Nature Valley Grand Prix - NE

Minnesota, USA, June 11-15, 2008

Photography

Stage 6 - June 15: Stillwater Criterium,

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

The Nature Valley race leader Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) awaits her call to the line.
Yesterday's Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive Katheryn Curi (Webcor) looking relaxed before the start
PROMAN Racing's Rachel Lloyd sings the national anthem before the start of the women's race.
Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) the first rider to take a flyer off the front of the field.
By the 3rd lap Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) is off the front alone.
Four riders working to chase the solo Armstrong, Andrea Dvorak (Colavite), Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine), Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO), Felicia Gomez (Aaron's)
Kristin McGrath (Colavita) out of the saddle climbing Chilkoot Hill.
Amanda Miller (Colorado State) and Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO) making their ascent up Chilkoot Hill.
Looking at ease Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) with a smile as she climbs Chilkoot Hill.
Not the type of criterium course that suits the National Criterium Champion, Tina Pic (Colavita).
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) with a determined look as she makes her way up Chilkoot Hill.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) salutes the crowd as she crosses the finish line winning the stage and the overall race.
Wheaties Sprint Champion Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO).
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) the Nature Valley Race Champion for the 3rd year in a row.
Kristin McGrath (Colavita) the Boost Best Young Rider as well as the Nature Valley Top Amateur.
Cheerwine claimed the overall team title.
The final jersey podium, Kristin McGrath (Colavita) the Boost Best Young Rider as well as the Nature Valley Top Amateur, Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) the Nature Valley Race Champion-Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive-Sportbeans Queen of the Hill, Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) the Wheaties Sprint Champion
Nature Valley is the second stop in the Women's Prestige Cycling Series. With Alex Wrubleski not in attendance at Nature Valley, Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) takes over the lead in the Sprinter and Individual standing titles. Kristin McGrath (Colavita) took over the Young rider category lead.
Rory Sutherland (Healthnet) at the line ready for the start.
Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) with his game face on.
The field head up Chilkoot Hill lined with lots of cheering fans.
Bradley White (Successful Living) looks back to see what kind of gap he and Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly) have over the Healthnet lead field.
Healthnet at the helm of the peloton.
Like many other stages Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) stays with the race leader and his Healthnet squad.
Waste Management rider Keil Reijnen, the Nature Valley Top Amateur, stayed in the mix of the main field the entire race.
Bradley White (Successful) riding solo tries to stay away from the Healthnet lead field.
On the last lap David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) tries a small attack at the top of the climb.
David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) realizes he's got enough distance to beat race leader Rory Sutherland to the line.
David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) gets the stage win.
The Nature Valley Top Amateur Kiel Reijnen from the Waste Management team.
The Sportbeans King of the Hill, no other than Jelly Belly's Nick Reistad.
For his efforts on the day the Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive went to Bradley White of the Successful Living team.
The Boost Best Young Rider is the Stillwater stage winner David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast)
Wheaties Sprint Champion Kirk O'bee
The Stillwater stage podium Rory Sutherland (Healthnet), David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast), and Ricardo Escuela (Successful Living)
The 2008 Nature Valley Grand Prix Champion, Rory Sutherland of Healthnet
No surprise here, the 2008 best team goes to Healthnet p/b Maxxis.

Images by Frank Rowe/frankrowe.photoreflect.com

Ready to defend their jerseys: overall leader Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce), top amateur Kristin McGrath (Colavita / Sutter Home), Queen of the Hills Felicia Gomez (Aaron's).
A blur on the climb: Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) and Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO).
Team TIBCO's Alison Rosenthal crests Chilkoot Hill, only to confront another climb around the next corner.
Despite being a relatively unknown squad, Team SHO-AIR put on some remarkable performances.
Australian Ruth Corset of the delicious Jazz Apple Cycling Team.
Team Kenda Tire's Kristin Wentworth was strong to the end.
Carla Swart, of Lees-McRae College, earned her spot on the Ryan Collegiate team by winning the Collegiate Nationals Division I road race.
Defending champion and overall leader Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) pulled away early and enjoyed the race.
Sprinter Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) impresses on the climbs as well.
Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home)
Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) and Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) are neck and neck at the top. Gomez relinquished her climber's jersey on the final day but finished seventh overall, while Carroll finished second overall.
Shelley Olds (PROMAN Racing) leads a select group which includes Best Young Rider Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine), Amy Dombroski (Webcor Builders), and Robin Farina (Cheerwine).
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) wins both the Stillwater criterium and the overall Nature Valley Grand Prix for the second straight year.
Former yellow jersey Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) is now fourth on general classification at 24 seconds.
Team Fiordifrutta at the starting line of the Stillwater Criterium.
Colourful Kayle Leogrande (Rock Racing) awaits the start.
The men's peloton is massed at the staging area.
The riders hit Chilkoot Hill right from the gun.
With one lap of 18 completed, it's time to climb Chilkoot again.
Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) rounds a corner at high speed.
Most Aggressive Rider of today's stage Brad White (Successful Living.com) leads Anibal Borrajo (Colavita Sutter Home).
Overall leader Rory Sutherland was well-protected all day by his HealthNet-Maxxis team-mates.
The HealthNet-Maxxis train of yellow jersey Rory Sutherland.
World B Champion Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United), third overall, shadowed Sutherland throughout the race.
Best Young Rider David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) wins the stage ahead of Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) and Ricardo Escuela (Successful Living.com).
David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) continued his celebration for half a block past the finish line.
Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) wins the 2008 Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Stage 5 - June 14: Mankato Road Race,

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

On the start line for Stage 5, will they keep their jerseys? Sportsbeans King of the Hill - Nick Riestad (Jelly Belly), Wheaties Sprint Leader - Kirk O'bee (HealthNet-Maxxis), Nature Valley Race Leader - Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (Bissel).
Shortly after the Eagle Lake sprint, a small break of five riders tries to get away.
HealthNet-Maxxis and Kelly Benefits patrol the front of the field
Bissel setting tempo at the front as the the peloton rolls through the countryside about 80 miles into the race.
Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) without any more team-mates stares up the road at the group lead by HealthNet-Maxxis' Rory Sutherlund.
Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) wins the Mankato stage for the second year in a row and takes over the race Nature Valley Race lead.
Stage podium (L-R): Anthony Colby (Colavita Sutter Home), Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis), and Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast).
Jersey leaders: Sportsbeans King of the Hill - Nick Riestad (Jelly Belly), Nature Valley Top Amateur - Keil Reijnen (Team Waste Management), Wheaties Sprint Leader - Kirk O'bee (Healthnet p/b Maxxis), Nature Valley Race Leader Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis), Boost Best Young Rider - David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast)
Katheryn Curi (Webcor Builders) was solo off the front of the peloton for nearly 30 miles.
The women's field rolls down the road, treated to light winds and lots of warm sun in the Mankato countryside.
Five riders get a gap on the field in an effort to catch the solor leader Katheryn Curi (Webcor Builders).
Headed up the Main Street Hill for the second time and only Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) can follow her wheel.
Sportsbeans Queen of the Hill Leader Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) leads what's left of the field on their final time up the Main Street Hill.
Stage podium (L-R): Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO), Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce), and Katharine Carrol (Aaron's).
Jersey leaders: Wheaties Sprint Leader - Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO), Freewheel Bike's Most Aggressive - Katheryn Curi (Webcor Builders), Nature Valley Race Leader - Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce Professional Cycling Team), Nature Valley Top Amateur and Boost Best Young Rider - Kristen McGrath (Colavita/Sutter Home), Sportsbeans Queen of the Hill - Felicia Gomez (Aaron's).

Images by Frank Rowe/FrankRowe.photoReflect.com

Christina Ruiter (ValueAct Capital) looks for last-minute team support as the women line up for the start.
Katheryn Curi (Webcor Builders) earned the most aggressive Rider jersey on today's stage.
An early chase is led by best young rider Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine Cycling).
The women's field passes through the southern Minnesota countryside during today's 86-mile rural loop.
Entering the finishing circuit, Anna McLoon (Ryan Collegiate, Harvard University) is out front, while the pack is lead by Mountains jersey Felicia Gomez (Aaron's).
On the second climb of the finishing circuit Wheaties Sprint leader Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) shadows overall leader Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce).
Led by Kat Carroll (Aaron's), the pack ascends the steep Mankato climb.
Mackenzie Woodring (Colavita / Sutter Home) powers up the climb.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) extended her overall lead by winning today's stage.
Kat Carroll (Aaron's), now in second place on GC, is interviewed after the stage.
The colourful expo attracts many cycling fans at the race.
Nice legs, Joe! Joseph Kukolla (Wheel & Sprocket) at the start of the Mankato Road Race.
Team Bissell and Team HealthNet-Maxxis keep tabs on an early breakaway.
The men's field during the Mankato Road Race, stage 5 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
The men's peloton crosses the Blue Earth River near Mankato.
The men enter the finishing circuit and prepare for the first climb up Main Street.
Team Type 1 looking strong on the climb.
The men are all out of the saddle and climbing the Main Street hill in Mankato.
David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast), trailed by Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) and Anthony Colby (Colavita Sutter Home), looks back at the chasing field.
Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) and Anthony Colby (Colavita Sutter Home) finished 1-2 on the stage, and Sutherland took over the yellow jersey.

Stage 4 - June 13: Minneapolis Downtown Classic,

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

The women's field is ready and waiting for the clock to hit 6:45 so there race can start.
Katherine Bates (Team High Road) works to chase down Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO).
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) led or stayed near the front most of the 25 laps.
Team TIBCO's Brooke Miller stayed tucked in and near the front of the field.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) leads the peloton through the backside of the course.
Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO) makes yet another attack forcing the other teams to chase.
Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) tries to come around Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO).
At the line its Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) followed by Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Katherine Bates (Team High Road).
A happy Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) after taking the Minneapolis stage win.
Stage podium (L-R): Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home), Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO), and Katherine Bates (Team High Road).
Women's Jersey Leaders (L-R): Sportsbeans Queen of the Hill - Felicia Gomez (Aaron's), Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive - Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO), Nature Valley Race Leader - Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce), Nature Valley Top Amateur and Boost Best Young Rider - Kristen McGrath (Colavita/Sutter Home).
A smiling and confident Kirk O'Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) waits for the start.
Nature Valley Race leader Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) was well protected at the front by his team-mates.
Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) gets a gap on the field.
Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) gets help from a break away companion Tom Soladay (TIME Pro Cycling).
Through most of the first 30 laps Bissel Pro Cycling set tempo for the race.
Down to six to go and HealthNet-Maxxis takes control of the race.
A rematch of last year Kirk O'bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) against Ivan Stevic (Toyota United).
And once again its Kirk O'bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) beating Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) to the line to take the stage victory.
Stage podium (L-R): Ivan Stevic (Toyota United), Kirk O'bee (HealthNet-Maxxis), and Ricardo Escuela (Successful Living.com)
Men's Jersey Leaders: Nature Valley Best Amateur - Russ Langley (Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma Bar), Boost Best Young Rider - David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast), Nature Valley Race Leader - Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) , Sportsbeans King of the Hill - Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly), Wheaties Sprting Leader - Kirk O'bee (HealthNet-Maxxis), Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home).

Images by Frank Rowe

Felicia Gomez (Aaron's), fifth overall, signs in at the start.
The women's field on the first lap of the Minneapolis Downtown Classic.
Brooke Miller (left) rides near TIBCO team-mate Joanne Kiesanowski, who wears the sprint leader's jersey.
Trailed by the TV motorbike the pack heads under the University of St. Thomas skyway.
A sea of cyclists in downtown Minneapolis.
PROMAN Racing and Team Kenda Tires are always prominent in the pack.
Team Cheerwine is bearing down on a lone TIBCO rider...
...and is closely followed by yellow jersey Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce).
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) is trailed by the entire women's field.
With one lap to go Cheerwine is setting up the sprint for Laura Van Gilder (third from left).
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) wins the sprint ahead of Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home).
Phil Zajicek (HealthNet-Maxxis) is pleased to be called up before the start.
Australian Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) is ready to roll.
Coming out of the first corner race leader Ben Jacques-Maynes and his Bissell Pro Cycling Team lead the field.
Andy Minier is representing the Grandstay Hotels team.
Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home) takes an early flyer and is soon joined by Tom Soladay (TIME Pro Cycling).
Bissell is forced to chase the break away riders.
The Toyota-United train, led by rainbow jersey Ivan Stevic, follows the Bissell train.
Luis Amaran (Colavita Sutter Home) and Tom Soladay (TIME Pro Cycling) maintained their lead for several laps.
The Bissell Pro Cycling Team shows the crowd how a chase is done.
Overall leader Ben Jacques-Maynes stays safely tucked in among his Bissell team-mates.
In the late afternoon sun Bissell is still at the head of affairs.

Images by Split Second Services

Kirk O'Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) takes a close sprint from Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United).

Stage 3 - June 13: St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial,

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

Webcor's Rebecca Much time trialed her way atop the best young rider category.
Canadian Time Trial Champion Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) on her way to a second place finish.
Team TIBCO's best place rider Joanne Kiesanowski.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) once again dominated the race against the clock.
Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) finished in third today.
PROMAN Racing's Shelly Olds made it into the top 10 of the stage in sixth place.
Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) inside the top 20, can she be a three time repeat winner tonight in Minneapolis?
Overnight race leader Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) finished 2'21" back from Armstrong's time.
Podium (L-R): Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) , Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce), and Katharine Carroll (Aaron's).
Tom Zirbel (Bissel) finished eighth in the time trial and sits 12th overall.
Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) out of the saddle racing to the finish.
Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) powers to the best time that stood until Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) surpassed it by eight seconds.
Bissel Pro Cycling Team rider Edward King one of six Bissel riders in the top 10 of the time trial.
Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) passes a rider in route to the stage win and overall race lead.
David Veilleux (Kelly Benefits Strategies/Medifast) powers to the best your rider jersey.
Last years Nature Valley champion Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) proved once again he can time trial and sits in fifth place overall just 20 seconds back.
Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits Strategies/Medifast) finished 57 seconds back from the stage winner.
Kirk O'bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) climbs to the finish. He lost the leader's jersey but will be wearing the Wheaties Sprinters Jersey in Minneapolis tonight.
Podium (L-R): Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis), Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissel), and John Murphy (HealthNet-Maxxis).
David Veilleux (Kelly Benefits Strategies/Medifast) is the Boost Best Young Rider.
Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) with his new Nature Valley Leader's Jersey.

Images by Frank Rowe

Devon Haskell, representing the University of Chicago, on the composite Ryan Collegiate team.
Felicia Gomez (Aaron's) finished fifth and is now fifth overall.
Local rider Shana Sturla (Flanders/MBRC) in the middle of the final climb.
How the Kiwis do it: Emma Petersen (Jazz Apple) stays in the drops.
Megan Elliott (Team Revolution) gets out of the saddle for the final push.
Teresa Moriarty (Flanders/MBRC) put in a top 40 ride today.
Kristin Sanders (Aaron's) did the seventh best ride.
Canadian time trial champion Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) was second, only to former World Time Trial Champion Kristin Armstrong.
Defending champion Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) won today’s stage and moved into first place overall.
Katharine Carroll (Aaron's) finished third. Three members of the Aaron’s team finished in the top five.
Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) rode well enough to hang on to 11th overall.
Overnight race leader Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) struggled on the climb and dropped to 27th.
Shane Braley (Wheel & Sprocket) is set to start the individual time trial in St. Paul.
Kevin Klein (Rock Racing) bursts off the starting ramp.
Phillip Gaimon (Fiordifrutta) almost broke into the top 20 in the ITT.
Sheldon Denny (THF Racing) rounds the final corner before starting the climb.
Tom Zirbel (Bissell) finished the day with a top 10 ride.
David Clinger (Rock Racing) has his game face on.
Adrian Hegyvary (Hagens Berman LLP) in the St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial.
Frank Pipp (HealthNet-Maxxis) prepares to tackle the big climb.
Eric Schildge (Fiordifrutta) eyes the tough finishing climb.
Anibal Borrajo representing the Colavita Sutter Home team.
Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) won today's St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial and moved into first overall.
Tyler Wren (Colavita/Sutter Home) on the transition from flat to climb.
Caleb Manion (Toyota-United) is out of the saddle and going up, up, up.
Last year’s overall winner Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) finished the day in the top five overall.
Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) is now in the top 20 overall.
Yesterday’s stage winner Kirk O’Bee (HealthNet-Maxxis) finished 15th but couldn’t hold on to the overall race lead.

Stage 2 - June 12: Cannon Falls Road Race,

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Images by Frank Rowe

Meet and greet: Bernard VanUlden, Bryce Mead, and Scott Tietzel of Team Jelly Belly introduce the sport of bike racing to local kids at the Cannon Falls library.
Shane Braley (Wheel & Sprocket) grabs a supply of Sport Beans before the Cannon Falls stage.
Current World B Champion Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) is interviewed before the men's start.
Team Kenda Tire gets wired up and focused before stage 2 in Cannon Falls.
Rebecca Larson (Aaron's) and Katheryn Curi (Webcor) chill with other riders before the Cannon Falls stage.
Olivia Dillon (Metromint Cycling) has to chase back to the peloton.
The women's peloton passes a Minnesota farm field during the stage.
Kat Clark (Team Kenda Tire) gets a bottle from the team car.
Linda Sone (Flanders/MBRC) works her way back through the caravan.
The women's peloton and caravan during stage 2 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
With one lap to go, Team Cheerwine controls the front of the peloton for Laura Van Gilder.
Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home) begins to celebrate her win over (Team TIBCO) and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine).jpg

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

Unlike previous years the weather was warm and sunny with little wind to shake things up.
Two riders open a gap but without the cross winds nothing got established.
Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) leads the men across the dirt section in route to the finishing circuits.
Once on the circuits Healthnet went to the front and drive the pace for final laps.
Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) joins the back of the Healthnet train.
Kirk O'Bee (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis) celebrates the stage win, his 2nd time winning the Cannon Falls stage.
The men's top three, Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast), Kirk O'Bee (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis) , John Murphy (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis)
The Nature Valley Top Amateur was Waste Managements Alex Boyd.
The Boost Best Young Rider was Waste Management's Keil Reijnen.
Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly Pro Cycling) claimed the first Sports Beans King of the Hill Jersey.
Kirk O'Bee (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis) in the Nature Valley Grand Prix Leaders Jersey; he also leads the Wheaties Sprint Jersey competition.
The early parts of women's race saw few rider able to get away.
Entering the circuit Team TIBCO's Joanne Kiesanowski leads the charge.
High Road's Katherine Bates was in the four-rider break that gained just over two minutes on the field before being swallowed by the peloton as they entered the circuits.
One Lap to go and Team Cheerwine leads the charge up the hill with stage winner Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) tucking into behind Cheerwine.
Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) celebrates her stage win of the Cannon Falls Road Race.
The women's podium Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO), Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Laura Van Gilder (Team Cheerwine)
All the jersey's of the Nature Valley Grand Prix: Best Young Rider Kristin McGrath (Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) , and Freewheel Bikes Most Aggressive Rider Amber Rais (Team TIBCO).

Stage 1 - June 11: St. Paul Lowertown Criterium,

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Images by Frank Rowe/ frankrowe.photoreflect.com

Call-ups in the pouring rain: Tina Pic (Colavita / Sutter Home) , defending champ Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce), and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine).
The women’s field safely negotiates one of the slippery corners.
In the early laps, only Brooke Miller (TIBCO) could match the fierce pace of Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce).
The soggy pack barrels down St. Paul’s Fourth Street.
Third-place finisher Brooke Miller (TIBCO) chases in the rain.
Kristin McGrath (Colavita / Sutter Home) powers up the incline on the back side of the course.
Midrace, a wet chase is on through downtown St. Paul.
In an impressive show, Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) lapped most of the field, earning the sprinter’s jersey, the climber’s jersey, and the leader’s jersey.
Joanne Kiesanowski (right) and TIBCO team-mate Brooke Miller finished second and third in today’s stage.
Rock Racing's Kevin Klein and Cesar Grajales prepare for a wet crit.
The men's peloton on the wet streets of downtown St. Paul.
Conditions steadily worsen during the men's race.
Kirk O'Bee (Team Healthnet pb Maxxis) leads the field, about ten minutes before the race is cancelled.
Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) hits the ground and immediately checks for damage.
A course marshal and a spectator quickly move in to help Henk Vogels (Toyota-United) get back into the race.
Aaron Tuckerman (Jelly Belly) was one of many riders to crash on the northeast corner of the course.
Even the motorbikes couldn't keep upright in the poor conditions. The race was cancelled after this motorcycle was wrecked.
The Shimano neutral support team packs up for the day.
The colorful Jelly Belly caravan is set to hit the road.
Tools of the trade for the Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast team.

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

Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce Professional Cycling Team) among riders she was lapping starts to celebrate her stage win.
Curtis Gunn (Successful Living.com p/b Parkpre) zipping up for the start.
A contemplative Kirk O'bee (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis)
Emile Abraham (Team Type 1) winner of the recent MN Fixed Gear Classic.
Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) is no stranger to performing well in the rain
2007 NVGP Champion Ivan Stevic (Toyota United)
The peloton all set for the start.
Ivan Stevic (Toyota United) out of the saddle trying to close down one of the many gaps caused by the break.
Kirk O'Bee (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis) leads his break away companion Aaron Olson (Bissell Pro Cycling Team) along the south side of the course.
Aaron Olson (Bissel Pro Cycling team) following the wheel of his break companion.
Everyone please stop was the word given as the field was neutralized.
Glasses off, the day's effort is over for Kirk O'Bee (Team Healthnet p/b Maxxis)
The women's field try to stay dry by hanging around the sign-in table.
Kristin Armstrong (Cerevelo-Lifeforce) sheds her jacket and gets ready for the start.
Cheerwine's Laura Van Gilder at the line and ready to go.
Kristin Armstrong (Cerevelo-Lifeforce) launches an attack early into the 30 lap race.
Iona Wynter Parks (Colavita) leads the team in the chase efforts.
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) seems to be the only one interested in joining Armstrong off the front.
Kristin Armstrong (Cerevelo-Lifeforce) and Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) coming close to lapping the field.
In between the break and the field are Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO) and Rachel Lloyd (PROMAN Racing).
Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) joined and then passed her teammate Brook Miller and eventually finished 2nd in the stage.
Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) relaxes after having finished 2nd in the stage.
Kristin Armstrong (Cerevelo-Lifeforce) discusses the race decisions with Dave Laporte the race director.
The stage podium (L-to-R) Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO), Kristin Armstrong (Cerevelo-Lifeforce), Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO)
Kristin Armstrong (Cerevelo-Lifeforce) with the yellow leaders jersey, she also won the Wheaties Sprint Jersey and the Sportbeans Queen of the Hill jersey.
Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) was named the Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive rider.
Lauren Franges (Team TIBCO) is the Boost Best Young Rider

Images by Stephanie Williams/www.ybfphoto.net

Emile Abraham (Team Type 1) and Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) chat during the men's call ups.
Rory Sutherland (HealthNet-Maxxis) and Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) chat during the men's call ups for stage one in the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
The men take off for the shortened Stage 1 at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Nature Valley Cycling Team's Jesse Moore rounds the rain soaked surface during stage one of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Colavita Sutter Home team member Tyler Wren collides with a member of Jelly Belly, who fell on the rain covered surface.