92nd Giro d'Italia - GT

Italy, May 9-31, 2009

Photography

Stage 21 - Sunday, May 31: Roma (ITT), 15.5km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) pulled out all the stops in his attempt to unseat Denis Menchov as Giro champion.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is a picture of concentration during his time trial.
• Disaster! Denis Menchov hits the deck inside of the final kilometre of the concluding time trial.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rushes back to his time trial bike after crashing on the slick streets.
• Denis Menchov prepares to remount his time trial bike after crashing on the slippery streets.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) celebrates his overall victory at the Giro d'Italia.
• The final Giro d'Italia podium. (L-R) Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes), Denis Menchov (Rabobank) and Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas).
• Rome provides a stunning backdrop to the Giro's final stage.
• Lithuanian time trial champion Ignatas Konovalovas en route to winning the Giro's final stage in Rome.
• Stage winner Ignatas Konovalovas (Cervelo Test Team) on the podium.
• There's no doubt that Menchov is ecstatic with his Giro d'Italia victory.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) atop a Grand Tour podium for the first time in his career.
• Giro rivals Danilo Di Luca and Denis Menchov embrace on the final podium.
• Maglia rosa Denis Menchov on the podium while the Russian national anthem plays.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) beams with delight having won his first Giro d'Italia.
• Giro winner Denis Menchov (Rabobank) revels in his victory on the podium in Rome.
• With the Colosseum in the background the top three of the Giro d'Italia Danilo Di Luca, Denis Menchov and Franco Pellizotti (L-R) wave to the crowd.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) makes his way through the steets of Rome.
• The top three on general classification Danilo Di Luca, Denis Menchov and Franco Pellizotti (L-R) on the podium in Rome.
• Di Luca, Menchov and Pellizotti (L-R) wave to the tifosi in Rome.
• Maglia rosa Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in action during the Giro's final stage in Rome.
• Riders early in the day were able to take advantage of dry streets.
• Mountains classification winner Stefano Garzelli time trials past the Colosseum.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) passes the Colosseum on his way to a 27th place finish.
• A Quick Step rider negotiates a left-hand turn in the Giro's final time trial.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) raises the winner's trophy.

Images by AFP Photo

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is overcome with emotion after the final stage, having won the Giro d'Italia despite crashing in the time trial.
• Denis Menchov crosses the finish line of the final stage of the Giro d'Italia.
• Denis Menchov unleashes his emotions at the finish line after surviving a last-kilometre crash in the time trial to win his first Giro d'Italia.

Stage 20 - Saturday, May 30: Napoli - Anagni, 203km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) won the 20th stage of the Giro in Anagni.
• Hector Gonzalez (Fuji - Servetto) is very likely the most flexible man in the pro peloton.
• Stage 20 is about to begin in Napoli.
• Race leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) speaks with Oleg Tinkov at the start of stage 20.
• Stage 20 started on the Napoli waterfront.
• The riders gather on the start line in Napoli.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) salutes the crowd at the start in Napoli.
• Philippe Gilbert (Silence - Lotto) celebrates his stage win in Anagni.
• Menchov, Petacchi and Di Luca sprint for crucial bonus seconds at stage 20's T.V. sprint in Frosinone.
• The peloton surely must have been tempted to stop and sample Napoli's pizza.
• Marco Pinotti (Team Columbia - Highroad) and Bartosz Huzarski (ISD) were part of a four-man break in the closing kilometres of stage 20.
• A break goes clear late in the stage containing Paulo Tiralongo (Lampre), Bartosz Huzarski (ISD) and Anthony Charteau (Caisse d'Epargne).
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) keeps close to second place overall Danilo Di Luca, who trails by only 18 seconds.
• Thomas Voeckler (BBox Bouygues Telecom) had to settle for second place behind Gilbert.
• Victory for Philippe Gilbert.
• Mountains classification leader Stefano Garzelli after stage 20, in which he finished third.
• The riders take it easy in the streets of Napoli.
• Philippe Gilbert celebrates his victory, only the second for Silence-Lotto in 2009.
• Denis Menchov and Danilo Di Luca finish together in stage 20.
• Félix Cardenas (Barloworld) takes his turn at the front of a break.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes) performs domestique duties for his teammates.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) celebrates another day in the leader's jersey.
• It's lunch time for race leader Denis Menchov.
• Another beautiful day at the Giro d'Italia.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo) wins the sprint for third place ahead of Allan Davis (Quick Step) and Sébastien Hinault (AG2R La Mondiale).
• Stage winner Philippe Gilbert makes sure everyone nearby shares in the bubbly.
• The peloton en route to Anagni.
• Maglia rosa Denis Menchov is one day away from claiming his first Giro d'Italia victory.
• Philippe Gilbert (Silence - Lotto) on the podium.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes) is back at the team car collecting water bottles for his teammates.
• Sylvester Szmyd (Liquigas) in action during stage 20.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Philippe Gilbert (Silence - Lotto) looks over his shoulder one last time to check the position of second place finisher Thomas Voeckler.
• Philippe Gilbert (Silence - Lotto) won his first race of the year at today's Giro stage.
• Philippe Gilbert (Silence - Lotto) on the podium for winning the Giro's 20th stage.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) and Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) chat during stage 20.
• Allan Davis (Quick Step) leads Danilo Di Luca and Denis Menchov.
• The jersey holders at the start of stage 20. (L-R) Kevin Seeldraeyers, best young rider; Stefano Garzelli, mountains classification leader; Denis Menchov, overall leader; and Danilo Di Luca, points leader.
• Ben Swift (Team Katusha) was part of the early eight-man break.
• ISD leads the chase of the early break.
• Race leader Denis Menchov is showered with confetti on the podium.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) leads the points classification.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo) leads the mountains classification.
• Kevin Seeldraeyers (Quick Step) leads the young rider classification.

Stage 19 - Friday, May 29: Avellino - Vesuvio, 164km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) on his way to winning stage 19 up Mount Vesuvius.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) and Denis Menchov (Rabobank) mark each other on the final climb.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) climbs to the finish.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) wins stage 19 with a strong final climb up Vesuvius.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) wins stage 19, showing fine form for the upcoming Tour de France.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone)
• Riders crest the top of the final climb on Stage 19.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the podium.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) zips up his pink jersey.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) leads Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) shows what it feels like to chase Danilo Di Luca up Vesuvius.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Testteam) on the podium.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Testteam) opens the champagne.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Testteam) blows kisses as he has plenty of time to celebrate his solo win.
• The peloton rounds a bend.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre - NGC) gets some encouragement.
• A group rides on stage three.
• Kevin Seeldrayers (Quick Step) after the finish.
• Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) after stage 19.
• Ignatas Konovalovas (Cervelo Testteam)
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) after finishing.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana)
• Lance Armstrong and Gilberto Simoini pose for a photo.
• The peloton on its way to Mount Vesuvius.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) leads Denis Menchov (Rabobank) across the line.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) waves to the many fans that came out to support him.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) and Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes)
• The top two in the GC cross the finish together.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) after a tough day in the saddle.
• Andriy Grivko (ISD - Neri)

Images by AFP

• Lance Armstrong (Astana) deals with a mechanical after a crash.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) awaits assistance.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) gets going again.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) demonstrates the aero position.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) followed by his shadow Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) was obviously tested on this tough stage.
• The peloton
• LPR Brakes rides on the way to Mount Vesuvius.
• LPR Brakes controls the peloton for its leader Danilo Di Luca.

Stage 18 - Thursday, May 28: Sulmona - Benevento, 182km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) is all smiles at the start of stage 18 in Sulmona.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) wins stage 18 in Benevento, the Italian's second win in the centenary Giro d'Italia.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) won the uphill sprint in Benevento besting his six breakaway companions.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) out-sprinted Félix Cardenas (Barloworld) and Lars Ytting Bak (Team Saxo Bank) for the stage win.
• Race leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) and Danilo Di Luca arrive at the finish together.
• Riders set out from Sulmona for the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia.
• The peloton begins stage 18 in Sulmona.
• Riders pass through Roccaraso 33.9 kilometres into stage 18.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) has now won his second stage of the 2009 Giro d'Italia.
• Kisses for stage winner Michele Scarponi.
• Francesco De Bonis (Diquigiovanni - Androni) is pleased with the victory of his teammate Michele Scarponi.
• Michele Scarponi uncorks the bubbly.
• Denis Menchov earned another maglia rosa after maintaining his 26 second lead over Danilo Di Luca on GC.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Giovanni Visconti (ISD) leads the break.
• Danilo Di Luca keeps an eye on Denis Menchov during stage 18.
• Michele Scarponi celebrates his victory in stage 18 ahead of Félix Cardenas (Barloworld), Danny Pate (Garmin - Slipstream) and Lars Ytting Bak (Team Saxo Bank).
• Dmitry Kozontchuk (Rabobank) leads the peloton across the finish line 3:57 behind stage winner Michele Scarponi.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) awaits the start of stage 18 in Sulmona.
• Kevin Seeldraeyers (Quick Step) leads the best young rider classification.
• Maglia rosa Denis Menchov on the start line for stage 18.
• The peloton crosses a bridge en route to the finish of stage 18 in Benevento.
• Jackson Rodriguez (Diquigiovanni - Androni) crashed during the stage and had an uncomfortable ride to the finish.
• Rabobank sets tempo at the head of the peloton.
• Michele Scarponi celebrates on the podium after winning stage 18.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) remains in the lead after stage 18.

Stage 17 - Wednesday, May 27: Chieti - Blockhaus, 83km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) put in a stellar effort to win the Blockhaus stage and capture third overall.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) lost time to Danilo Di Luca in the sprint, where Stefano Garzelli got past him and snatched the time bonus.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) has soloed to victory in stage 17.
• Franco Pellizotti celebrates his stage win.
• Danilo Di Luca and Denis Menchov have dropped Ivan Basso and Stefano Garzelli in their pursuit of Pellizotti.
• Liquigas teammates Sylvester Szmyd and Franco Pellizotti attack the peloton while Lance Armstrong tries to bridge across.
• Denis Menchov remains the race leader although Danilo Di Luca now trails by only 26 seconds.
• Stage winner Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) lets loose with the bubbly.
• Stefano Garzelli on the podium to receive his jersey for leading the mountains classification.
• Danilo Di Luca bows to the crowd in his home region of Abruzzo.
• The tifosi were out in force at the Blockhaus finish line.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) has caught and passed Felix Cardenas (Barloworld) in his effort to reach Franco Pellizotti.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) finishes in the fog.
• Race leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks calm on the lower slopes of the Blockhaus.
• Denis Menchov leads Liquigas teammates Ivan Basso and Franco Pellizotti.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) leads Danilo Di Luca on the ascent of the Blockhaus.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) finished the stage in 5th place, 57 seconds behind teammate and stage winner Franco Pellizotti.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) is all alone on his ascent of the Blockhaus.
• Danilo Di Luca after the finish of the Giro d'Italia's 17th stage.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) leads Sylvester Szmyd (Liquigas) and Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the lower slopes of the Blockhaus.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) shows the strain of the Blockhaus mountain finish.
• Danilo Di Luca glances back to see the gap to race leader Denis Menchov at the finish line.
• Local rider Danilo Di Luca bows to the tifosi who were hoping for a stage win from the Pescara resident.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) after finishing 4th for the stage.
• Stefano Garzelli outsprints Danilo Di Luca and race leader Denis Menchov for second place.
• Race leader Denis Menchov leads Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) on the Blockhaus.
• A thumbs up from stage winner Franco Pellizotti who has moved into 3rd place overall.
• It's crowded on the Blockhaus at the finish line.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) leads the points classification.
• Former Giro champion Gilberto Simoni after finishing 13th on the Blockhaus.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Di Luca's attack drew Menchov and Garzelli out.
• The second group on the road: Danilo Di Luca (LPR), Denis Menchov (Rabobank), Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone).
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) could not respond when Pellizotti's attack shattered the group.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) launches his attack and succeeded in gaining a few seconds on Menchov.
• Danilo Di Luca waited until the final kilometre to attack.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) rides to the stage win.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) went 'a bloc' on Blockhaus and climbed into the top three overall.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) showed some of his former fire by attempting to bridge to Pellizotti.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) could not reach Pellizotti and faded.

Stage 16 - Monday, May 25: Pergola - Monte Petrano, 237km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) wins stage 15 after a bold attack on the final climb.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre - NGC) before the start.
• David Zabriski (Garmin - Slipstream) gets some mike time.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) was all business before the stage.
• Giovanni Visconti (ISD - Neri) before the stage.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) gets ready for a tough day.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes)
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) signs in.
• Carlos Ochoa (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) before the stage
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) appears to be in a good mood before the start.
• John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld) rolls to the start.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in pink for another day.
• Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji - Servetto) rolls to the line.
• Past Giro winner Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) signs in.
• Enrico Gasparotto (Lampre - NGC) rolls to the line.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) with some sporty hatwear.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) pushed the pace again today.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre - NGC) after a hot stage.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) stands up to get some more out of his legs.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) and Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) sharing some water.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) leads Denis Menchov (Rabobank), Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes)
• Lance Armstrong leads Astana teammate Levi Leipheimer.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) pushes on for a stage win.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) rides to the finish.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) on his way up Monte Petrano.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) rides to a win.
• Lance Armstrong works for teammate Levi Leipheimer (Astana).
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) wins a tough stage 16.
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre - NGC)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) and Denis Menchov (Rabobank) stuck together like glue.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre - NGC) descends
• Christopher Froome (Barloworld) in action.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) leads the group of overall contenders.
• Michele Scarponi (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli)
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) on his own.
• Damiano Cunego and Angel Gomez share some water.
• Michele Scarponi (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) gets some advice from the team car.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Astana) hands off water to Damiano Cunego (Lampre - NGC)
• The peloton raced along a river.
• Michele Scarponi (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) changes his jersey.
• Francesco Bellotti gets some support from the Barloworld team car.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) celebrates his win after a bold attack.
• Gilberto Simoni (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) cools down.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the podium.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) on the podium.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) gets to keep the maglia rosa.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) is the stage winner.

Images by AFP

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) looks serious.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) cools off with some ice.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana)
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) has time to enjoy his win.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) opens the champagne.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) waves from the podium.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) opens champagne.
• Denis Menchov sits protected in the Rabobank train.

Stage 15 - Sunday, May 24: Forlì - Faenza, 161km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Serramenti-PVC Diquigiovanni) takes his first Grand Tour stage.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) descends.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone)
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) leads Ivan Basso (Liquigas) around a corner.bettiniphoto_0039335_1_full.jpg
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) attacked on stage 15 in an attempt to ditch the maglia rosa group.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) spent much of the day together.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Serramenti Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) wins the stage.
• Damiano Cunego and a Lampre NGC teammate are marked by Denis Menchov.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) attacks the group with the favorites.
• Valerio Agnoli (Liquigas)
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone)
• It was a hot day in the sun for the favorites, especially when climbing.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) leads a group.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) leads Ivan Basso (Liquigas) up a climb.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) was threatened by the attack of Ivan Basso.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Serge Pauwels (Cervelo) in the breakaway was later called back to help Sastre.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre) was left behind on the climbs and chased with the Astana duo Yaroslav Popovych and Lance Armstrong. They caught Donati from the break.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Serramenti-PVC Diquigiovanni) leaves the breakaway behind.
• Basso lights it up on the Monte Casale and is marked by Di Luca and Menchov.
• Basso puts Menchov and Danilo Di Luca on the defensive.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) tried to attack drawing Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) along. It didn't work in the end.
• Leonardo Bertagnolli (Serramenti-PVC Diquigiovanni) takes the solo win in Faenza.
• Denis Menchov dons another pink jersey.

Stage 14 - Saturday, May 23: Campi Bisenzio - Bologna (San Luca), 172km

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Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo Test Team) wins stage 14
• Fans await the racers on the final San Luca climb.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo Test Team) celebrates his first Giro d'Italia victory.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) rides away from Christopher Froome (Barloworld)
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) on his way to a stage win.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) stands on his pedals to squeeze out a bit more power on the final climb.
• Rubens Bertaglioti (Diquigiovanni) rode to second place in the stage.
• Rubens Bertaglioti (Diquigiovanni) grimaces at the effort.
• Rubens Bertaglioti (Diquigiovanni)
• Several Astana riders climb a steep section of the San Luca.
• The Astana riders try to scoop up as much air as they can.
• The Astana train back in the main peloton. They are working for Levi Leipheimer in third overall.
• Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer and Danilo Di Luca on the final climb.
• Stage winner Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) starts to raise his hands in celebration.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) climbs well at the end to take a few second out of Levi Leipheimer (Astana).
• The peloton ascends the final climb.
• Arnold Jeannesson (Caisse d'Epargne) climbs
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) on the final climb.
• Racers are close to the finish line on stage 14.

Images by Gregor Brown / Cyclingnews

• Fans and journalists wait for Lance Armstrong to emerge from his team bus.
• Ted King (Cervelo)

Images by Roberto Bettini / www.bettiniphoto.net

• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) on the San Luca final climb.
• Climbing San Luca
• Danilo Di Luca, Stefano Garzelli and race leader Denis Menchov
• Astana sticks together on the final climb.
• Riders tackle one last climb for the day of five total.
• Rubens Bertogliati (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) after the stage.
• The peloton
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) crosses the line on stage 14.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) spends another day in pink.
• Giovanni Visconti (ISD - Neri) and the other breakaway riders spent most of the day off the front.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) wins
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) opens the champagne.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) focussed on the finish.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) opens the champagne.
• Rubens Bertogliati (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) would finish second.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) on his way to winning.
• The peloton all strung out during stage 14.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) climbs out of the saddle.
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) on the podium.
• Overall leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the podium.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rides during stage 14.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) finishes the day.
• Vasil Kiryenka (Caisse d'Espagne) finishes.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) rounds the corner.
• Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre - NGC)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) leads the chase to the finish.
• Christopher Froome (Barloworld) made an attack on the final climb.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) rides toward the finish.
• Christopher Froome (Barloworld) happy to see the line.
• Stage winner Simon Gerrans (Cervelo)
• Simon Gerrans (Cervelo) pumps his arms in celebration.

Stage 13 - Friday, May 22: Lido di Camaiore - Firenze, 176km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) wins his third stage of this Giro d'Italia.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) celebrates his win.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is the man in pink starting and finishing stage 13.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rolls along the pink carpet before the start.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) before the start of stage 13.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) before the start.
• Stage 13 started Lido di Camaiore.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) before the start.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) has his own sort of pink shirt.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) outsprinted everyone on stage 13.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) wins stage 13.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) is hugged after his win.
• Hugs of congratulations for everyone on Team Columbia.
• Podium time for Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) zips up for the cameras.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) keeps the pink jersey for another day.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) on the podium.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad)
• Kisses of congratulations for stage winner Mark Cavendish.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) opens his bottle of champagne.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) on the podium.
• Overall leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) opens the champagne.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Cavendish had a little crash early in the stage and had to change bikes.
• Mark Cavendish gets a bike from the team mechanic after he crashed with Yohann Gene.
• Mark Cavendish gets a push from the Columbia-Highroad ds Rolf Aldag after crashing.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in the maglia rosa also sporting a pink helmet and glasses.
• Yohann Gene (BBox Bouygues Telecom) gets up after crashing with Cavendish.
• Leonardo Scarselli (ISD) leads the three man break with Björn Schröder (Milram) and Mikhail Ignatiev (Katusha).
• Garmin-Slipstream's Cameron Meyer leads the chase.
• Danilo Di Luca still gets podium time by leading the points classification.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) leads the mountains classification.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Columbia-Highroad) holds the white jersey of best young rider.

Stage 12 - Thursday, May 21: Sestri Levante - Riomaggiore (ITT), 60.6km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Maglia rosa Danilo Di Luca would not be in pink after stage 12's time trial.
• Jackson Rodriguez (Diquigiovanni - Androni) overshot a turn during stage 12.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) finished 2nd in the time trial, 20 seconds off the pace of Denis Menchov.
• Race leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) celebrates on the podium.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) approaches the finish in Riomaggiore.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) powers to the line to win stage 12's 60.6km time trial.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo) was only bested by Menchov and Leipheimer on stage 12.
• Danilo Di Luca strains under the effort of trying to defend his maglia rosa.
• American time trial champion David Zabriskie (Garmin - Slipstream) rolls along the Ligurian coast.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) finished the time trial in 14th place, 2:46 behind Menchov.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) is the new leader of the Giro d'Italia.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre - N.G.C.) descends through one of the time trial's many tricky turns.
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre - N.G.C.) rode his standard road bike to a 10th place finish.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) put in a good ride to finish 5th, 1:27 behind Menchov.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) approaches the finish line on his way to 12th place for the day.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) chose to wear an aero helmet for stage 12.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) puts on the maglia rosa.
• Julian Dean (Garmin - Slipstream) enters Levanto, approximately half way through the 60.6-kilometre time trial.
• David Millar (Garmin - Slipstream) en route to a 31st place finish.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) descending during the stage 12 time trial.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) still manages to crack a smile during an all-out effort.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) uncorks the bubbly on the podium.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) tackles a climb on the Cinque Terre time trial on his way to an 11th place finish.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) won the stage 12 time trial and moved into the overall race lead.
• Best young rider Thomas Lövkvist finished 10th in the time trial.
• Michael Rogers (Team Columbia - Highroad) slipped from third to sixth overall after the time trial.
• Riders couldn't really take in the view while negotiating high-speed descents.
• A Fuji - Servetto rider tackles a climb during the stage 12 time trial.
• Riders en route to Riomaggiore during stage 12.
• Riders faced many tricky turns along the Ligurian coast.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) is about to start.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) is moments away from starting his time trial.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) is seconds away from the start of his time trial.
• Denis Menchov is a picture of concentration prior to his time trial.
• Denis Menchov waits his turn to enter the start house.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rolls down the start ramp in Sestri Levante.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) takes one last drink of water before embarking on his time trial.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia - Highroad) wears the maglia ciclamino skinsuit for leading the points classification.
• Italian national time trial champion Marco Pinotti (Team Columbia - Highroad) in action during stage 12.
• Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) cracked the top 10, finishing 7th.
• Danilo Di Luca gave it his all in the time trial.
• David Zabriskie (Garmin - Slipstream) adopts a unique hand position on his clip-on extensions.
• David Millar (Garmin - Slipstream)
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) on the aero bars.

Preview of stage 12 Sestri Levante - Riomaggiore TT

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Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• The start of Giro d'Italia stage 12 in Sestri Levante. 60.6 kilometres.
• Climbing starts immediately out of Sestri Levante.
• Santa Maria del Cammino watches on.
• No time for views climbing Passo del Bracco.
• The city of Bracco is midway up the climb, at 412 metres.
• The climb rises up to 615 metres.
• The Passo del Bracco is open.
• Near the top of the pass.
• A left hand curve before the top.
• The top, 615 metres.
• Mattarana is midway on the descent to Levanto.
• Stop in Mattarana for a drink?
• After Carrodanno there is a sharp right, 11km to Levanto.
• Tunnel on the way to Levanto
• A church marks the entrance of Levanto, just prior to a left hand turn and the second climb of the stage.
• The unofficial Passo del Termine starts.
• Heading to Legnaro.
• View back down to Levanto from Legnaro.
• Legnaro comes midway into the climb.
• The road climbed (right) and the road to come (upper left).
• A view down from the course at of the five Cinqueterre, Monterosso.
• Beach goers will make their way to the course to see the riders suffer.
• Cool waters along the coast of Liguria.
• Going up... to the top of Termine
• A left hand turn and then the last kick to the top.
• Passo del Termine (there is no official marker).
• A local helps locate Passo del Termine for Cyclingnews.
• The road travels along the side mountain at 540 metres.
• A slight descent after the top of Termine.
• Technical roads after the top of Termine.
• The sharp descent off of Passo del Termine starts, heading to Volastra
• A look down to Riomaggiore.
• Past Volastra at 341m and still going down fast.
• A tunnel on the way down to 100 metres
• The actual finish line above Riomaggiore two weeks ahead of the race (should look more glamorous when the race arrives).
• A look down from the finish line at Riomaggiore.
• The finish in Riomaggiore (the actual finish is above the city, on the ridge)
• Riomaggiore.

Stage 11 - Wednesday, May 20: Torino - Arenzano (Genova), 214km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) celebrates his stage win in Arenzano.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) outsprinted Tyler Farrar (Garmin - Slipstream) to win stage 11.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) on the podium after receiving a fresh leader's jersey.
• Stefano Garzelli won the day's only classified climb and added to his lead in the mountains classification.
• Team Columbia - Highroad teammates Mark Cavendish and Thomas Lövkvist share a word after Cavendish's victory.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) waves to the crowd from the podium.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) remained in the maglia rosa after stage 11.
• Danil Di Luca has plenty of experience with champagne during this year's Giro d'Italia.
• Mark Cavendish is a happy man following his victory in stage 11.
• Mark Cavendish is congratulated by teammate Thomas Lövkvist.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) has finished stage 11.
• Stage winner Mark Cavendish uncorks the bubbly on the podium.
• Alessandro Petacchi at the finish in Arenzano.
• Danilo Di Luca shares a laugh with race director Angelo Zomegnan after stage 11.
• Filippo Pozzato (Team Katusha) crosses the finish line nearly six minutes behind Cavendish.
• The peloton at Campo Ligure.
• Levi Leipheimer sought assistance from the race doctor to tend to cuts suffered in a crash.
• Levi Leipheimer is examined by the race doctor following his crash in stage 11.
• Astana controls the tempo at the front of the peloton.
• Fabian Cancellara (Team Saxo Bank) goes all out at the head of the peloton.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Astana) and Enrico Gasparotto (Lampre - N.G.C.) attacked in the closing kilometres.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) is back on his feet after crashing during stage 11.
• Levi Leipheimer is pushed back into action after getting a bike change.
• Lance Armstrong speaks to photographer Roberto Bettini at the start of stage 11. Bettini's long-time motorcycle pilot Fabio Saccani was killed in an accident on Tuesday.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Astana teammates Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer lead the peloton on the descent of the Passo del Turchino.
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca keeps close tabs on Armstrong and Leipheimer while descending the Passo del Turchino.
• Filippo Pozzato (Team Katusha) seeks assistance from his team car after he crashed.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) gets a bike change after crashing during stage 11.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) got a bit banged up during a crash in stage 11.
• Riders had a relatively calm day during stage 11.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) and Michael Rogers (Team Columbia - Highroad during stage 11.
• The peloton rolls through scenic countryside en route to Arenzano .
• Cavendish's acceleration to the line was too much for 2nd place finisher Tyler Farrar (Garmin - Slipstream).
• Up go the arms of Cavendish having won stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia.
• Mark Cavendish beats Tyler Farrar to the line in stage 11.
• Mark Cavendish won his second road stage of this year's Giro d'Italia.
• It was a hot day of racing for Danilo Di Luca.
• Danilo Di Luca on his way to sign in for stage 11.
• Photographer Roberto Bettini with Danilo Di Luca and Lance Armstrong during a pre-stage ceremony to honor the memory of Bettini's moto pilot Fabio Saccani.
• Oscar Gatto (ISD) leads the stage's early break attempt.

Stage 10 - Tuesday, May 19: Cuneo - Pinerolo, 262km

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Images by AFP

• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) wins stage 10.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) celebrates his win.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) wins the stage and keeps the leader's jersey.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) must be getting comfortable in pink.
• Kisses for the winner and overall leader Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) on his way to a win after a bold attack.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) on the attack in stage 10.
• Danilo Di Luca arrived at the finish alone, 10 seconds ahead of the first chase group.
• Two Tour de France champions Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) and Lance Armstrong (Astana) in action during stage 10.
• Danilo Di Luca on the podium for winning stage 10.
• The peloton on the climb to Sestrière.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) finishes in sixth place at the head of the second chase group.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) outsprints Denis Menchov (Rabobank) and Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) for second place, 10 seconds behind Di Luca.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) gives it everything he's got.
• It was not a light effort for Danilo Di Luca. He put on a great show for the tifosi.
• The chasing trio was far distant as Di Luca crossed the line. (Cervelo) chase after Di Luca.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) made a good effort but was unwilling to risk it all on the descent.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) stayed with the lead group for a time after being caught.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) came to the front to help bring back the trio of riders in the lead.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) set tempo in the chasing group on the final climb.
• The chasing trio was far distant as Di Luca crossed the line.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) took the stage win in the pink jersey.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) attacked and gained time on his rivals. But is it enough?
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) rode solo at the front of the race for nearly 100km.
• Riders ascend the Moncenisio.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) leads Danilo Di Luca up the Moncenisio.
• Maglia rosa wearer Danilo Di Luca in action during stage 10.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) carves through the curves while descending the Moncenisio.
• Danilo Di Luca takes a drink in the company of his LPR Brakes teammates.
• The peloton rolls out of Cuneo at the start of stage 10.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) gets some assistance from his team car during stage 10.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre - NGC) doesn't leave much margin for error while climbing next to retaining wall.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) dropped several places on GC but still remained in the lead of the young rider's classification after stage 10.
• Eddy Merckx meets some riders and the directeur sportif, Gianni Savio, of the Diquigiovanni - Androni team.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) looks very focused at the start of stage 10.
• Former Giro champion Gilberto Simoni salutes the crowd after signing in.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) waves to the crowd at the start in Cuneo.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) leads the mountains classification.
• David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne) crosses the finish line in 5th place, 26 seconds behind stage winner Di Luca.
• The peloton descends the Moncenisio.
• Tifosi cheer on race leader Danilo Di Luca.
• Andriy Grivko leads teammate Giovanni Visconti to the summit of Sestrière.
• Ivan Basso shadows the maglia rosa on the ascent to Sestrière.
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca is paced by his LPR Brakes teammates on the climb to Sestrière.
• ISD teammates Giovanni Visconti and Andriy Grivko pursue Stefano Garzelli.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) is cheered on by the tifosi as he leads Giovanni Visconti (ISD).
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) attacked on the ascent of the Moncenisio in pursuit of Stefano Garzelli.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) negotiates some switchbacks on the descent of the Moncenisio.

Stage restday1 - Monday, May 18: Cuneo,

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The first 9 stages have been dominated by two teams: Columbia-Highroad and LPR Brakes.

Stage 9 - Sunday, May 17: Milano Show 100, 163km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Giro d'Italia's ninth stage brings the race to Milano.
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca in front of the Duomo di Milano.
• The peloton passes the Castello Sforzesco in Milano.
• The Giro d'Italia jersey holders lead the peloton off the start line on the Piazza del Duomo.
• The stage gets under way on the Piazza del Duomo.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) presents Giro d'Italia organiser Angelo Zomengnan with a special, signed jersey to commemorate the Giro's 100th anniversary.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) won stage nine in Milano.
• The tifosi cheer on the riders during stage nine.
• The peloton in action on the streets of Milano.
• Danilo Di Luca spoke for the peloton when the riders stopped on the finish line during stage nine to protest the unsafe conditions.
• Mark Cavendish after winning stage nine.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) beats Allan Davis (Quick Step) and Tyler Farrar (Garmin - Slipstream) to win stage nine.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) is congratulated by teammate Michael Rogers.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) speaks with race officials during stage nine.
• Mark Cavendish accelerates to the line.
• Dario David Cioni (ISD) speaks with race organiser Angelo Zomegnan prior to the start of stage nine.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• The peloton awaits the start.
• Fuji - Servetto riders await the start of stage nine.
• Mark Cavendish attracted plenty of attention prior to the start of stage nine.
• The Giro d'Italia's trophy encased in glass near the Duomo.
• Mario Cipollini at the start of stage nine.
• The Giro's jersey holders assemble on the start line. (l-r) Thomas Lövkvist, Stefano Garzelli, Danilo Di Luca and Edvald Boasson Hagen.
• "Helmet? Check…"
• Race Leader Danilo Di Luca rides through the streets of Milano.
• Mark Cavendish powers to the finish line.
• Mark Cavendish wins his first road stage of the Giro d'Italia.
• Mark Cavendish is only metres away from winning stage nine, Team Columbia-Highroad's third consecutive victory at the Giro d'Italia.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) on the podium after winning stage nine.

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Edvald Boasson Hagen looking great on his 22nd birthday.
• Boasson Hagen at the centre of the attention after coming 2nd, 1st and 2nd in the past three days.
• Lance Armstrong on Piazza Duomo in Milan.
• Lance Armstrong.
• Luca Barla wasn't dressed like a clown but like a fan of football team Inter Milan who secured the Italian league title on Saturday.
• Tom Danielson (Garmin - Slipstream).

Images by Edward Madden/www.dotcycling.com

• Lance Armstrong takes stock late in the stage.
• Armstrong does it tough during stage nine.
• Ivan Basso eyes out the pink jersey of countryman Danilo Di Luca.
• The bunch rolls through what was largely a ceremonial stage in Milan.
• Rabobank's Bram De Groot heads out for the stage.
• Danny Pate drives the Garmin train with six kilometres to go.
• Ivan Basso looked composed throughout the stage.
• Maglia Rosa Danilo Di Luca in control during stage nine.
• Marco Pinotti worked hard for eventual stage winner and teammate Mark Cavendish.
• Bradley Wiggins gives his all for the Garmin cause.
• The LPR Brakes boys were on hand to get Alessanro Petacchi into the mix
• Michael Barry was another important part of the Columbia-Highroad effort.
• Liquigas' workhorses were on the lookout for team leader Ivan Basso.
• Filippo Pozzato took the chance to stay tucked in the bunch.
• Dave Zabriskie kept the pace high over the final kilometres for Tyler Farrar.
• Thomas Lövkvist is still the best young rider and wore the maglia blanca to prove it.

Stage 8 - Saturday, May 16: Morbegno - Bergamo, 209km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Race leader Danilo Di Luca signs in for stage eight.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) at the start of stage eight.
• Carlos Sastre arrives to sign in for stage eight.
• Kanstantsin Siutsou (Team Columbia - Highroad) won stage eight into Bergamo.
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) on the attack.
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca leads the chase of Kanstantsin Siutsou with less than one kilometre to the finish in Bergamo.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) on the Colle del Gallo.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) signals to turn off the gas.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) enjoys the maglia rosa
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) waves.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) finishes ahead of Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas).
• The sprint for second won by Edvald Boasson Hagen (Columbia-Highroad).
• Rabobank assistant manager Jan Boven observes the rescue of rider Pedro Horrillo from a ravine on the descent of Culmine di San Pietro.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Columbia-Highroad) puts on the white jersey
• Carlos Sastre (Cervélo TestTeam)
• Stage winner Kanstantsin Siutsou (Columbia-Highroad)
• The sprint for second place at the finish in Bergamo.
• Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) after a hard stage.
• Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream)
• Where Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) fell off the Culmine.
• Rescue workers head towards Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank).
• Rescue helicopter arrives for Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank).
• Team official heads for Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank).
• Rescue workers head down for Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank).
• Pedro Horrillo's (Rabobank) bike.
• Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) airlifted out after his crash.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) supported by a wild fan.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) on the attack.
• Kanstantsin Siutsou (Columbia-Highroad) rides up to Bergamo Alta.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• A rescue worker and Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) are lifted into the helicopter which will transport the Spanish rider to a hospital after his serious accident on stage eight.
• Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) suffered a serious crash during stage eight and had to be airlifted from the accident scene.
• Kanstantsin Siutsou (Team Columbia - Highroad) on his way to victory in the streets of Bergamo.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Astana) attacks the chase group on a cobbled climb in Bergamo.
• Rescue workers at the accident scene of Pedro Horrillo who crashed on the descent of the Culmine di San Pietro and fell into a ravine.
• The bicycle of Pedro Horrillo is held by a policeman at the accident scene.
• The chase group ascends Bergamo Alta in pursuit of Kanstantsin Siutsou.
• Kanstantsin Siutsou (Team Columbia - Highroad) is all alone on the finishing straight in Bergamo and had plenty of time to celebrate his victory.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen wins the sprint for second place to make it a one-two finish for Team Columbia - Highroad.
• The Rabobank team car at the accident scene of its Spanish rider Pedro Horrillo.
• A helicopter lowers a rescue worker into the ravine where Pedro Horrillo crashed during stage eight.
• Carlos José Ochoa (Diquigiovanni) was part of the early, 10-rider break.

Stage 7 - Friday, May 15: Innsbruck (Aut) - Chiavenna, 244km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• This band kicked things off at the beginning of the stage.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Columbia-Highroad) wins stage seven.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Columbia-Highroad) raises his arms in celebration.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Columbia-Highroad) has plenty of time to celebrate.
• Alessandro Bertolini (Serramenti Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli) descends
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia-Highroad) drives the pace.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) raises his arm to celebrate the win of his teammate.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia-Highroad) on his way to a win.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre NGC)
• Alessandro Bertolini shows how to make time on the descent.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen, Davide Viganò, Alessandro Betolini, Pavel Brutt and Robert Hunter in a break away.
• Don't try this at home especially when it is raining!
• The five-man break brings it home.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) in his new jersey.
• Thomas Lovkvist (Columbia-Highroad) before the start.
• Balloons are launched at the start.
• You never know what you'll see along the Giro D'Italia route.
• Does this guy have a license?
• Danilo Di Luca checks over his shoulder.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen opens the champagne
• Kisses for overall leader Danilo Di Luca.
• Danilo Di Luca and Jarno Trulli
• Kisses for stage winner Edvald Boasson Hagen
• Pink jersey time for Danilo Di Luca.
• Stefano Garzelli
• Danilo Di Luca gets to wear the green jersey too.
• Lance Armstrong and Ivan Basso
• Danilo Di Luca is the overall leader.
• Podium time for Danilo Di Luca
• Edvald Boasson Hagen on the podium.
• Danilo Di Luca changes glasses.
• The stage started in Innsbruck.
• The peloton during stage seven.
• Danilo Di Luca waves to the crowd.
• Ivan Basso
• Lance Armstrong and Ivan Basso
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld)
• Danilo Di Luca and Lance Armstrong
• Danilo Di Luca
• Lance Armstrong, Danilo Di Luca and Ivan Basso
• Lance Armstrong and Ivan Basso

Images by Phil Maertens

• Lance Armstrong (Astana) at the start in his new team jersey.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• maglia rosa Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini).
• Russia's Denis Menchov (Rabobank) rides in the green mountain's jersey.
• Italian Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) in stage seven of the Giro d'Italia.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana)
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) rides in the Giro d'Italia stage three to Chiavenna.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) has some lunch.
• Italy's Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Swiss mountains.
• A wet day
• USA's Lance Armstrong (Astana) finishes stage seven
• The descent of Passo Maloja.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC)

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• David Zabriskie (Garmin-Slipstream)
• Thomas Lövkvist (Columbia-Highroad) in the maglia bianca of best young rider.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) stops for an adjustment in stage seven.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) followed by race leader Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini).
• José Luis Rubiera (Astana) leads teammate Lance Armstrong
• Mountains covered with snow in stage seven of the Giro d'Italia.

Stage 6 - Thursday, May 14: Bressanone/Brixen - Mayrhofen (Aut), 248km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The peloton on the streets of start city Bressanone/Brixen.
• A fleet of motorcycles utilized by the race organizers each day.
• Make way for race leader Danilo Di Luca!
• LPR teammates Danilo Di Luca and Alessandro Petacchi in their respective jerseys for leading the general and points classifications.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) descends the Hochkrimml at the head of the race.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) won stage six in Mayrhofen, Austria, the solitary survivor of an early breakaway.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) on the streets of Mayrhofen, Austria with one kilometre remaining.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) glances back to see how close the peloton is during the closing kilometres of stage six.
• Stage winner Michele Scarponi uncorks the bubby on the podium.
• Riders pass by snowy slopes in Austria.
• Danilo Di Luca dons the green jersey for leading the mountains classification.
• A horse watches stage six of the Giro d'Italia.
• Danilo Di Luca displays the trophy earned as a reward for leading the Giro.
• USA's Lance Armstrong (Astana) flies down a descent.
• Riders seek out their lunch on the road.
• Danilo Di Luca directs his teammates during stage six.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) arrives in Mayrhofen, Austria in 9th place.
• Riders didn't have time to stop and smell the flowers.
• Diego Caccia (Barloworld)
• The peloton takes in some Austrian scenery.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia - Highroad) beats Allan Davis (Quick Step) to the line for second place.
• The ubiquitous devil made his daily appearance.
• The Giro passed through the 15.1km Felbertauern Tunnel.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) in the maglia ciclamino.
• Number 21, Lance Armstrong (Astana)
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) and Vasili Kiryenka (Caisse d'Epargne) ride away from their breakaway companions on the category one Hochkrimml.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• The peloton tackles the mountains of Austria during stage six.
• Oscar Gatto (ISD) crests the Hochkrimml.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• The LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini team on the descent of the Hochkrimml.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) negotiates the high-speed descent of the Hochkrimml.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) on a descent.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) and Vasili Kiryenka (Caisse d'Epargne) dropped their three breakaway companions on the Hochkrimml climb.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) in the maglia rosa
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) is shadowed by GC rival Ivan Basso (Liquigas).
• Stefano Garzelli attacked the peloton on the ascent of the category one Hochkrimml ascent.
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) tries an escape.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) celebrates his stage victory in Mayrhofen, Austria.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia - Highroad) finished second for the day, 32 seconds behind stage winner Michele Scarponi.
• Filippo Pozzato (Team Katusha) crosses the line in fourth place.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) receives the fruits of his labor.
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni - Androni) on the podium for his hard-fought stage six victory.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) successfully defended his race lead.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) signs in.
• Thomas Voeckler (BBox Bouygues Telecom) does a bit of stretching prior to the start of stage six.
• The riders tackled the second longest stage of the Giro at 248 kilometres.
• The peloton passed through many scenic settings en route to Mayrhofen, Austria.
• Michele Scarponi (l) would be the only survivor of this five-man break which attacked the peloton 55 kilometres into stage six.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) focused
• The peloton
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) in the maglia rosa, beside Janez Brajkovic (Astana).
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) with Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-NGC) and Ivan Basso (Liquigas), l & r.
• The sign in
• Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni) shows the effort of a day-long break.

Stage 5 - Wednesday, May 13: San Martino di Castrozza - Alpe di Siusi, 125km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) wins stage five after putting in a powerful attack inside the final kilometre.
• Danili Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) in the race leader's maglia rosa.
• The group containing Lance Armstrong could not match the pace set by Liquigas at the front.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) triumphs on stage five's mountain top finish at Alpe di Siusi.
• Lance Armstrong and several Astana teammates were dropped on the ascent to Alpe di Siusi.
• The tifosi applaud the efforts of Ivan Basso.
• Danilo Di Luca leads an elite selection of seven riders which formed in the closing kilometres of stage five.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) sets a fierce tempo approaching the mountain top finish.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) wears the white jersey for leading the young rider classification.
• Ivan Basso tosses aside a bottle on the ascent to Alpe di Siusi.
• Danilo Di Luca wears the green jersey as leader of the mountains competition and gets a thumbs up from champion Italian skier Denise Karbon.
• Danili Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) resplendent in the maglia rosa.
• Stage winner Denis Menchov uncorks the bubbly on the podium.
• Race leader Danilo Di Luca is at home in the mountains of the Giro.
• Liquigas' Sylvester Szmyd set such an infernal pace that the devil himself appeared in awe.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) gives his maglia rosa earning performance a thumbs up.
• Russian Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the podium following his victory in stage five.
• Barloworld had a visitor at the start of stage five: former Formula 1 driver Ukyo Katayama.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) prepares to release the balloons at the start of stage five.
• Lance Armstrong arrives in Alpe di Siusi.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank)dug deep to win stage five.
• Former Giro champion Stefano Garzelli finished in 55th place, 5:24 behind Menchov.
• Gilberto Simoni finished stage five in 14th place.
• Carlos Sastre changes into dry clothes after finishing at Alpe di Siusi.
• Astana teammates Leivi Leipheimer and Chris Horner arrive at the finish line.
• The peloton negotiates the switchbacks of Passo Rolle.
• Team Columbia - Highroad sets tempo on the stage-opening ascent of Passo Rolle.
• The peloton rolls through the streets of San Martino Di Castrozza at the start of stage five.
• The bicycles of yesteryear and today on display at the Giro.
• The peloton ascends Passo Rolle.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Damiano Cunego climbs to Alpe di Siusi through cheering tifosi.
• An enthusiastic fan cannot break the concentration of Ivan Basso.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) prior to the start of stage five in San Martino Di Castrozza.
• Overnight race leader Thomas Lövkvist arrives at the start line.
• The peloton climbs Passo Rolle early in stage five.
• Denis Menchov had plenty of time to celebrate his victory.
• Danilo Di Luca narrowly missed out on winning two consecutive stages.
• Denis Menchov (Rabobank) on the podiium for winning stage five.
• The peloton descends through the wintery landscape of Passo Rolle.
• Mark Cavendish sets tempo for teammate and race leader Thomas Lövkvist.
• Giovanni Visconti (ISD) leads the seven-man break which escaped only five kilometres into stage five.
• David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne) shows the strain of tackling the 25-kilometre climb to the finish.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) makes his way to stage five's mountain-top finish.
• Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) takes his turn leading the seven-man break off the front for most of stage five.
• Danilo Di Luca is tucked in behind the trio of Liquigas riders on the climb to Alpe di Siusi.

Stage 4 - Tuesday, May 12: Padova - San Martino di Castrozza, 162km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Alessandro Ballan made an appearance in Padova.
• Paolo Bettini signs autographs in Padova.
• Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo riders relax in the start village.
• The start village in picturesque Padova.
• Alessandro Petacchi begins the stage wearing the race leader's maglia rosa.
• The peloton rides through the scenic streets of Padova.
• Alessandro Petacchi enjoys some shade on the Padova start line.
• Race leader Alessandro Petacchi signs in at the start in Padova.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) crosses the finish line in San Martino di Castrozza.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) is showered with confetti on the podium.
• Danilo Di Luca ( LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) used his powerful uphill sprint to win in San Martino di Castrozza.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) leads the Giro d'Italia.
• Lance Armstrong catches his breath after finishing in 32nd place, 15 seconds behind Di Luca.
• Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia - Highroad) is the Giro d'Italia's new race leader.
• Danilo Di Luca ( LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) took a convincing sprint victory at the Giro's first mountain finish.
• The pelton leaves Padova amidst a large gathering of tifosi.
• Danilo Di Luca wears the green jersey as leader of the mountains classification.
• Levi Leipheimer nears the finish line where he would end up a solid sixth place.
• Danilo Di Luca rounds the final corner and has Mauricio Soler in his sights.
• Thomas Lövkvist is all smiles as he uncorks the champagne on the podium.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) attacked inside of two kilometres to go and nearly pulled off the stage win.
• Thumbs up for Danilo Di Luca's stage win!
• Danilo Di Luca celebrates his stage win with some bubbly.
• Danilo Di Luca ( LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) leads Stefano Garzelli into the final turn only seconds behind Mauricio Soler.
• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) still holds a slender lead inside of 500 metres to go.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) looks at ease while approaching the stage's mountain top finish.
• Team Columbia - Highroad teammates Thomas Lövkvist and Michael Rogers on the ascent to San Martino di Castrozza.
• Jens Voigt (Team Saxo Bank) fought valiantly to hold off the peloton on the final climb after being in a break for nearly the entire stage.
• Sylvester Szmyd (Liquigas) sets tempo for teammates Franco Pellizotti and Ivan Basso on the stage's final climb.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Mauricio Soler (Barloworld) on the attack in the final kilometres.
• The Liquigas team works to bring back Mauricio Soler.
• The pink jersey was not exempt from doing the work for the team.
• LPR Brakes led the peloton for the majority of the early part of the stage.
• Alessandro Petacchi rode at the front for Di Luca while other sprinters took an early exit to the autobus,
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) was so tranquillo he looked a bit sleepy.
• Paolo Bettini visited the Giro to get a glimpse of what he's missing since retirement.
• The target awaits, encased in glass.
• The security at the Giro has been tightened in order to control the chaos that follows Lance Armstrong wherever he goes.
• Barloworld and Acqua e Sapone create an island of red in the peloton.
• Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) before he took a one way ticket to the gruppetto.
• The six rider break worked smoothly together.
• Davide Vigano (Fuji-Servetto) rides in the break on stage four.
• Jens Voigt drives the six-man break.
• Ian Stannard (ISD) was part of a six-man move that went clear in the first kilometres of the stage.
• Marzio Bruseghin sits in the Lampre train.
• Diquigiovanni's Francesco de Bonis hung on tenaciously, but could not stay with Voigt and Bellotti on the steep parts.
• Francesco Bellotti (Barloworld) leads Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) on the final climb.
• Francesco Bellotti and Jens Voigt are the sole survivors of the six man break.
• Barloworld's Mauricio Soler launches a promising move inside 2km to go.
• Jens Voigt suffers like a three-legged dog up the final climb on stage four.
• Jens Voigt displays a look of pure determination.
• We don't want the maglia rosa turning pink in the sun! Petacchi gets some shade from the umbrella ladies.
• Yaroslav Popovych (Astana) following a hard day in the Dolomiti.
• Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) strips after the fourth stage.
• Yohann Gene and the Bbox boys get out of their sodden kits and into dry clothes for the chilly descent.
• Fly, fly away!
• David Arroyo was Caisse d'Epargne's top man on stage 4.
• Massimo Codol (Acqua e Sapone) does the work for Stefano Garzelli.
• Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) on the climb to San Martino di Castrozza.

Stage 3 - Monday, May 11: Grado - Valdobbiadene, 198km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) with Forzabruzzo on his jersey.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) lines up for the start of Giro d'Italia stage three.
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld)
• Riders start stage three from Grado.
• A long straight at the start in Grado.
• Giro d'Italia stage three starts from Grado.
• Riders in Giro d'Italia stage three.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) in the maglia rosa.
• Giro d'Italia stage three starts in Grado
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) wins Giro d'Italia stage three ahead of Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream), r, in Valdobbiadene.
• All smiles from Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) on the podium after his win in stage three of the Giro d'Italia, which gave him the leader's maglia rosa.
• Ale-Jet Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) lets the bubbly flow after winning Giro d'Italia stag three and the maglia rosa.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) takes over the maglia rosa from Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad).
• Italy's Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) celebrates his win in stage three of the centennial Giro d'Italia.

Images by AFP

• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) waves his arms in celebration.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) crosses the finish line.
• Italy's Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) won with time to celebrate.
• Italy's Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) kisses the pink leader's jersey.
• Bubbly time for Italy's Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• Lance Armstrong (center) rides in the bunch during stage three.
• Lance Armstrong rides with Astana teammate Levi Leipheimer
• Lance Armstrong answers journalists' questions before the start.
• Lance Armstrong rides during stage three.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) signs in before the stage.
• American Christian Vandevelde (Garmin/Slipstream) is helped after falling.
• The Italian acrobatic air patrol "Frecce Tricolori" put on a show above the peloton.
• A trace of the Italian colors after the Italian acrobatic air patrol "Frecce Tricolori" performed over the pack during the third stage.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) celebrates on the podium while Bernard Hinault looks on.
• The peloton enters Palmanova.
• Race leader Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) and Lance Armstrong (Astana) have a chat during stage three.
• Christian Vande Velde (Garmin - Slipstream) crashed and had to retire from the Giro d'Italia.
• The peloton climbs through a vineyard.
• Five riders spent much of stage three in a break. (l-r) Mauro Facci (Quick Step), Giuseppe Palumbo (Acqua e Sapone), Michael Ignatiev (Katusha), Björn Schröder (Milram) and Yuriy Krivstov (AG2R).
• Tyler Farrar (Garmin - Slipstream) dons the white jersey for leading the young rider classification.

Stage 2 - Sunday, May 10: Jesolo - Trieste, 156km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Crowds gather in Jesolo for the start of stage two.
• Italy's Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) puts his name on the start list prior to Giro d'Italia stage two in Jesolo, Italy.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervélo TestTeam) signs in before Giro d'Italia stage two in Jesolo.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC)
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) wins Giro d'Italia stage two ahead of Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad).
• Alessandro Petacchi is ecstatic about his victory.
• Alessandro Petacchi ( LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) checks on his rivals in the closing metres of stage two.
• Alessandro Petacchi powers to the line ahead of Cavendish.
• Alessandro Petacchi ( LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) bests Giro leader Mark Cavendish in Trieste.
• Mark Cavendish lets the champagne fly.
• Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre - N.G.C.)
• Alessandro Petacchi ( LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) leads the points competition.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) salutes the crowd as the confetti flies.
• Mark Cavendish on the podium.
• Franco Pellizotti (Liquigas) signs in.
• Fuji - Servetto riders gather their bikes at the start of stage two.
• Mark Cavendish uncorks the bubbly for leading the Giro d'Italia after the second stage.
• Alessandro Petacchi on the podium for winning stage two.
• Mark Cavendish signs in resplendent in his leader's jersey.
• Astana teammates Yaroslav Popovych and Lance Armstrong.
• Edvald Boasson Hagen (l) and Mark Cavendish avoid the sun's rays on the stage two start line.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) is enjoying his stint in the maglia rosa.
• Alessandro Petacchi celebrates his stage win with some champagne.
• Gruppo compatto on the way to Trieste.
• Whose shoes are these?
• Lance Armstrong is escorted to the start line.
• Liqugas rides together during stage two.
• Everyone comes out to watch when the Giro d'Italia peloton rolls by.
• It's a beautiful day for racing.
• Lance Armstrong is kept busy prior to the start of stage two.
• Team Columbia - Highroad greets the crowd at the stage two sign-in.
• Mark Cavendish enjoys the perks of wearing the maglia rosa.
• Balloons are released just prior to the start of stage two.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) makes his way to the start.
• Mario Cipollini always attracts a crowd.
• Lamce Armstrong (Astana) takes a look at who's photographing him.
• Alessandro Petacchi with his LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini teammates.
• Leonardo Scarselli (ISD) went on a solo attack for nearly 100 kilometres of stage two.

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

• Carlos Sastre enjoys being back in Italy.
• Team Columbia honoured as heros in Lido di Jesolo at the start of stage 2.
• Nice company for Cavendish: Miss Giro and Miss Italia!
• Gent-Wevelgem winner Edvald Boason Hagen spent one day with the white jersey of best young rider before passing it onto his Scandinavian team mate Thomas Lövkvist.
• This is some pink on the jerseys of Team Columbia for the Centennial of the Giro d'Italia.
• After breaking away and finishing dead last on stage 2, Leonardo Scarselli asked for his way...

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Lance Armstrong (Astana)
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) stops for a radio adjustment.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) getting his radio situated on the side of the road.
• Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) leads a last minute move with Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) and Enrico Gasparotto (Lampre-NGC).
• Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo)
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Maglia rosa Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) with Le Misses at the start.
• Leonardo Scarselli (ISD) rides in a solo escape, stage two of the Giro d'Italia.
• Carlos Sastre (Cervélo TestTeam)
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) talks with his team director.

Stage 1 - Saturday, May 09: Lido di Venezia (TTT), 20.5km

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC), r, on the boat to Venice.
• Team Acqua e Sapone
• Barloworld team manager Claudio Corti.
• Riders take the boat to Venice's Lido.
• Team cars board the boat to Venice's Lido ahead of Giro d'Italia stage one.
• Riders on the boat to Venice's Lido.
• Before stage one, cars board the boat to Venice's Lido.
• Riders relax before Giro d'Italia stage one.
• Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• Before the start of the centennial Giro d'Italia .
• Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini)
• In the boat on the way to the start of stage one.
• Team Columbia race to the win in Giro d'Italia stage one.
• Columbia-Highroad races towards the win in the Giro d'Italia stage one team time trial.
• Lance Armstrong (Astana) rides with his team in stage one's time trial.
• Team Astana finished third in the team time trial.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) in the race leader's jersey, designed by Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, l & r.
• Brit Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) enjoys the day after taking the centennial Giro d'Italia's first maglia rosa.
• Mark Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad), 23, becomes the first Brit to wear the Giro d'Italia's maglia rosa leader's jersey.
• Mark Cavendish uncorks the bubbly to celebrate donning the race leader's maglia rosa.
• Astana rides single file on the Lido.
• Team Columbia - Highroad on the podium for winning the Giro's opening stage team time trial.
• Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - Highroad) leads in his team for first place, earning the Manxman the maglia rosa.
• Mark Cavendish gasps for air after crossing the finish for Team Columbia - Highroad.
• LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini finished a strong 4th on the day.
• Mark Cavendish is showered with confetti on the podium.
• American time trial champion David Zabriskie was the first to cross the line for Garmin - Slipstream.
• Team Milram motors along the Lido.
• Denis Menchov leads home his Rabobank team.
• Liquigas crosses the finish in 8th place.
• ISD put in a good ride to finish in 5th position.
• Lance Armstrong sprints to the line at the front of the Astana squad.
• Mark Cavendish receives congratulations from Carlo Verdella, director of the Gazzetta.
• Mark Cavendish is proud of his Team Columbia - Highroad squad which helped the Manxman don the first maglia rosa of his career.
• Mark Cavendish in the white jersey for leading the young rider's classification.
• Xacobeo Galicia in action during the opening team time trial.
• Astana's Lance Armstrong helped his team to a 3rd place finish.
• Team leader Gilberto Simoni takes his turn at the front for Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli.
• Cervelo TestTeam finished mid-field in 11th place.
• Fabian Cancellara sets the pace for Team Saxo Bank.
• Philippe Gilbert and his Silence - Lotto team finished the day in 20th position.
• Filippo Pozzato puts in a strong effort for his Team Katusha squad.
• Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo finished in 19th place.
• Caisse d'Epargne en route to a 14th place in the opening stage.
• Quick Step finished in 16th place 1:14 behind Columbia - Highroad.
• Damiano Cunego (Lampre-NGC) takes a pull.

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Race director Angelo Zomegnan
• Columbia team manager Bob Stapleton talks while his team rides the Giro d'Italia TTT.
• Two famous visitors at the Giro in Venice: Fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have restyled the pink jersey for the race's 100th year.

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Cycling legend Francesco Moser previews the course.
• Franco Ballerini rides the time trial stage.
• Giro d'Italia race director Angelo Zomegnan
• Columbia zooms along towards an eventual stage win.
• Team Garmin fires along the Venice roads.
• Garmin-Slipstream starts stage one of the centennial Giro d'Italia.
• Garmin-Slipstream adjusts prior to Giro d'Italia stage one.
• David Zabriskie (Garmin-Slipstream)
• David Zabriskie's (Garmin-Slipstream) USA national time trial bike.
• Tom Danielson (Garmin-Slipstream) and teammates.
• Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream), l, helps Vande Velde adjust his bike.
• Julian Dean (Garmin-Slipstream) already in his time trial tuck.

Team time trial training

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Robert Hunter (Barloworld) on the day before the Giro d'Italia.
• Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre (Cervélo TestTeam)
• Levi Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong (Astana) discuss the team time trial.
• Lance Armstrong
• Lance Armstrong rides with his Astana teammates on the day before the Giro d'Italia.
• Levi Leipheimer (Astana) checks his bike.
• José Luis Rubiera (Astana) fills up his bike.
• Johan Bruyneel, l, talks with his Astana team.
• Lance Armstrong makes an adjustment to his bike on the day before the Giro d'Italia.
• Astana's Lance Armstrong after training for the team time trial.
• Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel and Lance Armstrong talk on Friday, May 8.
• Lance Armstrong
• Texan Lance Armstrong the day before the centennial Giro d'Italia.
• Lance Armstrong works on his time trial position, the day before the Giro d'Italia team time trial.
• Lance Armstrong
• Lance Armstrong smiles
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer (Astana) lead the team in training, the day before the Giro d'Italia starts.
• USA's Levi Leipheimer (Astana) with Lance Armstrong.
• Lance Armstrong and Daniel Navarro (Astana).
• Lance Armstrong measures his road bike.
• All smiles: Lance Armstrong.
• Giovanni Visconti (ISD) trains on the day before the Giro d'Italia.
• Team ISD train.
• Team ISD ride on roads around Venice.
• Giovanni Visconti (ISD) leads his team in training.
• Mario Cipollini talks with Leonardo Scarselli
• Leonardo Scarselli (ISD)
• Mario Cipollini helps team ISD.
• Sprinting great Mario Cipollini with Giovanni Visconti (ISD).
• ISD trains.
• Leonardo Scarselli (ISD)
• Italy's Mario Cipollini helping Team ISD.
• Giovanni Visconti (ISD)

Teams Presentation

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Images by AFP Photo

• Lance Armstrong gives the peace sign as he stands with his teammates.
• Lance Armstrong and Gilberto Simoni get a ride in a gondola with Ivan Basso and Danilo Di Luca.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) lets the feeling of starting his first Grand Tour in 3 years sink in.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Giro favourites enjoy a little ride in the gondola.
• "Watch the wake, man! You're harshing my tranquilo!"
• Danilo Di Luca asks to keep the waves calm so he won't get sea sick.
• The crowds were large for a work day.
• Danilo Di Luca, Ivan Basso and Lance Armstrong ride to the presentation in a gondola.
• Lance Armstrong enjoys the ride.
• Giro favourites experience Venice culture.
• What would a trip to Venice be without a gondola ride?
• Venice provided a stunning backdrop for the Giro d'Italia teams presentation

Images by Sirotti/www.sirotti.it

• Lance Armstrong walks with Angelo Zomegnan, the Giro organiser.
• Carlos Sastre reaches across Ivan Basso to shake the hand of Lance Armstrong.
• The Astana team strolls to the stage.
• Team Barloworld.
• Team ISD is presented.
• The Caisse d'Epargne team is presented for the centenary Giro.
• The Caisse d'Epargne team
• Lance Armstrong was the center of attention during the Astana presentation.
• Filippo Pozzato is interviewed.
• Gianni Savio leads is Diquigiovanni team onto the stage.
• Denis Menchov leads the Rabobank team.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas) gets a big round of applause at the team presentation.
• The Giro favourites take the photo ops.

Images by Jean-François Quénet

• Lance Armstrong in the midst of the pre-Giro hype.
• Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) looking relaxed in the Italian sun.
• Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
• Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas) at his team's press conference.

Presentation

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• A fine place for the Giro presentation
• La Fenice hosted in Venice
• The theatre was ready and the Euro flag flew high for a Giro going through four countries.
• Ready for the show
• The theatre provided a stunning stage to host the 2009 Giro presentation.
• Expectations were high
• Basso and the Giro are inextricably linked through his victory in 2006 and his status as one of the favourites in 2009
• Stunning views even before the race starts.
• A grand sight for the opening of 'il centenario'... the 100th edition of the Giro d'Italia
• The whole gang was hanging out in Venice including politicians, cycling administrators and riders both current and former
• Ivan Basso looking happy to be back in the fold for next year's Giro
• Four winners of Italy's Grand Tour do their best model poses... but has Gilberto been painting with that tie on?
• Civility amongst sprinters can only really come at the presentation, as Daniele Bennati (l) and Alessandro Petacchi (r) do the obligatory pose
• 'Tutto il rosa della vita'... Yes, we can all be pink in life. And what a wonderful life that would be!
• Former teammates Giovanni Visconti (l) and Paolo Bettini shoot the breeze at the Giro Presentation
• Gilberto Simoni must have seen his resemblance to Il Giribecco, the Giro's mascot
• And Il Giribecco must be happy that he resembles a three-time Giro champion!
• Three amigos (sorry, we had to...) Giovanni Visconti (l), Paolo Bettini (c) and Stefano Garzelli (r) at the Giro presentation
• 'OK, my cheeks are sore from smiling...' but isn't it a killer smile?
• Ivan Basso (l) and Venice mayor Massimo Cacciari pose for the cameras
• Cervélo's Gerard Vroomen, l, presents a specially designed bike to Angelo Zomegnan.
• Paolo Bettini
• Lance Armstrong addresses the crowd in a special pre-recorded message.
• USA's Lance Armstrong made a special appearance in Venice.
• The Giro d'Italia is presented stage by stage.
• Franco Pellizotti
• Former Giro winner Franco Chioccioli and Evgeni Berzin, l-r.
• Winner of the 2007 Giro, Danilo Di Luca.
• Giovanni Visconti with the ISD's Vitaliy Kovalchuk and Mark Beygelzimer.
• Paolo Bettini in Teatro Fenice
• Tuscans Paolo Bettini and Daniele Bennati
• The canals of Venice.
• Venice's Ponte di Rialto
• Venice's waterways are the main paths for transportation.
• The classic gondola ride.
• Ponte di Rialto bridges a canal in Venice.
• A canal leading into Venice's centre.

Images by Riccardo Scanferla

• 'OK Gibo, I'll take this stage, you can have that other one...' Gilberto Simoni (l) and Danilo Di Luca sort out who gets what in next year's Giro
• Il Giribecco is the Giro's mascot in the centenary year
• And this is what they're competing for... the Giro's unique trophy
• Venice turned on regal treatment for the unveiling of the 100th Giro d'Italia route
• Four former Giro winners gather in Venice for the presentation - (l-r): Stefano Garzelli, Gilberto Simoni, Danilo Di Luca and Ivan Basso
• The golden boy of Italian cycling, Ivan Basso arrives for the presentation ceremony

Images by Gregor Brown/Cyclingnews.com

• High waters regularly force residents on platforms though the city.
• Boots were required to visit Venice's Piazza San Marco.
• Visitors visit Piazza San Marco despite high waters.
• High waters flooded Venice's Piazza San Marco.

A Dolce & Gabbana designed maglia rosa

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, l-r, with the maglia rosa they designed.
• Past Giro winners Ivan Basso, Gilberto Simoni and Danilo Di Luca with the Dolce & Gabbana jersey.
• Race director Angelo Zomegnan with Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, l-r, as the jersey is presented.
• The new jersey is modeled next to the race's trophy.
• Italians Danilo Di Luca and Gilberto Simoni have a look at the new design by Dolce & Gabbana.
• Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana with their design of the Giro's maglia rosa.
• Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana, Ivan Basso, Danilo Di Luca and Gilberto Simoni with the new maglia rosa.