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PICTURE GALLERY : Stephen McMahon Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM

TOUR OF IRELAND 2009 - Stage 1 Pictures
By Stephen McMahon
22 Aug 2009,

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2009 Tour of Ireland - 2.1 - Ireland, August 21 - 23, 2009.

August 21, 2009. Stage 1, Powerscourt – Waterford 196kms.

The Astana bus proved a popular hangout for cycling fans at the start of Stage 1 of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Lance Armstrong (Astana) was literally mobbed by fans and photographers as he tried to make his way to the Astana team bus. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Photographs posed, questions answered, autographs given; it was time for Armstrong to sign on at the start of Stage 1 in Powerscourt, County Wicklow. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia – HTC) rolls toward the start line on Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Stuart O’Grady (Team Saxo Bank) on his way to the sign on. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Lance Armstrong (Astana) in conversation with the announcer at the start of Stage 1 of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

All obligations fulfilled, it was time to get in the zone for the start of Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon.

The rolling start of Stage 1 was a solemn occasion for the riders as they remembered Irish cyclist Paul Healion, who died in a road accident on Sunday the 16th of August. Paul was due to start the Tour of Ireland as a member of the Irish National Team. As a mark of respect and remembrance a minute of silence was observed as the race prepared to leave Powerscourt in County Wicklow. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Two cycling fans take in the stunning scenery as they wait for the race to make its way up the narrow road to the top of Mount Leinster. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Many tributes to Paul Healion were dotted along the roads. The Irish cycling community seems determined to celebrate his life despite the sadness of his passing. ©: Stephen McMahon.

A gusting headwind added to the level of difficulty as the race approached the top of Mount Leinster on Stage 1 of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

The rugged beauty of the Wicklow mountains. ©: Stephen McMahon.

The Astana team were at the head of affairs as the race passed over the top of Mount Leinster in Count Wicklow. ©: Stephen McMahon.

There was no shortage of support for the riders as they battled with the incline and the considerable headwind. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Russell Downing (Candi TV – Marshalls Pasta) took a fantastic victory on Stage 1 of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Downing was delighted with his win into Waterford. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Russell Downing (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta) reflects on a hard fought victory on Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Downing receives the applause of the crowd as he approaches the podium. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Russell Downing (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta): winner of Stage 1 of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Matti Breschel (Team Saxo Bank) approaches the podium to receive the white jersey for Best Placed U-25 rider on GC. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Leader of the Best Placed U-25 rider classification, Matti Breschel (Team Saxo Bank) was obviously happy with his performance in Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) is the first wearer of the Mountains Classification jersey on the 2009 Tour of Ireland and will doubtlessly be keen to retain the title he took hom in 2008. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Downing’s victory on Stage 1 also netted him the lead in the Points Classification. ©: Stephen McMahon.

That man again: Russell Downing (Candi-TV – Marshalls Pasta) is the leader of the 2009 edition of the Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Downing was easily the happiest man in Waterford City after Stage 1 of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.


Photo captions: © Stephen McMahon: st.mcmahon@gmail.com

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