPlane/Team Revolution) speeds along the course.
• The intense effort shows on Laura Van Gilder¹s (Cheerwine) face.
• Virginia Perkins (PROMAN/Paradigm) eyes the women 30 seconds in front of her.
• Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital) enroute to the second spot on the podium.
• Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) enjoys a good ride on the day.
• Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) rode strong and would end up a respectable seventh on the day.
• Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) wins the day with a great ride.
• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita-Sutter Home) displays great form during her ride.
• Katheryn Curi (Webcor Builders) turns in a solid third place performance.
• Rachel Heal (Webcor Builders) with a great effort, lands just off the podium in fourth.
• Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) has been working on her TT position, and it looks like it's paid big dividends with a great ride today.

Stage 2 - June 21: Cannon Falls Road Race, 60 miles

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

• The peloton enjoys the rural scenery despite the dismal weather.
• Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) takes out the steep uphill sprint on Stage 2.
• O'Bee continues his celebrations beyond the finishing line.
• Race leader Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) took the jersey away from Ivan Stevic courtesy of the time bonuses on offer at the finish.
• David Veilleux (Jittery Joe's), Phil Zajicek (Navigators), Kirk O'Bee (Health Net), and Michael Cody (Jelly Belly).
• Women's podium (L-R): Erica Allar (Ryan Collegiate), Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) and Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine).
• The Health Net team car was first on the scene of a huge crash in the opening miles.
• The peloton snakes its way through the rolling countryside.
• The peloton is split into two packs as a result of an early race incident.
• The pack rolls on.
• 'You go, no....You!' spread across the entire road the peloton has a hard time getting organized as a three man break continues up the road.
• Phil Zajicek (Navigators) escapes with two members of the Columbian National Team.
• Jose Serpa (Columbia National Team), Jaior Perez (Columbia National Team), and Phil Zajicek (Navigators) worked well together as they put time into the field.
• Phil Zajicek (Navigators) looks determined to stay away from the hard charging field.
• The break hits the short gravel section first.
• The peloton navigates a short section of gravel safely.
• Health Net leads the chase through the gravel section
• A Jittery Joe's rider climbs out of the saddle on the short uphill finish.
• Rory Sutherland (Health Net) leads Mike Sayers (BMC Pro Cycling Team) and the rest of the peloton through the finish.
• Despite a heroic effort, the three man break was no match for a hard charging field.
• Jose Serpa (Columbia National Team) looks over his shoulder to confirm that the field was hard on their heels with three laps to go.
• Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) beats Erica Allar (l) and yesterday's winner Catherine Cheatley (r) to win Stage 2.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) lead the field through the line with two laps to go.
• The women's field enjoys a bit of a downhill on their way back to Cannon Falls and the finishing circuit.
• The women negotiate the gravel.
• Without the aid of a free lap this Target Training rider is pushed back into the race by the neutral support crew.
• Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) on the finishing circuits in Cannon Falls.
• Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) takes out the steep uphill sprint on Stage 2.
• O'Bee continues his celebrations beyond the finishing line.
• Race leader Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) took the jersey away from Ivan Stevic courtesy of the time bonuses on offer at the finish.
• The jersey wearers after Stage 2.
• Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) beats Erica Allar (l) and yesterday's winner Catherine Cheatley (r) to win Stage 2.
• The women's Stage 2 podium (l-r): Erica Allar (Ryan Collegiate), Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) and Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine).

Images by Frank Rowe

• Stage 2 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix featured this tricky 0.4-mile section of hard-packed dirt with gravel.
• Pre-race prep includes inflating the huge Wheaties box.
• Strategies, strategies… The pre-race Kelly Benefit Strategies strategy session
• Priority Health team prepares for the race beneath a colorful mural in Cannon Falls, MN.
• The Colombian National Team features Stage 1 Wheaties sprint leader Carlos Alzate
• Race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota United, in yellow) and BMC Most Aggressive Rider Jonathan Page (Nature Valley).
• Third and final KOM reached by the field, chasing three man-breakaway
• The breakaway trio Phil Zajicek (Navigators), Jaior Perez and Jose Serpa (Colombian National Team) stayed off the front until the final lap of the finishing circuit
• The men's field tackles the gravel section
• Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) wins Stage 2 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the Cannon Falls Road Race.
• The TEAm Lipton pre-race strategy session.
• The Webcor team bikes are ready to go.
• Jazz Apple team-mates help each other get wired up for the race.
• The women's field approaches the first QOM en masse.
• The women exit the gravel section, led by Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton).
• Team Cheerwine are massed at the front with three laps of the finishing circuit remaining.
• Brooke Miller (TIBCO) wins Stage 2, the Cannon Falls Road Race.

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• Martin Gilbert (Kelly Benefits Strategies) before the start of the Canon Falls road race.
• Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) looking ready to defend her stage win in Canon Falls.
• 2007 NVGP race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) gets the first spot on the line.
• Stage 1's BMC Most Aggressive Rider Jonathan Page (Nature Valley).
• A mid-pack crashes sends numerous riders to the pavement.
• Riders and mechanics scramble to rejoin the race following a mid-pack crash.
• When Toyota United wasn't present at the front, Healthnet took over and drove the pace.
• Ken Hanson (BMC) and Matt Cooke (Navigators Insurance) try their hand at a breakaway attempt.
• Race leader Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) always had teammates close by
• A break finally gets away as Phil Zajicek (Navigators Insurance) leads his Colombian National Team companions Jaior Perez and Jose Serpa.
• The break nears the end of the dirt road leg leading into the finish circuits.
• The breakaway held its advantage on the circuits until the final lap.
• Kirk O'bee (Healthnet) celebrates the stage win and Martin Gilbert (Kelly Benefits) has to settle for second.
• With 25 kilometers to go the women's race is all together as no one was given much room to get away.
• After being surrounded by storm clouds all evening - the sky finally lightens up.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) leads the field onto the dirt section of the course.
• Local favorite Teresa Moriarty (Flanders/MBRC) was the BMC Most Aggressive rider from Stage 1 in Saint Paul.
• A lone Team Liption rider leads the Cheerwine team through past the finish line.
• Erica Allar (Ryan Collegiate All-Stars/Penn State) tucks into the Cheerwine train.
• Erica Allar (Ryan Collegiate All-Stars/Penn State) in the Cheerwine train.
• Brooke MIller (Team Tibco) celebrates the win in Canon Falls for the second year running.
• BMC Most Aggressive Rider Phil Zajicek of the Navigators Insurance Cycling Team.
• The Boost Best Young Rider David Veilleux (Jittery Joes).
• Kirk O'bee (Healthnet-Maxxis) takes over the Nature Valley Grand Prix lead by virtue of his stage win and time bonuses.
• The men's jerseys: Boost Best Young Rider - David Veilleux (Jittery Joes), BMC Most Aggressive - Phil Zajicek (Navigators Insurance), NVGP Leader and Wheaties Sprint Leader - Kirk O'bee (Healthnet-Maxxis), Sport Beans King of the Hill - Michael Cody (Jelly Belly).
• The women's podium for Stage 2 (L-R): Eric Allar (Ryan Collegiate All-Stars), Brooke Miller (Team Tibco), and Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine).
• The women's jerseys: Sport Beans Queen of the Hill - Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter Home), NVGP Leader and Boost Best Young Rider - Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine), Wheaties Sprint Leader and BMC Most Aggressive Rider - Rebecca Larson (Aaron's Pro Cycling).

Stage 1 - June 20: St Paul Criterium, 60 mins

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita/Sutter Home) is recognized during call ups at the beginning of the race.
• Carmen McNellis (Aaron's) moves up on the back stretch.
• Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) leads the women's peloton through turn three early in the race.
• Moriah MacGregor (Colavita/Sutter Home) controls the front of the peloton for her teammate in the break.
• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita/Sutter Home) pulls through in a eight member break away.
• Nicole Wansgard (Team Group Health) attempts to bridge up to the break.
• The small break away looked as if it might get caught with five laps to go.
• Webcor made a huge effort at the front to reel in the break away.
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) sprinted away from the rest of the break for the solo victory.
• Ben Jaques-Maynes (Priority Health) leads Jackson Stewart (BMC Pro Cycling) through turn three.
• Tim Johnson (Health Net) enjoys the fast paced mid race action.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota/United) flys through turn three with the rest of the field in tow.
• Jonathon Page (Nature Valley) attempts to stir things up through the short straight away exiting turn three.
• A pair of Health Net riders work together as the field strings out.
• Ceaser Grajales (Jittery Joe's) works hard to maintain his position in the peloton as things heat up.
• Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) and Phil Jazicek (Navigators) cruise down the slight downhill into turn five.
• Phil Jazicek (Navigators) sets up for the turn with the rest of the small breakaway in tow.
• Henk Vogels (Toyota United) sets up for a turn. He rode a great race, ending up in fourth place.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) leads a small group up the road in the closing laps.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) wins the day edging out Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) and Jonathon Page (Nature Valley).
• Women's podium (L-R): Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm), Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) and Teresa Moriarty (Flanders/MBRC).
• Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm) in her sprint leader's jersey, Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) in her race leader's jersey, and Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) in the queen of the hills jersey.
• Jonathon Page (Nature Valley) was all smiles during his post race interview.
• Kirk O'Bee (Health Net) describes the race to the press at the finish line.
• Men's podium (L-R): Kirk O'Bee (Health Net), Ivan Stevic (Toyota United), and Jonathon Page (Nature Valley).
• HealthNet-Maxxis bikes await their riders.
• A healthy home: The HealthNet crew's team bus.
• The team setup of defending Pro Men champions HealthNet-Maxxis.
• Jelly Belly's bright team car.
• Teams start to roll into Minnesota for the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
• The Jelly Belly bus certainly stands out in a paddock.
• BMC Racing's equiment rocks into Minnesota.
• Inside BMC Racing's truck.

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• Mara Abbott (Webcor) in the Women's Prestige Series leader's jersey.
• Katie Mactier (ValueAct Capital City) back at the NVGP.
• Canadian Road and Time Trial Champion Alex Wrubleski all set for the start.
• Defending Nature Valley Grand Prix Champion and world TT champion Kristin Armstrong.
• An impressive women's field of 125 riders makes its way through the start/finish area.
• Shelley Olds (Proman/Paradigm) leads the eight rider break past the start/finish line.
• Eight women escaped the field and held a 20 second lead over the Webcor-lead peloton, attempting to close the gap.
• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita-Sutter Home) back on her back after a crash as the break motors on.
• Alex Wrubleski (Colavita Sutter-Home) begins the effort to chase back to the break.
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) setting the pace at the front of the break.
• Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm) leads Teresa Moriarty (Flanders/MBRC) through turn one.
• Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm) all smiles as you she passes through turn one.
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) takes Stage 1 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerweind) has the NVGP overall leader and Boost Best Young Rider jersey.
• Women's podium (L-R): Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm), Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwinde) and Teresa Moriarty (Flanders/MBRC).
• Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine)
• Shelley Olds (Proman/Paradigm) Wheaties Sprint Leader.
• Kristin Armstrong (Team Lipton) Sport Bean's Queen of the Hills leader.
• The women's jerseys after Stage 1 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
• Adam Bergman (Colavita Sutter Home) makes his return to the hometown race that really got his racing career started.
• Frank Pipp (Healthnet-Maxxis) settles in at the start.
• Martin Gilbert (Kelly Benefits Strategies) gets a front row spot.
• A face in the crowd, eventual winner Ivan Stevic (Toyota United Pro Cycling Team).
• Stage 1 of the Grand Prix is on as the riders bolt from the line.
• Standing tall...Jeff Corbett, Healthnet-Maxxis director, watches the race from the top of the team RV.
• Colombian National Team rider Carlos Alzate took a sprint and evetually the Wheaties Sprint Leaders Jersey.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) sits in comfortably behind his lead out train.
• Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) celebrates the stage win and team Henk Vogels salutes first place.
• Men's podium (L-R): Kirk O'bee (Healthnet-Maxxis), Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) and Jonathan Page (Nature Valley).
• The men's jerseys after Stage 1 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Stage 1 - June 20: St Paul Criterium, 60 mins

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Matthew Moses/www.moses-images.com

• Rebecca Anderson, the moderator for the Rasmussen College Women's Summit.
• Anderson listens to comments being made by a spectator.
• The Ryan's Collegiate All-Stars: Kristin McGrath (Fort Lewis College), Susannah Pratt (University of New Hampshire), Devon Haskell (University of Chicago), Jennifer Bodine (George Washington University), Erica Allar (Penn State), Andrea Luebbe (Lehigh University) and team manager John Barron.
• The audience watches the slides as Christina Dekraay - Rasmussen College Women's Summit keynote speaker and national leader of Cycling Made Real - gives her presentation describing the foundation and success of the Cycling Made Real women's program.
• Christina Dekraay - Rasmussen College Women's Summit keynote speaker and national leader of Cycling Made Real.
• The audience watches the slides as Dekraay gives her presentation describing the foundation and success of the Cycling Made Real women's program.
• Dave Laporte (NVGP Race Director/Summit Organizer) makes a point.
• Erica Allar (Ryan's Collegiate All-Stars/Penn State) describes the Cycling Made Real program in Pennsylvania during the Rasmussen College Women's Summit in Bloomington, MN.
• David Kutof (Materials Processing Corp) one of the panelists for the discussion about sponsorship relating to teams and events.
• Dan Strangler (Wheaties/General Mills one of the panelists for the discussion about sponsorship relating to teams and events.
• Panelist Michael Aisner (Coors Classic Promoter) makes a point while discussing sponsorship.
• Aisner (Coors Classic Promoter) at the Rasmussen College Women's Summit in Bloomington, MN.
• Stephanie Scott (Jelly Belly Candy Company) one of the panelists at the Rasmussen College Women's Summit in Bloomington, MN.