57th Jayco Herald Sun Tour - 2.1

Australia, October 12-18, 2008

Photography

Stage 6 - October 18: Melbourne Criterium, 66km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Pre-race drinks in Lygon Street for the final stage of the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Brothers in arms: Rod McGee (left) hands over the team-car keys to brother Brad who will be doing a little more driving now as director sportif for team CSC-Saxo Bank.
Brad McGee (CSC-Saxo Bank) drives the peloton again in the final stage on Lygon Street in Carlton.
Tour leader Stuart O'Grady (yellow) is safely tucked away in the peloton with his CSC-Saxo Bank teammates during the final stage of the tour.
The peloton head up Lygon Street during the final stage around a 1.9 kilometre circuit in Carlton just a 20 minute walk from Melbourne's CBD.
A leading trio got away early in the stage (L-R): Daryl Impey (Barloworld), Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic) and David Kemp (Virgin Blue Australian National Team).
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) corners on his way to victory in the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Richie Porte (Praties) finished in the top-ten on GC and continued the rise of Tasmanian riders in the sport.
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) leans around a corner on the streets of Carlton during the final day of the tour.
Jonathon Lovelock (Virgin Blue Australian National Team) in the city of Melbourne for the final day of the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Jono Clarke (Toyota United) leads his Canadian teammate Dominique Rollin back in the chasing peloton.
The peloton corner at the top of the home straight in Lygon Street .
Three became two: Daryl Impey (Barloworld) grimaces on the front as he drags Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic) in the lead break after losing David Kemp (Virgin Blue Australian National Team).
David Kemp (Virgin Blue Australian National Team) gets a round of applause from fans after his great effort in the leading trio.
My turn to grimace: Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic) gets on the front for the bell-lap as Daryl Impey (Barloworld) takes a breather.
South African Daryl Impey (Barloworld) takes out the final stage of the tour in Melbourne.
Daryl Impey (Barloworld) finished ninth the day before in the time-trial and felt good again for the final day to secure a stage victory.
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) brings home the peloton and his teammate and tour winner Stuart O'Grady (third from right).
Brad McGee (CSC-Saxo Bank) makes one last adjustment of the shades on the bike after completing his last race on the road.
Stage winner Daryl Impey is congratulated by Barloworld team-manager Valerio Tebaldi (right) in Lygon Street.
An exhausted David Kemp is comforted by wife Tess on Lygon Street after his gallant effort in the leading trio.
The final stage winner of the tour, Daryl Impey (Barloworld) from South Africa.
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) took home the Cyclismo Bendigo King of the Mountains Champion's jersey from the tour.
You ripper: Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) took out the Budget Forklifts Sprint Points Championship of the tour.
Another Tasmanian: Wes Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com) was awarded the Provincial Victoria Best Under 23 rider of the tour.
The final stage Volvo Most Aggressive rider jersey went to Daryl Impey of the Barloworld team.
It's all over: Brad McGee (left) and brother Rod share a moment at the presentations after the completion to the tour in Melbourne.
Cheers Stuey: Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) is wrapped to be spraying the champers on the podium in Carlton after winning the tour.
It's not a rock, but not bad just the same: Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) with the trophy of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Champagne shower: Tour winner Stuart O'Grady hides behind his trophy whilst other jersey winners from the tour start the party.
Sign here please: Tour champion Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) signs a poster of himself for a fan in Carlton.
A popular winner: Stuart O'Grady is surrounded by fans after the presentations in Carlton.

Images by Richard Robson / ClearImages Photography

Bradley McGee (CSC Saxo Bank) rides to 55th overall before making the move from racer to director sportif.
Stuart O'Grady (CSC Saxo Bank) would keep yellow for the overall win in the last day of racing.
Stuart O'Grady and Bradley McGee, two CSC Saxo Bank teammates.
Stuart O'Grady goes for it on his way to the overall win.
Daryl Impey (Team Barloworld) wins the final stage of the Herald Sun Tour

Images by Wojtek Kalinowski

Stuart O'Grady enjoyed the last day of the Tour as he kept his yellow jersey.
O'Grady stayed safely in the bunch.
O'Grady brings home the team's hard work and fulfilled his dream of winning the Sun Tour.

Stage 5 - October 17: Yarra Valley (ITT), 16.2km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Lucky boys: Virgin Blue Australian National Team teammates Patrick Shaw (left) and David Kemp get a goodluck kiss from a couple of Virgin Blue airline stewards prior to stage five
Cool in the shade: The thermometer hit 25 degrees for riders in the stage five time-trial as spectators took measures to avoid the heat
Brad McGee (CSC-Saxo Bank) riding his final race against the clock in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour
Peter Herzig (Panasonic) on a climb out the back of Yarra Glen on stage five
Caleb Manion (Toyota United) out of the saddle and receiving encouragement from the team-car
Riders climb their way around the course in the Yarra Valley during the stage five individual time-trial
Anthony Chapman (Yes Optus Shop New Zealand) in action during the 16.2 kilometre time-trial
William Ford (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) descends during his ride against the clock in the Yarra Valley
Daryl Impey (Barloworld) riding towards a top-ten placing on stage five of the tour
Baden Cooke (Barloworld) going full gas on a descent on the roads near Yarra Glen
Cameron Jennings (Budget Forklifts) out of the saddle on the testing course in the Yarra Valley
Dominique Rollin (Toyota United) asumes an aero-dynamic position on the bike as he descends in the time-trial
Jeremy Yates (Yes Optus Shop New Zealand) tows a media-bike down the road in the Yarra Valley
Ben Day (Toyota United) the 2006 Commonwealth Games silver medallist was one of the pre-race favourites in the time-trial
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) had ridden the course three times prior to the stage and it was about to pay off
Pretty in pink: The tour leader, Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank), had a fight on his hands to retain the race lead on stage five
Richie Porte (Praties) the recent Tour of Tasmania winner drives towards the finish-line in the Tarra Warra Winery
Ben Day (Toyota United) grimaces his way towards second place on stage five in the Yarra Valley
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) powers towards another stage victory in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour
Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) would hand over the tour lead to teammate Stuart O'Grady after the stage five time-trial
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) has regained the lead in the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour
2007 champion Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) will take home the Cyclismo Bendigo King of the Mountains jersey for the tour
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) will have a thrilling duel with Toyota United's Dominique Rollin and CSC teammate Stuart O'Grady on the final stage in Lygon Street
Wes Sulzberger (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) is the new leader of the Provincial Victoria Best Under 23 rider on the tour
That will look great on me: Jayco sponsor representative Andrew Ryan holds the yellow jersey for Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) on the podium at the Tarra Warra Winery
"I am absolutely wrapped and extremely proud": Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) relaxes on the lawns of the Tarra Warra Winery in his tour leaders yellow jersey

Stage 4 - October 16: Alexandra to Mt Buller, 115.4km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

SRAM is not only providing the spares support for the race but also the riders' coffee fix before each stage
The winning break opened up on the first 'berg' out of Alexandra, within the first five kilometres of stage four
The peloton was content to roll through with a leading pack four minutes up the road
Smoko time: Road-workers take a break to watch the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour go by near Mansfield
Lasse Bochman (CSC-Saxo Bank) drives the peloton with the lead bunch still well ahead at the forty-five kilometre mark
Life was relaxed in the peloton with SouthAustralia.com/AIS teammates William Ford (right) Simon Clarke saying g'day to their folks
Tasmanian duo Caleb Manion (Toyota United) and Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) hail from the same region along the beautiful Tamar River in Northern Tasmania
Will Routley (Bicycle Superstore Canada) has been the big surprise packet of the tour so far; Routley is in third place, 16 seconds behind the tour leader Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank)
Brad McGee (CSC Saxo Bank) was pedaling in anger for the last time on the roads and wasn't shirking the work-load for the peloton on stage four to the top of Mt.Buller
The tour heads towards Mt.Buller in the distance during the 115 kilometre fourth stage from Alexandra
Getting closer: The peloton were still around four minutes in arrearrs heading to the lower slopes of Mt.Buller
Riding in their shadows: The lead group was hitting the bottom of Mt.Buller with a substantial break on the peloton and the stage-winner was likely to come from the that pack
The peloton with tour leader Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) in yellow trying to reel in the leaders who had splintered on the slopes of Mt.Buller
Glen Chadwick (Team Type 1) would make a late dash for the stage win nearing the top, but had to settle for 12th place on the day
Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) was looking well placed to have a real dig at the tour lead half-way up the climb
The sprint points leader Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) was doing some great work for his teammate and tour leader Stuart O'Grady up Mt.Buller
Marco Corti (Barloworld) was aggressive on the slopes as he tried to put the CSC team
Further up the road and it was South Australian Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic), an original member of the breakaway group who took the stage by the scruff of the neck
The chasing peloton hit five kilometres to go on Mt.Buller
Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic) revs up the crowd as he enters the final stretch at the top of Mt.Buller
You beauty: Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic) takes out stage four to the top of Mt.Buller, a fantastic effort given he was thinking of withdrawing from the race the day before
Another Chris: Christopher Froome (Barloworld) hits the line to finish second and into fourth place overall on the GC
Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) gives his all as he finishes third on the stage but more importantly will wear the yellow jersey as the new tour leader
2007 champion Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) again climbed superbly on the tour's toughest day and is currently in the top-ten on GC
William Walker (Virgin Blue Australian National Team) had two teammates in the lead group
The yellow jersey of Stuart O'Grady finished in 13th place and handed the tour lead
Conquering Mt.Buller: CSC-Saxo Bank team-manager Rod McGee applauded the efforts of Stuart O'Grady on the climb up Mt.Buller
One for the road: Brad McGee (CSC-Saxo Bank) is fashionably late for training rides with teammates; soon he can be as late as he likes; McGee crosses the line at the top of Mt.Buller
Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) is the Cyclismo Bendigo King of the Mountains leader after the tour's toughest climb
And why not: Stage winner Chris Jongewaard (Panasonic) was awarded the Volvo Most Aggressive rider's jersey for his gut-busting efforts on stage four
A Danish spray: Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) was crowned the new leader of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour on top of Mt.Buller after stage four
Tasmania may be closer to Australia than you think Lars! New tour leader Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) was full of praise for his Tasmanian teammate Matt Goss

Stage 3 - October 15: Warragul to Marysville, 137.1km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Stuart Shaw (Drapac Porsche) with the newly released Carbo Shotz …eighty mils of caffeine
Hilton Clarke (Toyota United) with brother Jono in tow… Clarke will be one to watch out for in the final stage of the tour in Lygon street
Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) was wearing three hats in Warragul prior to stage three, Bak is within striking distance of the tour lead
Tour leader Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) signs on in Warragul prior to stage three
Australian cycling stars, Brad McGee (right) and Stuart O'Grady of team CSC-Saxo Bank in action during stage three
The peloton roll past an interested onlooker near Warragul just after the start to stage three
Leigh Howard (Virgin Blue Australian National Team) is the current Scody Cup National Cycling Series champion
The field in a relaxed moment just after the start to stage three in Warragul
A tour commissaire keeps watch on an early break on stage three
A small group try to escape the peloton's clutches in the first thirty kilometres of stage three
Patrick Shaw (Virgin Blue Australian National Team) gives the tour his approval during a lull in stage three
Fabio Calabria passes some energy gel to Team Type 1 teammate Glen Chadwick in the peloton
Hugo Sabido (right) and Baden Cooke of team Barloworld are key players in the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour
Cameraman Rob Buckell designates his moto-pilot Graeme Chitterdon (left) to carry the tripod after filming the tour going by near Warburton
Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson snaps the tour as it passes by in Yarra Junction
The tour roll through on their 137 kilometre stage from Warragul to Marysville
Jono Clarke (Toyota United) leads Gordon McCauley (Yes Optus Shop New Zealand) in a break that got out to one-and-a-half minutes before the final climb
Gordon McCauley (Yes Optus Shop New Zealand) checks out the race-map in the leading break heading towards Marysville
The chasing peloton head past (Lance) Armstrong Creek road nearing the final twenty kilometres of the stage
William Ford (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) gathered in the leading duo and went straight past them closing in on the finish
Sprint points leader Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) was working hard in the hills for his tour leader Stuart O'Grady
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) out of the saddle on the final climb and looking to hold onto his tour lead after three stages
William Ford (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) was joined by another Yes Optus Shop New Zealand rider in the lead approaching the final fifteen kilometres
It’s a mad rush to the finish-line in Marysville for the completion to stage three of the tour
Baden Cooke (Barloworld) wins stage three in Marysville where he won a stage before in 2005 on his birthday
Brad McGee (CSC-Saxo Bank) is escorted away from the finish after finishing outside the time limit, however McGee will continue the tour thanks to commissaires discretion
Baden Cooke (Barloworld) explains his near miss in the sprint to the line in Marysville
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) will carry the Budget Forklifts Sprint leader's jersey into stage four of the tour
Stuart O'Grady was commending his CSC-Saxo Bank teammates for their efforts so far on the tour with only five riders out of seven taking their place on the startline
Tour leader Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) is interviewed by media under the banner in Marysville

Stage 2 - October 14: Inverloch to Warragul, 118.1km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Tour commentator Matt Keenan high-fives the crowd at the startline for stage two in Inverloch.
The Aisan team give the tour the thumbs-up prior to the start of stage two .
The team from Bicycle Superstore Canada flying the flag in Inverloch for the start to stage two.
2007 tour winner, Matt Wilson (Team Type 1), went into the tour with a knee problem that left him doubtful to start.
Brad McGee (left) and his CSC-Saxo Bank teammate Matt Goss in the peloton early into the second stage from Inverloch to Warragul.
The peloton were riding in near perfect conditions for stage two of the tour.
Lars Bak (CSC-Saxo Bank) working on the front for his teammate and tour leader Matt Goss.
Stuart O'Grady (right) goes on the attack while his CSC-Saxo Bank teammates take a breather.
There were attacks all-day as the tour lifted it's tempo on the second stage to Warragul.
A Brad McGee tribute on the journey between Inverloch and Warragul on day three of the tour.
Jack Bobridge (left) of the SouthAustralia.com/AIS team in a more relaxed moment on the day's stage…he would soon be on the attack again.
The field string-out heading towards the finish in Warragul.
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) corners in a lead group of fourteen riders in the final twenty kilometres of stage two.
Numero uno: Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) takes out stage two of the tour into Warragul .
Kazuhiro Mori (right) of the Aisan team grabs Will Routley (Bicycle Superstore Canada) on the line to steal second place on the stage.
Theres the finish-line Gossy: Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) receives instructions from event staff after the finish to stage two in Warragul.
One on one: Interview time with stage two winner Stuart O'Grady of team CSC-Saxo Bank.
A popular winner: Stage two winner Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) on the podium in Warragul.
Hugo Sabido (Barloworld) is the new leader of the Cyclismo Bendigo King of the Mountains competition on the tour.
And the Budget Forklifts Sprint leader's green jersey goes to….
Stuart O'Grady of team CSC-Saxo Bank .
Simon Clarke (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) is the leader of the Provincial Victoria Best Under 23 rider on the tour's GC.
He kept bobbing up: Jack Bobridge (SouthAustralia.com/AIS) was awarded the Volvo Most Aggressive rider's jersey from stage two.
Lets crack this baby: New tour leader Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) gets ready to pop the champers in Warragul.
Double barrel spray: Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) lets fly with the champers on anyone close in Warragul.

Stage 1 - October 13: Traralgon to Inverloch, 130.4km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Hey guys, try the strong espresso that will get you through a tough day in the saddle
Pick the odd one out
Two strong espressos thanks
Eric Boily (Bicycle Superstore) corners during the 130.4 kilometre stage from Traralgon to Inverloch
Brad McGee (CSC-Saxo Bank) is riding in his last road race after a decorated career in the sport
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) in the peloton before trying a solo break on stage one of the tour
William Walker (Virgin Blue Austalian Team) could be one to watch as the tour hits the more serious climbs later in the week
Three riders got away from the pack before the first King of the Mountains climb on stage one
Angus Morton (Drapac Porsche) drives the leading trio during stage one of the tour
A rider from the Canadian Bicycle Superstore team trys to bridge the gap to the leading trio
Any offers of support up here: Two riders try to get across to the leading trio
Another group of riders split from the peloton and go in search of the leaders
They were successful but the peloton was closing in
Bernard Van Ulden (Jelly Belly) attacked the lead group on the climb and earned the King of the Mountains leader's jersey
The peloton on a climb heading towards the finish in Inverloch
The race splits into two groups nearing sixty kilometres to go
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) escaped from the peloton and tried a solo break
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) on a climb with the field at almost four minutes behind
The peloton roll through casually with Stuart O'Grady well up the road
Gordon McCauley (Yes Optus New Zealand National Team) tried to sneak across to O'Grady
McCauley's teammate Greg Henderson (left) abandoned the race and reverted top handing bidons to teammates on the road
The peloton at a feed-station with O'Grady still well up the road
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) was doing it hard into strong winds as the peloton began to reel him in
This is tough: Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) was beginning to feel the strain of a daring solo break heading towards the finish
At the twenty kilometre to go sign O'Grady was about to sink back into the peloton who were closing in
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) holds off Baden Cooke (Barloworld) to win stage one of the tour into Inverloch
Two in a row: Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) will hold onto his yellow jersey after claiming the stage win into Inverloch
Bernard Van Ulden (Jelly Belly) was awarded the King of the Mountains jersey after stage one of the tour
Stuart O'Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank) was awarded the Volvo Most Aggressive rider's jersey after his solo ride on stage one
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) shakes the champagne bottle and prepares for the spray as the tour leader after stage one

Prologue - October 12: Jayco Herald Sun Tour Preface, 46.2km

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Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

The tour makes it's way under the banner in Traralgon during the prelude .
Riders from the Budget Forklifts team in action during the one hour criterium.
Jonathon Clarke (Toyota United) leads William Walker (Virgin Blue National Team) on a small rise in the 2.1 kilometre circuit.
Four riders created a break on the peloton just before the half-way mark of the 42 kilometre criterium.
The American team from Toyota United worked hard at the front to bring the break back to the bunch.
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) takes out the prelude ahead of Barloworld's Baden Cooke and Toyota United's Hilton Clarke.
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) wins the 2008 Jayco Herald Sun Tour Prelude in Traralgon.
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) is hoping to ride at the Tasmanian Christmas Carnival series at the end of the year and would be a great draw-card.
Baden Cooke (Barloworld) crashed during the prelude but still managed to put on the Budget Forklifts Sprint leader's jersey.
Hilton Clarke (Toyota United) led out the sprint to the finish but was overrun by Goss and Cooke to finish third.
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) was all smiles after his win in the tour prelude in Traralgon in South-East Victoria.
Matt Goss (CSC-Saxo Bank) releases the champers after being presented with the yellow jersey in Traralgon.
Rocking on: Racing can be hairy during the tour and this punter was setting the scene in Traralgon.

Images by Veeral Patel/veeral.zenfolio.com

Stuart O' Grady looking cool as he passes just another day at the office.
Praties team are itching for some action.
Team Virgin rider decides to spice things up on the second lap.
After a tough uphill blast, time to catch for some air on the downhill.
Bicycle Superstore's Eric Wohlberg puts the hammer down trying to pull back the early escapies.
Toyota United's Ben Day put in a lot of hard work in the front today.
Daniel Holt from Team Type-1 seems to be cruising in the bunch.
Caleb Manion from United Toyota keeping contact with the rest of the United Toyota riders.
Long way from home, Danish Larks Bak must surely be enjoying the glorious Victorian weather.
Lesson 101 in cornering, Stuart O'Grady demonstrates how.
The dominant United Toyota express train controlling the bunch.
Jack Bobridge of Team South Australia.
Ben Day leading the bunch towards the home straight.
Stuart O'Grady in his element, sharp and focused.
Matt Goss storming towards the finish line to claim the opening stage of the Herald Sun Tour.