29th Olympic Games - JO

Beijing, China, August 9-23, 2008

Photography

Road Races   Time Trials   Track   BMX   MTB

Beijing impressions

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Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International

• The Tiananmen square had the bicycle theme during the Olympics.
• The velodrome was called bird's nest for a reason.
• An Olympic tree figure
• The Beijing Olympics offered nice souvenirs.
• The Beijing Logo at sunset
• The dream was to push human rights but hey, you can't have everything.

August 23: Men's Cross Country MTB 

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Images by AFP Photo

• France's Julian Absalon had company only in the first lap of the race, here Manuel Fumic (Germany).
• Julien Absalon (France) on his way to the gold medal.
• Julien Absalon (France) on one of the smooth parts of the course.
• Jean-Christophe Peraud (France) chases after his team-mate Absalon
• Christoph Soukup (Austria) on the rocky descent.
• South African Burry Stander finished 15th.
• Canada's Seamus McGrath flatted and was forced to carry his bike down the hill.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Julien Absalon (France) on the climb.
• This French fan has a son named Absalon.
• Julien Absalon (France) shares his win with the fans.
• Fans line the final descent , and Absalon is on his way down.
• Julien Absalon (France) with his gold medal.
• Julien Absalon celebrates his win.
• The Netherlands Bart Brentjens before his crash
• Adam Craig of the USA on a climb.
• Fans packed the plaza around the start finish line.
• Spain's Jose Hermida was a favorite, and finished 10th.
• Geoff Kabush (Canada) led the field up the first climb.
• Germany's Moritz Milatz climbed to 16th place.
• The men's podium: Jean-Christophe Peraud (France), Julien Absalon (France), Nino Schurter (Switzerland).
• Belgian cyclo-cross star Sven Nys had a great finish in ninth, and now wants to spend more time on the fat tires.
• France's Jean-Christophe Peraud on a rocky descent.
• Christoph Sauser was in contention all day , and finished 4th.
• American Todd Wells flashes through the trees.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Geoff Kabush (Canada) got the holeshot and led for the first part of lap one.
• Canada's Geoff Kabush got the holeshot and led for the first part of lap one.
• Early on lap one it was a bit of a traffic jam.
• It was a bit of a traffic jam on the first lap.
• Great Britain's Liam Killeen went down, but straightened his 'bars and continued after the early crash.
• Fredrik Kessiakoff was at the front during the first lap.
• Christophe Sauser (Switzerland)
• Manuel Fumic (Germany)
• Jose Hermida (Spain)
• Julien Absalon (France)
• Christoph Sauser and Jean-Christophe Peraud
• Adam Craig (United States)
• Jianhua Ji (China)
• Todd Wells (United States)
• Federico Ramirez (Costa Rica)
• World champion Christoph Sauser (Switzerland) was hoping for better than fourth.
• Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark) moves to the road next year.
• Seamus Mcgrath (Canada) rode the rim all the way around to the tech zone.
• Julien Absalon (France)
• Jean-Christophe Peraud (France)
• Marco Aurelio Fontana (Italy) and Nino Schurter (Switzerland) rode together most of the race.
• Manuel Fumic (Germany)
• Jose Hermida (Spain)
• Fredrik Kessiakoff (Sweden)
• Burry Stander (South Africa)
• Christoph Soukup (Austria) and Moritz Milatz (Germany).
• Liam Killeen (Great Britain)
• Roel Paulissen (Belgium)
• Geoff Kabush (Canada)
• Jianhua Ji (China)
• Kashi Leuchs (New Zealand)
• Filip Meirhaeghe (Belgium)
• Todd Wells (United States)
• Seamus McGrath (Canada)
• Julien Absalon (France)
• Liam Killeen (Great Britain) fought his way up from last to seventh.
• Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark)
• Adam Craig (United States)
• Bart Brentjens (Netherlands)
• Jean-Christophe Peraud (France)
• Christoph Sauser (Switzerland)
• Sven Nys (Belgium)
• Julien Absalon (France) repeats as Olympic Games Champion.
• Julien Absalon (France) was delighted with another Olympic gold medal.
• France's Jean-Christophe Peraud (France) takes silver.
• Nino Schurter (Switzerland) takes the bronze in front of Christoph Sauser (Switzerland).
• Christoph Sauser (Switzerland) pounded his bars in frustration after taking fourth.
• Julien Absalon (France) was the gold medal winner.
• Podium (L-R): Jean-Christophe Peraud (France), Julien Absalon (France) and Nino Schurter (Switzerland).

Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International

• Christoph Sauser chased the bronze medal hard but just came up short.
• The Australian Daniel McConnell had some trouble with their shoes on the dusty course.
• The coach had to get a rock out of the cleats.
• Julian Absalon followed rule #1 and drank before he was even thirsty.
• Absalon nows a thing about winning and as such is familiar with needing to stay hydrated.
• Absalon had to keep his body fluid.
• Niko Schurter decided to take the drink externally for a btter cooling effect.
• Absalon and the loneliness of the cross country mountain biker.
• Jean-Christophe Peraud completed France's triumph and finished second.
• Sven Nys (Belgium) scored a ninth place.
• Manuel Fumic was with the Swiss riders for a long time, but a mechanical depreived him of all chances for a better placing. He ended in 11th.
• There were huge crowds at the course.
• Switzerland's Nino Schurter sprinted hard for his bronze medal.
• Absalon dominated his way to his second Olympic gold.
• Peraud ended the day in second

August 22: Women's Cross Country MTB 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Sabine Spitz of Germany crosses the line in first carrying her bike and the German flag over the line.
• Spitz is all smiles after her dominating win and showed off her medal.
• The podium from left to right with Maja Wloszczowska (Poland, silver), Sabine Spitz (Germany, gold) and Irina Kalentyeva (Russia, bronze)

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) was a surprising DNF.
• Fans make their own shade on a steaming hot day at the Laoshan mountain bike course.
• Georgia Gould (USA) tackles the rocky descent.
• Ying Liu (China) was one of two Chinese on the lead lap, but neither one could crack the podium.
• Mary McConneloug was the top US finisher in seventh.
• Canada's Catharine Pendrel just missed out on the bronze medal.
• Marie-Helene Premont (Canada) was in the lead group early, but withdrew citing breathing problems.
• Sabine Spitz of Germany celebrates her win by hoisting her bike aloft at the finish.
• Sabine Spitz (Germany) floats the descent.
• The German national anthem plays for Sabine Spitz who put in a stellar performance to take the women's MTB gold.
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland) celebrates a fine silver medal performance.
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland), Sabine Spitz (Germany) and Irina Kalentyeva (Russia) took home the medals.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Georgia Gould (USA) leads the charge
• Georgia Gould took the early lead
• Mountain biking had the biggest crowds of all the cycling events
• Eva Lechner (Italy) leads up the climb on lap 1
• Irina Kalentyeva (Russia)
• Sabine Spitz (Germany) began her assault early.
• Behind Maja Wloszczowska (Poland) Fullana and Kalentyeva are already struggling
• Margarita Fullana (Spain) one of the favourites on this course dropped out on lap 3
• Irina Kalentyeva (Russia)
• Catharine Pendrel (Canada)
• Marie-Helene Premont (Canada) stopped on lap 2
• Lene Byberg (Norway)
• Mary McConneloug (United States)
• Blaza Klemencic (Slovenia)
• Rosara Joseph (New Zealand)
• Jaqueline Mourao (Brazil)
• There was no stopping the Sabine Machine
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland)
• Ying Liu (China) was with the early leaders but faded
• Catharine Pendrel (Canada)
• Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) dropped out on lap 5
• Margarita Fullana (Spain)
• Sabine Spitz
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland)
• Catharine Pendrel
• Irina Kalentyeva
• Chengyuan Ren (China)
• Chengyuan Ren (China)
• Ying Liu (China)
• Mary McConneloug (United States)
• Mary McConneloug (United States)
• Elisabeth Osl (Austria)
• Georgia Gould (United States)
• Georgia Gould (United States)
• Georgia Gould (United States)
• Lene Byberg (Norway)
• Rosara Joseph (New Zealand) had a bad fall on lap 4 and shows it
• Sabine Spitz (Germany)
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland)
• Catharine Pendrel (Canada)
• Irina Kalentyeva (Russia)
• Chengyuan Ren (China)
• Petra Henzi (Switzerland)
• Ying Liu (China)
• Mary McConneloug (United States)
• Georgia Gould (United States)
• Rosara Joseph (New Zealand)
• Lene Byberg
• A Norwegian fan was disappointed after Gunn-Rita Dahle withdrew.
• Sabine Spitz 'Olympic Champion'
• Sabine Spitz 'Olympic Champion'
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland) takes silver
• Irina Kalentyeva (Russia) takes bronze
• Catharine Pendrel (Canada) takes 4th
• Sabine Spitz greets the crowd
• Irina Kalentyeva (Russia) bronze medalist
• Sabine "I did it" Spitz
• Sabine Spitz gold medalist
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland), Sabine Spitz (Germany) and Irina Kalentyeva (Russia) make up the women's podium.

Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International

• Georgia Gould stormed out of the start block but may have overdone it initially.
• Gould leads but Spitz was close and trying to make sure nobody surprised her today.
• Petra Henzi (Switzerland) was the last rider in row 1 but initially dropped back to the riders behind before moving up and finishing sixth.
• Sabine Spitz took the lead early
• Maja Wloszczowska was the first chaser of Spitz.
• Rie Katayama (Japan) on the tough Beijing course.
• Spitz could ride her own race and did not have to worry about others changing the pace.
• Wloszczowska and Ying Liu (China) battled hard early on.
• Ying Liu wanted a medal for China badly.
• Irina Kalentyeva (Russia) goes up the hill.
• Chengyuan Ren (China) started slowly but moved up later.
• Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) had the number one but coming back after her long injury proved too much for the Olympics.
• Margarita Fullana (Spain) also did not finish the race
• Blaza Klemencic (Slovenia) found out that the course was tougher than initially revealed.
• Catharine Pendrel (Canada) ended the day in fourth just outside the medal count.
• Maja Wloszczowska (Poland) fights hard out of the saddle.
• With number four to fourth place or how Pendrel would have wished to race with at least a number three on the handlebar.
• Kalentyeva had an exciting battle with Pendrel for bronze.
• Rie Katayama (Japan) was marked by the race and eventually conceded a lap.
• Spitz was powerful on the hills
• The German had prepared meticulously for the Games and it paid off.
• Spitz style was impeccable on the tough course.
• Wloszczowska raced well and was never in danger of losing silver.
• The Olympic rings on the right leg showed everyone how important this race was for the Chinese.

August 21: Women's BMX Semi-Finals and Finals 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Anne-Caroline Chausson led early
• Chausson was above her competitors
• Chausson with flowers on the podium
• Reade and Chausson shoulder to shoulder in the exciting finale.
• Reade led the final early on but eventually did not finish after a crash.
• The women's podium was dominated by France with Laetitia Le Corguille (l) winning silver and Anne-Caroline Chausson (c) gold. Jill Kintner (United States) took bronze.
• Jill Kintner had a strong race
• Kintner in the corner which she managed without crash, unlike Nicole Callisto (Australia, yellow).
• Kintner with her bronze smile on the podium.

August 21: Men's BMX Semi-Finals and Finals 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• The start of the BMX races are dramatic and a tad nerve-wracking.
• Day and Robinson took charge of things early in the final.
• Australian Jared Graves led in the first corner but landed on his butt in the second.
• Day is airborne in the third run of his heat
• Day led early in the final
• BMX is action pure
• Eight riders fly to potential victory in Beijing.
• Strombergs pulled ahead in the finale of the final.
• Latvian Maris Strombergs won ahead of the US boys Mike Day (l) and Donny Robinson.
• Day is happy with his silver medal
• Strombergs won the gold on a sunny day

August 20: Men's and Women's BMX Qualifying 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Australia's Tanya Bailey in her seeding run.
• Denmarks Henrik Baltzersen against the start ramp.
• Kyle Bennett in the preliminaries,before his crash.
• Bennett did well in his seeding ride.
• Top US rider Mike Day
• Mike Day led in all three of his heats.
• A group of riders heads down the start ramp.
• Riders take a jump in front of the fans.
• Riders head back toward the start ramp.
• Jill Kitner looks for a landing in her seeding ride.
• Sifiso Nhlapo of South Africa
• Top rated Shanaze Reade had the best time on her second ride.
• Maris Strombergs of Latvia is seeded number one.
• Marc Willers, framed by the start ramp.

August 19: Men's Sprint Finals 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy (Great Britain) took silver and gold in the men's sprint.
• Chris Hoy had tears of joy in his eyes after taking his third Olympic gold medal.
• Chris Hoy celebrates after beating his team-mate Jason Kenny in the final
• There were plenty of Union Jacks flying in the Laoshan velodrome, but these two were specifically for Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny who took gold and silver in the marquis event.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Hoy is about to come around Kenny
• Hoy had no mercy with compatriot Hoy
• Hoy's acceleration can't be matched by Kenny.
• Hoy celebrates his third gold medal
• Hoy gets emotional on the podium
• The podium with the Brits Kenny and Hoy on the left and Frenchman Bourgain on then right.
• Hoy is screams out his joy
• Hoy about to come around Kenny
• Mickael Bourgain and Maximilian Levy in the bronze medal final
• Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny in the gold medal final

Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International

• The bell at the Laoshan velodrome which rings to signal the last lap of the race.
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) celebrates his silver medal.
• Chris Hoy's third Olympic gold medal this one for the sprint.
• The Great Britain team staff went home with the satisfaction of having taken seven gold medals, three silvers and two bronze.
• Hoy and Kenny hare theit tactics with each other. Kenny was amused but Hoy showed that leaning into the turn helped him win.
• The track mechanics showed the racers how it is done.
• Hoy is ecstatic after his win
• Hoy celebrates while Kenny is a tad dejected.

August 19: Women's Sprint Finals 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) celebrates her gold medal ride in the women's sprint.
• The women's sprint podium: Anna Meares (silver, Australia), Victoria Pendleton (gold, Great Britain), and Shuang Guo (China).
• Anna Meares (Australia) overcame a broken neck to earn her silver medal in the women's sprint.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• A somewhat 'partisan' crowd for the women's final.
• Anna Meares was no contest for Victoria Pendelton after having to ride three heats in the semi-finals.
• Tsylinskaya took the race for 5th thru 8th in the final.
• Shuang Guo defeated Kanis in two straight sprints to take the bronze medal.
• Guo gave China their only medal of the track events , a bronze.
• The smile says it all.
• The womens podium (l-r): Anna Meares (Australia), Victoria Pendelton (Great Britain) & Shuang Guo (China)
• Pendelton was esctatic with her win and let the crowd know exactly where she was from.

Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International

• Victoria Pendleton proudly shows off her gold medal
• Shuang Guo (China) got another medal for host China.
• Anna Meares (Australia) secured a silver medal
• The podium with Meares, Pendleton and Guo from left to right.
• Pendleton with flowers and medal
• Pendleton celebrates her gold

August 19: Men's Madison Final 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Perez and Curuchet (Argentina) exchange in the Madison.
• Walter Fernando Perez (Argentina) helped the team take the first lap of the Madison.
• The Argentinian anthem plays for the gold medallists with Spain and Russia in silver and bronze.
• Walter Fernando Perez and Juan Esteban Curuchet (Argentina) revel in the Olympic gold medal ceremony.
• Juan Esteban Curuchet (Argentina) is emotional after taking his first gold medal at age 43. He will retire after the Games.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• The team from Argentina rides off for the victory lap.
• Juan Esteban Curuchet (Argentina) throws in Walter Perez during the men's Madison.
• Iljo Keisse and Kenny de Ketele (Belgium) were great in the sprints, but missed the decisive move.
• Mike Friedman takes the lead for the USA.
• Bobby Lea and Mike Friedman (USA) struggled in the high-paced Madison.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Early on, the race is all together but that would change quickly.
• Greg Henderson and Hayden Roulston (New Zealand)
• Team Belgium accumulated the most points but were a lap down
• Argentina slipped away and lapped the field
• Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain) were never a factor
• Argentina rode a smart race to take gold
• Argentina exchanges as New Zealand and the Netherlands follow.
• Toni Tauler (Spain) on his way to taking the lap.
• The Belgian pair, Iljo Keisse and Kenny De Ketele exchange in the Madison.
• Canada's Zach Bell
• Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain)
• Ukraine (Lyubomyr Polatayko and Volodymyr Rybin)
• Zach Bell and Martin Gilbert (Canada) took a lap with Russia, but then faded to finish down three laps.
• The Russian team makes its exchange
• Argentina was overjoyed to take home the gold medal.
• Walter Perez celebrates after helping to take the gold medal in the Madison.
• The Argentinian team takes the victory lap
• The Russians take their lap after winning bronze.
• The men's Madison podium: Spain: Joan Llaneras & Toni Tauler, Argentina: Walter Perez and Juan Curuchet, and Russia: Mikhail Ignatiev and Alexei Morkov.

Images by Greg Chang/Photosport International

• Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish (Great Britain) couldn't live up to the hype after their world championship title.
• Iljo Keisse and Kenny de Ketele (Belgium) rode a fantastic race, but just couldn't get away.
• Mark Cavendish throws in Brad Wiggins (Great Britain)
• The gold medals taste good to the Argentinean Madison duo.
• The madison bikes of the winners were held in the national colours of the country's flag.
• Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez proudly present their gold medals.

August 19: Men's Sprint Semifinal 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) and Mickael Bourgain (France) started off the night's semifinal.
• The final night in the beautiful Olympic velodrome had a sellout crowd.
• There were plenty of Union Jacks flying in the Laoshan velodrome where the British took seven golds in ten events.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) defeated Maximilian Levy (Germany) in two runs to move to the gold medal final.
• Hoy vs Bourgain in the semi finals
• Hoy defeats Bourgain two straight runs
• Mickael Bourgain (France) is no match in the semi final against Chris Hoy (Great Britain)
• Hoy and Bourgain faced off in the run to qualify for the final.
• Mickael Bourgain was no match for Hoy

August 19: Women's Sprint Semifinal 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Guo wins the first ride of two in the semifinals
• Anna Meares nips Guo in the second ride of the finals.
• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) wins her semifinal easily.
• China's Guo and Anna Meares (Australia) jockey for position.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Shuang Guo (China) fell and slid down the track in her second ride against Meares.
• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) defeated Willy Kanis (Netherlands) in two straight sprints.
• Shuang Guo was up against a determined Anna Meares (Australia) in the semi final.
• Victoria Pendleton starts to move on Kanis.
• Meares led Guo in the second heat and took the win to go to three heats.
• Meares & Guo were side by side in the final sprint.
• Meares after realising she made it to the final against Pendelton.
• This is how close the finish was between Guo and Meares - Guo was relegated.

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• China's Shuang Guo slipped down the banking during the third race of the semifinal.
• Guo tumbled, but was unhurt and re-started the race to win, only to then get relegated.

August 18: Men's 4000m Team Pursuit Final 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Great Britain blasted around the course and almost caught the Danes
• The British team hammered out a new world record and bested its own performance by almost two seconds!
• The British team proudly shows the gold medals.
• The screen says it all, new Olympic and World Record for Great Britain.
• The Aussies finished fourth in the Team pursuit after a tough match with the New Zealand squad.
• Geraint Thomas, Bradley Wiggins, Paul Manning and Ed Clancey show off the gold.
• The Brits flew to a new world record.
• The team from Denmark had a great ride, but didn't stand a realistic chance of beating Great Britain.
• New Zealand upset Australia to take the bronze medal.
• Bradley Wiggins celebrates with Paul Manning.
• Wiggins lets everyone know who is number one but we all knew that already.

Images by AFP Photo

• The New Zealand team had the edge over the Aussie in the ride for third place.
• Australia was long time even with the Kiwis but in the end had to surrender by a good second.
• Denmark had no chance against Great Britain in the final, but avoided getting caught.
• New Zealand celebrated a win over Australia.
• Denmark celebrates its silver medal like a win.
• The Kiwis with the medals.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Mark Cavendish will team up with Bradley Wiggins for the Madison tomorrow.
• New Zealand's squad were in find form.
• Australia's squad looked strong, but failed to bring home the bronze.
• Denmark were quick... but the team from Great Britain was quicker.
• Great Britain lived up to its expectations posting a record breaking, gold medal winning run.
• New Zealand beat its perennial rivals Australia.
• Australia hold a tight formation during the bronze medal ride off.
• Australia dropped down to three riders early.
• New Zealand claimed its second cycling medal of this year's Olympic Games.
• The Kiwis celebrate their bronze medal victory.
• The British get up to speed quickly.
• The Danes kept it close for the first couple of laps...
• ...but by he 3000 metre mark the Danish team was struggling to avoid being caught.
• Great Britain claimed and expected victory.
• Bradley Wiggins had a special flag for his second gold medal.
• The Great Britain team celebrates its win.
• Podium (L-R): Denmark, Great Britain and New Zealand.
• Great Britain's riders don't mind their media responsibilities, after all, showing off a gold medal is what they've always dreamed of.

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• The Australian pursuit team lacked a bit of power and could not match the Kiwis.
• New Zealand on its way to bronze.
• The Kiwis looked stealthy in their all black skinsuits.
• The New Zealand team celebrates after besting the Aussies in the bronze medal final.
• Denmark on the start line ready to take on the British.
• Denmark takes the start in the men's pursuit final.
• Bradley Wiggins captained the team which won the gold.
• The British pursuit machine.
• The team from Great Britain chugs on after losing a man in the closing laps.
• Denmark put in a good effort to make the gold medal round but were never a threat to the Brits.
• Britain rode like a machine to set a new world record by two seconds.
• The Brits threatened to catch the Danes on the last lap, but just missed.
• Bradley Wiggins has his own flag.
• The British team pursuiters pose after winning the gold.
• Bradley Wiggins leads the team in celebrating their gold medal.
• The British fans celebrate another gold medal.
• The Union Jack flies high for the British gold medallists.
• The men's team pursuit podium Denmark, Great Britain and New Zealand.

August 18: Men's Sprint Quarterfinals 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) muscles his way to a two-race elimination of Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia)
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) overhauled the French hope Kevin Sireau.
• Max Levy (Germany) ended the hopes of the Dutch rider Teun Mulder.
• Mickael Bourgain (France) added to the Dutch woes by eliminating gold medal hopeful Theo Bos.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• The Laoshan velodrome is a stunning facility in Beijing.
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) watches Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia) carefully.
• The Briton continues to watch his Malaysian rival...
• ...but Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia) was no match for Chris Hoy (Great Britain).
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) had no problems getting past Kevin Sireau (France) to go to the semi-finals.
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) got past Kevin Sireau (France) to go to the semi-finals.
• Teun Mulder (Netherlands) was eliminated by Maximilian Levy (Germany).
• Maximilian Levy (Germany) outpowered Teun Mulder (Netherlands) in two straight.
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) lost to Mickael Bourgain (France) in two straight rides.
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) was no match for Mickael Bourgain's (France) speed.
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) and Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia) did the only track stand of the evening.
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) just overpowered Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia).
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) came over the top of Kevin Sireau (France) to win the second ride.
• Mickael Bourgain (France) keeps a close eye on Theo Bos (Netherlands).
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) tried tactics, but still couldn't beat Mickael Bourgain (France).
• Mickael Bourgain (France) moved to the semi-finals in two straight rides.

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• Chris Hoy hammered the Malaysian Mohd Azizulhasni Awang in the quarterfinals.
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) beat Frenchman Kevin Sireau to advance to the semis.
• The Malaysian Awang had no answer for the onslaught of Chris Hoy's power
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) qualified with ease on the quarterfinal round.

August 18: Women's Sprint Quarterfinals 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Jennie Reed (USA) led early in her ride but was no match for Dutch woman Willy Kanis.
• Anna Meares (Australia) is behind early in her sprint against Clara Sanchez (France).
• Meares tunrs it on in turn four to win the race and advance to the semis.
• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) made it look easy as she beat Simona Krupeckaite (Lithuania) in two races.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Shuang Guo (China) and Natallia Tsylinskaya (Belarus) slowly make their way along the rail.
• Natallia Tsylinskaya's (Belarus) tactics were no match for Shuang Guo's (China) power.
• Anna Meares (Australia) just overpowered Clara Sanchez (France).
• Jennie Reed (United States) was eliminated by Willy Kanis (Netherlands).
• Jennie Reed (United States) was no match for Willy Kanis' (Netherlands) speed in the final lap.
• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) easily went by Simona Krupeckaite (Lithuania) in the last half lap.
• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) easily went by Simona Krupeckaite (Lithuania) in the last half lap.
• Shuang Guo (China) was too strong for Natallia Tsylinskaya (Belarus).
• Clara Sanchez (France) gave Anna Meares (Australia) little difficulty.

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) beat Simona Krupeckaite (Lithuania)
• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) advanced to the semifinals.

August 18: Women's Points Race Final 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Vos rolled in with the win after enduring the pressure of going into the race as a favourite.
• Marianne Vos (Netherlands) goes on the attack and ends up taking a lap to win the women's points race.
• Three very happy women: Yoanka Gonzalez (Cuba), Marianne Vos (Netherlands) and Leire Olaberria (Spain)
• Marianne Vos (Netherlands) takes home the gold.
• Happy tears for Leire Olaberria (Spain) who took bronze thanks to a second place in the final sprint.
• Sarah Hammer (USA) in obvious pain after crashing in the points race.
• A nasty crash after the second sprint took three riders out of the race: Sarah Hammer (USA), Wadami Satomi (Japan) and Verena Jooss (Germany). Here Trine Schmidt (Denmark) and Satomi are on the ground.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Katherine Bates (Australia) won the seventh sprint, but finished out of the medals in sixth.
• Maria Luisa Calle (Colombia) tried to get away several times, but was not successful.
• Sarah Hammer (USA) is helped off the track after crashing, and probably breaking her collarbone.
• Vos led the field for the last few laps to discourage attacks.
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) rides near the front of the women's points race.
• The women's points race heads into the final laps.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Sarah Hammer tried an early break , and was then taken out in a crash which resulted in a broken clavicle
• Sarah Hammer (USA)
• Verena Jooss (Germany) Trine Schmidt (Denmark) , Maria Luisa Calle (Colombia), Satomi Wadami (Japan)
• Gina Grain (Canada)
• Yoanka Gonzalez (Cuba)
• Satomi Wadami (Japan) goes down
• Trine Schmidt (Denmark) runs into her , Hammer is trapped
• Sarah Hammer (USA) goes right over Wadami
• Hammer goes down hard - breaking her clavicle
• Three riders down
• Schmidt gets back up and continues , Wadami stayed down for quite a while
• Vera Carrara (Italy)
• The group all together
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) tried to time trial away from the pack, but was not successful with this tactic
• Leire Olaberria (Spain)
• Marianne Vos (Netherlands) makes the move that would see her lap the field
• No one reacted when Vos attacked they just watched her go
• Marianne Vos on her way to lapping field
• Gina Grain chases
• Maria Luisa Calle (Colombia)
• Yoanka Gonzalez (Cuba) and Leire Olaberria (Spain)
• Marianne Vos (Netherlands) and Yan Li (China)
• Katherine Bates (Australia)
• Gina Grain went with Vos in the final laps in hopes of gaining a lap
• Gonzalez took three sprints including the final to win silver
• Marianne Vos savors the win a great turn around of luck for the Dutch team.
• A victory lap for a tearful Vos
• Vos sheds more tears trackside
• The women's points race podium: Yoanka Gonzalez (Cuba), Marianne Vos (Netherlands) and Liere Olaberria (Spain)
• Yoanka Gonzalez (Cuba), Marianne Vos (Netherlands) and Liere Olaberria (Spain) show the medals.

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• Sarah Hammer in the white and blue hit the deck in a nasty crash in the points race.
• Trine Schmidt went down also along with Satomi Wadami of Japan.
• Hammer looks shocked upon the impact. She was not able to finish. Dreams og gold over in a split second.
• Trine Schmidt was able to continue after the crash, but looked marked by it, and not too happy either.
• Marianne Vos during her attack.
• Leire Olaberria of Spain put in a strong pull to get third .and bronze in the end
• Cuban rider Yoanka Gonzalez took the silver medal
• Vos crosses the line celebrating as she knew she won the race. And she is only 21.
• Vos with the Dutch flag during her lap of honour, which she preferred to do without a bike.
• The ceremony for the points race of the women.
• A young USA fan was in the stands for the track events.

August 17: Men's 4000m Team Pursuit First Round 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• The Brits looked like a team
• Great Britain sat tightly behind each other.
• The pursuit team didn't only pursue the other team but also the world record – and they caught both!
• The yellow Aussie team lined up in a perfect echelon to advance to the next round.
• Australia gave it full gas ... or did they?
• Great Britain's Team pursuit set the best time and a new world record.
• Denmark was the first team to qualify for the next round.
• New Zealand had the track to itself after they caught the Spanish team
• The black Kiwi team easily advanced to the next round.
• Australia's Team pursuit flies along the Beijing track.
• Great Britain's Team pursuit is off to a new world record
• The Brits are flying at the velodrome.
• The world record setting team pursuit.
• The British flags flying in the Beijing Velodrome.
• The New Zealand pursuit team negotiates a pass.
• The New Zealand team gets its time splits.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Denmark claims its heat in the first round after France was disqualified.
• The French were caught and eliminated from the event.
• Denmark goes by the French team.
• Australia overtook the Dutch and will ride against New Zealand in the bronze medal ride tomorrow.
• The Netherlands was caught and eliminated.
• Australia passes the remnants of the Dutch squad.
• New Zealand were in strong form during the third heat.
• New Zealand will go for bronze.
• New Zealand goes by Spain.
• New Zealand goes by Spain's squad, and secures its spot in the bronze medal ride off.
• Russia was caught by Great Britain.
• The Brits caught Russia at the three quater mark.
• Great Britain appears to be unstoppable.
• A world record for Britain after catching the Russian squad.
• 'Gee boys, we set a new world record'. Not a bad day at the office for Great Britain.

August 17: Men's Sprint 1/8 Final 

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Kazunari Watanabe (Japan) was no match for Chris Hoy (Great Britain).
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) keeps an eye on Kazunari Watanabe (Japan).
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) and Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia): Two of the top sprinters for the future.
• Teun Mulder (Netherlands) seems to finally be finding his form.
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) was impressive against Kevin Sireau (France).
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) reacts to beating France's Kevin Sireau.
• Mickael Bourgain (France) knocked Roberto Chiappa (Italy) out of the competition.
• Maximilian Levy (Germany) was impressive against Ryan Bayley (Australia).
• Kevin Sireau (France) won the 1/8th repechage to keep his medal hopes alive.

August 17: Women's Sprint 1/8 Final 

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) easily beat Sakie Tsukuda (Japan) in the first round.
• Shuang Guo (China) dispatched Swetlana Grankowskaja (Russia) in the first round.
• Anna Meares (Australia) had no problems dispatching Yvonne Hijgenaar (Netherlands).
• Jennie Reed (United States) had a tough ride against Simona Krupeckaite (Lithuania) in the first round.
• Clara Sanchez (France) came from behind to beat Natallia Tsylinskaya (Belarus) in the first round.
• Clara Sanchez (France) has Natallia Tsylinskaya (Belarus) in her sights .

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Germany's Stefan Nimke winds it up against Teun Mulder.
• The US' Michael Blatchford starts against Kevin Sireau of France
• Theo Bos and Mickael Bourgain bump in the prelims.

August 17: Women's 3000m Individual Pursuit Final 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Rebecca Romero celebrates after beating her Great Britain compatriot Wendy Houvenaghel.
• Wendy Houvenaghel finished second in the pursuit.
• Bronze medalist Lesya Kalitovska starts on her pursuit.
• Rebecca Romero on her gold medal pursuit ride.
• The Women's pursuit podium with the British flag o double display.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Alison Shanks (New Zealand) keeps cool before the start of her race.
• Alison Shanks (New Zealand) had the faster last 1000M, but it wasn't enough for a medal.
• Lesya Kalitovska (Ukraine) started fast and hung on for bronze.
• Alison Shanks (New Zealand) had a strong finish, but it wasn't enough for bronze.
• Lesya Kalitovska (Ukraine) took the bronze.
• Rebecca Romero gave Great Britain its fourth gold on the track.
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) now holds the UCI World Track Championships and Olympic Games titles.
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) had to settle for silver.
• Great Britain Rebecca Romero celebrates Olympic Games gold.
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) wins gold.
• Gold feels good for Rebecca Romero (Great Britain).
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) is the new Olympic Games champion.
• Podium (L-R): Wendy Houvenaghel (Great Britain), Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) and Lesya Kalitovska (Ukraine).

August 17: Men's Sprint 1/16 Final 

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Everyone grabs sleep where they can at the Olympic Games.
• Denis Dmitriev (Russia) leads Chris Hoy (Great Britain) in their first round heat.
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) had no trouble with Denis Dmitriev (Russia).
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) rode away from Lukasz Kwiatkowski (Poland).
• The lone Chinese entry Lei Zhang tried going to the front, but Stefan Nimke (Germany) easily came around him to win.
• Lei Zhang (China) was overcome by Stefan Nimke (Germany).
• Michael Blatchford (United States of America) was no match for the speedy Kevin Sireau (France).
• Tsubasa Kitatsuru (Japan) was no match for the experienced Mickael Bourgain (France).
• Maximilian Levy (Germany) held off Teun Mulder (Netherlands) to win their first round match.
• Maximilian Levy (Germany) defeated Teun Mulder (Netherlands).
• Ryan Bayley (Australia) beat the young Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia).
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) came by Mark French (Australia) in the last straight of the 1/16th final.
• Teun Mulder (Netherlands) squeaked by Mark French (Australia) in the Repechage to move on to the 1/8th finals.

August 17: Men's Sprint Qualifying Round (200m) 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Ryan Bayley in the 200 m sprint qualifying.
• The US' Michael Blatchford looks like a sprinter and shows it on the track.
• Theo Bos of the Netherlands in the 200m qualifier
• France's Mickael Bourgain ended the qualifier in fifth place.
• Australia's Mark French finished 10th in the qualification round
• Chris Hoy set a new Olympic record in the 200m and that was only in the first round
• Hoy sprints to the finish.

August 17: Women's Sprint Qualifying Round (200m) 

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Anna Meares set a new Olympic record in the 200m, but it didn't last long.
• Victoria Pendleton set a new Olympic record in the 200m shortly after Meares.
• Jennie Reed qualified in the women's sprint.
• Sprint favourite Victoria Pendleton starts.
• Anna Meares prepares for her first sprint heat.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) qualified first, setting a new Olympic Games record of 10.963 for the 200M.
• Shuang Guo (China) qualified second fastest, also breaking the Olympic Games record.
• Willy Kanis (Netherlands) was one of four riders to beat the old Olympic Games record.

August 16: Men's Keirin Final 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Chris Hoy is ahead of the Keirin pack and celebrates his gold medal.
• Ross Edgar was ahead of compatriot Chris Hoy only during the victory lap, but was happy with silver.
• Japan's Kiyofumi Nagai was content with bronze and celebrated accordingly

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Ross Edgar takes second in the men's keirin.
• Chris Hoy celebrates another gold in the Keirin.
• Keirin medalists Hoy and Edgar pose with the flag.
• Hoy takes the Keirin easily.
• A keirin heat in the velodrome.
• Japan leads the Keirin final for a short time.
• Keirin medalists Nagai, Hoy, and Edgar
• Gideon Massie tries to hold off the field in the Keirin repachage.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Chris Hoy's girlfriend and family watch anxiously
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) rides away from the competition in second round.
• Theo Bos (Netherlands) and Kamil Kuczynski (Poland) go down in their second round.
• Trying to disentangle Theo Bos from his bike
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) is unstoppable.
• Ross Edgar (Great Britain) takes silver.
• Kiyofumi Nagai (Japan) eventually takes bronze.
• Ryan Bayley (Australia) finishes behind Gregory Bauge (France) in the ride for seventh.
• Ryan Bayley (Australia) in the ride for seventh to 12th.
• Great Britain finish one-two.
• Gold and silver for the Brits
• Chris Hoy flies the flag
• ...And congratulates team-mate Ross Edgar
• A gold medal for Chris Hoy
• Men's keirin podium
• Chris Hoy on the big screen.

August 16: Men's 4000m Individual Pursuit Final 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Bradley Wiggins was unstoppable in China.
• Steven Burke celebrated his bronze medal ride.
• Steven Burke powers along the fast track in Beijing.
• Alexei Markov of Russia in the race for third which he lost to Burke.
• Brad Wiggins proudly shows his medal which he won with a stellar ride against Hayden Roulston of New Zealand.
• The podium with Roulston on the left and the Brits Wiggins and Burke on the right.
• Wiggins waves the flowers and the hands from the podium.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Alexei Markov (Russia) finished fourth in the end, just outside the medals.
• Steven Burke (Great Britain) is fully concentrated during his ride.
• Steven Burke (Great Britain) took bronze.
• Hayden Roulston (New Zealand) took an early lead in the final, but couldn't match Wiggins' relentless pace.
• Bradley Wiggins' gold medal ride was another brilliant day for Great Britain.
• The podium Podium with Brad Wiggins in the centre and Steven Burke (r) taking gold and bronze for Gret Britain, while a smiling Hayden Roulston shows off his silver for New Zealand.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Taylor Phinney gets some encouragement in the pursuit.
• Kiwi Hayden Roulston took home the silver.
• Bradley Wiggins was unbeatable, snagging another gold.
• Wiggins looks streamlined in the corner.

August 16: Men's Points Race Final 

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Images by AFP Photo

• The points race looks chaotic at times and the racers better not lose track of the situation.
• Single file means pain as the riders are stretched out at full speed.
• Joan Llaneras of Spain leads in one of his breaks where he snatched up the necessary points to win the race.
• Cameron Meyer had a great race but ended without a medal in fourth place.
• The points racers are close to the barrier as they try to sneak away from each other in order to gain a lap.
• Here German's Roger Kluge is ahead of Spain's Joan Llaneras, but in the end Kluge finished second, behind Llaneras.
• Roger Kluge (red jersey) keeps an eye on things.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Riders head off.
• Roger Kluge (Germany) was attentive from the start.
• Spanish rider Joan Llaneras leads Greg Henderson of New Zealand.
• Chris Newton had a great race.
• Iljo Keisse is an experienced six-day rider from Belgium.
• Gold medalist Joan Llaneras (Spain).
• Zach Bell (Canada) was one of the most aggressive riders in the race.
• The Queen of Spain (middle) was in the stands to watch Joan Llaneras win.
• Zach Bell's cheering section consisted of his mom, girlfriend, her mom and team mate Svein Tuft.
• Kluge racked up early points.
• Bobby Lea (USA) was the first to lap the field but then fell off the pace and was a DNF.
• Chris Newton (Great Britain) took home the bronze.
• Llaneros and Newton chase down a dangerous move.
• Roger Kluge won silver.
• Newton and Llaneros watch for other dangerous riders.
• Llaneras (Spain) won gold by two points.
• Llaneras in the centre with gold while Kluge on the left shows off silver and Newton the bronze medal.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Canada's Zack Bell suffers in the points race.
• Points race riders Keisse and Ignatiev.
• The points race under the Velodrome roof.

August 16: Women's Individual Pursuit Qualifying Round 

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Sarah Hammer (USA) waits to start
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) will ride for gold
• American Sarah Hammer missed the medal rounds
• Alison Shanks (New Zealand) will go for bronze
• Lesya Kalitovska (Ukraine) will ride against Shanks of New Zealand for bronze
• Vilija Sereikaite (Lithuania) did not advance
• Katie Mactier (Australia) didn't make it to the medal rounds
• Wendy Houvenaghel (Great Britain)
• Wendy Houvenaghel (Great Britain) will ride for gold against her team-mate Rebecca Romero.

August 16: Men's Individual Pursuit First Round 

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Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• Wiggins during his first-round race
• Bradley Wiggins set a new Olympic record in the pursuit qualifying round.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Antonio Tauler (Spain) found the race tough and lost out against Alexei Markov (Russia).
• Alexei Markov (Russia) went on to the next round.
• Taylor Phinney waits to ride.
• Taylor Phinney (United States) in his first Olympics is impressive.
• Taylor Phinney (United States) did not advance to the final.
• Alexander Serov (Russia) couldn't get past Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain).

August 15: Men's Team Sprint Final 

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Images by AFP Photo

• The British sprint team with gold
• The French team of Gregory Bauge, Kevin Sireau and Arnaud Tournant were not too happy to have lost.
• Jason Kenny (Great Britain) salutes after his team won the team sprint.
• German Rene Enders was emotional after helping his team to the bronze medal.
• Kevin Sireau pulls Arnaud Tournant in France's battle for the gold.
• The German team takes off for the bronze medal final.
• Good sportsmanship by the Australians as they concede the bronze to Germany.
• The British flag taunts the French team who had dominated all season but took silver in Beijing.
• Jason Kenny, Jamie Staff and Chris Hoy (Great Britain) show their new hardware.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• The German team pulled off a great ride to take bronze from the Australians.
• The British team gets ready for the final ride.
• Hoy made it up to Kenny's wheel in time to take over for the last lap.
• British fans cheer as Chris Hoy rolls past after winning.
• Hoy put in a stellar final lap to secure the gold medal.
• Staff gives a roar after the British team won the men's team sprint.
• Jamie Staff led so fast that Hoy was bike lengths off of Kenny at the end of lap one.
• The riders listen to the British anthem at the medal ceremony.

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• The Olympic rings took a beating at the velodrome.
• The impressive velodrome from the outside.
• It may look like a bunch of rusted metal but it shows the way to the venue.
• A nice blue sunny sky drew the people to the outside rather than spending all day indoors.
• Jamie Staff pulls off after leading the British team with the race's fastest opening lap.
• Chris Hoy took his second Olympic gold this time in the team sprint.
• Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Jamie Staff (Great Britain) were a bit excited about winning the team sprint.
• The French, British and German teams on the medal podium in the Laoshan velodrome.
• France during the starting phase of the team sprint.
• Only the helmets hinted to gold but Germany was happy
• France sprinted to second place and a silver medal.with a bronze medal, too.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• This incredible mural greets visitors to the velodrome.
• Malaysia starts the qualifying round.
• Germany takes off in the qualifying round.
• Malaysia qualified for Round 1.
• China finished ninth.
• The Russians only managed 12th.
• Shane Kelly rode anchor for Australia.
• Germany qualified third-fastest.
• France had a great ride and got the second fastest qualifying time.
• The Dutch team qualified fourth.
• Japan used its track abilities to qualify sixth.
• The flying Dutchmen.
• France starts round one.
• Team France - Round 1.
• Malaysia was defeated by France in Round 1.
• The British "Machine' was unstoppable.
• The Americans lost to the the Brits in Round 1.
• Germany starts Round 1.
• Germany on way to bronze.
• Bayley anchored the Aussies, but it wasn't enough for a medal.
• Rene Enders celebrates bronze for the German squad.
• Jamie Staff leads out for the Brits.
• Bauge was the lead out rider for the French.
• Kenny actually gapped Hoy in the Final.
• Sireau was the middleman for the French.
• Chris Hoy brings home the gold.
• Arnaud Tournant finishes his final Team Sprint.
• Jason Kenny is the newest and youngest member of the Brit squad.
• Finally, a gold medal for Jamie Staff.
• Hoy looks exhausted.
• Chris Hoy flew away with gold.
• Chris Hoy,Jason Kenny and Jamie Staff from left to right enjoy the moment.
• Waving the flag.
• Podium: France, Great Britain, Germany

August 15: Women's Individual Pursuit Qualifying Round 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Wendy Houvenaghel (Great Britain) clocks the fastest time in qualifying for the women's individual pursuit.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Wendy Houvenhagel (Great Britain) went faster than world champion Rebecca Romero to qualify first.
• Katie Mactier (Australia) moved on to the next round, but put in a disappointing time.
• Sarah Hammer (USA) never got up to the speed which won her two world championships.
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) cruised to a second placed qualification.
• Sarah Hammer had a tough day in the pursuit and was eliminated.
• Great Britain's Wendy Houvenhaghel moves on to the gold medal final.
• Pursuit favourite Katy Mactier didn't do well today.
• Defending world Champ Rebecca Romero in the pursuit.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Lada Kozlikova (Czech Republic) took the last spot in the next round in eighth.
• Vilija Sereikaite (Lithuania) made the next round by taking sixth.
• Lesya Kalitovska (Ukraine) put in a strong performance in third.
• Alison Shanks (New Zealand) put in a surprising fourth place.
• Sarah Hammer (United States) wasn't happy with her ride, but gets a second chance on Saturday.
• Wendy Houvenaghel (Great Britain)
• Katie Mactier (Australia) squeaked through qualifying in 7th place
• Rebecca Romero (Great Britain) qualified second
• Sarah Hammer struggled in qualifying
• Wendy Houvenaghel set the fastest time in in qualifying

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• Wendy Houvenhagel (Great Britain) paced herself perfectly to put in the fastest time.

August 15: Men's Individual Pursuit Qualifying 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Hayden Roulston (New Zealland) during the men's individual pursuit qualifying.
• Great Britain's Bradley Wiggins fires along during the men's individual pursuit qualifying.
• Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain) wipes his sweat after winning the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games men's individual pursuit qualifying.
• Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain) celebrates his victory men's individual pursuit qualifying.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain) broke the Olympic record to qualify fastest by a lot.
• Steven Burke (Great Britain) put in a phenomenal final kilometre to qualify in fifth.
• Brett Lancaster (Australia) also missed the cut for moving on.
• Brad McGee (Australia) was devastated to have missed moving on, and has ended his pursuiting career.
• Taylor Phinney (USA) will have another chance to improve his time on Saturday.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Bett Lancaster (Australia)
• Steven Burke (Great Britain) caught and passed Carlos Alzate (Colombia)
• Antonio Tauler (Spain) qualified 6th
• Alexander Serov (Russian Federation) qualified 8th
• Taylor Phinney (USA) qualified 7th
• Volodymyr Dyudya (Ukraine) qualified 4th
• Bradley McGee didn't make it past the qualifying round
• David O'Loughlin (Ireland)
• Hayden Roulston (New Zealand) was 2nd
• Alexei Markov (Russian Federation) 3rd
• Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain)
• Wiggins set a new Olympic record in qualifying
• Jenning Huizenga (Netherlands) had a rather unique position
• Hayden Roulston (New Zealand)
• Bradley Wiggins set a new Olympic record in qualifying

Images by Greg Chang/PhotoSport International

• Taylor Phinney (USA) is just 18 but will go to the next round in hopes of advancing to the medal finals.
• Bradley Wiggins 'on the rivet' in the men's pursuit qualifier.

August 15: Men's Team Sprint Qualifying 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Team France take part in a training session.
• Poland's Kamil Kuczynski falls as he competes in th men's team sprint qualifying.
• Kamil Kuczynski (Poland) falls during the men's team sprint qualifying.
• Poland's Kamil Kuczynski hits the deck.
• Team USA rolls in the men's team sprint qualifying.
• Australia's Dan Ellis, Mark French and Shane Kelly (r-l) compete in the men's team sprint qualifying.
• Great Britain's Jamie Staff, Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy (l-r) in the men's team sprint qualifying. Scotland's Chris Hoy anchored Britain's three-man sprint team to the fastest time in qualifying for the first round of the competition.
• Jamie Staff (Great Britain) rides in the men's team sprint qualifying.

August 15: Track riders prep for gold

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Beijing has massive screens set up all over the city broadcasting Olympic competition
• The Laoshan velodrome is a superb facility
• Australia hopes to do well in the Team Pursuit
• Germany has one last training session before the start of competition
• Gina Grain (Canada) will compete in the Women's Points race
• Dutch Team Sprinters Theo Bos, Tim Veldt and Teun Mulder.
• Zach Bell (Canada) will compete in the Men's Points race and Madison
• Canada's Wayne Pomario is the chief official for the track
• Jens Mouris (Netherlands)
• Yvonne Hijgenaar (Netherlands)
• Zach Bell and Richard Wooles discuss strategy
• Graeme Brown leads a new Australia Pursuit team
• Ryan Bayley (Australia)
• Denmark is a medal favourite in the Team Pursuit
• Luke Roberts (Australia)
• Australia's Team Sprint team practices
• Australia's Team Sprint team practices
• The Spanish take a spin on the track
• Spain takes one final training session before the start of the track events
• One last training session before competition begins
• Gregory Bauge is part of the strong French team sprint squad
• Kevin Sireau is favoured to medal in the sprint
• Verena Jooss (Germany) will compete in the Women's Pursuit

August 13: Men's Individual Time Trial 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Gustav Erik Larsson gave Sweden a silver medal and himself, too, of course.
• Cancellara started out conservatively but hammered the others in the end.
• Fabian Cancellara gets the great feeling of celebrating his time trial win as he was the last starter – and not even the last to finish.
• Fabian Cancellara was exhausted at the finish but the tired feeling soon gave way to joy.
• Stefan Schumacher was one of the big favourites but just like in the road race he couldn't deliver and was clearly disappointed with his ride into 13th place.

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Slovakian time trial champion Matej Jurco enjoyed the fabulous landscape of the Great Wall of China
• A journalist at the Olympics wearing a vintage jersey from the famous Renault team of Bernard Hinault, Marc Madiot, Laurent Fignon, Greg LeMond and Charly Mottet in the early eighties.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Italy)
• Mate, see ya at the Tour de France next year, Cadel Evans seemed to say to Alberto Contador.
• Alberto Contador (Spain) speaks to journalists
• Cadel Evans (Australia) does his rounds after the race.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Laszlo Bodrogi (Hungary) has been consistenly near the top of the time trials in the past, but wasn't able to crack the medals in Beijing.
• Fabian Cancellara passed Germany's Stefan Schumacher.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) showed the same type of superb pacing as the winner of the women's race.
• Cadel Evans (Australia) fought hard but couldn't pull out a medal winning ride.
• Bert Grabsch (Germany) had a good aerodynamic position.
• Ryder Hesjedal (Canada) put in a solid ride at 16th.
• Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
• Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden) was a bit of a surprise in second.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) rode to a bronze medal.
• The men's podium: Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden), Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) and Levi Leipheimer (USA)
• Denis Menchov (Russia) never found a rhythm and came in 20th.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) finished 15th as Italy's best rider.
• Samuel Sanchez (Spain) the winner of the road race showed well in the time trial at sixth.
• David Zabriskie (USA) was expected to ride better, but fell ill before the time trial.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Inside the photo moto bike
• Svein Tuft (Canada) put in a respectable performance to take seventh.
• David George (South Africa)
• Steve Cummings (Great Britain) doesn't look like he enjoyed the climb much.
• Steve Cummings (Great Britain) rode well to finish 11th.
• Robert Gesink (Netherlands) used the climb to gain time, but ended 10th
• Svein Tuft (Canada) has a reminder to seize the day on his arm.
• Rein Taaramae (Estonia)
• Ryder Hesjedal (Canada) looked strong.
• Ryder Hesjedal (Canada) on the climb.
• Ryder Hesjedal (Canada)
• Maxime Monfort (Belgium) keeps his energy gel in his sleeve.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) out of the saddle on the climb.
• David Zabriskie (USA) had an off day to come in 12th.
• Laszlo Bodrogi (Hungary) came in 27th.
• Chris Anker Sorensen (Denmark) was the best Dane in 19th.
• Bert Grabsch (Germany) rides a stealthy Hed/Zipp combo wheelset.
• Ryder Hesjedal shows off Canada's nice looking kit.
• David Zabriskie (USA) was out with a broken vertebrae since May.
• Denis Menchov (Russia) just never got into the swing of the time trial.
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain) would find it hard to top his gold in the road race.
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain) gave it a good effort.
• Michael Rogers (Australia) came in eighth after a season recovering from illness
• Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
• Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden): time trialing - you're doing it right.
• Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden) suffers.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) powers up the climb.
• Stef Clement (Netherlands) in the small ring on the hill.
• Alberto Contador (Spain) gets out of the saddle to accelerate up the climb.
• Stefan Schumacher (Germany) wilted in the heat and humidity of Beijing.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) on the early part of the course.
• Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden) had a special Olympic Cervelo to take him to silver.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) focuses on the road ahead during his bronze medal ride.
• Alberto Contador (Spain) had a course which favoured him, but came up shy of the medals.
• Cadel Evans (Australia) passes a group of photographers.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) poured on the gas in the final 10km.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) shows the strain of his gold medal performance.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) was pretty pleased with the bronze.
• Gustav Larsson (Sweden) had a big day to take silver.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) shows his new piece of hardware.
• The men's time trial podium Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden), Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) and Levi Leipheimer (USA)

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Cadel Evans (Australia) struggled in during the time trial.
• Young Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) rode impressively.
• Italian Marzio Bruseghin was off of his best.
• Alberto Contador (Spain), winner of the Giro d'Italia, shot off like a rocket but struggled in the finale of the time trial.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) giving it full gas towards an Olympic Gold.
• Gold: Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) enjoys the moment.
• Swiss Fabian Cancellara tops the time trial podium with Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden) and Levi Leipheimer (USA) (l & r).
• USA's Levi Leipheimer thrilled with bronze in the Olympic time trial.

August 13: Women's Individual Time Trial 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Kristin Armstrong was on fire and took out the gold medal.
• Karin Thürig blasted out a great ride along the Great Wall and was rewarded with bronze.
• Armstrong makes sure her medal is out of gold and not just a chewing gum replica.
• Emma Pooley is extremely happy with her silver medal ride.
• Nicole Cooke was completely exhausted at the finish in the tough conditions.
• Hanka Kupfernagel was also on the ground after the race, but it was due to disappointment with her 11th place.
• The podium with winner Armstrong in the centre and Pooley (left) in second, while Thürig took third.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Kristin Armstrong celebrates her gold on the podium.
• Armstrong during her gold-winning ride
• The podium with (l-r) Emma Pooley in third, Kristin Armstrong and bronze medalist Karin Thürig.
• Emma Pooley looked a bit like from outer space during her ride to second place.
• Kristin Armstrong shows off her gold medal, and prepares to tell the world's press 10,000 times that no, she's not related to Lance.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) on the Olympic podium.
• Wood struggled near the end, and was passed by Armstrong who started 4 minutes later.
• Judith Arndt (Germany) starts the climb.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) starts out nice and smooth in the hot and humid conditions.
• At the end, Cooke puts everything into it but came up short of a second medal.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) warms up before the Olympic time trial.
• Min Gao of China rolls out of the start booth.
• World Champion Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) started well, but struggled on the climb.
• Emma Pooley (GBr), Armstrong (USA), and Thurig (Swi) on the podium.
• Britain's Emma Pooley was an early starter, and silver medal winner.
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) shows off her new medal.
• Switzerland's Karin Thurig takes bronze.
• Oenone Wood (Australia) looks good near the start.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (France) came within a second of a medal.
• Dr. Christine Thorburn (USA) didn't quite find medal-winning rhythm.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• Alexandra Wrubleski (Canada) was Canada's sole representative in the TT, with Canadian Champ Anne Samplonius not being chosen to go to Beijing.
• Lang Meng (China) represented the host country.
• Natalia Boyarskaya (Russia) might have used up too much energy in the road race to perform at her top level.
• Edita Pucinskaite (Lithuania) was more than four minutes off Armstrong's winning time.
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) showed her class with a stellar ride for silver.
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) worked for Nicole Cooke in the road race, but was able to show her abilities in the TT.
• Maryline Salvetat (France) finished 20th.
• Emma Johansson (Sweden) the silver medallist from the road race.
• Karin Thurig (Switzerland) was expected to be on the medal podium.
• Karin Thurig (Switzerland) gave her country it second bronze medal.
• Marianne Vos (Netherlands) had to fight her way into the TT, but finished well off the mark in 14th.
• Zulfiya Zabirova (Kazakhstan) put in a strong ride for 9th.
• Judith Arndt (Germany) finished in sixth.
• Tatiana Guderzo (Italy) took bronze in the road race, but finished 12th in the TT.
• Jeannie Longo-ciprelli (France) is the only woman to have contested every Olympics since cycling was introduced.
• Jeannie Longo-ciprelli (France) at 49 is still in shouting distance from a medal.
• Mirjam Melchers-Van Poppel (Netherlands) struggled with the climb.
• Priska Doppmann (Switzerland)
• Oenone Wood (Australia) is better known as a sprinter than a time trialist.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) paced herself perfectly on the climb and rocked the descent.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) had a specially painted TT helmet with Olympic rings.
• Susanne Ljungskog (Sweden)
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) was an odds-on favourite, but failed to come through with a medal.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain)
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain)
• Christine Thorburn (USA) with a stealthy bike, sans decals.
• Christine Thorburn (USA) used a retro-looking time trial helmet.
• Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) has the stripes of the world champion on her helmet.
• Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) shows the strain on the climb.

August 10: Women's Road Race 

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Images by AFP Photo

• Rain dominated the women's road race in Beijing.
• Riders start the day passing Tiananmen Gate.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) makes her long charge to win the Olympics.
• Great Britain's Nicole Cooke wins the 2008 Olympic road race over Emma Johansson (Sweden) and Tatiana Guderzo (Italy).
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) wins the 2008 Olympic road race.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) confirms her win in the 2008 Olympic road race over Emma Johansson (Sweden) and Tatiana Guderzo (Italy).
• Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) wipes away a day of intensive racing in rain-soaked China.
• Podium time for gold medalist Nicole Cooke (Great Britain)
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) on the podium after winning the Beijing Olympics road race.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) showing off her well-earned gold medal after the women's road race.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) tops the podium over Emma Johansson (Sweden) and Tatiana Guderzo (Italy) (l & r).
• Medal time: Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) in gold with Emma Johansson (Sweden) silver and Tatiana Guderzo (Italy) bronze (l & r).

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• UCI President Pat McQuaid was on hand at the start line
• Edita Pucinskaite and Modesta Vzesniauskaite of Lithuania warming up.
• The Italians relax in the tents before the start of the women's road race.
• Germans Trixie Worrack and Hanka Kupfernagel warm up for the start
• The women roll out into the mist and rain.
• Natalia Boyarskaya (Russia) made the first serious attack
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) chases Natalia Boyarskaya (Russia)
• The peloton hits the climb the first time
• The peloton hits the climb the first time
• Leigh Hobson (Canada) about to start the last lap
• The peloton looking very, very wet
• Nicole Cooke sprints for the gold
• Cooke realizes she has won
• Amber Neben (USA) finishes
• Nicole Cooke - a gold medal fro Great Britain
• The women's podium Emma Johansson (Sweden, silver), Nicole Cooke (Great Britain, gold), Tatiana Gudzero (Italy, bronze)

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Jeannie Longo warms up for her 7th Olympic road race.
• The Netherlands Mirjam Melchers van Poppel has a laugh before the start.
• Hanka Kupfernagel was aggressive in the road race and has warmed up for the time trial.
• The women roll out from the start in a very humid Beijing.
• Christine Thorburn of the US heads out from the start.
• The peloton started up the circuit for the first time in the rain.
• The rain didn't scare away the fans, but they sure were wet.
• The women continued in a downpour, lead by Amber Neben and Oeone Wood.
• Erinne Willock (Canada)
• Russia's Natalya Boyarskaya tried to get away with one to go.
• Britain's Nicole Cooke lived up to her favorite status and won the sprint.
• Sara Carrigan of Australia shows the effects of hours in the rain.
• Pre-race favorite Judith Arndt checks the scoreboard as she finishes late.
• The medal winners, Emma Johansson (Sweden), Nicole Cooke (Great Britain), and Tatiana Guderzo (Italy) on the podium.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) shows off her new gold medal.

August 9: Men's Road Race 

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Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Norwegians before the start: In the absence of Thor Hushovd, Gabriel Rasch, Lars-Petter Nordhaug and Kurt-Asle Arvesen led the charge.
• Matt Lloyd, Michael Rogers and Cadel Evans like at camping in Yong ding men.
• Italy's Franco Pellizotti, Vincenzo Nibali, Paolo Bettini and Davide Rebellin were focused on defending Bettini's Olympic title.
• The Spanish dream team: Carlo Sastre, Alberto Contador, Samuel Sánchez and Alejandro Valverde.
• Stef Clement was disappointed with his Tour de France, as he was sick in July, but was motivated for the Olympic Games road race.
• The Belgian team's riders stretching their legs on race morning.
• Belgium's Maxime Monfort was woken by the fireworks from the opening ceremony at midnight, but was still enthusiastic on the start line this morning.
• Christian Vande Velde (USA) is still smiling after his successful Tour de France last month.
• French talk tactics: Rémi Pauriol, Pierrick Fédrigo, Cyril Dessel and Pierre Rolland.
• The Saunier Duval saga hasn't affected the good humour of Brazil's Luciano Pagliarini and Latvia's Raivis Belohvosciks.
• Australia's Michael Rogers chose to leave the starting area alongside defending champion Paolo Bettini (Italy).
• Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde are taking Olympic Games road race seriously...and are serious contenders.
• John Lee Augustyn and Robert Hunter carried the flag for South Africa after riding the Tour de France for Barloworld.
• The Schleck brothers - Frank and Andy - met with their Danish team-mate and neighbour in Luxembourg Chris Anker Sorensen.
• Olympic Games: What an experience for Libya's Ahmed Belgasem.
• Algeria's Hichem Chabane usually rides in South Africa for Konica-Minolta.

Images by AFP Photo

• The escape duo Patricio Almonacid (Chile) and Horacio Gallardo (Bolivia) rode clear at kilometre two to be pulled back before the finale.
• Spain rode a dominating race to produce the escape and eventual win for Samuel Sánchez.
• Spain leads the charge with Tour winner Carlos Sastre, Giro winner Alberto Contador and Samuel Sánchez (r-l)
• 150 metres to go for the group of six.
• The sprint of six led by Samuel Sánchez (Spain) over Davide Rebellin (Italy), Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland), Alexandr Kolobnev (Russia), Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) and Michael Rogers (Australia).
• Spain's Samuel Sánchez wins the 2008 Olympics over Davide Rebellin (Italy) and Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland).
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain) celebrates in Beijing.
• Golden moment: Samuel Sánchez (Spain) raises his gold medal won in the men's road race.

Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• The race started off with cheerleaders in Beijing.
• There were thousands of enthusiastic fans on the course.
• Alberto Contador (Spain) covered a break for Sánchez and Valverde.
• Germany's Bert Grabsch leads the chase.
• Paolo Bettini (Italy) and Julian Dean (New Zealand) on the climb.
• Roger Hammond (Great Britain) found the climb a little too much for a sprinter.
• Australia's Matt Lloyd on the long climb.
• Thomas Lövkvist near the top of the climb in Badaling.
• Jason McCartney (USA) led the peloton on the chase for the US.
• Stuart O'Grady (Australia) had a tough day in the heat and humidity.
• France's Pierre Rolland and race winner Samuel Sánchez in Badaling.
• Sánchez leads the sprint as they crest the hill.
• Sánchez can't believe he just won the gold medal.
• A very thankful Sánchez on the podium.
• Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) put on a great last minute charge to take the bronze.
• The Spanish fans were in a mood to celebrate.

Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• The start was quite colourful.
• The race rolled out past many famous sights.
• Fans hold up signs urging the riders to GO!
• The early split chased the two lone leaders but too many big names were present and it did not last.
• Carlos Sastre (Spain) was in an early break.
• George Hincapie (USA) should have been acclimated to the heat and humidity after living in South Carolina.
• Alejandro Valverde (Spain) sneaks a glance at the camera.
• The race heads through the Great Wall of China.
• The Olympic lap bell.
• Paolo Bettini (Italy) was philosophical about his placing.
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain) was emotional after taking his biggest win and his first win since May.
• The men's road race podium: Davide Rebellin (Silver, Italy), Samuel Sánchez (Gold, Spain) and Fabian Cancellara (Bronze, Switzerland).
• In the closing laps, the peloton was in full flight chasing the leaders.
• Alberto Contador (Spain) and Simon Gerrans (Australia) chase.
• Christian Vande Velde (USA) finished in 17th.
• Paolo Bettini and Levi Leipheimer attentive on the final laps.
• Christian Pfannberger (Austria) tried a solo attack at the beginning of the last lap.
• Paolo Bettini (Italy) had to let his chances go in order to let Rebellin fight for the gold.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) played a tactical finale, but the winning move was gone.
• Ryder Hesjedal (Canada) was part of the early break that didn't stick.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bettini (Italy) looks on.
• Team Spain at the start with Alberto Contador, Alejandro Valverde and Oscar Freire.
• Riders pass Tiananmen Gate at the start of the race.
• Paolo Bettini (Italy) checks over his shoulder as the race comes to the finish line.
• Davide Rebellin (Italy) led onto the podium for his silver medal.
• Riders pass through the showers that were set up to keep body temperatures cool.
• Paolo Bettini (Italy) stops due to a rear flat tyre.
• Paolo Bettini (Italy) leads Fabian Wegmann (Germany) through the finish line to start another loop.
• Crossing the finish line and the Great Wall to start another loop of the 2008 Olympics Road Race.
• Team Spain leads with Carlos Sastre, Alberto Contador, Samuel Sánchez and Alejandro Valverde.
• Riders reach the finish line to begin another loop of the Beijing course.
• The race is lined out as the end nears.
• Davide Rebellin (Italy) could not match the speed of Samuel Sánchez (Spain) (l).
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain), 30, wins the 2008 Olympics Road Race.
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain), 30, can't believe he just won Olympic gold.
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain) wins the 2008 Olympic road race.
• Chinese and Olympic flags fly.
• UCI President Pat McQuaid awards Samuel Sánchez (Spain).
• The award ceremony.
• Samuel Sánchez (Spain) tops the podium with Davide Rebellin (Italy) and Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) (l & r).

Track pre-race events

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Images by Casey Gibson/www.cbgphoto.com

• Adam Duvendeck checks out his times with Team Director Pat McDonough.
• Sarah Hammer works on her start.
• Hammer gets some encouragement from Coach Andy Sparks.
• Gideon Massie winds up the sprint for a 200 m time.
• Taylor Phinney in the team cabin at the Velodrome.
• The spectacular Olympic Velodrome on the inside.
• The Olympic Velodrome on the outside.
• The press conference of part of the US team was well attended by the media.
• Michael Blatchford looks a bit skeptical ahead of his first Olympic Games.
• Sarah Hammer explains how she intends to hammer the competition.
• Pat McDonough wants to guide his team to as many medals as possible.
• Taylor Phinney answers some questions about his preparation.
• Talented Phinney is the centre of the media attention at the Olympics track pre-race conference.
• Jennie Reed is confident that she will have a good competition.

Roadies count down as trackies arrive

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Images by AFP Photo

• United States of America riders train alongside another North American from the Canadian national squad. USA has an incredibly strong line-up for tomorrow, featuring George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer, Jason McCartney, Christian Vande Velde and David Zabriskie.
• Riders from various teams tackle the climb near China's Great Wall including members from the United States of America and Canadian national teams.
• Norwegian national team riders fly by a Chinese temple during a training ride.
• The Belgian national team has some fun while training for tomorrow's race. Mario Aerts, Christophe Brandt, Maxime Monfort, Jurgen Van Den Broeck and Johan Van Summeren make up the Belgian squad for Saturday.
• New Zealand's Timothy Gudsell has some fun celebrating his 'victory' at the finish line of tomorrow's road race course during a training ride. Gudsell will ride for Kiwi team leader Julian Dean during tomorrow's men's race.
• The women have an extra day before their race, but Great Britain's hope Nicole Cooke is using ever remaining minute she has. Cooke will have a tough time this weekend, with the Briton lining up against some strong women's squads.
• Stuart O'Grady leads the Australian national squad during a training ride. Behind O'Grady is Tour de France double runner-up Cadel Evans. The Australian squad also includes Tour stage winner Simon Gerrans, Australian champion Matthew Lloyd and Michael Rogers.
• France's Cyril Dessel goes it alone on the climb while training in Beijing for tomorrow's race. Pierrick Fédrigo, Rémi Pauriol and Jérôme Pineau join Dessel on the French squad for this year's Olympic Games.
• Defending Olympic Champion Paolo Bettini readies for a training ride. The Italian is a contender for this weekend's race, but whether the Italian team can work as well as its Spanish rivals remains to be seen.
• Brothers in arms: Team CSC team-mates Frank and Andy Schleck will be strong this weekend. The duo will team up with Kim Kirchen to form the Luxembourg team for this weekend's event. All three experienced Tour de France success this year, but can they back it up in China?
• Security is tight everywhere in Chine, including at the Laoshan Velodrome. Local guards are seen here patrolling the incredible velodrome facility.
• An American track rider circles around the boards inside the incredible Laoshan Velodrome.
• The United States of America track riders put the previous day's controversy behind them, where they arrived at Beijing airport wearing breathing masks, and focused on a training session at the velodrome.
• The Netherlands squad makes its way around China's impressive Laoshan Velodrome.
• France's track squad will be one of the strongest at this year's Olympic Games. But Great Britain has focused its efforts on track racing and has a top squad to challenge with.
• British track cyclist Chris Hoy prepares for a warm-up session. A day after landing in Beijing Hoy was already in practice at the Laoshan Velodrome for next week's track events.
• Track cyclist Victoria Pendleton is another of Great Britain's gold medal hopefuls for this year's Olympic Games.
• Bradley Wiggins listens to some beats while warming up for Great Britain's training session. Photographers were keen to capture Wiggins at the Laoshan Velodrome, with the rider expected to be a gold medal contender next week.
• All warmed up: Great Britain's track team hits the Laoshan Velodrome. The team is hoping to secure a swag of medals, with the hope of entering their home Olympic Games in four years time as defending champions.
• The British and Chinese squads were out training ahead of this evening's opening ceremony. China is hosting this year's Olympic Games while Great Britain will host the 2012 Games in Manchester.

Images by Casey Gibson

• The Australian team tests the climb.
• Some of the Belgian road team pose for a photo in the team cabin area.
• Paolo Bettini leads the Italians during the practice session.
• Cadel Evans heads out for the ride.
• Evans heads up the climb.
• The French team rides past a shrine near the Great Wall.
• England's Roger Hammond and Stephen Cummings warming up.
• The Italian women take in the sites.
• Jeannie Longo and her husband take a ride for her 7th Olympics.
• Serbia's Ivan Stevic tests the course.
• A Temple and the Great Wall stretch into the distance.
• A mixed squad of Americans and Canadians hit the trail.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Fabian Wegmann (Germany) relaxes before heading out to recon the course.
• Stefan Schumacher (Germany) kits up to go pre-ride the course.
• Security is in evidence although the soldiers look a bit on the young side.
• Gerald Ciolek (Germany) looks a touch apprehensive about the course.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) hasn't been named as a hot favourite, but can never be counted out if there's a hill to climb.
• The Belgian team poses before riding the course.
• The Belgian and Dutch teams ride the course.
• Dutch riders take in the views from the road race course's climb.
• Swiss and Dutch riders ride along in the steamy Beijing air.
• The Belgian squad on the climb
• Stefan Schumacher (Germany) is taking the pressure well.

Riders ready for Beijing road race

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Images by AFP Photo

• Sara Mustonen, of Sweden's cycling team, practices near the Great Wall of China in Badaling, with a team-mate behind. The riders are 78 km north of Beijing, where the Olympic village is located.
• Finished! Two Mexican riders cross the finish line which has already been constructed for this weekend's road race.
• Susanne Ljungskog, of Sweden's cycling team, passes under an arc of the Great Wall of China in Badaling, 78 km north of Beijing, during a training session.
• Ready to roll: The finish for this weekend's Olympic Games road races has already been constructed. Many riders have already been out training on the course ahead of the weekend's race.
• A group of Olympians roll over the Great Wall of China as they train on the course for this weekend's Olympic Games road race.
• Where do I go for my gold medal? Great Britain's Chris Hoy navigates his way through Beijing airport. Hoy is one of his homeland's many track gold medal hopefuls.
• Chris Hoy (Great Britain) answers questions by media, who are on hand waiting for athletes to arrive at Beijing airport.
• He's the defending champion but Paolo Bettini shows little signs of pressure as he arrives in Beijing for the Olympic Games. The Italian will defend his Olympic gold medal this weekend.
• Samuel Sanchez, of Spain's cycling team, smiles at the locals while training near the Great Wall of China in Badaling.
• A local fan poses for a photo with Spain's cycling team. The Spanish squad enters this weekend's road race as one of the strongest teams, with riders like Alejandro Valverde leading the charge.
• After two big wins in as many months Alejandro Valverde is a strong contender for this weekend's Olympic Games road race.
• Spain's Oscar Freire takes some locals by surprise while out training in Beijing.
• Training hard? German cyclists enjoy a bite to eat. Stefan Schumacher (R) is sitting next to team-mate Bert Grabsch (C) at the athletes' Olympic village.
• Gonzalo Garrido (left) and Patricio Almonacid (right) of Chile's cycling team take in the sights as they ready for the weekend's road race.
• Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest," pictures with (August 4) and without smog (August 2).
• Germany's Bert Grabsch leads his national team with Stefan Schumacher and Fabian Wegmann (l & r) behind while training in Beijing earlier this week.
• USA riders arrive in Beijing wearing face masks
• A USA rider wearing a face mask to protect against Beijing's smog.

Before the show

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Images by AFP Photo

• Professional riders pass a portrait of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong at Tiananmen Gate at the start of the the "Good Luck Beijing" 2007 International Road Cycling Invitational Race/Olympic test event.
• A rendering of the Laoshan Velodrome before completion last year.
• Inside the new Laoshan Velodrome at the Track World Cup round in December.

Road course pre-ride

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Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com

• The countdown is almost over.
• The International Broadcast Centre for all the TV networks.
• This extreme contraption will provide images from the front of the race.
• The cameras are controlled with a video game type console.
• Team Belgium poses in the smog.
• Nicole Cooke is one of the favourites for the women's road race.
• Alex Wrubleski, Leigh Hobson and Erinne Willock of Team Canada .
• Canada's Olympic women's road squad rides the course with former Olympian Lyne Bessette.
• Jens Voigt talks to the media.
• World TT champion Hanka Kupfernagel on the final climb.
• Michael Barry rides with the powerful U.S. squad.
• Jason McCartney tests the hill.
• Longo-Ciprelli with her husband/coach is preparing for her seventh Games.
• Wrubleski and Hobson on the last climb.
• Judith Arndt tests the feeling of winning solo..
• Team Australia tackles the course
• Laszlo Bodrogi is the Hungarian representative in the TT.
• The Dutch team ahead of Belgium but only on the pre-ride. L-r are Stef Clement, Robert Gesink and Johan Van Summeren.
• Cadel Evans will participate in the RR, then decide about the TT.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli is at her seventh Olympics.
• Svein Tuft is all smiles but that may change Saturday on the same part of the course.
• Christine Thorburn tests the road bike but is really looking forward to the time trial.
• Amber Neben checks out the climb.