Tour of Missouri - 2.1

USA, September 11-16, 2007

Photography

Stage 6 - September 16: St. Louis, 119 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) thrives in the chaotic field sprint to take victory.
Davide Fratinni (Colavita/Sutter Home) signs autographs for some fans.
The autograph gauntlet that the riders faced today.
Alberto Contador (Discovery) was a big hit with the fans today.
On the start line in St. Louis.
Riders leave the start in front of the old Union Station.
The group gets strung out with the arch in the distance.
The peoloton and caravan get stretched going through the start/finish area.
Kodak/Sierra Nevada comes to the front to help teammate Dominic Rollin with the 3rd place.
Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) leads the break.
Jonathan Garcia (BMC) tried his best to get to the break.
Passing in front of an old church along the course.
George Hincapie (Discovery) had an easy day today.
The bunch gets strung out as it leaves downtown St. Louis.
Some jokesters along the course had their signs out to support the now infamous Armadillo.
Beautiful buildings along side St. Louis University.
The main bunch heads back towards the arch in the distance.
Team Discovery streams past crowds by the sprint line.
Tim Johnson (Healthnet) comes to the front to help bring back the break.
Fausto Marcelino (Tecos) comes to the front of the 4 man break.
The break couldn't quite get enough time between it and the group to get out of site.
Getting strung out heading out of town.
The bunch closes in on the break.
Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators) tries to go solo from the break as they leave downtown.
The group starts to wind up with one lap to go.
Heading in for the finish.
Brad Huffs bike (Slipstream-Chipotle) was determined to get to the finish line with or without him.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) explains how he took the win.
Special t-shirts were made for Dan Scmatz epic Armadillo dual.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) happy with his prizes from the win.
Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle) takes home a bottle of local wine for his second place in GC.
The final podium with George Hincapie (Discovery) 1st, Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle) 2nd and Dominic Rollin (Kodak-Sierra Nevada) 3rd.
Dominic Rollin (Kodak-Sierra Nevada) gets a treat from George Hincapie after they all get hosed with champagne.
Slipstream-Chipotle takes home the best overall team prize.
Mike Friedman bore the brunt of the champagne celebration for the Slipstream-Chipotle team.
The jersey podium. Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) with the sprinters jersey, John Fredy Para (Tecos) most aggressive, George Hincapie (Discovery) overall leader, Jeff Louder (Healthnet) king of the mountain and Steven Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle) best young rider.
A special presentation for members of the Discovery team along with previous riders from US Postal, Motorola and 7 Eleven. The end of an era.

Images by Phoenix Sports

A clear bike-length separting Dominguez from second-placed Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics).

Images by PhotoSport International

The final stage of the first Tour of Missouri starts with the St Louis arch as a backdrop.
Podium (L-R): Canada's Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics), Cuban Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) and Canada's Dominique Rollin (Kodakgallery.com-Sierra Nevada).
Cuban Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) dons the sprinter's jersey for the final time at this year's race.
Farewell kisses: George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) claims the final podium kisses for anyone wearing a Discovery Jersey on US soil.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) takes his second victory in Missouri.
There was no sign of Nelly on the day, but you could find plenty of bike riders in St Louis on Sunday.
Could the owner of the white Felt please move their bicycle? There's a sprint in progress...
Brad Huff (Slipstream-Chipotle) takes a view of the peloton from a new angle.
Local rider Brad Huff (Slipstream-Chipotle) went for the sprint victory, but came off a little worse for wear.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) had no objections to a second kiss from the event's podium girls.
The inaugural Tour of Missouri jersey winners stand tall.
Slipstream took out the teams classification and the massive paycheck that came with it.
Overall podium (L-R): William Frishkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle), George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) and Dominique Rollin (Kodakgallery.com - Sierra Nevada).

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Nathan O'Neill (Health Net) signs a fan's T-shirt in autograph alley
Tony Cruz and Fuyu Li (Discovery) sign in prior to the start
Kyle Wamsley (Navigators) prepares for the start
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) is introduced on the line next to Alberto Contador (Discovery)
Cindy Yorgason, who did a great job with her time board duties all week, let the fans know how the race felt about cycling in Missouri
Kodak Gallery-Sierra Brewing started to amass at the front of the peloton during the second lap
By the mid point of lap two Kodak Gallery-Sierra Brewing had five riders at the front controlling the pace
A Saunier Duval rider attacks the field late in the closing kilometres of lap two
Several riders were quickly on the radio seeking instructions from their Director Sportif's
The downtown circuit race was held on a beautiful ten mile course featuring many prominent city landmarks
Some young fans were busy scribing the names of their favourite riders on the asphalt with chalk
An early break went up the road containing Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators Insurance), Jeremy Venell (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed), Fausto Marcelino (Tecos) and Tyler Wren (Colavita-Sutter Home)
Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators Insurance) is shadowed by Jeremy Venell (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed)
Jonathan Garcia (Team BMC) jumped from the peloton and made a valiant solo attempt to bridge
The riders up the road were a concern for Discovery so they stacked up at the front of the peloton
Ben Day (Navigators) out of the saddle on the backstretch as the pace intensifies
Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) takes his meal to go through the feed zone
The four man break continues to put time into the field on lap four
Saunier Duval lends Discovery a hand in the chase
Andrew Bajadali (Jelly Belly) jumps had on the pedals to cover a small gap in the paceline
In the closing laps you could see many teams start to work their strategy. Here Health Net works their way up the peloton
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) with a huge effort dominates the downhill sprint for the win
A fan proudly displays a T-shirt immortalizing Dan Schmatz's encounter with an Armadillo during stage one. Unfortunately, Dan suffered a broken collarbone in that crash
An elated Dominique Rollin (Kodak Sierra Nevada Brewing) took third on the day
Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) finished the day in second after Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) came around him in the sprint
The Mayor of St. Louis presents Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) with the key to the city
The podium (l-r): Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics), Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United), and Dominique Rollin (Kodak Sierra Nevada Brewing)

Stage 5 - September 15: Jefferson City - St. Charles, 204 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Danny Pate (Slipstream) comes home alone to win Stage 5 of the Tour of Missouri.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) excites the fans with some autographs.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) ready for the day.
Riders take to the line in front of the capital building in Jefferson City.
Leaving the capital for another long day in the saddle.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) and Steven Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle) roll out.
Crossing the Missouri river.
Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle) heads in to the last stage in second place overall.
Riders get completely strung out beside one of the huge cliffs along the course today.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) was all smiles in the peloton.
Once again a Tecos rider gets aggressive on the front.
The bunch continues on.
One of the many farms along the route.
The break that did manage to stay away to the end.
Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) works at the front.
Crossing a little creek.
Fuyu Li (Discovery Channel) takes up the workload for Discovery.
Discovery controlling the front of the race.
Tony Cruz (Discovery Channel) hammers along on the front with ease.
Discovery single file.
Everyone was interested in watching the race today.
Getting a helping hand.
Crossing the Missouri river again.
The break head out of the small town of New Haven.
The break attacks the KOM.
The main bunch gets strung out again.
Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada comes to the front to try to reel in the break.
Stevn Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle) brings up some bottles for the rest of the team.
Dot Abbott, chief commissaire, gets a little wind in her face as Ray Cipolini drives and Lorrin Rhoades handles radio tour.
Kodak-Sierra Nevada spends more time on the front.
Ian McKissick (Team BMC) takes his turn on the front of the break.
John Fredy Parra (Team Tecos) makes a solo attempt late in the race.
Matti Helminen (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) bridged up to John Parra (Tecos) to make it two off the front.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) finally steps off the bike after a long day and the big win.
Big crowds enjoyed the jersey podium in Jefferson City.
The jersey podium.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) signs in prior to the race.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) surrounded by his Discovery team mates at the start.
Local hero Brad Huff (Slipstream-Chipotle) signs an autograph at the starting line.
Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) relaxes for a moment before the start.
Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis) has been dominating the King of the Mountains jersey competition.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel), I wonder what thoughts were running through his mind?
A small group of 10 riders escapes early in the race and develops a five minute gap.
The course contained a few small climbs.
Andrew Badjadali (Jelly Belly) was in the decisive break alongside Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) and Sergey Lagutin (Navigators Insurance).
Glen Chadwick (Navigators Insurance) climbs with the break as they increase their lead to over six minutes.
The peloton descends with Discovery Channel at the front controlling the pace.
Team Discovery Channel at the front with the yellow jersey in tow.
Matti Helminen (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) takes his turn at the front of the break away.
The break was comprised of riders from many of the aggressive teams looking for a stage win.
Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis) was in the break hoping to add to his lead in the KOM competition.
Tecos had two riders in the break and did quite a bit of the work at the front.
Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis) as been riding well al week.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) made all the right moves in the final kilometres to come in well in front of the break for the win.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) celebrates his victory as he rolls across the line.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) was all smiles after the stage.
Bernardo Colex Tepoz (Tecos) was rewarded with a bottle of wine from a local winery for winning the first sprint.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) with a nice paycheck for his efforts today.
Podium (L-R): John Fredy Parra (Tecos), Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle), and Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis).
King of the Moutains jersey winner Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis).
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) remains in the yellow jersey as the race leader.

Stage 4 - September 14: Lebanon - Columbia, 214 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier-Duval Prodir) takes the win.
Riders get the kids fired up at today’s start.
The bunch rolls out from the start in Lebanon.
The group gets things strung out right from the start.
Things get a little bunched up.
Discovery Channel starts to come to the front.
The attacks start to happen.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) enjoys a Coke as team-mate George Hincapie and Nathan O'Neill (Healthnet-Maxxis) cruise along.
Tecos was aggressive right from the gun.
The break starts to make some time on the field.
The bunch gets strung out trying to control the attacks.
Ryder Hesjedal (Healthnet-Maxxis) and Hector Rangel (Tecos) break form the field to bridge up to the break.
Rolling through the scenic Missouri countryside.
Discovery Channel comes to the front again to control the pace.
The break continues.
Getting things working smoothly in the break.
Tim Duggan (Slipstream-Chipotle) picks up the pace on the front.
Attacking one of the many little climbs today.
Jeff Louder (Healthnet-Maxxis) team-mate Ryder Hesjedal and Cameron Jennings (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) going hard on the front.
Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) provides team-mate George Hincapie with a break from the wind.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel)
Discovery sits on the front to keep the break in check.
Discovery comes to the front as the race leaves Jefferson City.
Ryder Hesjedal (Healthnet-Maxxis) tried hard to keep the break out there.
Darren Lill (Navigators Insurance) sitting on the front of the break.
Cameron Jennings (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) pushes the pace.
Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) worked hard to bring back the break.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) checks his computer.
Symmetrics comes to the front coming into Columbia.
Jeff Louder (Healthnet-Maxxis) and Darren Lill (Navigators Insurance) had enough of being off the front.
Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier Duval-Prodir) gets the win over Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) and Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United).
Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier Duval-Prodir) was all smiles after the win.
Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier Duval-Prodir) sporting the Brazilian flag for his spot on the podium.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) with hands high
Big crowds at the jersey podium in downtown Columbia, Missouri.

Images by PhotoSport International

Tour de France winner Alberto Contador (Discover Channel) is happy to ride for his team-mates.
George Hincapie has been winning the hearts of everyone in America.
The Discovery Channel team lead the pace in the main bunch.
Fans flock to the Tour of Missouri by the thousands.
The peloton keeps on rolling, rolling, rolling.
Discovery Channel leads the main bunch as it rolls over a bridge in Missouri.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) looks likely to take his team's final victory on American soil.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Eric Wohlberg (Symmetrics) prepares for the start of today’s race.
Team Sparkasse riders greet the fans at the starting line.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) stops by the medics on his way to sign in.
Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) as he is introduced at the start.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel).
A Tecos rider attacked early in the race, but was reabsorbed quickly.
The peloton rolls along on a very flat section as they left Lebanon.
Health Net leads a small group of the front of the field in the early going.
Jacob Rosenbarger (BMC Pro Cycling) enjoys the cooler temperatures for today’s stage.
Ryder Hesjedal (Health Net-Maxxis) put in a nice solo breakaway attempt early in the race.
Tony Cruz (Discovery Channel) leads his team-mates through as they went to the front to control the tempo.
The break was now 12 riders and they would gain as much as a four minute advantage over the field.
The Build a Bear Best Young Rider Jersey winner, Steven Cozza (Team Slipstream/Chipotle) was in the break.
Ryder Hesjedal (Health Net-Maxxis) and a Tecos rider off the front early.
Team Discovery controlled the pace from the front while team-mate George Hincapie (yellow jersey) sat about sixth wheel.
The 12 man break worked together perfectly going up to four minutes clear of the field.
The terrain for most of today’s stage seemed to be a never ending series of rolling hills.
The peloton experienced cross winds for much of the day and elected to ride a double pace line.
Late in the race the field became motivated to catch the break and strung out single file.
Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis), and Darren Lill (Navigators Insurance)
The pair who attacked from the break, the break, and the main field all came together with 15 kilometres to go.
Darren Lill (Navigators Insurance) looks over his shoulder to see that the break had been absorbed by the peloton.
Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Prodir) takes the sprint on the line in a photo finish.
Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Prodir) celebrates his victory.
Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Prodir) was thrilled with his performance today.
Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Prodir) provided his own backdrop (the Brazilian Flag) for the podium photos.
Podium (L-R): Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics), Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Prodir), and Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United).
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) remains in the race leader's yellow jersey after Stage 4.

Stage 3 - September 13: Branson (ITT), 29 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) time trialing his way to victory.
Josh Thornton (Kodak-Sierra Nevada) and Timo Honstein (Sprakasse) battle it out on the climb.
Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) at one kilometre to go.
Tim Johnson (Healthnet-Maxxis) going hard up to the KOM.
Nathan O'Neill (Healthnet-Maxxis) had a great ride today with a second place finish.
Steven Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle) comes in fast to become the best young rider today.
Heath Blackgrove (Toyota United) passes Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) at one kilometre to go.
Huub Duyn (Slipstream-Chipotle) was not too happy to see the next climb when he rounded the corner.
Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) had a hard time on today's difficult course.
Jeremy Venell (DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed) comes past mid-way through the bunch.
Jeff Louder (Healthnet-Maxxis) held onto the King of the Mountain jersey today.
Scott Moninger (BMC) passes by about 3.30 minutes off of the fastest time.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) was in good TT form today for a fifth place finish.
Jesus Zarate (Tecos) going hard on the climb.
Yaroslav Popovich (Discovery Channel) made an easy ride of it today.
Glen Chadwick (Navigators Insurance) sported his New Zealand national TT jersey today.
A Tecos rider passes the one kilometre mark.
Benjamin Noval (Discovery Channel) didn't go too hard on the climb.
Guy East (USA National Development Team) had a good ride today coming in at only 6.50 minutes back on the professional field.
Michael Friedman (Slipstream-Chipotle) keeps the pressure on as the road steepens.
Tony Cruz (Discovery Channel) going at his usual fast pace.
Brad Huff (Slipstream-Chipotle) was a crowd favourite being a Missouri native.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) hammering on the last climb.
Kyle Wamsley (Navigators Insurance) rides through close to the finish.
Luciano Pagliarini (Saunier Duval-Prodir) focusing on the climb to come.
Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle) had a good ride today to move to second overall.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) doing his not so favourite thing.
Matty Rice (Kodak-Sierra Nevada) looks up at what's ahead.
David Canada (Saunier Duval-Prodir) with a good ride coming in 4.16 minutes behind.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) tackles the last climb of the day.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) posting the fastest time of the day.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) with one kilometre to go.

Images by PhotoSport International

Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) put in a strong effort to finish 10th.
The Discovery Channel team car keeps a close eye on its Time Trial specialist Levi Leipheimer.
American Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) continued to display his Time Trial prowess.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) posted a good time to take sixth on the stage.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) sets out at the beginning of his stage winning run.
American George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) gets ready to defend his general classification lead.
The television camera keeps a close on eye race leader George Hincapie (Discovery Channel).
Discovery Channel's George Hincapie rides amid admirers after posting the sixth fastest time.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) enjoys the spoils of being general classification leader.

Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

The start house for today's Time Trial was in a beautiful downtown outdoor mall setting.
Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) screams through a turn on the first half of the course.
Huub Duyn (Slipstream/Chipotle) turns down the on ramp onto highway 65.
Tim Johnson (Health Net-Maxxis) powers up a small incline on this very hilly course.
Brian Dziewa (Jelly Belly) seemed to be struggling a bit this afternoon.
Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) looked as if he was enjoying the ride today.
Ben Raby (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada Brewing) attempts to clear the sweat out of his eye.
Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) would finish in 17th place over this undulating course.
Jeff Louder (Health Net-Maxxis), the current KOM jersey holder powers up one of the many small rollers on the course.
Cameron Evans (Symmetrics) directs all his focus on the course ahead.
Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators Insurance) would finish only four minutes of the pace.
Ryder Hesjedal (Health Net-Maxxis) looked comfortable and aerodynamic on the bike.
Timmy Duggan (Slipstream/Chipotle) has been burning up the Time Trial courses lately and today was no exception.
Eric Wohlberg's (Symmetrics) face showed the signs of the intense effort.
Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) plunges down the highway onramp at breakneck speeds.
Some enthusiastic cycling fans cheered the riders on along the way.
Joshua Thornton (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada Brewing) gets out of the saddle to climb.
Scott Moninger (BMC Pro Cycling) picks up some speed on the descent.
Steven Cozza (Slipstream/Chipotle) follows the yellow line as he heads out on highway 65.
Nathan O'Neill (Health Net-Maxxis) was just a precious 16 seconds of the pace today...so close.
Juan Pablo Magallanes (Tecos) didn't seem to be affected by the soaring temperatures.
Dan Timmerman (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada Brewing) out of the saddle and riding hard.
Nathan O'Neill (Health Net-Maxxis) on his return trip powers up the slight incline.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) works his way back from the turn around.
A very determined Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) heads for home.
John Devine (Discovery Channel) displays great form as he motors along.
William Frishkorn (Slipstream/Chipotle) rode himself into 12th place on the day.
Local favorite Brad Huff rode to the many cheers from his adoring fans.
David Canada (Saunier Duval-Prodir) tucks in for the maximum aerodynamic position on the descent.
Andrew Randell (Symmetrics) with the pain of his effort written all over his face.
Stephan Parinussa (Team Sparkasse) blasts down the expressway on ramp toward the turn around.
Frank Pipp (Health Net-Maxxis) descends a small hill on the mid section of the course.
George Hincapie (Discovery) rode to a respectable sixth place finish just over two minutes off the pace
Dominique Rollin (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada Brewing), wearing his sprint classification leader's jersey, concentrates on his tempo.
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) looked great on the bike and rode well.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) enjoys another trip to the top step of the podium.
Podium (L-R): Nathan O'Neill (Health Net-Maxxis), Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel), and Matti Helminen (DFL- Cyclingnews-Litespeed).
George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) retains his yellow leaders jersey once again.

Stage 2 - September 12: Clinton - Springfield, 202 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

George Hincapie (Discovery) crosses to take the second stage and the overall.
Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) signs autographs at the start of stage 2.
Tim Johnson (Healthnet) making a youngster happy.
Alberto Contador (Discovery) signing one of his yellow jersey magazine covers.
Discovery comes to the front to control the pace.
Riders get strung out under clear blue skies today.
Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle) and Dominique Rollin (Kodak-Sierra Neavada) sit on the front of the break.
Not paying much attention as the group rolls past.
Heading into the lush Missouri countryside.
Tony Cruz (Discovery) takes on some water for the rest of the team.
The Sparkasse team leads through the many rollers today.
Another old steel bridge along the route today.
Having a chat in the bunch.
The DFL-Cyclingnews team had a better time of it today.
The main bunch rolls past a patriotic barn.
Gregorio Ladino (Tecos) , yesterdays most aggerssive rider chats with a teammate in the bunch.
DFL-Cyclingnews comes to the front to keep the field moving.
George Hincapie (Discovery) had things under control in the break.
The break rolls up another roller.
George Hincapie (Discovery) keeping the pace high on the front.
Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle) leads the break up a climb.
Frank Pipp (Healthnet) and Andrew Randell (Symmerics) hmmering on the front.
The break closes in on the Springfield.
George Hincapie (Discovery) gets the win after a long day in the saddle.
The main bunch finally make it to the finish.
George Hincapie (Discovery) 1st, Frank Pipp (Healthnet) 2nd and Domonique Rollin (Kodak-Sierra Nevada) 3rd on the podium.
George Hincapie (Discovery) gets the spoils for the win.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

Images by Kurt Jambretz /http://www.actionimages.cc

Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) stops to sign a few autographs on his way to sign in
Frank Pipp (Health Net) signs a race program for a fan
Rory Sutherland (Health Net) does his time in autograph alley
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) looks great in the race leaders yellow jersey
George Hincapie (Discovery) awaits the start this morning in Clinton, Missouri
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) (l) and Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) add some colour to the front row
Race leader Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) (l) and Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) (r)
Alberto Contador (Discovery) looked like a very determined man on the line in Clinton
Valeriy Kobzarenko (Navigators) and Andrew Guptill (Colavita) jump hard from the field out of an early corner initiating a break of twelve riders
Twelve riders strong with many of the dominant teams represented, the break descends into the final turn before the feed zone
Frank Pipp (Health Net) looked comfortable in the break as they put 15 minutes into the field
With twelve riders up the road and the gap growing to as much as 17 minutes the peloton looked like they were out for a group ride
The view from the back as the peloton approached the feed zone
The fans lined the course in Stockton as they waited to see who would take the sprint points
The Tecos team came to the front and started to bring down the gap, but none of the other teams seemed interested in the chase
The remainder of the peloton rolled lazily through the sprint line in Stockton
Will Frischkorn (Slipstream/Chipotle) leads the break through the second sprint line
Frank Pipp (Health Net) takes his turn at the front of the break helping to extend their lead
Frank Pipp (Health Net) rides past one of the many enthusiastic fans toting an American flag
The twelve-man break enters the finishing circuits with a very comfortable advantage over the peloton
George Hincapie (Discovery) takes the victory on the line by a narrow margin
George Hincapie (Discovery) celebrates his victory in front of a huge crowd in Springfield, Missouri
A few Sparkasse riders rolled under the banner with one lap to go a bit off the pace
Danny Pate (Slipstream/Chipotle) was happy to see two of his teammates in the break today
Frank Pipp (Health Net) enjoys the second position on the podium today
George Hincapie (Discovery) with a celebratory double kiss
The podium (l-r) Frank Pipp (Health Net), George Hincapie (Discovery), and Dominique Rollin (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada Brewing)
The best young rider jersey was won by James Meadley (Jelly Belly)
George Hincapie (Discovery) ends his day in the yellow leaders jersey

Stage 1 - September 11: Kansas City - Kansas City, 137 km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Jonathan Devich/

Ivan Dominguez (Toyota) takes the first stage of the inaugural Tour of Missouri
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United)and Danny Pate (Slip Stream-Chpotle) have a look at how to get a computer working.
Nathan O'Neil (Healthnet)looks ahead to big things this week.
George Hincapie (Discovery)and teammate Alberto Contador take to the line.
The bunch heads out of downtown Kansas City.
Riders pass by the scenic Parkville Academy.
Close quarters in the bunch.
The break forms and works at getting a gap.
The break rolls past.
A train races the bunch along todays course.
The main group comes along in not too much of a hurry.
Riders pass by a tobacco field early in the day.
Saunier Duval-Prodir and Discovery come o the front.
Riders cross the old steel bridge on the Platte River.
The group gets strung out as they get a little serious about bringing back the break.
Fans had their flags out today to support the riders and remember 9/11.
Winding through the scenic little town of Parkville.
The break continues to work hard.
Discovery keeps riders stacked on the front to keep the pace high.
The break still had a gap with only 2 laps left on the small curcuit.
The main bunch passes along the water on the finishing circuit.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United)
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United)
James Meadley (Jelly Belly)

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) signed autographs to thrilled fans as it is not often a Tour winner comes to Missouri.
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) in his newly acquired Stars and Stripes jersey.
Local fans, who also had been at the Tour of Georgia earlier this year.
Throngs of fans lined the streets to see the heroes up close.
Alberto Contador (left) and Levi Leipheimer (right) were the centre of attention in this race.
The peloton enjoyed the flat, scenic roads in Missouri's country side.
Riders were followed by other riders plus their own shadows.
Discovery pulled but Toyota-United was attentive.
Kansas City offered nice views as well.
Two laps to go on the high-speed finishing circuit in Kansas City.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) does what he can best and that is beat everyone in a sprint.
Dominguez had some trouble earlier in the season following a bizarre crash but has since recovered well.
The podium where winner Dominguez is flanked by runner-up Zach Bell (Symmetrics, left) and Kyle Wamsley (Navigators).
Aussie James Meadley leads the young rider's classification.
Dominguez gets celebrated Euro-style
The jerseys on the podium from left to right: Jeff Louder (HealthNet, mountains), Gregorio Ladino (Tecos-Trek, most aggressive), Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United, overall) and James Meadley (Jelly Belly, young rider)

Images by Kurt Jambretz /http://www.actionimages.cc

Navigators mechanics were hard at work this morning checking over all the equipment
Alberto Contador's (Discovery) trusty steed
The position is verified on Levi Leipheimer's machine one last time
Shane Fedon (Toyota-United Head Mechanic) installs race numbers as part of his pre-race routine
Daimeon Shanks (Slipstream-Chipotle) affixes a team car decal to the windshield of the team car
The Discovery team bus was a popular with the crowd
The start/finish area one half hour before the scheduled start time
George Hincapie (Discovery) just prior to the start
Alberto Contador (Discovery) signs an autograph at the sign-in area
Jeff Louder (Health Net) waits in the rider staging area
Dan Schmatz (BMC Racing) was a local favorite during call ups
Levi Leipheimer (Discovery) enjoys a few words with Nathan O'Neill (Health Net) on the line
Tim Johnson (Health Net) leads a small break away of five riders onto the finishing circuit
The five escapees stayed away for the first lap of the finishing circuit
BMC Racing attempted to position Dan Schmatz for what was certain to be a bunch sprint finish
Discovery was hard on the heels of BMC Racing as they saw them dominate the front of the peloton
Health Net Maxxis moved their riders into position for the sprint on the second lap
Jeff Louder (Health Net) motions to his team-mate as the come through the line on the final lap
The DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed team was a bit off the pace but made a great team effort to rejoin the pack on the finishing circuits
With 50 meters to the line Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) dropped the hammer
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) powered through to win the sprint
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) celebrates his victory
Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) cracks a small smile as he rolls through after a tough day
Kyle Wamsley (Navigators) was all smiles on the podium
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) accepts the winner's check for his efforts
The podium from left to right Zach Bell (Symmetrics), Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United), and Kyle Wamsley (Navigators)
Jeff Louder (Health Net) enjoys a victory kiss as he receives the King of the Mountains jersey
It was all smiles and kisses for the man in yellow Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United)