75th World Championships - CM

Varese, Italy, September 23-28, 2008

Photography

World Champion Alessandro Ballan arrives home

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Alessandro Ballan celebrates his Worlds victory with daughter Stella and wife Daniela.
• The city of Castelfranco Veneto, northeast Italy, welcomes Ballan home after winning the Worlds.
• World Champion Alessandro Ballan arrives home with a big welcome.
• World Champion Alessandro Ballan, 28, welcomed home with a banner.
• Alessandro Ballan, 28, holds the rainbow jersey of World Champion.
• Alessandro Ballan comes home after winning the World Championships.
• World Champion Alessandro Ballan, 28, outside of his home in Castelfranco Veneto.
• Alessandro Ballan with wife Daniela at home in Castelfranco Veneto.
• World Champion family: Alessandro Ballan with Azzurra, Daniela and Stella, l-r.

Race 6 - September 28: Men's road race - 15 laps, 260.25km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Alessandro Ballan took the solo win to reward the home fans.
• Ballan enjoys the podium in the rainbow jersey.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Luca Paolini before the Worlds at the team hotel.
• Paolo Bettini checks in with Ballerini early in the race.
• Alessandro Ballan celebrates his solo win ahead of a select group.
• Ballan wins after a great attack inside the last three kilometres.

Images by AFP Photo

• The last time Paolo Bettini's wife will give him a pre-race good-luck kiss.
• Bettini started his lap of honour very early in the race.
• Bettini at the sign-in as he was celebrated by the tifosi.
• Bettini rolls to the start.
• Friends forever as Bettini gives Erik Zabel a long hug before the race.
• Bettini and Zabel wish each other good luck for the race.
• The Schleck brothers Fränk (left) and Andy who had some unwanted doping headlines this year.
• Ballan celebrates as he held off the charging chasers.
• Mamma mia – Ballan wins at home!
• Ballan is number one and the top four included three Italians.
• Ballan – a smiling world champion
• Ballan bites into the jersey rather than the medal.
• But then tasted the medal, too as teammate and silver medal Damiano Cunego looks on.
• Ballan is a man with gold
• The podium with (l-r) silver medalist Damiano Cunego winner Alessandro Ballan and bronze rider Matti Breschel
• Damiano Cunego and Alessandro Ballan, Italian teammates, share a podium moment.
• Matti Breschel (Denmark) celebrates third place.
• Alessandro Ballan pedals in front of compatriot Damiano Cunego on their way to going one-two.
• Italian racer Paolo Bettini has a discussion with team manager Franco Ballerini during the World Championship Road Race.
• Spaniard Oscar Fiere during the elite men's road race.
• Bjarne Riis of Team CSC - Saxo Bank speaks at a press conference on Sunday.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Ballan has Nick Nuyens stuck to his wheel as the race heats up
• Damiano Cunego rode superbly on his way to finishing second
• Did you see where my mates went? Bettini and Valverde both check to see where team-mates are
• Paolo Bettini and Alejandro Valverde ride in the safety of the bunch
• Sì, sì, sì, signore! Ballan's brave move paid off with a win
• Yes, you're about to win, Ale. Ballan gets ready to celebrate
• A quick check to see if anyone is on his wheel
• He who dares wins for Alessandro Ballan as he takes the world title ahead of a charging field
• A powerful finish from Ale Ballan resulted in his victory
• We've seen this salute before as Alessandro Ballan reminds us of his win at the Tour of Flanders last year
• Numero Uno for Alessandro Ballan
• Damiano Cunego sprints for second and gets the silver medal ahead of Matti Breschel and countryman Davide Rebellin
• Got it! Damiano Cunego pips Breschel and Rebellin for silver
• Paolo's happy despite not winning a third consecutive world title
• Matteo Tosatto is delighted that his hard work has paid off
• Cunego's smiling on his arm, too with his little anti-doping logo
• Matti Breschel enjoys the moment after finishing third in Varese
• All smiles for the Italian quinella... Wonder how much the Italian bookies were paying for that one?
• A great performance from Matti Breschel was rewarded with a bronze medal
• Damiano Cunego was pleased with his performance to take a podium spot
• The gold one may come soon for Damiano Cunego, as he looks at his silver medal
• OK, party time for Ale Ballan
• Your new world champion, Alessandro Ballan of Italy
• The jersey fits for Alessandro Ballan
• Ballan thanks the crowd for its super support
• The happy podium (l-r): Damiano Cunego, Alessandro Ballan and Matti Breschel
• The national anthem after winning the world championship on home soil is very special
• The tall and short of worlds was no better exemplified than with Ballan and Cunego's podium appearance
• The sweet taste of the world champ's jersey
• 'Say hello to my little friend...' as Ballan celebrates on the podium with Cunego
• Nup, still no chocolate... despite biting to check if there's a treat inside
• The day's break of Oleg Chuzhda (Ukraine), Richard Ochoa (Venezuela) and Christian Poos (Luxembourg) took plenty of time early on
• The obligatory break took off on lap one
• Feed time for the field
• In a race that's 260km long, the feed zone is vital
• Stefan Schumacher works hard at the front of the peloton
• The colour of the worlds is always a highlight of the season
• A scattered Swiss team bides its time in the peloton
• Chuzhda, Ochoa and Poos got their faces on the TV with time in the break
• Bruseghin, Bosisio and Tosatto worked their butts off the whole day, with great results
• Damiano Cunego was watchful and it paid off with a fine second place result
• Spain's Samuel Sánchez rode in support of the team
• Marzio Bruseghin gets down into the hard yakka for the boys in blue
• Paolo Bettini is watched by Alberto Contador and Juan Manuel Garate
• Sylvain Chavanel (France) was one rider who could have provided an upset
• Bruseghin powered his way on the front all day
• Gabriele Bosisio is surrounded by the Dutch team
• Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) was feeling the pinch on the front of the bunch
• Alessandro Ballan (Italy) sets himself up for a big finish
• Marcus Burghardt dwarfs Freire as Austria's Christian Pfannberger sits in front of Tom Boonen
• Andrea Tonti knew what he had to do all day - work
• Alejandro Valverde and Robbie McEwen were certainly two favourites going into the race
• Strongman Stefan Schumacher was a chance in Varese after taking third last year, but didn't feature on the podium this year
• Alberto Contador (Spain) sits on John Gadret's wheel
• Austrian Christian Pfannberger rides ahead of Italy's Davide Rebellin
• Philippe Gilbert, Nick Nuyens and Tom Boonen lead the Belgian charge
• Two of the hottest favourites to take out the title - Paolo Bettini and Oscar Freire - were keeping each other in check
• The stripes still adorn his helmet but Paolo Bettini lost those at day's end as he headed into retirement
• It wasn't to be Tom's day as Boonen finished in 38th
• With a big job ahead of him Alberto Contador is pensive before the start
• Alberto Contador looked cool before the race start
• The Squadra Azzurra waits for the start, in pole position
• The Italians were the overwhelming favourites on their home turf
• Big Andre Greipel leads the peloton
• Matteo Tosatto was strong all day and was vital to Italy's win
• Paolo Bettini realises that he is about to begin his last worlds
• 'Paolo, you old devil, you...' Veterans Erik Zabel and Bettini share a moment before the start
• The home boys line up on the podium before the start. Two of them would return later in the day
• Luxembourg's Frank Schleck waits for the start in Varese
• Brothers at worlds. Frank (l) and Andy Schleck wait for the start
• 'OK boys, here's the plan...' Oscar Freire speaks with the superstar Spanish team before the start
• Oscar Freire looked relaxed despite his status as one of the men to watch
• And Varese is GO! The men's race gets underway
• Italy's Gabriele Bosisio was another workhorse for his country
• Davide Rebellin was another Italian up for the title
• Luxembourg's Frank Schleck has been in the headlines in the last couple of days
• Italy's Marzio Bruseghin looks comfortable cornering
• The old stager, Erik Zabel, was making yet another worlds appearance
• Paolo Bettini was looking good in his last world championships appearance
• New Olympic champion Sammy Sánchez rode attentively for his team-mates
• 'I might as well take one too...' As the field makes a nature stop
• The team that pees together, stays together as demonstrated by Frenchmen Sandy Casar, John Gadret and Christophe Le Mevel
• Ballan bides his time in the peloton
• Andrea Tonti lets the tifosi know that the squadra azzurra has taken three world title in three years
• This one's for you, guys... Alessandro Ballan celebrates in front of the tifosi
• Vai vai vai, Ale! Ballan comes in to the adoring crowd's cheers
• The Spaniards kept a keen eye on the Italians, but it didn't work out in their favour
• Nick Nuyens looks after Tom Boonen and his face reflects the hard work he's doing
• And the crowd goes wild! Alessandro Ballan produces the result Italian cycling fans were hoping for
• The happiest face in Varese belonged to Alessandro Ballan
• The post-race scrum took on more significance considering the hometown victory
• Rebellin and Ballan are mobbed after the finish
• Cunego surveys the crowd to see the national pride among his countrymen
• New world champion Alessandro Ballan is delighted with his win
• It starts to sink in for world champion Alessandro Ballan
• Pat McQuaid had to be happy with the results of the weekend in Italy, both political and sporting
• More smiles as Ballan gets the flowers
• 'Maybe I could get one of those' hopes Damiano Cunego on the podium

Race 5 - September 27: Women's road race - 8 laps, 138.80km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mariya Slokotovich (Kazakhstan) was the first crash victim of the day, not long after the start.
• The Italians were in row one and the centre of attention. The home team was desperate to win today.
• The pace was furious right from the start. This is lap one...
• The peloton rolls by in the streets of Varese.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) wins the World Championships, shortly after becoming Olympic champion.
• Cooke had the strongest sprint after a long day in the saddle.
• A smiling Cooke ended her season amazingly strong
• Cooke in the rainbow jersey that she will get to wear next year.
• Cooke with the flowers on the podium.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) crowned her successful season with a great win in Varese.

Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Cooke prevailed in the sprint over Dutchwoman Marianne Vos and German Judith Arndt.
• Cooke in the limelight once again.
• The podium from left to right with silver medalist Marianne Vos, winner Nicole Cooke and bronze Judith Arndt.
• Cooke was visibly delighted with her win today.
• A proud Cooke shows off her medal

Images by CJ Farquharson/WomensCycling.net

• The 'home' team line up before the start. The Italians were ready for their World Championships.
• The South African team bikes were stacked whilst they were presented on the stage.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) before the start Looking relaxed.
• Armstrong (USA) and Egyed (Aus) at the front of the break on the main climb.
• The bunch in pursuit of the break, early in the race.
• Nikki Egyed (Aus) leads Grace Verbeke (Bel) in the break group.
• Mid-distance and Armstrong is still driving the break on the climb .
• Nikki Egyed (Aus) goes for a solo attack with 1 lap to go .
• Team GB line up before the start .
• Fabiana Luperini (right) and the Italian team lead the race out of the stadium.
• Lap 2 and already the break has formed and is being led by Kristin Armstrong.
• Monica Baccaille (Italy) in the middle of the break .
• Newly crowned World TT Champion, Amber Neben (USA) sits in the bunch on the climb.
• The bunch lines out on the climb .
• Egyed and Verbeke in the break with 3 laps to go.
• Sharon Laws (GBr) on the climb .
• Varese local, Noemi Cantele (Italy) was a hopeful for the title.
• Among the riders retiring from the peloton after this road race was multi-times Japanese RR Champion, Miho Oki.
• The break enters the stadium, with just over 2 laps to go.
• Angela Hennig (Ger) polices the front of the bunch with 2 laps to go..
• Charlotte Becker (Ger) leads the chase after Nikki Egyed (Aus) with one lap to go.
• The sprint is on. Vos (centre) leads Cooke (left) and Arndt (right) with about 100m to go.
• Just before the line, Marianne Vos (Ned) realises that its over Nicole Cooke (GBr) is still accelerating and will take the title.
• Nicole Cooke (GBr) wins the World RR Championship, 2008 A title which she has chased for many years.
• A happy champion, Nicole Cooke (GBr) in the rainbow jersey .
• Nicole Cooke (GBr) shows off her jersey to the crowds after being crowned World RR Champion, 2008.
• The medal winners: Marianne Vos (Ned), Nicole Cooke (GBr) and Judith Arndt (Ger).

Images by Davide Tricarico/ladiescycling.net

• Rochelle Gilmore (Australia) and her teammates warming up in the team box.
• Linda Villumsen (Denmark) gets a massage before the big race.
• the return of Zinaida Stahurskaya (Belarus) in the box with Hanna Talkanitsa (Belarus) and Alena Sitsko (Belarus).
• Ukrainian captain, Alona Andruk.
• Mariya Slokotovich alone in her thoughts as the one and only rider for Kazakhstan.
• Noemi Cantele (Italy) l'enfant du pays.
• Diana Ziliute (Lithuania) expalin the tactics about the race... "a tutta!!!!" (fire and flames).
• The captain of the Russian team Julia Martisova.
• A look of one of the riders who will make the race hard; Laura Lorenza Morfin Macouzet (Mexico).
• The fugitives on the hill of Ronchi: Kristin Armstrong (USA) Luise Keller; Charlotte Becker, Angela Brodtka (all Germany); Diana Ziliute and Jolanta Polikeviciute (both Lithuania); Grace Verbeke (Belgium); Maryline Salvetat (France); Lizzie Armitstead (Great Britain); Nikki Egyed (Australia); Monia Baccaille (Italy); Anna Sanchis Chafer (Spain) and Laura Lorenza Morfin Macouzet (Mexico)..
• The chase group lead by Erinne Willock (Canada).
• the early escape was away for a lot of the race.
• the podium (l-r) Marianne Vos (Netherlands), Nicole Cooke (Great Britain), Judith Arndt (Germany) 3rd for the second time in 3 days.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) kisses the gold.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• The Italian team gets introduced
• The Italians are coming to town
• Noemi Cantele was all smiles before the start, but she was unable to bridge to the winning group late in the race.
• Pat McQuaid and Giro organiser Angelo Zomegnan
• The US team waits to get onto the podium before the race, but they were unable to get a spot on it afterwards.
• South Africa looked ready to tackle the 130+ kilometres.
• Brazil's four-women team before the start
• The Brazilian team didn't count amongst the favourites
• The team from Venezuela
• Before the start
• The Italians had the the hometown pressure to deliver a good result.
• The Dutch team
• The lead group with Kristin Armstrong that was ahead for most of the race.
• The bunch was chasing the leaders past the Spanish fans.
• Armstrong was hyper-active and had also initiated the move.
• The Belgian fans watch on
• The scenic course in Varese
• The bunch was surprised by the early attack that included several good riders.
• The Italians were stuck behind and had to scramble to get back into the race.
• Cooke takes the win ahead of Vos
• The flying Cooke and the sky is the limit.
• Cooke's win comes after taking the Olympic gold in August.
• Lithuanian Diana Ziliute takes the sprint of the chasers. It is Ziliute's final year in the pro circuit.
• Arndt on the podium and probably slightly disappointed that after so many wins this season she couldn't get first today.
• Vos was happy with silver
• Cooke was extremely happy with her second coupe in a month.
• A joyous Cooke on the podium
• Cooke waves the flowers
• The podium with Vos, Cooke and Arndt (l-r)
• Arndt proudly shows her bronze
• The rainbow Cooke shows the gold
• The gold is blinking alright
• Vos and her silver medal
• Cooke wasn't ready to actually bite into her gold.
• Cooke cooked the others in the sprint
• Nicole Cooke wins gold
• Cooke storms by the beaten German team.
• Celebrating at the finish
• Cooke was super-happy to have beaten the others.
• The podium from left to right with Vos, Cooke and Arndt.
• Cooke was visibly happy under the Varese skies
• Cooke shows gold
• Paolo Bettini one day before the road race at the press conference.
• A smiling Bettini arrived at the press centre.
• Bettini gets ready to announce his retirement.
• Bettini retires with the memory of very good results.
• Pat McQuaid at the press conference at the women's race
• McQuaid at the women's press conf

Images by AFP Photo

• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) sits on the wheel of Vos, patiently waiting for her time to strike.
• Judith Arndt (Germany) puts in a strong attack on the final lap.
• Marianne Vos (Netherlands) tried to make the early move rather than rely on her sprint, and her gamble did not pay off.
• Nicole Cooke makes her lunge for the line and beats Marianne Vos (Netherlands) for the title.
• Nicole Cooke immediately understands the importance of what she's done.
• Olympic champion, now world champion Nicole Cooke turned a quiet season into a huge year.
• Nicole Cooke lets out a scream of delight after taking the win in the women's race.
• Cooke grabs a Welsh flag after winning the world championships.
• Nicole Cooke (Great Britain) with her second gold medal - the first came in the Olympics in August.

Race 4 - September 26: Under 23 men's road race - 10 laps, 173.35km

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Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• The U23 men's podium: Simone Ponzi (Italy), Fabio Duarte (Colombia) and John Degenkolb (Germany)
• Fabio Andres Duarte (Colombia) won the sprint, much to the frustration of Italian Simone Ponzi.
• Fabio Andres Duarte (Colombia) wears the rainbow bands of U23 world champion.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The small group sprint went to Colombia's Fabio Duarte over Italian Simone Ponzi. Germany's John Degenkolb was happy to beat Britain's Ben Swift for third.
• The thrill of victory for Fabio Duarte (Colombia) and the agony of defeat for Simone Ponzi (Italy)
• Fabio Duarte gets a taste of success at the world level.
• Fabio Andres Duarte (Colombia) takes home his country's first world championship since Santiago Botero won the time trial in 2002.
• Simone Ponzi (Italy) with the silver medal.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Duarte comes to the line with a big advantage ahead of Italian Simone Ponzi.
• He's got it!
• Fabio Duarte (Colombia) takes his country's first road race win.
• This is the first time the anthem of Colombia has been played at the end of a world championship road race.
• Fabio Duarte (Colombia) shows off his medal.
• The Italian team lines up for the start of the espoirs road race.
• The Swedes ready to race.
• The Brazilian team all smiles before the start.
• The team from Algeria.
• The Polish squad is presented to the crowd.
• The Malaysian team is ready to rumble.
• The team from Iran.
• The Serbian team.
• The team from the Netherlands.
• The Colombian team poses.
• The Australian team.
• The two men from Ecuador.
• The U23 men's peloton rolls out on a beautiful day in Italy.
• An attack from Italy.
• The early attack did not make it.
• The action was hot from the first lap.
• The Belgians take up the chase.
• The peloton did not want to chase.
• Riders on the climb.
• The early attack did not make it.
• Two Italians, two Germans and winner Fabio Duarte of Colombia made the early break.
• The feed zone was a busy place.
• Fabio Duarte (Colombia) raises his arms in victory.
• Fabio Duarte (Colombia) gives a shout after winning the sprint.

Race 3 - September 25: Men's time trial, 43.70km

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Images by Hedwig Kröner/Cyclingnews.com

• The Start/finish of the road race is all ready for the long weekend
• The rather un-spectacular start ramp for today's TT.
• Stijn Devolder warming up and he is the big favourite for the Belgian journos...
• Ivan Gutierrez warming up and he is the big favourite for the Belgian journos...
• Dan Craven from Namibia taking up speed right after leaving the start ramp.
• Gabriel Pop of Rumania
• Dan Craven (Namibia) hopes to get a professional contract.
• Michael Rogers (Australia) has won three time trial world titles, but could not add a fourth.

Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Bert Grabsch produced a powerful ride and won by a wide margin.
• Grabsch celebrated his win while they were still trying to fit him in his jersey.
• Svein Tuft (l, silver) and David Zabriskie (r) look on as Bert Grabsch is overjoyed.
• Grabsch shows off his medal
• Sylvain Chavanel (France) was never quite in contention for the medals.
• Stijn Devolder (Belgium) came in sixth, 1'15" down on Grabsch.
• Adam Hansen (Australia) was a distant 34th.
• Gustav Erik Larsson, the Swedish Olympic medalist came in fifth.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) was off the podium in fourth.
• Italian champion Marco Pinotti was off the pace in 13th.
• Michael Rogers (Australia) had a slow start to the season due to illness, and finished 12th in the race he won three times.
• Svein Tuft (Canada) surprised most people by taking silver, even after a mechanical forced him to switch bikes.
• Svein Tuft (Canada) powers to the silver medal.
• David Zabriskie (USA) suffers his way to the bronze.
• David Zabriskie (USA) looking quite clean cut and wholesome after ditching his previous grizzly man appearance.

Images by AFP Photo

• Bert Grabsch (Germany) is exhilarated to win the world championships.
• Bert Grabsch (Germany) reacts to his moment on the podium as world champion.
• The men's time trial podium: Svein Tuft (Canada, silver), Bert Grabsch (Germany, gold) and David Zabriskie (USA, bronze).
• Tuft, Grabsch and Zabriskie show the medals off.
• Bert Grabsch in the traditional pose for the photographers.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Svein Tuft (l, silver), Bert Grabsch (c, gold) and David Zabriskie (r) made for one happy podium.
• Bert Grabsch (Germany) displays a tight, aerodynamic position in the time trial.
• Grabsch trailed at most of the intermediate checks. But he had enough left to take the lead in the final kilometres.
• Bert Grabsch measured his efforts perfectly to win the men's time trial by 42 seconds over Svein Tuft.
• Bert Grabsch celebrates his new jersey.
• Bert Grabsch takes Germany's first time trial gold since Jan Ullrich in 2001.
• It's a beautiful feeling…

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• David Zabriskie (USA) seemed content with third.
• Svein Tuft (Canada) happy with the silver and a new contract for 2009 with Garmin.
• Lars Bak (Denmark)
• Stijn Devolder (Belgium) couldn't crack the medals.
• Svein Tuft (Canada) on his way to the silver.
• Vladimir Gusev (Russia) was allowed to ride despite being dismissed by Astana for 'irregular blood values'.
• Marco Pinotti (Italy)
• Sylvain Chavanel (France)
• David Zabriskie (USA) shows the intensity of the effort required to medal.
• Mikhail Ignatiev (Russia) has had a long season, and finished down in 26th.
• David Millar (Great Britain) finished ninth.
• David Millar (Great Britain) heads off for his ride.
• Stef Clement (Netherlands) was tired from the Vuelta and could not repeat last year's stellar performance.
• Michael Rogers (Australia) hadn't quite reached top form after an early season illness.
• Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden) took fifth.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) grits his teeth on his way to fourth.
• Serhiy Honchar (Ukraine) is back in action at the time trial, finishing 15th.
• Janez Brajkovic (Slovenia) shook off curiosity about his anonymous season with a strong eighth.
• Raivis Belohvosciks (Latvia)
• Manuel Quinziato (Italy) finished just behind his compatriot in 14th.
• Benoît Joachim (Luxembourg)
• Vasili Kiryienka (Belarus)
• Stephen Cummings (Great Britain) worked hard for 25th.
• José Ivan Gutierrez (Spain) rode to a relatively disappointing 16th.
• The scene at the start is one of controlled chaos.
• Stephen Cummings (Great Britain)
• José Ivan Gutierrez (Spain)
• Franco Ballerini gives Marco Pinotti advice before the time trial.
• Marco Pinotti (Italy) takes his bike onto the start ramp.
• Levi Leipheimer (USA) stays warm before setting out for his time trial.
• Gustav Erik Larsson (Sweden) still sports his hand-made visor.
• Bart Grabsch (Germany) collapsed after his gold medal ride.

Race 2 - September 24: Women's time trial, 25.15km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Christiane Soeder of Austria during her strong ride which left her only seven seconds off the gold medal.
• Soeder looked fast out on the course and she certainly was.
• Soeder did well on the early climb and then never gave up her advantage over the others, except for Neben.
• Amber Neben got down real aero in the flat sections.
• Judith Arndt gave it all in Italy and crowned her great season with a third place finish.
• Soeder rode strongly on the Italian roads.
• Soeder in full concentration out on the road.
• Amber Neben produced a strong ride and made sure the US team got a gold medal once again.
• The podium with (l-r) Soeder (silver), Neben n(gold) and Arndt (bronze).
• Flowers for the podium riders
• Soeder was visibly happy with her second place.
• Soeder celebrates on the podium
• Neben shows her gold medal and wears the rainbow jersey.
• A happy Soeder.
• Christiane Soeder celebrates her silver medal like she won the race.
• Soeder smiles in the Italian sun

Images by AFP Photo

• Amber Neben (USA) stayed "on the gas" the whole time on her way to victory.
• Amber Neben (USA) in her new rainbow striped jersey.
• Neben got a bit emotional which is not surprising considering the tense wait she had before learning she'd won.
• The women's time trial podium: Christiane Soeder of Austria (silver), American Amber Neben (gold) and Judith Arndt of Germany (bronze).
• Amber Neben smiles after winning the gold medal in the time trial.
• Judith Arndt (Germany) was pleased with bronze in the time trial as she was more prepared for the road race.
• Amber Neben (USA) set the best time but had to wait for 13 more riders to finish before knowing that she'd won.
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) moved up from bronze last year to the silver in Varese.

Images by CJ Farquharson/WomensCycling.net

• Anne Samplonious (Canada) concentrates as she goes through the corner
• Tatiana Antoshina (Russia) takes the corner carefully
• Diana Ziliute (Lithuania) is riding her last World Championships, she will retire in 2008
• Emma Johansson (Sweden) was fourteenth on the time trial
• Charlotte Becker (Germany) finished ninth
• Amber Neben (USA) on the way to gold
• Judith Arndt (Germany) took home the bronze medal
• Linda Villumsen (Denmark) finished in tenth place
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) corners on her way to eighth place
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (France) came thirteenth, 1 minute 20 down on Neben
• Suzanne Ljungskog (Sweden) performed well, with seventh place
• Karin Thurig (Switzerland) was sixth overall
• Christine Thorburn (USA) finished twelfth
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) was seven seconds behind Neben to take silver
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) , Olympic TT Champion, was fifth
• Neben watches the 'Stars and Stripes' hoisted above the podium with tears in her eyes
• The medallists - Soeder, Neben and Arndt salute the crowd in Varese

Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Hanna Talkanitsa (Belarus) is just 21 years old.
• Grete Treier (Estonia) speeds along the newly paved Italian roads.
• Ellen Van Dijk (Netherlands)
• Vicki Whitelaw (Australia) was Australia's top finisher in 16th.
• Diana Ziliute (Lithuania) finished 15th.
• Anna Zugno (Italy)
• Tatiana Antoshina (Russian Federation) surprised everyone by taking fourth.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) with her special Olympic champion's time trial helmet.
• Judith Arndt (Germany) on her way to the bronze medal.
• Elena Berlato (Italy)
• Julie Beveridge (Canada) is a blur with speed.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (France) will turn 50 this Halloween, and still rode into 13th place.
• Amber Neben (USA) paced herself well on the challenging course.
• Neben comes down the finishing straight with the new best time.
• Neben tries to contain her emotions during the US anthem.
• Amber Neben (USA) stands tall on the women's time trial podium.
• Amber Neben (USA) with the winner's bouquet.
• Does this look like a happy person? Amber Neben is thrilled to show off her new medal.
• Amber Neben (USA) waves from the podium.
• A thick layer of new tarmac under the wheels of Amber Neben.
• Bridie O'Donnell (Australia)
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) finished 8th.
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) came close to the win, just seven seconds shy.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Anna Zugno (Italy)
• Elena Berlato (Italy)
• Judith Arndt (Germany) shows her time trial form is still good after a long season.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (France) looking swift on her way to 13th.
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) rides her Cervelo to silver.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) was busy after winning the Olympic gold, and didn't show the freshness required to win in Varese.
• Judith Arndt (Germany) has had a great season, and took the overall World Cup win.
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) seemed happy to take silver.
• Neben has worked her entire career for this moment.
• Neben gets a bit misty after taking home the rainbow jersey.
• Amber Neben (USA)
• The women's TT podium
• Neben shows her gold medal to the crowd.
• Neben is sure to allow a good view of her medal to those on the side of the stage.
• Suzanne Ljungskog (Sweden)
• Karin Thurig (Switzerland) finished sixth.
• Elena Berlato (Italy) gets her headband in place.
• The Italians warm up.
• The first rider off was Kathryn Bertine (St. Kitts and Nevis)
• It's important to stay hydrated.
• Mayuko Hagiwara (Japan)
• It's important to pay attention to detail like matching nail polish.
• Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (France) takes a big drink before heading out for her race.
• Armstrong ties up her hair sure to make every aerodynamic advantage.
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) waits her turn for the start.
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) gets set to ride.
• Amber Neben (USA) is ready to go on her winning ride.
• Christiane Soeder (Austria) finishes in second.
• Soeder, Neben and Arndt make up the women's TT podium.
• The women's podium.

Images by Davide Tricarico/LadiesCycling.net

• The Caribbean flavour was provided by Kathryn Bertine, from the island of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Judith Arndt (Germany) sets off on her run
• Linda Villumsen (Denmark) looks relaxed before her run
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) went into the TT as one of the names to watch
• The evergreeen Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli (France) finished in 13th place, a great effort
• Austria's Christiane Soeder earned herself a silver medal
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) was the defending champion
• Amber Neben (USA) was the surprise victor at day's end
• Judith Arndt (Germany) took a very strong position on the bike
• Emma Pooley (Great Britain) gets very low coming into the finish
• Kristin Armstrong (USA) couldn't repeat her heroics from the Olympics
• Amber Neben (USA) was emotional on the podium
• Another American will wear the world champion's jersey
• The podium (l-r): Christiane Soeder (Austria), Amber Neben (USA), Judith Arndt (Germany)
• The girls on podium look a pretty satisfied lot
• Amber Neben (USA) with the obligatory gold medal pose

Race 1 - September 23: Under 23 men's time trial, 33.55km

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• Adriano Malori (Italy) during his strong ride
• Adriano Malori wins the first gold for Italy and gets a rainbow jersey.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) enjoys some podium time.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) tries on his new jersey for size.
• Adriano Malori at the awards ceremony
• Stefano Borchi (Italy) finished fifth.
• Russell Hampton (Great Britain)
• U23 Men's time trial podium
• Arturo Mora Ortiz (Spain)
• David Veilleux (Canada) time trialling his way to 20th.
• Eric Boily (Canada) finished 39th.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Stefano Borchi (Italy) could only manage fifth place.
• A focused Adriano Malori (Italy) prepares for his ride.
• Italy's team director was keeping Adriano Malori (Italy) informed on his progress throughout the event.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) put in a strong ride.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) grits his teeth as he pushes harder over the course.
• Home support: Adriano Malori (Italy) enjoyed the cheers of a home audience as he crossed the line.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) rolls out from the start house.
• Stefano Borchi (Italy) zooms toward the finish line.
• Italian Adriano Malori laid it all down on the course.
• Cameron Meyer (Australia) posted an impressive time to take bronze in just his third time trial.
• Patrick Gretsch (Germany) was 49 seconds off the pace, but managed to take silver.
• Fast finisher: Patrick Gretsch (Germany) charges towards the finish line.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) zooms past in a blur.
• Winner, winner, chicken dinner: Adriano Malori (Italy) is led towards the podium.
• Golden thumb: Adriano Malori (Italy) claimed his first Under 23 UCI World Road Championship.
• Adriano Malori (Italy) celebrates as fans swamp the rider.
• Baby-faced Adriano Malori sheds a tear as he enjoys his moment on home soil.
• Adriano Malori was happy to meet this young lady, who was holding his new World Champion rainbow jersey.
• 'I could get used to this': Adriano Malori (Italy) pulls on that winning jersey.
• Gold at the end of the rainbow Adriano Malori (Italy) looks pleased in his new kit.
• We're pretty sure none of them were actually podium finishes in the men's Under 23 World Road Championship...but they looked happy to be on the podium anyway.
• Adriano Malori belts out his national anthem on home soil.
• Adriano power: Adriano Malori (Italy) salutes the fans.
• Just a few years ago Adriano Malori's (Italy) gold coins came with a chocolate centre...he best be careful to not bite too hard into this one.
• Can't hardly believe it: Adriano Malori (Italy) takes a moment to get his head around what's going on.
• An emotional Adriano Malori (Italy) gives thanks for his win.
• Podium (L-R): Patrick Gretsch (Germany), Adriano Malori (Italy) and Cameron Meyer (Australia).
• Podium (L-R): Patrick Gretsch (Germany), Adriano Malori (Italy) and Cameron Meyer (Australia).
• The taste of success: Adriano Malori (Italy) gets a taste for gold.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Gabriele Sola called the right shots
• Waiting for the start
• Adriano Malori (Italy) gets ready for his ride
• Malori in the start house
• Adriano Malori (Italy) during his ride.
• Malori out on the course
• Malori gives the thumbs up as he already knew his ride was good.
• Patrick Gretsch finished second despite a crash three kilometres from the finish.
• Cameron Meyer won bronze for Australia.
• Cameron Meyer was happy with bronze
• The new world champion Adriano Malori (Italy).
• Malori with tears of joy
• A happy Malori celebrates hometown gold
• The podium (l-r) with Gretsch, Malori and Meyer.
• Tears of joy for the Italian.
• The podium with silver Gretsch on the left and the winner Malori in the centre, as well as Meyer in third.
• A smiling rainbow winner
• Malori celebrates with flowers
• The winner's press conference with Malori.
• Malori and Vittorio Adorni

Squadra azzurra train

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Paolo Bettini gets ready to roll by putting on his world and Olympic champion hat.
• Andrea Tonti was all smiles ahead of the ride.
• Luca Paolini rides back from the training ride with his Italian team-mates.
• Ready to roll: The squadra azzurra get set to train in Varese, Italy.
• Wait for me: Paolo Bettini catches up to his team-mates before they leave.
• Damiano Cunego leads the Italian squad during a training ride.
• Franco Ballerini has a chat with Luca Paolini prior to the training ride.
• Paolo Bettini holding onto the team car, it's like the Olympic Games road race all over again!
• I will win again! Paolo Bettini is determined to take another World Championship title, this time on home soil.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli readies to ride with his team-mates.
• Alessandro Ballan is another of the strong riders in Italy's roster.
• Franco Ballerini knows he has a strong team.