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Photos archive Videos - Interviews and Action Cyclingnews Reader's Pics of 2006 |
Czech Mountain Bike Nationals
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Jan Nemec /www.mtbs.cz
- Pavla Havlíková (KC Kooperativa SG Jablonec) at the start
- Pavla Havlíková (KC Kooperativa SG Jablonec) races to a national title win.
- Pavla Havlíková (KC Kooperativa SG Jablonec) celebrates her win.
- Pavla Havlíková (KC Kooperativa SG Jablonec) interviewed after the race.
- Jaroslav Kulhavý (Michelin-Specialized MTB Team) negotiates some singletrack.
- Jaroslav Kulhavý (Michelin-Specialized MTB Team) on his way to a win.
- Jaroslav Kulhavý (Michelin-Specialized MTB Team) celebrates his national title.
- Elite men's cross country national championship podium.
- The start of the men's race.
- Making a splash
- The start of the women's race.
- Elite women's podium
- Ilona Bublová (Rock Machine - Cyklomax) would go on to take third place.
- Šárka Chmurová (Max Cursor) finished second.
- The favorites lined up at the start.
- Jirí Friedl (Merida Biking Team) finished second.
Cardiac Classic
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Images by Volodya Gusak
- Racers had no shortage of climbing at the inaugural Cardiac Classic.
Bike & Fun - Festival Saalhausen, Saalhausen
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Images by Armin M. Küstenbrück
- New Zealand's Rosara Joseph (GHOST International) on her way to a win.
- Kurschat, Milatz, Soukoup and Thum out on course.
- Moritz Milatz winning the men's race.
- Start of the men's race.
- Sabrina Enaux (Team LAPIERRE International) finished second.
- Women's podium: Kraft, Enaux, Joseph, Schmidt and Turpijn
IXS European DH Cup -Scuol
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Images by Thomas Dietze
- Nick Beer on his way to victory in Scuol, Switzerland.
Junior Worlds Road
Day 1 - July 18: Time trials men and women
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Alliance Photo /www.alliancephoto.com
- The women's podium (l-r) with second placed Valeriya Kononenko (Ukraine), winner Maria Grandt Petersen (Denmark) and Laura Dittmann (Germany)
- Taylor Phinney in action during his bronze medal ride.
- Jakob Steigmiller in the starting blocks
- Men's time trial podium (l-r) Jakob Steigmiller (Germany), Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland) and Taylor Phinney (USA).
- Michal Kwiatkowski - gold medal winner in action.
- Taylor coming into the finish at the TT.
Tour of Qinghai Lake
Stage 9 - July 19: Menyuan - Huzhu, 168.1 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- The local band boys were there at the start of stage 9.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) signs on.
- The powerful Denmark team, in China for some pre Olympic Games racing.
- Fumiyuki Beppu (Skil-Shimano) awaits the start of the delayed days racing.
- Perutnina from Slovenia are having a great tour.
- The race gets underway bellow some main street decorations.
- Picture perfect scenery.
- The nine riders in the break make their way.
- Some local farmers give their encouragement.
- The break on the approach to the climb.
- Serramenti went to the front of the main group as they neared the main climb.
- Fumiyuki Beppu (Skil-Shimano) looks for the others as they start climbing.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) was near the front as the climb began, and looked comfortable.
- Switchback delight.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) was still looking strong as they neared the peak.
- Marek Rutkiewicz (Poland) was hanging in there, but was struggling.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) was there to look after Hamilton.
- Hossien Askari (Tabriz) went on the attack, but to no avail.
- The yellow jersey was near the front after the descent.
- Kristjan Fajt (Perutnina) takes a look at his opposition.
- Jure Kocjan (Perutnina) on his way to a strong win.
- Jure Kocjan (Perutnina) applauds his win.
- Jure Kocjan (Perutnina) relaxes at the finish.
- Kristjan Fajt (Perutnina) is furious after being directed the wrong way, with a win a certainty.
- Kristjan Fajt (Perutnina) voices his concerns to his manager.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) celebrates on the podium.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) throws the flowers into the crowd.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) with a few souvenirs in his back pocket.
Stage 8 - July 18: Xining - Menyuan, 150.8 km
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti ) relaxes before an important day in the saddle.
- The peloton on the flatter part of the stage.
- Marco Polo took to the front to reel back the escape.
- Some curious farmers came out to see the action.
- On the lower slopes the intensity was showing for the back markers.
- The peloton cross a bridge before the real climbing began.
- The break were the first to see what was ahead.
- Sergey Rudaskov (Collstrop) went to the front of the break.
- Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti) leads the main group as they head upwards.
- Marek Rutkiewicz (Poland) leads the race two thirds up the climb.
- The lead group head to the clouds.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) leads the main chase group.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) and Marek Rutkiewicz (Poland) descend into the valley below.
- The scenery was great, but there was no time for sight seeing today.
- With Hamilton (Rock Racing) and Rutkiewicz (Poland) away the chasers were wasting time by arguing.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) leads with 15km to go.
- Matej Stare (Perutnina) went alone to try and reach the leaders.
- The leaders were looking good with 10km to go.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) takes his first win since 2004. He now leads the overall classification by 10 seconds.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) congratulates Hamilton on his win.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) after the race.
- Matej Stare (Perutnina) is congratulated after his big effort in the closing kilometres.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) sprays the champagne.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) is in a good position to take out the overall honours.
Stage 7 - July 17: Xining - Minhe-Ledu-Pingan - Xining, 214 km
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) signs on, to what could be another win for him.
- The Aussie boys posing for the camera.
- Robert Wagner (Skil-Shimano) relaxes before the start of today’s stage.
- the start line with yellow jersey wearer Hossein Askari (Tabriz PET) at the front.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) makes some adjustments in the neutral zone.
- Making their intentions noticed straight away, Perutnina attack right from the start.
- Half the race was on the freeway for stage 07.
- Bartosz Huzarski (Poland) and Martyn Irvine (Pezula) on the attack.
- The stage was flat but a reminder of the hills to come were not far away.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) has a chat with his manager.
- The three escapees exit a tunnel.
- The peloton ride past a factory at the half way point.
- Christensen Morkov (Denmark) leads the break.
- The race was held under blue skies for stage 07.
- Yellow jersey wearer Hossein Askari (Tabriz PET) stayed safe in the bunch.
- The peloton stretched out in pursuit of the escape group.
- The Tabriz PET team went to the front to make sure the escape was caught.
- The escape with around 25km to go.
- The peloton make their way up a small rise.
- With the escape in sight Perutnina took the reigns.
- The sprint, with Tom Veelers (Skil-Shimano) out wide.
- Tom Veelers (Skil-Shimano) celebrates his win.
- Tom Veelers (Skil-Shimano) is congratulated back at the team car.
- Tom Veelers (Skil-Shimano) was pretty happy with his win.
- The stage place getters have a chat on the podium.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) in the Asian Jersey.
- KOM jersey wearer Ahad Kazemi (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) on the podium.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) in the sprinters jersey.
- A humble leader Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) on the podium.
Stage 6 - July 16: Guide - Xining, 115 km
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- A Qinghai China team member gears up for a wet day in the hills.
- The start area.
- The peloton make their way through the arid landscape before the climb started.
- The peloton with an insight to where they were heading.
- Freddy Rodriguez (Rock Racing) waits for team mate Tyler Hamilton after his mechanical early on.
- Thierry Hupond (Skil-Shimano) had a burst of speed early on, but was soon reeled in.
- The peloton rode through some scenic country side today.
- Plenty of towns folk came out to see the riders.
- Looking down to the riders at the base of the climb.
- A small group broke away as they started to ascend.
- It all looked peaceful, but for the riders it was certainly not.
- Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti) has been quit so far this race, but is not far off the GC lead.
- The riders make their way up, to nearly 4000m.
- The leading trio included Ahad Kazemi with Ghader Mizbani (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) and Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing).
- Lucas Persson (Collstrop) struggled up the climb and lost his Polka Dot jersey today.
- The main group on the middle slopes.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) was keeping an eye on leader Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) just ahead of the main group.
- Ghader Mizbani (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) in front of the leading trio.
- Marek Rutkiewwicz (Poland) takes the win in front of Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing).
- Marek Rutkiewwicz (Poland) tells his team mates of the final sprint.
- Ghader Mizbani (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) talks to Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) on how they didn’t win the stage.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) enters the podium to receive the Asian Classification jersey.
- Ahad Kazemi (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) is the new KOM leader.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) retained the Sprint jersey.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) looking splendid in yellow.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) leaves the podium, another day in yellow.
Stage 5 - July 15: Xihaizhen - Guide County, 172.4 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- The race was under with sunny skies today.
- The school kids were out in force.
- The flowers thought it was a nice day as well.
- Lucas Persson (Collstrop) on the lower slopes of the climb.
- Kristjan Fajt (Perutnina Ptuj) took off on his own, to try and reach the lead group.
- The climb was impressive, nearly reaching 4000m.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) was looking strong.
- The riders started to spread out as they ascended.
- Sergey Rudaskov (Collstrop) went out on his own, half way up the climb.
- A great day for racing, after the last two days with wind and rain.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) leads Lucas Persson (Cycle Collstrop).
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) was looking strong, with several team mates close by.
- Ahad Kazemi (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) reached the top first.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) and six others joined together just before the descent.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) leads the front group on the descent.
- The riders rode through some arid terrain on the run in to Guide.
- Driving hard, the lead group were working hard to hold of the others.
- When the leaders were caught, Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) went to the front in chase of Volodymyr Zagorodnyy (Ukraine).
- Volodymyr Zagorodnyy (Ukraine) took off with around 15km to go.
- Volodymyr Zagorodnyy (Ukraine) takes a brave win.
- The race for second and third place.
- The place getters.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) retained his Asian jersey.
- Lucas Persson (Collstrop) on the podium in his Polka Dot jersey.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) had a bit of fun on the podium when he received his Sprinters jersey.
- Hossein Askari (Tabriz Petrochemical Team) sprays the champagne as the new leader of the tour.
Stage 3 - July 13: Qinghai Lake Hotel - Bird Island, 120.6 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- the riders sign on in the rain.
- While still impressive the yellow rapeseed wasn’t as good this year due to the rain.
- The peloton rode under stormy skies this morning.
- The break of the day passes through a colourful display.
- The peloton continue their sojourn of Qinghai Lake.
- Yellow jersey wearer Alex Rasmussen (Denmark).
- Denmark seemed keen to hold onto the yellow jersey, and set out for the escape duo.
- Olekssandr Kvachuk (Ukraine) and Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) worked well together.
- Crosswinds came into play splitting the peloton into three groups.
- Commissaries Phillip Marien watches over the riders.
- The second group head past some Tibetan flags on the shore of Qinghai Lake.
- Full steam ahead Rock Racing were keen for a win today, and actively chasing the break with 15km to go.
- The KOM passed under some Tibetan prayer flags.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) out front and working hard.
- Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) was joined by Hossein Askari ((Tabriz PET). It looked promising that they would hold off the bunch.
- Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) takes out his biggest win to date.
- Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) is congratulated by his team.
- Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) being interviewed by foreign and local media.
- one funky monk.
- Hey what’s going on here?
- Bird Island locals came to see what all the fuss was about.
- One of the podium girls waits patiently for the ceremony to begin.
- Today’s place getters pose for a picture.
- Hossein Askari (Tabrix PET) is the new Asian leader.
- Lucas Persson (Collstrop) lets the champers fly in his new jersey.
- Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) salutes the crowd after a well deserved win.
- Kristian Fajt (Perutnina PTU) wonders what tomorrow will bring.
Stage 2 - July 12: Xining - Qinghai Lake Hotel, 145.5 km
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Perutnina PTU looked ready to race this morning.
- Denmark manager Heiko Salzwedel talks tactics with the team.
- The peloton roll out of Xining.
- The peloton pass through downtown Xining.
- The early break included Lucas Persson (Collstrop) and Hossein Jahabanian (Tabriz PET).
- Denmark was on front before the climbing started.
- The peloton on the lower slopes.
- Denmark was keen to keep the yellow jersey today.
- The two man break head to the hills.
- The peloton ride through terrain that has made this race known for.
- The peloton under some higher ground.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) leading over the top of the climb in chase of the break.
- The locals came out despite the cool temperatures.
- The break going for gold but they would soon be caught will 30km to go.
- The main group in hot pursuit.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) was looking good, but was unaware of his fate to come.
- With 20km to go Denmark was back on the front.
- The peloton catch a glimpse of Qinghai Lake.
- With 7km to go it was any ones guess who would take the win.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) makes it two from two.
- Hossein Nateghi (Perutnina PTU) is the new Asian Leader.
- Lucas Persson (Cycle Collstrop) in the KOM jersey.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) retained the sprint jersey.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) is starting to enjoy winning this race.
Stage 1 - July 11: Xining prologue, 3.8 km
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Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) explaining to the officials how his bars are legal.
- Daniel Kreutzfeldt (Denmark) rode into 31st place.
- Jackson Rodriguez (Serramenti DIQ) heads off during his ride.
- There was plenty of security today with police and military lining the whole course.
- Fu Yu Li (Marco Polo) would be hoping for a good race this year after doing well last year.
- A few locals came out to see the action.
- David McCann (Giant Asia) rode well taking out second place.
- Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) didn’t rate today, but is sure to improve as the race develops.
- Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) in full flight and riding into third place.
- Joseph Lewis (FRF Couriers) had a great ride, with a time of 4.22.56 to put him in 7th overall.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) easily won today, with a 10 second gap to second place.
- Last years winner Gabriele Missaglia (Serramenti DIQ) was last to leave the start ramp today. He managed ninth place.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) looked a bit tired after his ride, but the effort was well worth it.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) warms down on the rollers with plenty of spectators checking out the winner.
- Local boy Ji Xitao (China Marida) celebrates in style taking the Asian Riders Jersey.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) gets a hand putting the leader’s jersey on.
- Alex Rasmussen (Denmark) lets the bubbly flow.
- Ji Xitao (China Marida) took 10th overall, and the Asian Leaders Jersey.
- Gregor Gazvoda (Perutnina PTU) finished in sixth place.
- Michael Creed (Rock Racing) came in fifth, 16 seconds down.
- Casper Jorgensen (Denmark) looked strong to finish in eighth place.
- Charles Huff (Jelly Belly) just missed out on the podium to take fourth.
Junior Worlds Track
Day 5 - July 16: Men sprint final, men omnium, men scratch race, women Keirin
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Images by www.alliancephoto.com
- Michael Vingerling won the gold medal in the 10km Men's Scratch event
- Men Omnium Podium (L-R): Silver went to Moreno De Pauw of Belgium, Gold to Australian Luke Davison and Bronze to Ramon Domene Reyes of Spain.
- Women's Keirin Podium (L-R): Silver went to Olivia Montauban of France; Gold to Kristina Vogel of Germany and Bronze for Giada Balzan of Italy.
Day 3 - July 14: Men 1000m TT, men points race, women sprint qualifiers, women team pursuit
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Images by Alliance Photo /www.alliancephoto.com
- The Australian team won the team pursuit
- The podium of the men's points race (l-r) Cristobal Olavarria (Chile), Tosh Van Der Sande (Belgium) and Luke Durbridge (Australia).
- Quentin Lafargue (France) took out the 1000 metre time trial.
Day 2 - July 13: Women team sprint, women pursuit, men team pursuit, men keirin
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Images by Alliance Photo /www.alliancephoto.com
- Action in the men's keirin. that inspired team-mate David Zabriskie.
- The Australian team won the team pursuit lined up in Citadelpark.
- Women's individual pursuit podium in Belgian racing.
Images by Raymond Cox
- The velodrome of the Worlds
- Riders get ready for the Keirin madness.
- The start of the Keirin event
- The Keirin in full swing as riders battle for position.
Day 1 - July 12: Women 500m TT, men pursuit, men team sprint, women scratch race
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Images by South Africa Worlds
- Taylor Phinney during his epic ride in cold conditions - which he turned to gold conditions.
- German Kristina Vogel celebrated the win in the 500m TT ahead of Victoria Baranova (Russia, left) and Olivia Montauban (France).
- Scratch race winner Megan Dunn from Australia is flanked by runner-up Gemma Dudley (New Zealand, l) and Colleen Hayduk (USA) to make it an anglophone podium.
- It gets crowded on the team sprint podium. The boys of France became World Champion, Australia (green/yellow) won silver and Poland in red and white finished third.
Tour of Austria
Stage 7 - July 13: Podersdorf am Neusiedler See - Vienna, 128.5 km
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Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- Bettini and Rohregger enjoy some champagne before the stage.
- The peloton passes the opera in Vienna.
- Elk Haus-Simplon controlled the bunch on the final day.
- A great success for the Austrian team and its leader, Thomas Rohregger.
- Rohregger enjoys the race food
- Rohregger roolls along in yellow
- Boonen gets his sprint win in the last possible moment.
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) was consoled a bit for missing out on the (non-sprinter) Tour de France.
- Rohregger gets the final yellow jersey
- Boonen celebrates his win
- Astana was the best team in Austria and they celebrated in style.
- The GC podium from left to right with Vladimir Gusev (Astana), Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon) and Ruslan Podgornyy (LPR Brakes).
Stage 6 - July 12: Podersdorf am Neusiedler See (ITT), 25.9 km
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Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- Bettini during his time trial
- Tom Boonen (Quick Step) takes the tight U-turn at full speed.
- Boonen powers along the fan-lined course.
- Bert Grabsch (Columbia) celebrates his win on the podium.
- Vladimir Gusev (Astana) finished a minute down.
- Ruslan Podgornyy (LPR Brakes) is still in contention for the points classification.
- Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon) was the last to start
- Rohregger need to keep it going to stay in the overall lead.
- Rohregger is exhausted at the finish.
- He retained his lead and was visibly happy about it.
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Team CSC) shows the efforts of the time trial.
- Gerhard Trampusch (Elk Haus-Simplon) with his trademark beard flying in the wind, slowing him down a tad.
- Bettini gets his star put in on the street of Champions.
- And of course the finger prints as well.
Images by Gepa-Pictures
- Michael Barry (Columbia) powers off the start ramp.
- Mountains leader Giampaolo Caruso takes off.
- Jure Golcer (LPR Brakes) in his effort against the clock.
- Rohregger did a superb ride
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Team CSC) gave it 100%
- Florian Stalder (Team Volksbank) in the fight against the clock.
- René Haselbacher (Astana) powers through Austria
- Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon) celebrates yellow for another day.
- Rohregger redefined the word 'podium kiss'.
Stage 5 - July 11: Wiener Neustadt - Bad Vöslau, 179.7 km
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Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- René Haselbacher (Astana) is the first Austrian to win a stage in this year's Österreich-Rundfahrt.
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) enjoyed the sun in Austria and having a stage win already under his belt he does not have any pressure.
- Tom Boonen also found the day rather pleasant.
- Vladimir Gusev (Astana) wasn't quite sure what to think, but when his team-mate Haselbacher went up the road things looked good for the Astana squad.
- The peloton passes through Hafnerberg
- Haselbacher out of the saddle and storming to the front.
- Haselbacher in the break with Emanuele Bindi (Lampre).
- It was a warm day in Austria and Haselbacher did something for his chest tan.
- Bindi was in the break of the day but couldn't pull off the win.
- The Hoellental (hell's valley) really heated up the peloton.
- Haselbacher is all smiles as he takes an easy two-up sprint.
- Haselbacher on the podium
Stage 4 - July 10: Lienz - Wolfsberg, 212.8 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- Boonen is popular with the kids and happily signs them on their arms.
- GC leader Rohregger and sprints leader Ruslan Podgornyy control the front early on.
- Bettini in the feed zone stocking up on sports bars.
- Rohregger in the feed zone.
- Elk Haus Simplon leads in Dobratsch and is defending yellow for Rohregger. Dobratsch is a nature park in Austria. But then isn't the entire country a nature park??
- Kids wave the Austrian flags as the peloton rushes by.
- Elk Haus Simplon does its duty on the front.
- Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon) easily defended his lead on stage four.
- Tom Stamsnijder (Gerolsteiner) leads Olivier Kaisen (Silence-Lotto) during their break.
- A smiling Stefan Rucker (Elk Haus-Simplon) loves to work hard to keep the yellow jersey in the team.
- Greipel takes win number eight of the season. The young 'Columbian' has had a stellar season so far.
Images by Gepa-Pictures
- The mountains offer spectacular views and stunning nature experiences.
- The Kaiser-Stamsnijder break takes a left
- The duo ahead of the field.
- Harald Morscher (Team Volksbank) passes some enthusiastic fans.
- The peloton enjoys the few flat parts during the tough week of racing.
- The sprint in full swing.
- Greipel took what one considers a clear win.
- Greipel takes the win
- Greipel on the podium
- Ruslan Podgornyy (LPR Brakes) was happy to get even more champagne after stage four.
- Peter Wrolich summed up his day which ended in ninth.
Stage 3 - July 9: Kitzbühel - Prägraten am Großvenediger, 183.7 km
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- Ukrainian Ruslan Podgornyy (LPR Brakes) celebrates his win in stage three.
- Bettini gets to know the hilly part of Austria.
- Italians Bettini (l) and Rebellin on the Austrian climbs.
- Tom Boonen is dreaming about a flat sprint in France...
- The Grossglockner is nice for some vacation but contesting a bike race is a different story.
- The lead group on the climb to the roof of the Tour of Austria.
- Gerrit Glomser (Team Volksbank) sprints ahead to get across the linbe over the KOM in first.
- Glomser on the attack in his home country.
- Glomser storms the Grossglockner
- Sprints leader Ruslan Podgornyy (LPR Brakes)
- Ruslan Podgornyy (LPR Brakes) wins the stage
- Podgornyy on the podium
- Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon) grits his teeth
- Rohregger exhausted after the tough day
- The Austrian took over yellow and the kises blew away all the pain.
- Rohregger and Caruso found out it is pretty cold up on the mountain.
- Stefan Rucker (Elk Haus-Simplon) leads his team-mate Rohregger.
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Team CSC) takes a drink
- The lead group on the lower slopes.
Stage 2 - July 8: Toblach - Kitzbüheler Horn/Alpenhaus, 169.6 km
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Images by Gepa-Pictures
- Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon) fights along
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Team CSC) wins the stage and takes over the overall.
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Team CSC) wins the stage
Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- Bettini in yellow
- The lead group goiugn up the mountain
- René Haselbacher on a descent
- Rohregger and Sørensen had a great battle in the Austrian Alps.
- Rohregger lets his tongue do the talking.
- Rohregger passes the devil who has opted to go to Austria instead of France this year.
- Chris Anker Sørensen (Team CSC) wins!
- Sørensen gave it his all
- The two were reunited on the podium and all smiles.
- The podium kisses are good after a hard day's work.
Stage 1 - July 7: Klausen - Toblach, 171.2 km
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Images by Gepa-Pictures
- Glomser started his celebration too early and did not see the Italian coming up on his left.
- Paolo Bettini surprised Glomser in the final metres.
Images by Klaus Titzer/www.derfotograf.at
- The World Champion returns to Austria to take the first stage.
- Bettini all smiles in yellow.
- Tom Boonen gets to know a different part of Europe
- Boonen enjoyed Austria but had hoped it would be a tad flatter, like it is in Belgium.
- Markus Eibegger (Elk Haus-Simplon) rides next to World Champion Paolo Bettini (Quick Step)
- Gerrit Glomser (Team Volksbank) won the white jersey of best Austrian, but was disappointed that his Zabel move cost him the stage victory.
- Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) leads Thomas Rohregger (Elk Haus-Simplon).
- Paolo Savoldelli (LPR Brakes) in Austria
European Championships
Day 4 - July 6: Junior women RR / junior men RR, 86.4/129.6km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Luke Rowe (Great Britain,) Johan Le Bon (France) and Piotr Gawronski (Poland) made up the men's junior podium.
- Valentina Scandolara (Italy) had time to celebrate her win in the women's junior road race.
- Valentina Scandolara (Italy) realizes she's won the European championships
- The women's junior race winner Valentina Scandolara of Italy.
- Valentina Scandolara (Italy) was happy to have won the junior women's road race.
- Scandolara rides in the peloton.
- The junior women's podium: Valeriya Kononenko (Ukraine), Valentina Scandolara (Italy) and Jessie Daams (Belgium).
- It was a festive podium with all flags flying.
- Johan Le Bon takes the win for France in the men's junior road race.
- The start of the men's junior race took place under dark skies.
Day 3 - July 5: U23 women RR / U23 men RR, 129.6/151.2km
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Images by Start Communication
- Rasa Leleivyte (Lithuania) wins the women's European under 23 road race title.
- Cyril Gautier (France) broke away to take the under 23 men's title.
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Rasa Leleivyte (Lithuania) was the fastest of a 10-woman group at the finish.
- The Lithuanian edged out Ukrainian Lesya Kalitovska.
- Good as gold: Rasa Leleivyte tastes success on the podium.
- Leleivyte is flanked by runner up Lesya Kalitovska (Ukraine) and World Champion Marta Bastianelli (Italy)
- Start of the U23 race
- But things were a bit more strung out at the start-finish area.
- On a warm day many had their jerseys unzipped to combat the heat.
- The early break in the U23 race
- The sprint for second was hotly contested in the hot conditions.
- Voss celebrates his silver medal and may be one of the happiest runner-ups this season.
- Cyril Gautier (France) won the road race ahead of Paul Voss (Germany) and Timofey Kritskiy (Russia).
- Rabobank heads the women's field at the start.
Day 2 - July 4: Junior women TT / junior men TT, 16.5km
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Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- The junior women podium
- Jacqueline Hahn (Austria) at the finish
- Valeriya Kononenko (Ukraine) won the event
- Maria Mishina (Russian Federation) obtained bronze
- Mishina finishes powerful
- Kononenko with the gold metal
- Vegard Breen (Norway) arives at the finish
- Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland) won the junior's race
- The winner enjoys the Lago and the sun
- Johan Le Bon (France) fought well and was rewarded with the bronze medal.
- Massimo Coledan (Italy) was riding on home soil but narrowly missed out on a medal
Day 1 - July 3: U23 women TT / U23 men TT, 25.3km
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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
- Marcel Kittel (Germany) giving it full gas.
- Ukraine's Svitlana Galyuk powers her machine home for second.
- Elena Berlato was topped-placed of the squadra azzurra, finishing 19th.
- Ellen Van Dijk (Netherlands) tops the charts, flanked by Ukraine's Svitlana Galyuk and Lesya Kalitovska (l & r).
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Alex Dowsett (Great Britain) in his hard effort in Italy.
- Timofei Kritskiy (Russian Federation) powers along the course and finished second.
- Adriano Malori (Italy) won the race
- A very blue podium with winner Malori in the middle
- Malori beat Russians Kritskiy (left, second) and Artem Ovechkin.
- Ellen Van Dijk (Netherlands) won the women's U23 event
- Van Dijk tested if the medal was real and it sure was!
- Svetlana Galyuk (Ukraine) arrives at the finish and is slightly exhausted.
- Leysa Kalitovska (Ukraine) finished third just three seconds behind compatriot Galyuk.
Russian National Championships road race
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Images by Chris Baldwin
- Astana's Sergey Ivanov wins his fifth Russian national title.
- Alexander Bozhilov finishes in second place.
Irish National Championships road race men
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- Over a hundred riders turned out for the start of the Elite Men’s road race at the 2008 Irish National Championships. This event was hosted by Midleton Cycling Club and started in the town of Ballinacurra, County Cork.
- The first significant break of the day formed after less than 10 kilometres of racing and including Sean Lacey (Eurocycles), Ciaran Power (Pezula Racing Team), Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle) and Ronan McLaughlin (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team).
- Cautious of the headwind, the main group makes its way along the rolling roads of East Cork.
- To chase or not to chase, that is the question: Mark Cassidy and Stephen Gallagher (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team) weigh up their options.
- With riders from several of the major teams in the leading break and a strong headwind to deal with, the main group fragmented as the game of chess on wheels continued. Here, Damien McCabe (Team Ponte) makes his intentions clear.
- Philip Deignan (AG2R La Mondiale), Andrew Roche (Pinarello Racing Team) and Michael Colcannon (Killorglin Credit Union) trying to organise the chase.
- Nicholas Roche (Crédit Agricole) was one of a number of marked men on the day but still made a series of attempts to bridge across to the leading group.
- Ciaran Power (Pezula Racing Team) setting the pace of the breakaway.
- Martyn Irvine (Pezula Racing Team) leads Stephen Gallagher (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team).
- 2008 National TT Champion Paul Healion (South Dublin) was active in pursuit of the breakaway quartet.
- Stephen O’Sullivan (MyHome.ie) takes his turn at the front as yet another chase group forms and tries to settle into a steady rhythm.
- Defending U-23 Champion Mark Cassidy (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team) leads Paul Healion (South Dublin) and defending Elite Champion David O’Loughlin (Pezula Racing team).
- With the time gap beginning to come down, Derek Burke attacked the chasing group and tried to solo across to the breakaway.
- The leading riders have begun to realise that their efforts are unlikely to succeed. With the chase groups closing in and a new episode about to begin, Ciaran Power (Pezula Racing Team) had the misfortune to suffer a puncture.
- The back section of the course including a long, twisting descent. Here, Michael Colcannon (Killorglin Credit Union) leads Simon Kelly (Ushers IRC) and Adam Armstrong (Eurocycles).
- Nicholas Roche (Crédit Agricole) takes a moment to determine who is close by as the race descends to Ballinacurra.
- A dejected Philip Deignan (AG2R La Mondiale) withdrew from the race. The man from Donegal had been favoured as a possible contender for the title and was subsequently closely marked but, judging by his oil-covered hands, a mechanical problem may have eliminated him from contention.
- Three riders have gone clear: Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team), David O’Loughlin (Pezula Racing Team) and Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie).
- Despite the hot, humid conditions and having been involved in the initial break, Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle) tries to bridge across.
- 2007 National Road Race Champion David O’Loughlin (Pezula Racing Team) loses contact with the breakaway.
- O’Loughlin suffered cramps and almost ground to a halt as the breakaway began the long drag up Saleen Hill. He retired from the race at the top of the climb.
- The second group on the road consisted of Andrew Roche (Pinarello Racing Team), Nicholas Roche (Crédit Agricole), Simon Kelly (Usher IRC) and Sean Lacey (Eurocycles).
- The leading trio making their way up through a forested section of the course. The shade and cool air were very welcome.
- Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) concentrates on the task at hand.
- Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team) takes a moment to pick up some fresh bottles and consult with Sean Kelly.
- Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle) sets the pace as the trio emerges from the eerie calm of the forest.
- Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) raises the tempo on the descent to Ballinacurra to begin the second last lap.
- Without as much as a backward glance Daniel Martin (Germin Chipotle) puts in an explosive attack and surges forward, obviously committed to going it alone. Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team) grits his teeth as Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) tries to limit the damage.
- O’Brien gets back on terms only to watch as Martin puts in another furious acceleration. Even Paidi O’Brien’s tenacity has its limits.
- Having disposed of his breakaway companions, Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle) settles into a rhythm and concentrates on increasing his advantage.
- The descent from the main climb was short and sharp and Martin sought to gain every possible second, throwing caution to the head wind.
- The final lap became a time trail for the 21 year-old.
- Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) and Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team) give their very best in pursuit of Martin but despite their best efforts his lead increases steadily.
- It was an extraordinary sight to behold. Martin seemed to be riding as though in a stage race and needing to put as much time into his rivals as possible.
- His ride bore testament to his pure class, dogged determination and unequalled physical conditioning.
- Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle): Irish National Champion for 2008.
- Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team) takes second place, over three minutes behind the winner, with Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) completing the Elite Men’s podium.
- Daniel Martin tries on his new jersey.
- The newly crowned champion celebrates with the crowd.
- All going well, the lucky shamrocks of Martin’s Irish Champion jersey will visit races in the fours corners of the world over the next twelve months.
- Martin took victory in both the U-23 and Elite Men categories. He is seen here with second placed U-23 rider Adam Armstrong and winner of the bronze medal Derek Burke (Pezula Racing Team).
- The part of the presentation ceremony that riders love and photographers dread.
- Elite Men’s podium: Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team), winner and 2008 Irish Champion Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle) and Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie).
- The winner’s mount: Daniel Martin’s Felt. The design team at Garmin Chipotle will surely have lots of fun putting a customized bike and kit together for the new Irish Champion.
Irish National Championships road race women
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- The Women’s Road Race was hosted by St. Finbar’s Cycling Club and took place over eight laps of a 10.4 kilometre circuit on the outskirts of Glounthaune, County Cork.
- Defending champion Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) was at the head of affairs from the start.
- The peloton were still together after a cautious first lap. Here, Roisin Kennedy (Stagg Cycles L.C.R.C.) sets the pace.
- The circuit included a punishing climb, aptly named ‘The Highlands’, followed by a long, technical descent.
- Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) forces the pace as the true contenders go clear on the third ascent of the climb.
- The leading group (L-R): Fiona Meade (St. Finbar’s Cycling Club), Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers), Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD), Siobhan Dervan (Fenix).
- Kate Rudd (MyHome.ie) and Olivia Dillon (Touchstone Cycling), tried to keep the leaders in their sights.
- The leading quartet passing through some colourful countryside on the descent.
- A tailwind assisted the progress of the leading group as it rolled through the finish line to begin lap five.
- Siobhan Dervan’s strength and condition was very obvious any time the road went up.
- Fiona Meade (St. Finbar’s Cycling Club) fueling up.
- Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers), looking cool, calm and collected.
- Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD) gets to grips with an energy gel.
- Defending champion Siobhan Dervan (Fenix), was frustrated at being left to set the pace and, after negotiations with her breakaway companions, chose to let her legs do the talking.
- A glance over her shoulder brings Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) up to speed on the current state of play: Fiona Meade riding at her own pace, Heather Wilson very close to her limit and Louise Moriarty also under pressure.
- The quartet has become a trio: Siobhan Dervan (Fenix), Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD) and Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers).
- Siobhan Dervan's (Fenix) efforts on the second from last ascent of the climb saw Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) distanced and Moriarty tested.
- The elastic begins to stretch...
- ...and eventually snaps as Siobhan Dervan rides away from Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD) with a lap and a half remaining.
- Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) and Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD) pool their resources in pursuit of Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) as they approach the bell.
- With a 58 second advantage going on to the final lap, it was looking likely that Siobhan Dervan's (Fenix) courageous move was going to pay dividends.
- Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) takes her fourth National Road Race Championship victory.
- Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD) outsprints Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) to take second, two minutes and 24 seconds behind the winner.
- Fiona Meade (St. Finbar’s Cycling Club) rode exceptionally well to finish a well deserved fourth.
- Congratulations and commiserations: Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) and Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) in conversation after the finish.
- A reporter interviews Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) after the race finish.
- And now, for you techies out there, Siobhan Dervan’s (Fenix) race-winning mount. The 32-spoke Mavic Reflex rims were an intelligent choice given the nature of Irish roads.
- Winner of the Junior Road Race title Elaine Cawley (Castlebar).
- Podium (L-R): Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD), Siobhan Dervan (Fenix) and Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers).
Irish National Championships time trial
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- Women’s TT podium (L-R): Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers), Olivia Dillon (Touchstone Cycling) and Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing/UCD).
French National Championships road race men
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Arnaud Gerard (Française des Jeux) suffers in the heat
- Benoît Vaugrenard (Française des Jeux) leads the way
- Vaugrenard finished 10t for the day
- The former time trial champion rode a good race.
- Time trial champion Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) in the centre of the action.
- Christophe Le Mevel (Crédit Agricole) in the French country side.
- Cyril Gautier (Bretagne-Armor Lux, yellow shorts) in a break
- Gautier did a good race, but eventually had to abandon due to the heat.
- David Lelay (Bretagne-Armor Lux) gets aero on the descent
- Eric Berthou (Crédit Agricole) on the cobbles
- Berthou with jersey unzipped to combat the heat a bit better.
- Berthou was one of the many who didn't finish after having worked for the team.
- Frédéric Guesdon (Française des Jeux) tried to liven things up
- Guesdon early in the race
- Guillaume Le Floch (Bretagne-Armor Lux) at the head of the peloton.
- Sébastien Hinault (Crédit Agricole) on the left and his team-mate Patrice Halgand ahead of him shadow Benoît Poilvet (Bretagne - Armor Lux).
- Christophe Le Mevel and Rémi Pauriol follow Jean-Luc Delpech from the very active Bretagne - Armor Lux team.
- Loyd Mondory (AG2R La Mondiale) rides in the peloton with the blue jersey and shorts.
- Defending champion Christophe Moreau could be happy that the jersey stayed within the team.
- Moreau controls things in the centre while Tomas Voeckler on the right is always on the lookout for an attack.
- Vogondy celebrated his second French title
- Vogondy during his solo effort
- Vogondy broke away with 30 kilometres remaining.
- Noan Lelarge of the very active Bretagne - Armor Lux team.
- Pierre Rolland was in the chase but they were unable to catch Vogondy.
- Pierrick Fédrigo (Bouygues Telecom) and Frédéric Guesdon (Française des Jeux) liven things up.
- The podium with (l-r) second placed Arnaud Coyot (Caisse d'Epargne) followed by winner Vogondy and to the right is Julien Loubet (AG2R La Mondiale)
- The picturesque town of Semur hosted the championships.
- Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) had less pressure after winning the time trial title.
- Yann Pivois (Bretagne-Armor Lux) on the cobbles
- Pivois showed what he thought of the day
- Yoann Le Boulanger (Française des Jeux) is all smiles
- Vogondy on the finishing straight
- Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) arrived solo after the chasers could only come within five seconds before Vogondy took off again.
- Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) on his way to winning.
- Patrice Halgand (Crédit Agricole)
- This tastes just as good as the first time.
- Vogondy doubled up on National Championships.
- A happy Vogondy gets to the podium
- Coyot, Vogondy and Loubet happily smile from the podium.
- Nicolas Vogondy (Agritubel) in his national championship jersey.
French National Championships road race women
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Images by Fabrice Lambert
- Audrey Cordon (Vienne Futuroscope) on the pavé
- Christel Ferrier Bruneau cools off after the race.
- Jeannie Longo and team-mate Edwige Pitel put the pressure on the break.
- Emilie Blanquefort (Vienne Futuroscope) on the tough parcours.
- Jeannie Longo at the start
- Jeannie Longo muses on how many championships she has won already.
- Longo takes yet another win in the French National Championships.
- Karine Gautard (Vienne Futuroscope) rode well and finished seventh.