95th Tour de France - GT

France, July 5-27, 2008

Photography

Stage 21 - Sunday, July 27: Etampes-Paris/Champs-Élysées, 143 km

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• The peloton sweeps down the Champs Élysées.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) passes by the Arc de Triomphe.
• Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) held off Gerald Ciolek (Columbia) to salvage Quick Step's Tour de France with a stage win.
• Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) can breathe a massive sigh of relief after delivering on the Champs Élysées.
• Cadel Evans celebrated his second second place in the Tour.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Carlos Sastre is flanked by Norwegian champion Kurt-Asle Arvesen and Fabian Cancellara as CSC-Saxo Bank are presented as best team.
• Carlos Sastre gives the crowd a wave at the sign on.
• Riders await the start of stage 21 in Étampes, south of Paris.
• The four jersey wearers (l-r): Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner), Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank), Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank).
• Kohl and Freire shakes hands on the start line.
• Everyone wants a shot of the four jersey wearers.
• CSC celebrated an incredible Tour and got white and yellow, plus the teams' win.
• The peloton flies down the Champs Élysées with the Arc de Triomphe behind.
• Sastre was closely shadowed by Evans in the final laps in Paris.
• Sastre turns at the Arc de Triomphe for his biggest success in his career.
• Sastre was concentrated to not crash and he got some practice in for the pots-Tour crits.
• Barloworld tried to set up Robert Hunter.
• Sastre with his yellow handle bar tape looked good in Paris.
• Sastre corners well at high speed on the cobbles.
• Sastre stayed out of trouble on the final stage.
• Carlos Sastre indulged in some yellow handlebar tape but was one of the more understated Tour winners in recent times.
• Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) proved he belongs with the best sprinters after today's win.
• Steegmans will hope to continue his sprinting success in the colours of Russian team Katusha, where he will move next year.
• The top-three of the 2008 Tour de France.
• The Spaniard was joined by his two children on the podium.
• Gert Steegmans (Quick Step) enjoys his second Tour stage victory after grabbing stage two last year.
• Sastre enjoys a glass of champagne with Bjarne Riis in the CSC team car.
• The Spaniard on his victory lap complete with Spanish flag.
• Number 11 is numero uno
• The Lampre team was in good spirits despite Cunego's non-optimal Tour.
• Barloworld arrived at the Arc de Triomphe with a decimated team of four riders.
• Liquigas celebrated its arrival with a souvenir for the photo album.
• Sastre will now be on the post-Tour criterium circuit in Belgium and Holland.
• The four jerseys: Best young rider Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank), winner Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank), points winner Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and king of the mountains Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner).
• The top-three overall: Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto), Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) and Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner).
• The riders listen to the Spanish national anthem.
• The riders are applauded by Tour chiefs Christian Prudhomme (far right) and Patrice Clerc.
• Sastre savours the moment for as long as possible, joined by his son and daughter.
• "Next year, mate, I'm gonna come back with a decent team and take that jersey back!"

Images by Víctor Solís

• Andy Schleck rode in support of Carlos Sastre and still managed to get the white jersey.
• Stuart O'Grady puts the final touch on the Tour victory.
• George Hincapie (Columbia) finished yet another Tour de France.
• CSC needed a domestique just for carrying all the prizes.
• Garmin during its lap of honour around the Champs-Elysées.
• Valverde smiled with his Caisse d'Epargne colleagues although the Spaniard wanted to be much closer to the podium than ninth.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• A son who is proud of his father meets a father who is proud of his son.
• Sastres father was obviously happy with his son's success.

Stage 20 - Saturday, July 26: Cerilly-Saint-Amand-Montrond, ITT, 53 km

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• Fabian Cancellara (CSS-Saxo Bank) was out to show why he's the world time trial champion.
• British TT champion David Millar (Garmin-Chipotle) posted a strong time but couldn't pull off the win he was hoping for.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) in the colours of French time trial champion.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) took his second time trial victory of this Tour.
• Luxembourg time trial champion Kim Kirchen (Columbia) sprints for the line.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) gave everything today but it was not enough to win.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) moved up to fourth but couldn't break onto the podium.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) rolls away from the start.
• The Spaniard rode a fantastic time trial on a course that many predicted would not suit him.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) rode the time trial of his life to secure victory at the 2008 Tour de France.
• Stage winner Stefan Schumacher congratulates Carlos Sastre during the podium ceremony.
• Carlos Sastre can now relax and enjoy the final stage to Paris tomorrow.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) powers along during the TT.
• Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) showed his relative weakness in the time trial by finishing 54th.
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Chipotle) rode a great TT but could only move up one place overall.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) ended the stage in sixth and moved up to fourth in the GC.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) blitzes round the TT course.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rolls into the finish.
• Schumacher definitely had the race face on today.
• Barloworld's Chris Froome is on track to finish his first Tour de France.
• Sprinter Robert Hunter (Barloworld) was saving his legs for tomorrow.
• Fabian Cancellera (CSC-Saxo Bank) went all out to win the stage but came up short.
• Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas) couldn't overhaul Andy Schleck for the best young rider jersey.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) surprised with a ninth place finish and moved into third overall.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) sweeps through a corner.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) looked smooth and focused.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) knows he has the Tour wrapped up.
• Sastre crossed the line totally spent, but kept hold of yellow.
• Sastre gave a brief wave as he crossed the line.
• A disappointed Cadel Evans ponders the outcome of today's time trial.
• Evans gets a hug from his wife Chiara.

Stage 19 - Friday, July 25: Roanne-Montluçon, 163 km

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• Oscar Freire and Alejandro Valverde are all smiles while Carlos Sastre is probably worrying about tomorrow.
• The two breakaway riders Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) and Jérémy Roy (Française des Jeux) get some vocal encouragement.
• The peloton's pace was relentless all day, with the stage ridden at an average speed of more than 45 km/h.
• Jérémy Roy (Française des Jeux) and Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) fight out the sprint.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) finally took the stage win he's been chasing for nearly three weeks.
• Chavanel was rewarded for his relentless attacking with a stage win.
• Gerald Ciolek (Columbia) led home the peloton ahead of Erik Zabel (Milram).
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) pulls on what could be his last yellow jersey.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Schleck brothers were looking cool in the start village as usual.
• The two breakaways go hard to make their move stick.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) is another rider with much at stake in tomorrow's time trial.
• Race leader Carlos Sastre was thinking ahead to tomorrow's crucial time trial.
• The Spaniard will have to ride the time trial of his life to keep hold of yellow.
• Sylvain Chavanel knows he has it won but Jérémy Roy keeps on trying.
• 'Yeeaaah!' Chavanel silenced his critics in the French press with a Tour stage victory.
• The Cofidis rider also proved his talents to his new team, Quick Step, with whom he will ride in 2009.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) rolls into the finish in Montluçon.
• Sylvain Chavanel tops the winner's podium in Montluçon.
• Chavanel delighted the French crowd with his plucky stage win.
• Carlos Sastre receives his third, and possibly his final, yellow jersey.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) is now untouchable as king of the mountains leader.
• Best young rider Andy Schleck is greeted by five-time Tour winner Bernhard Hinault.

Stage 18 - Thursday, July 24: Bourg d’Oisans-Saint-Etienne, 197 km

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• The CSC-Saxo Bank team had to work for yellow jersey Carlos Sastre, but was up to the job as usual.
• Fränk Schleck and Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) talk things over during the stage.
• Marcus Burghardt (Columbia) had too much power in the final sprint for Carlos Barredo (Quick Step).
• Barredo bangs his handlebars in frustration as Burghardt celebrates his first victory of the season.
• A nervous wave from Carlos Sastre whose mind is most likely focused on Saturday's race deciding time trial.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Chipotle) does the pre-stage bike check.
• Carlos Sastre has the yellow jersey while his CSC-Saxo Bank squad wear the yellow numbers of best team.
• Damiano Cunego crashed 30 minutes into the stage and had to be shepherded to the finish by his Lampre team-mates.
• Cunego and his three team-mates finished over 20 minutes down but made the time cut.
• Sastre was enjoying his first day in the Tour leader's jersey.
• Race leader Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) was closely shadowed by Cadel Evans and Christian Vande Velde.
• Fränk Schleck with younger brother Andy on his wheel.
• In the breakaway, Romain Feillu (Agritubel) gets some food from his team car.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Crédit Agricole) made the break but ended up fourth.
• Sastre and Andy Schleck have a chat during the stage.
• Stuart O'Grady had to work a lot in the last few days of the Tour.
• The yellow jersey sits comfortably in the bunch on what was a comfortable first day for Sastre.
• Carlos Sastre during his first day in yellow.
• Carlos Barredo (Quick Step) and Marcus Burghardt (Columbia) during their two-man escape.
• The car belonging to Johnny Schleck, father of Fränk and Andy, was stopped and searched by French customs officers.
• Nothing suspicious was found during the search, according to French customs chiefs.
• Marcus Burghardt was much too strong for the featherweight Carlos Barredo.
• Burghardt takes the win as Barredo slams his handlebars in frustration.
• Burghardt celebrates while Barredo is left wondering what might have been.
• Marcus Burghardt (Team Columbia) powers home ahead of Spaniard Carlos Barredo (Quick Step).
• Christophe Le Mevel (Crédit Agricole) sprints home for fourth place.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) will have to wait for Saturday's time trial before making his final bid for victory.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) rolls into Saint Étienne with team-mate Jens Voigt behind.
• Damiano Cunego's shredded jersey shows just what a miserable stage it was for the Italian.
• Cunego gets a medical checkup from Lampre staff at the finish.
• Carlos Sastre passed his first day in yellow without any problems.
• Marcus Burghardt enjoys his first victory of the season.
• Sastre pulls on yellow for the second time.

Stage 17 - Wednesday, July 23: Embrun-L’Alpe d’Huez, 210 km

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• The Alps offered a stunning scenery and made stage 17 a full success for fans and tourists.
• Fans make every effort to enjoy the race in the Alps.
• Sastre stormed up the 21 bends in a furious rhythm.
• Vande Velde tried to attack and was quickly marked by Andy Schleck, who killed all the moves today.
• Menchov overestimated himself at first and was dropped, but fought back up to the Schleck group.
• Fränk Schleck couldn't shake Cadel Evans and the latter holds all the cards in his time trial hands – and feet.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) wins and takes over the yellow jersey on L'Alpe d'Huez.
• Sastre takes the win after a grand solo ride up to Alpe d'Huez.
• Sastre had four legs and four hands to finish two minutes ahead of everyone else.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Sastre rides through the crowd as he solos to victory
• Sastre takes the win in Alpe d'Huez!
• With his stellar ride Sastre took also the overall lead.
• Sastre stands tall with the lion in the left and Michael Douglas to his right.
• Sastre had all kind of help to get the yellow jersey on.
• The Col du Galibier.
• Sastre makes his way through the fans who were relatively tame in comparison with previous years.
• The view of the Col du Galibier.
• Sastre gets help with the maillot jaune.
• Carlos Sastre had the support of Dutch fans.
• Carlos Sastre dons his first ever yellow jersey.
• Andy Schleck kept the jersey of best young rider.
• The peloton climbs on the Col du Galibier.
• Evans had to dig deep to stay in contact on the steeper sections of the Alpe.
• Evans leads Andy Schleck under the flags of Luxembourg.
• Luxembourg supporters were out en force on Alpe d'Huez
• The devil has a new suit as he cheers on Peter Velits.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) had another tough day, finishing 12' back.
• Fans of all nationalities cheer on Carlos Sastre on Alpe d'Huez.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) rode a brilliant Alpe d'Huez.
• Kohl was spent after a tough final climb.
• Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas) confirmed his place as one of the best young riders by finishing 13th.
• Evans rode well to limit his loss to Sastre but had to respond to several attacks, which might have cost him.
• Schleck checks the position of Evans.
• Frank Schleck seemed a bit wistful to have to give up the yellow jersey to his team-mate.
• Andy Schleck follows Samuel Sanchez but did not come around to take second place.
• French champion Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) had a great ride to finish 15th.
• Had Andy Schleck not suffered on the Hautacam stage who knows what might have happened?
• Andy Schleck was barely breathing hard while working for his brother and Sastre.
• Evans had to do the pace making at the end in order to save his overall classification hopes.
• Bernhard Kohl's podium ambitions helped Evans, as the Gerolsteiner rider matched several attacks.
• Could this be what inspired Carlos Sastre to storm away from the group on Alpe d'Huez?
• Frank Schleck put in an acceleration but couldn't drop Evans.
• Valverde's attack briefly drew Frank Schleck away from the group of Evans, but the pair were chased down.
• The peloton falling behind on one of the three HC climbs of stage 17.
• Bernhard Kohl in the mirror showing off his dots.
• The peloton heads down the Alpine road.

Images by Stephen McMahon/st.mcmahon@gmail.com

• An aerial view of the legendary climb of L'Alpe d'Huez. The weather conditions were ideal and the stage was set for high drama on Stage 17.
• Support for the riders and messages from around the world adorned the revered road.
• A detailed view of the climb with about four kilometres to go.
• As usual, the Dutch fans were among the most colourful and enthusiastic.
• This group of fans did some extreme camping in order to have a bird's eye view of the action.
• The searing heat did little to discourage those in search of a good vantage point.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC-Saxo Bank) passed in a flurry of colour and noise on his way to a thoroughly well deserved victory on Stage 17.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) takes a quick glimpse to see who is maintaining contact with the chase group.
• Frank Schleck (Team CSC-Saxo Bank) keeps a close eye on the other GC contenders as his team mate hunts for the finish line.
• The race leader looked calm and composed.
• David Moncoutie (Cofidis-Le Crédit par Téléphone) on his way to 14th on the stage.
• Dmitriy Fofonov (Crédit Agricole) counting down the corners. The Kazakh rider would eventually finish 17th on the stage.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) concentrates on his rhythm.
• French national champion Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) was a particularly colourful sight.
• Sandy Casar (Française des Jeux) rode with determination to finish 16th on the stage, 5 minutes and 25 seconds down on Carlos Sastre (Team CSC-Saxo Bank).
• Alexandre Botcharov (Crédit Agricole) grinds out the pedal strokes with six turns remaining to the top.
• Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia) maintained a steady pace.
• Mario Aerts (Silence Lotto) was not far behind and eventually finished in the same time as Kirchen.
• Aside from team leader Denis Menchov, Koos Moerenhout was the first of a cluster of Rabobank riders to pass.
• Laurent Lefevre (Bouygues Telecom).
• Laurens Den Tam (Rabobank) under pressure.
• Pieter Weening (Rabobank).
• Gorka Verdugo Markotegi (Euskaltel-Euskadi) grimaces as he battles his way onward and upward.
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R La Mondiale).
• Christopher Froome (Barloworld).
• Jérôme Pineau (Bouygues Telecom).
• Peter Velits (Team Milram) on his way to the Most Aggressive Rider award on the stage.
• Looking as focused and motivated as ever, Erik Zabel (Team Milram) searches for the next corner on his way to an impressive 40th place on the stage.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) hunches over his handlebars and digs deep.
• Ryder Hesjedal (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30) breaks through another pain barrier.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner).
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Team CSC-Saxo Bank).
• Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC-Saxo Bank) makes his way up the climb after another busy day in the saddle.
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre).
• Martin Elmiger (AG2R La Mondiale) concentrates on maintaining progress.
• Grace under pressure: Oscar Friere Gomez (Rabobank).
• Trent Lowe (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30).
• Marcus Burghardt (Team Columbia).
• Rivalries put aside and with a common sense of purpose, one of the many small groups on riders approaches five kilometres to go.
• Gianpaolo Cheula (Barloworld) was glad of a short, sharp shunt from one of the Basque fans.
• Jens Voigt (Team CSC-Saxo Bank) could be satisfied with another excellent day's work.
• Before he could reflect on and celebrate his team's dominant performance, there was unfinished business to complete: L'Alpe d'Huez.
• The grupetto grapple with the gradient and battle against the ticking clock.
• Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) was yo-yoing off the back of the grupetto as they passed under the 5 kilometre to go banner. The Frenchman was most unfortunate to finish outside the time limit.
• A hive of activity and energy: a view of the press room at the top of Alpe d'Huez.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Chris Froome (Barloworld) rides up Alpe d'Huez
• Barloworld's Froome showed that he has talent in the mountains and his Kenyan high altitude background comes in handy.

Stage 16 - Tuesday, July 22: Cuneo-Jauziers, 157 km

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• Frenchman Cyril Dessel (AG2R) outsprints compatriot Sandy Casar (Francaise des Jeux) and Spaniard David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne)
• French team leader Cyril Dessel (AG2R) sprints to a win in stage 16.
• Russian team leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• American Christian Vandevelde (Garmin-Chipotle) rides ahead of overall leader Frank Schleck (Team CSC) part-way through stage 16.
• Russian Denis Menchov (Rabobank), Australian Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) and Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) ride in the yellow jersey group.
• The pelton rides on stage 16.
• Overall leader and Luxembourger Frank Schleck (Team CSC-Saxo Bank) rides through the Alps
• Frenchman Cyril Dessel (AG2R) is awarded for his stage win.
• Overall leader Frank Schleck (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) celebrates another day in yellow on the podium.
• Cyril Dessel (right) (AG2R/Fra) leads a chase group.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld) crashed off the side of the mountain and had to wait for a bike change as his machine tumbled into the valley below.
• Dessel takes a turn on the nasty descent of the Bonette.
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R La Mondiale) wins stage 16 in Jausiers.
• Bernhard Kohl is happy in polka dots.
• It was a long road for Vincenzo Nibali after losing touch with the lead chase group.
• Rémi Pauriol (Credit Agricole)
• Schleck heads to Alpe d'Huez in yellow after holding tight on stage 16.
• Stefan Schumacher put in a solo bid but fell short on the Bonette, being caught after 70 kms alone out front.
• Yellow suits Frank Schleck and he rode a perfect race to hold that jersey.
• Vincenzo Nibali's last day in white. He gave up the best young rider's slot to Andy Schleck.
• Most of the Quick Step team was in the gruppetto, but Matteo Carrara made the break.
• The landscape looks like something from the moon.
• The amazing view from the final climb.
• Andy Schleck set a vicious tempo for his brother and Carlos Sastre.
• Schleck looked comfortable on the climb leading Bernhard Kohl and Cadel Evans.
• The scene on the final climb.
• Vande Velde rode within himself to stay within shouting distance of the yellow jersey on the climb.
• Schleck picked up descending tips from Bernard Hinault.
• Cadel Evans keeps an eye on the yellow jersey of Frank Schelck.
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Chipotle) struggled a touch on the climb, but lost most of his time on a crash during the descent.
• Augustyn on the solo attack heading for the top of the Bonette.
• Elvis impersonators cheer for John-Lee Augustyn.
• Cyril Dessel leads Arroyo on the climb
• Alejandro Valverde lost some ground on the climb, but caught back up on the descent.
• Cunego takes a quick peek at the views from the highest point in the Tour.
• John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld) took off from the breakaway on the final climb.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) stayed in the group of the yellow jersey.
• The yellow jersey group nears the top of the Bonette which looks like the edge of the world.
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Chipotle) chases ahead of Liquigas' Roman Kreuziger.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) surrendered the white jersey to Schleck.

Stage Restday2 - Monday, July 21: in Cuneo,

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Fränk Schleck is the center of attention on the rest day in Cuneo.
• Schleck shows off his new favourite shirt the maillot jaune.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) not very comfortable in the spotlight.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is the man to watch next to Cadel Evans.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) and his new shirt the jersey of best climber.
• Stefan Schumacher celebrated his birthday turning 27 on the Tour's second rest day.
• The brothers Schleck, Andy and Fränk await the rest day's ride.
• The CSC-Saxo bank team heads out for a ride.
• Fränk Schleck seems overwhelmed by the media scrum that met him on the rest day.
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step) has packed his bags and is heading back to Belgium after abandoning the Tour.
• Erik Zabel in the Milram truck getting ready for a rest day spin.
• Everyone wants a photo of the yellow jersey and the man who has earned it, Fränk Schleck.
• Schleck isn't worrying about tactics, he just wants to enjoy the day of showing off his yellow jersey.
• Filippo Pozzato and Manuel Quinziato get ready to work on their tans on an easy rest day ride.
• Vincenzo Nibali plans ahead by preparing his white jersey of best young rider for the next day's stage.
• The CSC-Saxo bank team meets the press on the rest day in Cuneo.

Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• A smile from Menchov is a bit of a rarity.
• Denis Menchov answers reporters' questions
• Menchov is a real threat for the overall in Paris.
• Denis Menchov put in a strong move on stage 15, but unfortunately crashed right after.
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Chipotle) is a dark horse for victory in Paris.
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Chipotle) has had the best Tour of his life.

Stage 15 - Sunday, July 20: Digne-les-Bains-Pratonevoso, 216 km

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• This image shows just how far Oscar Pereiro fell after going over the crash barrier.
• Simon Gerrans (Crédit Agricole) produced a masterful ride through the Alps to take his first Tour stage win.
• The Australian conserved his energy in the breakaway and pounced at the finish in Prato Nevoso.
• Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) sprints away from Cadel Evans to take a handful of seconds and the yellow jersey.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) has lost the yellow jersey but is still well in contention for the race overall.
• Fränk Schleck gets his first feel of the golden fleece in Prato Nevoso.
• A determined look from Fränk Schleck who will now have to endure the intense media scrutiny of race leader.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Silence-Lotto led the peloton over the 2744 metre high Col Agnel after 58 kilometres.
• Strong winds and intermittent showers made for tough racing conditions in the Italian Alps.
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) injured his shoulder after falling over a crash barrier and down to the road below.
• Pereiro's crash happened on the descent of the Col Agnel 80 kilometres into the stage.
• Andy and Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) put several of the favourites into difficulty with their pace on the final climb.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) was in a world of pain on the final climb.
• Best young rider Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) kept his jersey but lost time to Andy Schleck and Roman Kreuziger.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) had another disappointing performance as the race finished in Italy.
• Simon Gerrans (Crédit Agricole) left his breakaway companions for dead in the final 100 metres.
• Simon Gerrans (Crédit Agricole) did everything to get in the breakaway and made it count at the finish.
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) came within seconds of the yellow jersey today.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) showed improved climbing form to finish with the favourites.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) crashed on the final climb but still gained time on Evans and Fränk Schleck.
• Evans tried desperately to limit his losses in the final kilometres.
• Evans was wearing his 'Free Tibet' t-shirt under his race jersey as usual.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) and Amaël Moinard (Cofidis) approach the outskirts of the Prato Nevoso ski station.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) approaches the finish followed by Sandy Casar (Française des Jeux).
• Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas) sprints up to the finish.
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre) finished alongside team-mate Damiano Cunego.
• Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) receives the yellow jersey after dropping Evans in the final kilometre.
• The Luxemburger has a seven-second lead over Austrian Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner).

Stage 14 - Saturday, July 19: Nîmes-Digne-les-Bains, 182 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) gets the win he's been chasing for nearly two weeks.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) extended his lead in the green jersey competition.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) celebrates his fourth Tour stage victory in Dignes-les-Bains.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) had to remain attentive in the finale but held onto yellow without serious trouble.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) has his eye on the Alpine stages to come.
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) chews the fat in the Tour village.
• Performers keep the crowds entertained in at the start in Nimes.
• The Tour village is a massive operation that has to be setup before each stage.
• Best young rider Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) was popular with the autograph hunters.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Credit Agricole) ponders a more relaxed form on transport.
• The riders line up for the start with the spectacular Arena of Nimes behind them.
• A large group of 20 riders went clear soon after the start.
• The peloton enjoyed another day of near perfect conditions in southern France.
• The sun beats down on the day's breakaway.
• Roman Kreuziger leads Liquigas team-mate Vincenzo Nibali.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) claims his fourth Tour stage and fifth victory this season.
• Freire now has a massive 47-point advantage of Thor Hushovd in the green jersey competition.
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) takes the applause as stage winner.
• Five-time Tour winner Bernhard Hinault performing his jersey zipping duties for Cadel Evans.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) enjoys another day in yellow.
• Evans said he was hoping for a good sleep tonight in preparation for tomorrow's mountain stage.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Nîmes maison carré
• Nîmes
• The départ in Nîmes
• The Arena of Nimes made a nice backdrop for sign-in.

Stage 13 - Friday, July 18: Narbonne-Nîmes, 182 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• The Silence-Lotto team was relieved to see a break go away in the first kilometre of today's stage.
• Niki Terpstra (Team Milram) leads Florent Brard (Cofidis) in the day's break.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) went head-to-head with Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) and came up with another victory.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) receives congratulations from Romain Feillu (Agritubel) after his fourth stage win of the Tour in Nîmes.
• Cavendish can still count his Tour victories on the fingers of one hand for the time being.
• Race leader Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) adds another cuddly lion to his collection.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) takes win number four in Nimes.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) looked a bit more tired following his fourth win that after the other three.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) leads the best young rider classification.
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) hopes to hold onto his mountains jersey until the race hits the Alps.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) with his ever present bodyguard Serge Borlee.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was sporting a new lightweight haircut as the race approached the Alps.
• The peloton rolls over the Tour de France's 13th stage.
• Stage 13 of the Tour de France went through wine country on its way to Nîmes.
• Even the traffic lights gave Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) the all clear for a fourth stage victory.
• Good job: Romain Feillu (Agritubel) congratulates Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) after a tough sprint finish.
• The riders enjoyed perfect weather with temperatures getting up into the 30s Celsius.
• The peloton negotiates a narrow river crossing on its way to Nimes.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Départ Narbonne
• Narbonne river
• Tour de France art
• Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme
• Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)

Stage 12 - Thursday, July 17: Lavelanet-Narbonne, 168 km

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• ASO president Patrice Clerc answers a call at the stage start in Lavelanet.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) talks with Tour director Christian Prudhomme before the stage gets underway.
• Evans keeps an eye on his main rival - second placed Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank).
• Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) collides with the fallen Jimmy Engoulvent (Crédit Agricole).
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) chases back to the peloton after a puncture.
• The Silence-Lotto team was forced to work hard for its leader Cadel Evans.
• It's that man Cav again! Team Columbia's Mark Cavendish takes his third stage victory in Narbonne.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) is a happy man after another stage win.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) pulls on another yellow jersey after what he said was a difficult day for him and his team.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Saunier Duval riders were ready but the race wasn't ready for them.
• The team was dressed but they got pulled before the roll-out.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Scott) was still hoping he could continue, but to no avail.
• Pozzato is not too pleased with Riccò.
• Josep Jufré catches up with his colleagues.
• Saunier rider discuss the events as they unfolded.
• What are we going to do?
• Riccò comes out of the bus.
• Riccò steps into the team car
• Riccò gets into the team car before being driven off to the police station.
• Riccò looks puzzled
• The car drives off
• The police was all over the place.
• The car with Riccò and a police officer inside drives off
• Riccò gets driven off
• Riccò was well protected
• The town of Mirepoix where Riccò was brought for questioning.
• The building where Riccò could reflect about his mistakes.
• The lawyer of Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) leaves the police station.
• Saunier Duval-Scott leaves the Tour
• Baden Cooke hit the ground hard and had to abandon later.
• The stage went on and the fans happily celebrated.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) takes another convincing victory.
• Cav takes number three
• Cav beat green jersey Freire once again

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Fans were outraged by yet another doping scandal. "Let the oven of transfusions live on."

Stage 11 - Wednesday, July 16: Lannemezan-Foix, 166 km

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• Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) checks the secret Garmin GPS devices.
• Evans' first day in yellow
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) enjoyed the day in yellow.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) enjoys his first day in yellow.
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen (CSC-Saxo Bank) was sure he had the win, but it came down to a photo finish.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) went too soon and lost the sprint to Arvesen and Elmiger.
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen (CSC-Saxo Bank) battles with Martin Elmiger (AG2R) for the stage win in Foix.
• Norwegian champion Kurt-Asle Arvesen (CSC-Saxo Bank) gets his first Tour stage win in Foix.
• Cadel Evans was more composed his second time up on the yellow jersey podium.
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen (CSC-Saxo Bank) has two guns and he fired them to win the eleventh stage.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) receives his second yellow jersey and his second prize lion.
• Amaël Moinard (Cofidis) douses himself with water as he tries to hold off the chasing group.
• Amaël Moinard struck out on his own with 70km to go from the escape group of 15.
• The group of 15 escaped after the first sprint of stage 11 and was instigated in part by stage winner Kurt-Asle Arvesen.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The sprint for stage 11 was decided by the camera with all three riders within centimetres of each other.
• Arvesen think's he's got it but Elmiger was close with the bike throw.
• Cadel Evans enjoyed a relatively calm day in the yellow jersey.
• Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) gets his feed ahead of the Silence-Lotto squad.
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen nearly celebrated too soon but still won by a tyre.
• Claudio Corti (Barloworld manager) reacts to news that one of his riders was found with banned drugs.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) rides in the break of 13 which went clear 60km into the stage.
• Spring classics stars Alessandro Ballan and Filippo Pozzato found the course to their liking on stage 11.
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen gives the thumbs up after taking his first Tour stage.
• A big smile for Arvesen as he steps onto the podium after winning stage 11 in Foix.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) just couldn't get to speed after chasing the late attacks.
• Oscar Freire lost some ground in the green jersey competition to Thor Hushovd, but still leads the Norwegian by 11 points.
• Cadel Evans held the yellow jersey for the second stage.
• Pozzato was mad about his hair all messy and then he lost the sprint, too.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) looked beat despite the 15 extra minutes that he and the peloton took.
• Pozzato leads Wegmann in the break.
• Amaël Moinard tried to steal the show but the break caught him in time.
• The break sped by a castle.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) sweats in yellow and his bleeding shoulder messed up the colour a bit.
• The race was on in southwestern France.
• Evans pushes through and stays close to the front.
• Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld) had better days in the Tour than stage 11.
• Longo Borghini got caught in some wire and eventually abandoned the race.
• The peloton rushes by the typical straw figures in the Pyrenees.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• The bike of Cadel Evans with which he stormed into yellow.
• The Silence-Lotto jersey signed by Cadel Evans. Evans will give the jersey to charities.

Stage Restday1 - Tuesday, July 15: in Pau,

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• Frank Schleck answers questions before heading out for a rest day spin.
• Bjarne Riis rides alongside Fabian Cancellara on the team's rest day ride.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC-Saxo Bank) enjoys the sunshine on the rest day.
• Carlos Sastre has a laugh at the team's press conference.
• Frank Schleck knows it will be hard to get the yellow jersey even if he only trails by one second.
• Andy and Frank Schleck flank their father Johnny at the team's hotel in Lescar on the rest day.
• Cadel Evans reads the newspaper with breakfast before heading out for a spin on the rest day.
• The yellow jersey is proudly displayed at Cadel Evans' breakfast table in Ousse.
• Cadel Evans shows the effects of his crash on stage nine during a training ride on the first rest day in Ousse.
• Cadel Evans has a chat with fellow Australian Robbie McEwen on the rest day ride.
• Cadel Evans was understated on his rest day ride choosing only to have a touch of yellow on the sunglasses.
• The cameras followed Evans as he put in a few easy kilometres on the rest day.
• Evans' bodyguard Serge Borlee followed in the team car.

Images by Gregor Brown/ Cyclingnews.com

• Fabian Cancellara (CSC-Saxo Bank)
• Cancellara talks to the press on the rest day in Lescar.
• Press surrounds Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank)
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank)
• Carlos Sastre is still a contender after a strong ride on Hautacam.
• Frank and Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) answer reporters' questions poolside.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Scott) was 'in heaven' after winning stage 10.
• Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank)
• Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) had a bad day, but can now try to escape for a stage win.
• Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank)
• Jens Voigt (CSC-Saxo Bank) was the team's work horse on stage ten
• Bjarne Riis is happy with the team's performance.
• Bjarne Riis ponders his team's strategy.

Stage 10 - Monday, July 14: Pau-Lourdes/Hautacam, 154 km

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• José Luis Arrieta (AG2R La Mondiale) gives his son Igor a ride around the start village.
• Race leader Kim Kirchen (Columbia) prepares for what could be his final day in yellow.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval - Scott) said he would work for team-mate Leonardo Piepoli today.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) had a few bandages on but was happy to still be in contention.
• Evans and Kirchen make their way to the start line.
• The jersey wearers roll out from Pau in perfect weather conditions.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) brushed off his injuries and took the yellow jersey.
• Evans eventually finished eighth and now leads Schleck by a single second.
• Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) had a great ride but got worked over in the end by Piepoli and Cobo.
• Leonardo Piepoli wins ahead of team-mate Juan Jose Cobo. The Saunier Duval-Scott duo dropped Fränk Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) in the final three kilometres.
• Piepoli gave Saunier Duval-Scott its second mountain stage victory in as many days.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) thanks his lucky stars as he prepares to accept the maillot jaune.
• The Aussie appeared a little shocked that he'd actually taken the jersey.
• And perhaps a bit emotional, too, at being the first Aussie since Robbie McEwen in 2004 to wear yellow.
• But unlike McEwen, Evans could well hold the jersey all the way to Paris.
• Evans now has tomorrow's rest day in Pau to figure out what his race strategy might be.
• Cadel Evans gives the thumbs up to his fans.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Scott) celebrates his first Tour stage victory.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) was rewarded for his sixth place with the polka dot jersey.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Italian Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld) gets ready for the first real mountains stage.
• An easy day in the peloton? Hardly. The stage started off flat enough, but that soon changed.
• Saunier Duval - Scott's riders were simply too good on Stage 10.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) moved up the young rider standings with his 13th placing.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval - Scott) was stronger than both his break-away companions on the final climb.
• Italian Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) could be seen smiling during the final climb...one reaction not shared by all of the peloton.
• Carlos Sastre's Team CSC - Saxo Bank squad rode a tactical stage which paid dividends for the outfit on general classification.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) did his best to get back on but it just wasn't to be for the pre-race favourite.
• Spain's Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) will need a big turn of events to get back in the general classification race.
• Oscar Freire Gomez (Rabobank) minded the green jersey for Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia) on Stage 10.
• A Liquigas rider diverts an accident on the road with one of the race motorbikes.
• Carlos Sastre (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) stayed with the main general classification contenders.
• Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) picks up some food after working hard in the front group.
• Riccardo Riccò's (Saunier Duval - Scott) only going for stage wins... or is he?
• Damiano Cunego's (Lampre) overall hopes are on the ropes, the Italian finished 5.51 minutes down today.
• The eyes of a Cobra: Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) has left one question on everyone's lips...when will he strike next?
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval - Scott) celebrates with team-mate Juan Jose Cobo Acebo after winning Stage 10.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) embraces his first moments in the yellow leader's jersey.
• Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia) puts in the hard yards, knowing his overall lead is likely lost.
• Fans cheer on Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia) as he tackles the stage's final climb.
• Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia) stayed with the main group for much of the stage, but wasn't able to hold on the final climb.
• Saunier Duval - Scott on top: Leonardo Piepoli rides to his team's third stage win of this year's Tour de France.
• Three armed man? No, but that's how many stage wins Saunier Duval - Scott has claimed to date.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval - Scott) and team-mate Juan Jose Cobo Acebo ride away from their break-mate Frank Schleck (Team CSC - Saxo Bank).
• As happy a Leo: Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval - Scott) talks to the media after his stage win.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval - Scott) and team-mate Juan Jose Cobo Acebo were delighted with the result.
• Eye of the tiger: Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) was hungry for Tour de France success...and this has only wet his appetite more.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) was emotional after pulling on the yellow jersey for the first time.
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval - Scott) on the podium after winning the stage.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Andy Schleck suffered today and had to bury all his GC hopes.

Stage 9 - Sunday, July 13: Toulouse-Bagnères-de-Bigorre, 222 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Evans needed treatment after his spill
• Evans feels the pain as the doc applies the disinfectant.
• Dr. Gerard Porte treats Evans' left shoulder after the Australian crashed hard in a left-hand bend.
• Dr. Gerard Porte has been with the Tour for a long time and the riders are happy they can get treatment while not losing contact with the peloton. Treatment at 40km/h is something else!
• A bloody Evans radios in about his condition and tells the team management he'll be alright.
• The French take their time when eating and will interrupt the meal for Le Tour, of course.
• Evans will need a new jersey after this stage!
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) pedals along and is closely shadowed by Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner), who was the first to attack. He was then dropped and also sparked the attacking that saw his team-mate Sebastian Lang being caught just one kilometre from the top.
• Mountain man David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) sits behind the Euskaltel AVE
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) had a relaxed day in the bunch.
• Scenic mountain passes are always part of the Tour.
• A Gerolsteiner fan shouts encouragement to Sebastian Lang who came within four point of the polka dot.
• Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) did a great ride and won the most aggressive rider award of the day.
• The peloton in the mountains always is a lot smaller than in the flat stages.
• The group of favourites masters a switchback.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) didn't have the best of days but was strong enough to sit in with the group.
• Vladimir Efimkin (AG2R La Mondiale) attacked late and finished second.
• A polka dot fan admires Riccò as he whizzes by towards the col d'Aspin.
• Riccò's attack was impressive
• Riccò hit the descent at full speed
• Riccò went all out in the final kilometres and withstood the headwind and the chasers.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) takes the win after a brilliant solo ride.
• Riccò thanks the heavens for his win

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Riccò checks on his opponents anytime.
• Félix Rafael Cárdenas (Barloworld) before the start.
• John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld)
• John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld) gets ready to roll
• The start scene
• Cunego starts
• Everything centred around Riccò today.
• Sunflower fields accompanied the riders
• The peloton was fast
• Today the weather was better.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) powers along
• A chatty bunch in the early part
• But they were going fast anyway
• Euskaltel took control today
• The peloton in the valley
• Euskaltel led the bunch through south western France.
• Evans goes down a descent
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) rolls through France
• The break of the day is led by Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas) and followed by Nicolas Jalabert (Agritubel) and Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner).
• The bunch near the water
• Cycling attracts young and old
• French country side impression
• Evans is paced back by Silence after his crash.
• A French cycling fan
• Kirchen on flat section before the final climb.
• Riccò's second attack
• Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Scott) worked hard for Riccò.
• Riccò storms up the hill
• Riccò passes an exhausted De La Fuente
• Riccò came flying by everyone at tremendous speed.
• The fans went nuts
• Riccò resembled Pantani
• Riccò less than a kilometre from the top of the Aspin. Lang is dropped.
• Riccò on the descent
• Riccò drops the rest
• Riccò climbs the hill fast
• Sylvester Szmyd (Lampre) on the climb
• Riccò wins
• Riccò wins it!
• Riccò crosses the line
• An outstanding win by the Italian
• Look at ME
• Riccò ha.d picked stage nine beforehand as his stomping ground
• Riccò celebrates his second win in this year's Tour.
• Riccò exhausted after the race
• Riccò drinks some well-deserved water after his escape.
• Kirchen struggled but finished with the group.
• Evans was bleeding after his crash.
• A smiling Cunego finished with the front runners.
• Andy Schleck shows the efforts after having mastered the first high mountains of the Tour.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) is glad the first mountains are passed.
• Riccò applauds and smiles
• Bernard Hinault congratulates Riccò, no doubt approving of the aggressive racing by the Italian.

Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com

• Hushovd gets some help while going back to the team car.
• Cyril Dessel (AG2R) is looking forward to the road heading up.
• Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) clearly forgot to pack a razor.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) before he knew he would lose major time on the climbs.
• A red number for Most aggressive rider Laurent Lefevre.
• Baden Cooke (Barloworld) hopes the barricades to get to his bike.
• Simon Gerrans takes a picture while waiting for Florent Brard to sign in.
• Mark Cavendish was apprehensive before the start of the first big day of climbing.
• Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) works his way through the sign-in crowd.
• Matteo Tosatto and Steven de Jongh (Quick Step) relax before the start.
• Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) looks genuinely happy to be heading toward the mountains.
• Agritubel team-mates Eduardo Gonzalo and Nicolas Jalabert.
• Gerolsteiner's Heinrich Haussler is in his first Tour.
• Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) has prescription inserts in his Oakleys.
• Luis Leon Sanchez inspects his bike before the start of stage nine.
• Oscar Pereiro gives an interview before stage nine.
• Romain Feillu (Agritubel) stretches before the start of stage nine.
• Feillu gets his hammies ready for the stage ahead.
• Evans had some technical problems with his bike at the start.
• The Silence-Lotto mechanic prepares Evans' bike.
• Cadel Evans signs an autograph at the start of stage nine.
• Kuschinsky leads the break in Figarol.
• Euskaltel-Euskadi still chasing for some unknown reason.
• Kuschinsky still leading the break as it heads through Figarol.
• For some reason Euskaltel-Euskadi felt compelled to chase and chase, and chase.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) looking not so happy in the bunch, still wrapped up from an earlier crash.
• Snack time for a Quick Step rider.
• Yoann Le Boulanger (FdJ) eats some baked goods.

Stage 8 - Saturday, July 12: Figeac-Toulouse, 174 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• It's all blue at the front as Cavendish wins ahead of team-mate Ciolek. Zabel (l) and Förster (hidden) were in the top six.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) takes out the second win.
• A happy Cav proved the strongest in the rain.
• Number two for Cav
• It was a wet day out there.
• Kirchen in yellow was well protected by his team-mates.
• Columbia passes a scenic bridge ahead of the bunch.
• Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom) takes a drink during his solo effort.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• De La Fuente was optimistic to defend his jersey.
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) relaxed before the start.
• Murilo Fischer (Liquigas) at the start.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) was eager to defend his polka dot jersey.
• Cunego climbs on his machine
• Cunego waits for the start flag to drop.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) deep in thought before stage eight.
• Evans thought a repeat of yesterday and its hectic racing was possible.
• The early jumping to get breaks established.
• Almost all the teams were represented in the early efforts to get a break going.
• George Hincapie is always close to team leader Kim Kirchen.
• George Hincapie (Columbia) radios in for instructions.
• The break of the day rolling past sun flower fields, but there was no sun today.
• A wet summer in France between the wheat and the sun flower fields.
• Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel-Euskadi) getting his feed safely, as he was in the break.
• Rubén Pérez with a puncture
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) needed a rain cape just like the other dudes.
• Baden Cooke (Barloworld) rolls over wet roads
• Saunier Duval does a team time trial to get Riccardo Riccò back into the peloton after his crash.
• Christophe Le Mevel (Crédit Agricole) leads a small break
• Cavendish takes the win
• Riccò looked in pain after a spill in a roundabout.
• Riccò not a happy camper
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) gets treated from the Tour doctor.
• Riccò hangs on to the doc's car while getting treatment for his crash injuries.
• Ouch! The pain from the crash hurts just as much as the disinfectant.
• Riccò at the rolling hospital
• A soft touch on the knee can work wonders.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) is not happy with the weather.
• Cunego rides in the rain
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) takes out the win in a rainy finish.
• Cavendish got his second stage win.
• Cav is the only who smiles while the sprinters look dejected, including his team-mate Ciolek.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) rolls to the finish.
• The mood is good these days in team Columbia.
• Cav takes number two
• Kirchen's yellow dream continues.
• Kirchen gets another yellow jersey
• Bernard Hinault is le patron on the podium.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) celebrates
• Rubens Bertogliati (Saunier Duval-Scott) checks in with the team after the finish.
• Kirchen after the wet stage

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Castles aren't uncommon here
• The neutral start
• Reading up on the news
• Art on the Tour
• Liquigas in high demand
• The Liquigas management had lots of explaining to do
• The press was all over Liquigas
• Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) sums up the day

Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com

• A local painter shows off his work.
• Vasseur and Miss Sport Belgium share some training details.
• 'The Tour forever'
• Bernhard Kohl is thinking about the day ahead in the rain.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) rolls up to the start.
• Stéphane Augé (Cofidis) gets ready for the wet battle.
• Fabian Cancellara and Kurt-Asle Arvesen unwrap their early Christmas presents.
• De La Fuente shares a laugh and that's easy, having the polka dot.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) gets ready to defend his mountains lead.
• Julian Dean is wondering why the Tour doesn't have more sprint finishes this year.
• Hey! Did you just let air out of my tyre???
• Riders waiting for the start
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) figured that in the neutral section the helmet rule doesn't apply. Every opportunity to save his hair from getting smashed.
• Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom) was all smiles despite the miserable weather.
• Lefèvre broke away solo before being joined by three others.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) waves to the crowd
• Two victories for the Manxman
• A water company provides the sprinters prize. Is that a sign in the fight against doping?
• Cavendish all smiles with his flowers
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) gets another yellow jersey
• Kirchen with the lion
• Oscar Freire (Rabobank) took over the lead in the battle for green.
• Freire gets flowers and kisses
• Triple green on the podium
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) on the podium
• Kisses for the polka dot man
• De La Fuente extended his one point lead today
• Thomas Lövkvist (Columbia) is the best youngster
• Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom) was the most aggressive rider of the day.
• ...which also earned him a kiss
• Lefèvre celebrates

Stage 7 - Friday, July 11: Brioude-Aurillac, 158 km

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• The jersey wearers line up on the front row in Brioude.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) rolls out behind leader Kim Kirchen (Columbia).
• Kirchen chews the fat with team-mate and best young rider Thomas Lövkvist.
• Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) has one final look round but is well clear for the win.
• Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) foiled the favourites to win stage seven in Aurillac.
• Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) punches the air with delight after netting his team's second stage win at this Tour.
• The yellow jersey group sprints in for second behind Sánchez.
• Luis León Sánchez dedicated the victory to his brother who died in an accident in 2006.
• Sánchez accepts the kisses as stage winner.
• Exit stage left: today's winner makes his way to the post-race press conference.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) defended his lead on a tough, undulating stage.
• Kirchen kept an eye on all his rivals and finished fourth on the stage.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval - Scott) is the new leader of the mountains competition.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• David Millar (Garmin Chipotle) goes on the attack on the Côte de Fraisse.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) had a special bike for today's stage.
• CSC-Saxo Bank did its utmost to smash the race to pieces after the peloton was broken into two groups.
• Fabian Cancellara and his CSC-Saxo Bank team drive the front group.
• Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) shadowed by Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia).
• Jens Voigt (CSC-Saxo Bank) powers the yellow jersey group.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) has a few words for his team-mate.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) bridged up to the leaders on the final climb.
• He's back! German Didi Senft, otherwise know as the devil, was out to support the riders today.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) on the final climb of Saint-Jean-de-Donne.
• Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) sweeps through a corner on the final descent before Aurillac.
• Closely followed by Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas).
• How about that! Luis León Sánchez broke away on the final climb to take victory.
• Caisse d'Epargne will be a force to be reckoned with once the race hits the mountains.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) takes the sprint for second.
• And has a little look across at the yellow jersey. Small revenge for yesterday perhaps.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) rolls into the finish at the back of the yellow jersey group.
• The face of Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) shows what a hard day it was.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) crashed today and lost around 30 seconds.
• The team congratulate their stage winner.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) is presented with his second yellow jersey.
• Kirchen adds another lion to his collection.
• And some more podium smooches.

Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com

• Warm, sunny conditions greeted the riders in Aurillac for the start of stage seven.
• The promotional girls were smiling as always.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) is riding a retro-style Cannondale Super Six.
• Little and large: Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) is dwarfed by Johan Van Summeren (Silence - Lotto).
• 'Are you talkin' to me?'
• Team Garmin Chipotle leads the teams classification.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) signs a few polka dot jerseys.
• Frenchman David Le Lay (Agritubel) signs autographs for young fans.
• Hubert Dupont (AG2R La Mondiale) gets interviewed by Tour announcer Daniel Mangeas.
• Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) - dreaming of victory at the start?
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) and Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) share a few words at the start.
• Valverde's right leg was still bandaged after his crash on Wednesday.
• Manuel Beltrán (Liquigas) has a laugh. The Spaniard was in an altogether more somber mood later in the day after news broke of his positive test for EPO.
• And they're off! Stage seven of the Tour is go.
• The sprinters wind it up for the first intermediate sprint at Saint-Flour.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) takes the points.
• Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) celebrates his first victory at the Tour.
• Sánchez enjoys the praise from his team.
• And the applause of the crowd.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) continues to walk on water.
• Kirchen is looking at home in the maillot jaune.
• The Luxemburger also holds the green jersey.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval - Scott) took over the polka dot jersey of mountains leader.

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

• Magnus Backstedt (Slipstream Chipotle - H30) comes in totally exhausted and dejected as he didn't make the time cut.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Some want to see racers to go back to all using the same kind of bicycles.
• Message on a bottle
• The start town
• Le Tour fever
• The hexagon
• Départ fictif
• Time trialer
• The caravane pub
• Entertaining the public before the race
• The lion of France
• The caravane pub
• Polka dot car
• Supermarket Champion sponsors the polka dot
• Free ads
• The caravane pub
• The caravane pub
• The caravane pub
• Something for the kids
• Haribo makes kids happy
• Movie theatre ad
• Classic!
• Voeckler fans
• Sponsors enjoying the chance to shine.
• Gas ad
• Free stuff is what the public wants
• The green jersey signed by Kim Kirchen.
• Jonathan Vaughters
• Christian Vande Velde gets interviewed
• The Française des Jeux car
• The Saunier Duval monster truck
• The Saunier bus is gigantic
• My name is Riis – Bjarne Riis
• Fränk Schleck (Team CSC) gives an interview
• Andy Schleck lost some time in the finale on stage 6 put is otherwise in good spirits.

Stage 6 - Thursday, July 10: Aigurande-Super Besse, 195 km

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• Tour director Christian Prudhomme (R) was joined by Prince Albert II of Monaco in the red Skoda today.
• The three Frenchmen working hard in the day's break (l-r): Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis), Freddy Bichot (Agritubel) and Benoît Vaugrenard (Française des Jeux).
• Benoît Vaugrenard (Française des Jeux) drives the all-French breakaway on stage six.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) hammers up the finish.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) beats Valverde and Evans to the line at Super Besse.
• The Italian celebrates his first Tour stage win.
• Riccò brushed off any comparisons to his idol Marco Pantani.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) is the new leader of the Tour de France.
• Kirchen has now held both the green and yellow jerseys at this year's Tour.
• Kirchen will hope to keep the jersey at least until Monday's stage to Hautacam.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The favourites round the final corner all together at 300 metres to go.
• Valverde was heavily bandaged on his right side after yesterday's crash in the feed zone.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) hits the deck after touching wheels with Kim Kirchen.
• Moises Dueñas Nevado (Barloworld) and Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) swerve to avoid the fallen yellow jersey.
• Schumacher's team-mate Bernhard Kohl then falls on top of him.
• The German begins to pick himself up, knowing the jersey is gone.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) was comfortably ahead in the final metres
• And takes the stage with apparent ease from Valverde and Evans.
• Moises Dueñas Nevado (Barloworld) comes in seventh.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was dropped on the climb and lost 32 seconds.
• Riccò receives congratulations from team-mate Leonardo Piepoli.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) spent one day in his regular jersey before exchanging it for yellow.
• The Luxemburger will hope to hold it until the Pyrenees at least.
• The jersey gets a kiss from its new owner.
• As does the souvenir lion!
• Kirchen salutes the crowd at the Super Besse ski station.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• Which way to Besse?
• Under the 15 kilometre banner. The climb begins at Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise with 11 kilometres remaining.
• The road ramps up with 1300 metres remaining.
• The flamme rouge indicates one kilometre to the finish.
• With 500 metres to go the gradient shallows once more.
• Crystal clear skies will greet the riders when they climb up to Super Besse today.
• Gendarmes keep an eye on the final 200 metres.

Images by Isabelle Duchesne/www.photoscycling.com

• The tough finish in Super-Besse was perfect for Riccardo Riccò.
• Evans and Valverde chase after Riccò but couldn't hold his wheel.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval) celebrates after winning stage six to Super Besse.
• Riccardo Riccò takes his first Tour stage win.
• Alejandro Valverde gave it all he could but couldn't match the pace of Ricco' on the final climb.
• Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas) rode well to finish sixth.
• Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi) showed his climbing abilities on Super-Besse.
• Stefan Schumacher's time in yellow ended when he crashed in the final kilometre on Super-Besse.
• David Millar's dreams of yellow ended on the climb to Super-Besse
• The Saunier Duval spare bikes are ready for stage six.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) is interviewed before the start of stage six.
• Haimar Zubeldia (Euskalte-Euskadi) obliges the French fans with autographs.
• Markus Burghardt (Team Columbia) gets ready for more hard work on stage six.
• Nikolas Vogondy, the French champion signs autographs.
• Vladimir Efimkin put in a brilliant attack on the final climb, but couldn't hold the effort.
• Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) and Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) enjoy the sunny start to stage six.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) signs autographs before the stage.
• A kiss for the lion from Kim Kirchen.
• Kim Kirchen takes the spoils of the yellow jersey podium.
• No longer 'Grim Kim', Kirchen couldn't help by smile after getting the yellow jersey.
• Kirchen is savouring his victory in both the GC and points classifications.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) took over the green jersey , but Thor Hushovd will wear it as long as Kirchen is in yellow.
• Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) gained the polka dot jersey after being in the break of the day and taking all of the early climbs.

Stage 5 - Wednesday, July 9: Cholet-Châteauroux, 230 km

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• The break of the day with Lilian Jégou (Française des Jeux) leading Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) and Florent Brard (Cofidis).
• Schumacher checks if he can see the break already.
• Alejandro Valverde had a small crash but seems OK.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) receives treatment from the race doctor after crashing during today's stage.
• The Spaniard sustained abrasions to his right side but finished the stage without losing time.
• The day's breakaway of Florent Brard (Cofidis), Lilian Jegou (Francaise des Jeux) and Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel).
• Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) showing the French champion's colours in the breakaway.
• Vogondy is swallowed up in the final metres as Cavendish bursts through the centre.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) wins the longest stage of the Tour de France in Châteauroux.
• The Manxman edged out Oscar Freire (Rabobank) and Erik Zabel (Milram) for his first Tour stage win.
• A massive result for Team Columbia and even Cavendish himself can't quite believe it.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) celebrates his first Tour stage win and the first by a British rider since David Millar in 2003.
• Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) hit the deck on the fast run-in to the finish.
• Aurelian Passeron (Saunier Duval) collided with a spectator.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Baden Cooke gets aero
• A sprinter's hair cut for Baden Cooke
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre) was all smiles before the start, if not a tad dizzy.
• Bruseghin was in good spirits despite not getting to the front of the time trial this time.
• Bruseghin at the sign-in
• Liquigas tries some local seafood
• Liquigas fills up the musettes
• Schumacher in yellow
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) took over the lead with his time trial win.
• Barloworld is all smiles but that was before Soler crashed again.
• The peloton rides along
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) rolls in
• Mark Cavendish takes his first Tour stage win.
• Cav finished off a great job by Columbia.
• Cavendish won clearly
• Cav takes out the win!
• Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) leads the break.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) waves to the crowd from his first Tour podium appearance.
• Stefan Schumacher adjusts to his first day in yellow.
• Not just for the Dutch the windmill is also a fixture in breezy Northern France.
• Cavendish opened up the sprint early but was able to hold his speed to take the win.
• Fans wave the French flag in support of Nikolas Vogondy, the French champion, who was in the break.
• Mark Cavendish gets his first Tour stage on the Tour's longest stage.
• The Schleck brothers give some room to the riders in the feed zone.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) takes his feed bag on a long, hot day in the saddle.
• Valverde gets a push from Luis Leon Sanchez after crashing.
• Alejandro Valverde's team rallies around its captain after he crashed in the feed zone.
• Credit Agricole takes up the chase to deliver Thor Hushovd to a chance at sprint victory.
• The riders pass through fields of flowers but not the usual sunflowers.
• A fan of Agritubel at full gallop.
• Stefan Schumacher rides in yellow for the first time in his career.
• It was a hot and hazy day for the three men who broke away at kilometre 11.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) relaxes early in the stage.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• A big bike, little guy!
• Fans await the start in Cholet.
• Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme's car
• The car of the Tour director Christian Prudhomme.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) phone's home.
• Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux)
• Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) signs in
• Robbie McEwen (Silence-Lotto) looking forward to a sprint stage.
• Yaroslav Popovych is Cadel Evans' new right hand man.

Stage 4 - Tuesday, July 8: Cholet-Cholet, ITT, 29 km

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• German Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) on his way to a stage victory and a yellow jersey.
• Rabobank team leader Denis Menchov of Russia
• German Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) grimaces in concentration on his way to a win.
• Italian Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) takes a corner.
• Luxembourger Andy Schleck (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) put in a performance good enough for 20th place.
• American George Hincapie (Team Columbia) time trials in stage four.
• Luxembourger Frank Schleck (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) finished 46th for the stage.
• Spaniard Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) in the aero position.
• Italian Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas)
• Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) finished fourth for the stage.
• Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) is in his aerobars as he powers to the line.
• David Millar (Garmin-Chipotle) gives it some gas to the finish line.
• Great Britain's David Millar (Garmin-Chipotle) demonstrates his time trialing prowess.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia Team) makes his final push.
• Columbia team leader Kim Kirchen sprints to the line.
• Frenchman Romain Feillu (Agritubel) started the day in yellow.
• Frenchman Romain Feillu (Agritubel) wasn't able to keep his leader's jersey.
• Silence Lotto team leader Cadel Evans of Australia

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Longo Borghini (Ita) Barloworld had a good ride yesterday but was too tired today.
• David Millar powers along and posted the third fastest time today.
• Kim Kirchen finished second and is now 12 seconds away from yellow.
• Cadel Evans put in a good ride to climb up to fourth on GC.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) had a good ride
• Romain Feillu (Agritubel) enjoyed the day in yellow.
• David Millar (Garmin Chipotle - H30) had hoped for the stage win and or yellow, but a third place is nothing to be ashamed off.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) defended his green jersey and is now within reach o yellow as well.
• Even the handle bar tape was yellow on Feillu's machine.
• Fabian Cancellara (CSC-Saxo Bank) rode powerful as ever put some were stronger today.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) produced a good ride and is lying fourth overall.
• Juan José Cobo (Saunier Duval-Scott) lost more time today in addition to the 38 seconds yesterday.
• Feillu didn't win the stage but may have taken out the prize for most interesting colour
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) during his ride.
• Jimmy Casper (Agritubel) gets aero on a descent.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) did a decent ride.
• Cunego is not a specialist but he managed to end up in 16th, 1'26 back.
• Feillu enjoyed being the last rider on the course today.
• Feillu in the French country side.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) looks good
• Cunego in the French wheat fields
• The Italian can still dream of a good overall performance.
• Schumacher went all out and took every corner at full risk.
• Schumacher wants to keep the yellow jersey as long as possible.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) gave it his all and finished second.
• David Millar close to being done for the day.
• Feillu in the final kilometre.
• Schumacher waves to the crowd and walks off with the lion firmly in his hands.
• A happy stage winner.
• Schumacher in yellow and a "dream come true."
• This jersey is either new or washed with Perwoll.
• Schumi II looks happy in his yellow outfit.
• There go the flowers but I will keep the lion.

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• The Aussie are out to support Evans, McEwen and the other seven.
• Crepes are the bets pre- and post-race food
• If you can't race for the yellow jersey you can at least buy the official T-shirt.
• A sand version of the Tour de France
• Crash of the yellow jersey!
• The mini Tour.
• Garmin's bikes never get lost
• Martyn Maaskant (Garmin Chipotle - H30)
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) warms up
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas)
• Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas)
• Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
• Time trial bikes are Specialized
• Barredo's machine
• Christophe Moreau (Agritubel)
• Yaroslav Popovych (Silence-Lotto)
• Thomas Lövkvist (Columbia)
• The finish
• Prizes await
• McEwen relaxed before the start
• Voigt tired after his all-out effort
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre)
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin Chipotle - H30)
• Vande Velde kept control in the time trial
• Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank)
• Schleck was OK with his ride.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• French legends Bernhard Hinault and Richard Virenque rode the TT course around Cholet.
• George Hincapie (Columbia) piloted his new stealthy looking TT bike to ninth place.
• Race favourite Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) showed that his form is right where it needs to be.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) took a surprise second today and now sits in second overall.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) struggled against the TT specialists and lost 1'34.
• Will Frischkorn (Garmin-Chipotle) started the day third overall but lost four minutes in the TT.
• Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld) slid down the classification after being in the break yesterday.
• Yellow jersey Romain Feillu (Agritubel) really gave it everything but finished well down.
• Feillu slipped to 41st overall after today's time trial.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) maintained his hold on the green jersey.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) enjoyed another day as mountains leader.
• Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) accepts the yellow jersey as Bernhard Hinault looks on.
• The German will hope to keep yellow until Thursday's stage to Super Besse.
• Riccò was faster than expected thanks to some extra EPO.
• Riccò warms up for the time trial.

Stage 3 - Monday, July 7: Saint-Malo-Nantes, 195 km

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• Chris Froome (Barloworld) is the first rider from Kenya to compete at the Tour, although he has recently taken British nationality.
• French champion Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) makes his way to the start beneath threatening skies.
• Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) has been keeping his powder dry to far this Tour.
• The race is neutralised as the peloton rides out of San-Malo along the coast.
• Race leader Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) flanked by mountains leader Thomas Voeckler (Bouyges Telecom) and best young rider Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott).
• GC contenders Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) and Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) ride together out of Saint-Malo.
• Voeckler must have been hoping for a quieter day after two long breakaways in the first two stages.
• The day's four-man break of Romain Feillu (Agritubel), Will Frischkorn (Garmin Chipotle - H30), Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld) and Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis).
• Romain Feillu (Agritubel) drives the break knowing that he would take the yellow jersey if it stayed clear.
• Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) wins stage three of the Tour into Nantes.
• The Frenchman shed tears of joy after claiming his first Tour victory.
• Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) edged out Will Frischkorn (Garmin Chipotle - H30) and Romain Feillu (Agritubel) at the line.
• Dumoulin on the podium after his victory in Nantes.
• Romain Feillu (Agritubel) is the new leader of the Tour de France.
• The Frenchman has a 35-second lead over Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld).

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Caisse train was again impressive but the sprinters' teams didn't do their job this time.
• And the wheat fields waving... as the rain was threatening - this Tour is made for you and me.
• The peloton rides through northwestern France
• Valverde had an easy day and he and his team managed to avoid any crashes.
• The spectators could barely make out Voeckler's polka dot jersey as the peloton approached Nantes at high speeds.
• Spandexed cyclists met traditional clad folks in the picturesque town of Dinan.
• Barloworlders rush through Dinan.
• The break worked well together and managed to foil the sprinters.
• Longo Borghini leads Frischkorn during a sunny section of the race.
• The peloton wasn't in a real hurry to get back to the breakaway.
• Riccò lost his white jersey today but snapped that he is only here for stage wins anyway.
• Valverde smiles during the stage and was not too upset to lose the jersey. Less pressure that way.
• Nobody could stop Feillu's quest for yellow and certainly not a few bonehead protesters.
• Prudhomme tried to calm down the protesters which he eventually did. The peloton passed without delay.
• The protesters tried to interrupt the race.
• Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) takes a well deserved win as he proved the least tired of the four breakaway riders.
• Dumoulin gets his biggest career win to date.
• The day's winner, Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis)
• Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld) fought hard in the break, but had no answers to the attacks some 1500m from the finish.
• Longo Borghini muses about what he could have done differently.
• Longo Borghini with a missed expression of satisfaction that the break stayed away and disappointment that he couldn't win.
• Robbie McEwen out-sprinted birthday boy Erik Zabel and the other fast men, but only for fifth.
• Menchov and Riccò did not look happy when they arrived some 40 seconds after the main group.
• Riccò's face says it all
• Riccò shows the effort.
• Riccò was caught behind in the furious finale and is now wondering if he took a decisive hit in the GC battle.
• Romain Feillu (Agritubel) takes yellow with a superb ride.
• A protester tried to steal the show
• But the Badger quickly showed him who the patron is.
• Feillu celebrates as his last-minute jump on the Tour team proved a good move by the team.
• A lion for the fighting Frenchman
• Feillu puts on yellow which he likes a tad better than the green of Agritubel.
• Feillu is thinking of maybe one day taking the yellow all the way to Paris.
• Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) starts out the Tour in great style.
• He attributed it to the great team he is riding for.
• The wind didn't bother him today but the Monroes had to be a bit careful...

Stage 2 - Sunday, July 6: Auray-Vannes, 165 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) signs an autograph before the start. The Belgian wears green because Valverde already wears yellow.
• It was a rainy day today and an umbrella for spectators and rain jackets for riders was advised.
• The peloton still sees the break in the distance, but soon they vanished out of sight for a while.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) was in the break for a second day running.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) was well protected by his team-mates.
• Valverde gets a push as he removes his long sleeve jersey.
• Thomas Voeckler on the right and Sylvain Chavanel powered away at the first KOM of the day.
• Voeckler consolidated his lead in the polka dot jersey competition.
• The French duo under the threatening skies in the Bretagne.
• Chavanel did an equal amount of work in the break.
• Valverde thanks Belgian Gilbert for carrying the Spaniard's green jersey through northwestern France.
• Gilbert sprinted ahead of the peloton on one intermediate sprint to take third place and two points.
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) holds off Kim Kirchen (Columbia) for the stage victory.
• The big Norwegian let it all hang out and came up with a stage win.
• A delighted Hushovd steps onto the podium.
• The mighty Thor stoops down for his winner's kiss.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) was rewarded for his second place with the green jersey.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) takes another yellow jersey.
• The Spaniard may be hoping to offload the jersey, and take it back in a couple of weeks.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) at the start.
• Riccó signs autographs for the fans in Auray.
• Christophe Moreau and team-mate David Le Lay (Agritubel) rode across to the break after the final climb.
• Here comes Thor Hushovd!
• Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole) takes the uphill sprint into Saint Brieuc.
• Hushovd got the better of two Columbia riders, Kim Kirchen (right) and Gerald Ciolek.
• It was the Norwegian's sixth Tour de France stage victory.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) comes across the line in the front group.
• The Italian's ripped sock indicates a crash during stage two.
• Cunego discusses the stage with reporters.
• The peloton rolls in to the finish in Saint Brieuc.
• A happy Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) had a comfortable day in yellow.
• Valverde still leads by a single second over Kim Kirchen.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) celebrates the green jersey with his wife.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) held onto the best young rider's jersey.
• The young Italian lies eighth overall after two stages.

Images by Xavier Lecointe

• David Le Lay (Agritubel) with his father Gilbert at the finish in Saint Brieuc.

Stage 1 - Saturday, July 5: Brest-Plumelec, 195 km

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Images by AFP Photo

• French marine cadets were part of the ceremonies but took pictures once they had the chance to do so.
• Rémy Di Gregorio (Française des Jeux) signs in for the fans before signing in for the race.
• Erik Zabel (Team Milram) was looking ahead to a beginning of a Tour that leaves him with much better chances for a stage win than a prologue.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Columbia) signs an autograph for a long time cycling fan.
• The fans were excited that the Tour started in their town. There was a tremendous number of people on the side of the road.
• The Tour village before the start of the 95 Tour de France.
• Christian Prudhomme keeps the race neutralised heading out of Brest.
• The peloton passes through a Breton village on its way to Plumelec.
• A few new jerseys but it's still unmistakably the Tour de France.
• Lilian Jegou (Française des Jeux) leads the eight-man break.
• It's curtains for the escapees as the peloton swarms behind them.
• Lilian Jegou (Française des Jeux) was the most aggressive rider today.
• Crédit Agricole drives the chase in the peloton.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) makes his move on the uphill finish into Plumelec.
• Kim Kirchen (Columbia) tries to follow Valverde but has no answer to the Spaniard's strength.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) exploded out of the peloton to take victory in Plumelec.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) fires a warning to his rivals with victory on stage one of the Tour de France.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) accepts the first yellow jersey of the 95th Tour de France.
• Few would have expected the Spaniard to be in yellow after just one stage.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• This is what happens when photographers are allowed into the team bus.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) applies the sun cream (or is it hair product?) in the bus.
• The Saunier Duval - Scott team enjoying the 'privacy' of their team bus.
• David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) in the day's breakaway.
• Lilian Jegou (Française des Jeux) and David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval-Scott) get some TV time for their sponsors.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) rides to the finish after crashing in the final 10 kilometres.
• Alejando Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) has a quick check behind.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) celebrates a fine victory.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) was easily the strongest on the Côte de Cadoudal in Plumelec.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) finished fifth today.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) comes over in 21st.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) finishes a tough stage.
• The winner is congratulated by team-mates after the stage.
• Cunego breathing hard after stepping off his bike.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) examines his wrist after crashing during the stage.
• Valverde said he had achieved his objectives already of winning a stage and wearing yellow.
• Valverde laps up the applause on the podium.
• Valverde dons the first leader's jersey.
• Will he defend it for the entire three weeks?
• It wouldn't be a Tour podium without the customary lion for the winner.
• Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott) took the best young rider's jersey.

Images by Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

• Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Caisse d'Epargne) came prepared with a special edition Pinarello Prince
• Note the fine detail - even the brake calliper has been painted in yellow.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• The peloton in full flight as they chase down the days break away.
• Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Caisse d'Epargne) was the heavy favourite for the stage and delivered as promised.
• The Tour peloton crosses a bridge in Brest.
• All the colours of the Tour.
• The Break included France's favourite son Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) who ended the day in the mountains jersey after a count back.
• Caisse d'Epargne did a lot of work to set up the win for their leader.
• Unfortunately one rider, Hervé Duclos-Lassalle (Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone) , was not able to finish the first stage today after a crash.
• This is what it may look like if you were part of the bunch.
• Valverde was too strong for the rest , but only finished one second ahead of GC favourite, Cadel Evans.
• Valverde in the first yellow jersey of the 2008 Tour de France.
• Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) kept out of trouble today
• David Millar (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30) was also in the lead group at the finish but was unable to cross for the win.

Teams presentation

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Swiss Fabian Cancellara (CSC-Saxo Bank) during the Tour de France teams presentation on Thursday evening.
• USA's George Hincapie (Columbia) waves to the crowd as his team is presented.
• Adam Hansen displays the new Columbia jersey.
• Three-time World Champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank) waves at the teams presentation on Thursday evening.
• Team Rabobank presented.
• Quick Step ready to gun for the sprints with Gert Steegmans.
• German Champion Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) salutes the fans gathered.
• Luxembourg's Andy Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) ready to start the Tour de France.
• Team Silence-Lotto lined up.
• The new Garmin Chipotle kit on display at the Tour de France teams presentation.
• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) hopes to win a bunch sprint in this year's Tour de France.
• Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval) will try to repeat his strong performance of the Giro d'Italia
• Andy and Fränk Schleck (Saxo Bank/CSC)
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) will go for the climber's jersey again this year.
• Valverde and Pereiro share a laugh at the team presentation.
• Bjarne Riis was reinstated as 1996 Tour winner despite his having confessed to EPO use.
• The Schleck brothers, Andy and Fränk are the Saxo Bank/CSC supporters for Carlos Sastre, and also GC threats themselves.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) will take any opportunity to get the yellow jersey, even if it is the first week.
• Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) has already demonstrated he has the kind of style which could win the first stage.
• Bjarne Riis, the Saxo Bank/CSC manager is confident his team will be in the fight for the GC.
• Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas) is his team's hope for the GC.
• A strange spectacle for the team presentations had guys on bikes floating overhead.
• Oscar Pereiro will work for Alejandro Valverde despite being the only Tour winner in this year's peloton.
• Damiano Cunego and Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) represent two ends of the height spectrum in the Tour.
• The Rabobank team will fall in line behind Denis Menchov.

Images by AFP Photo

• Mark Cavendish (Columbia) answers a call before the start of the press conference to present his team's new jersey.

Favourites

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Australia's Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) is the top favourite going into the 2008 Tour de France.
• A focused Damiano Cunego (Lampre) looks to be a serious threat for the overall victory.
• The 'Green Bullet' Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) comes off a successful Dauphiné Libéré and looks on target for Tour success.
• Spain's Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo) is always consistent in the Tour de France.
• Russian Denis Menchov (Rabobank) has a Vuelta a España win under his belt and has just come off the recent Giro d'Italia.
• Hot off the Giro d'Italia, Mark Cavendish (Columbia) will likely nab his first of many Tour de France stage wins.
• Expect to see Colombia's Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) once again fighting for the maillot blanc à pois rouges .