102nd Paris-Tours - HC

France, October 12, 2008

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Images by AFP Photo

Lucas Euser (r) and Tom Veelers were in the four-man break that dominated the day. They were later joined by Dave Zabriskie, too.
The chase was on as the French took a timeout from their chasse.
Erik Zabel in his last major race recalls his career to Christian Prudhomme/
Tom Boonen was hoping for a sprint but his hopes were dashed by a compatriot.
Erik Zabel in 'his' race as he won Paris-Tours three times. He couldn't get a win in his final run, though. Seventh.
A typical Paris-Tours impression as the peloton rides on flat roads.
Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux), 26, wins the 102nd Paris-Tours

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

For his chance at victory Gilbert bridged up to an escape group made of Sébastien Turgot (Bouygues), Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel), Mickaël Delage (Française des Jeux) and Jan Kuyckx (Landbouwkrediet)
Gilbert's teammate Delage led out the sprint for his teammate
The win was Gilbert's first major Classics victory
Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) in his new outfit after winning the Worlds.
Will Ballan encounter the curse of the rainbow jersey?
Ballan rides on as Belgian champ Jürgen Roelandts (Silence-Lotto) looks on.
Ballan all smiles before the start
The Olympic champion Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) before the start together with Alessandro Ballan (Lampre).