Photography by Michaels

Best Photos

My favorite Tour photos:
Levi Leipheimer and Odessa Gunn making contact after Levi won the Solvang Time Trial on February 20th.

I got this shot as Levi was reaching for his wife, Odessa, for a kiss. This was after his podium ceremony as the winner of the Solvang time trial in Stage 6. Levi had to win this time trial for it to be possible for him to win his third Tour of California. It was a big day for him. I just happened to be there to catch the moment as he shared it with Odessa.

Lance Armstrong at the Pre-Race Press Conference on February 13th.I wanted a photo of Lance and his Livestrong bracelet. Not only did I get one, it turned out to be my best shot of the day. He had just finished answering a series of difficult questions, he paused to think about his next words.

Lance at the start of Stage 5 in Visalia.

A beautiful Valentine’s Day for the Prologue in Sacramento.The Prologue Opening Ceremony.

Carlos Sastre before the start of Stage 1.Mark Cavendish before the start of Stage 1.An unshaven Levi Leipheimer before the start of Stage 1.Lance riding down autograph alley before the start of Stage 1.

The Peloton crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in Stage 2. We got very lucky with our shooting location.

San Gregorio State Beach.
I got this shot during a brief appearance by the sun in Stage 2.

Climbing a mountain in Stage 4.

Levi at the start of Stage 5 in Visalia.Stage 5 start in Visalia.On our way to the James Dean Memorial Junction during Stage 5.Bike Race on 46 E

The view from San Marcos Pass Rd - Route 154 - on our way to Solvang for Stage 6.Cachuma Lake, on our way to Solvang for Stage 6.Robert Gesink - Solvang Time TrialMark Renshaw - Solvang Time TrialLance Armstrong - Solvang Time TrialNational Time Trial Champion Dave Zabriskie - Solvang Time Trial

Rinaldo Nocentini’s wheel crossing the finish line for the Stage 7 win.
I love it when I get the wheel crossing the finish line!

Tyler Hamilton’s autograph for a Sox fan - Stage 8.Lucas Haedo, the Stage 8 start reflected in his glasses.The riders touched the sky in Stage 8.The view from inside the media van, from within the vehicle procession, in the middle of the race, in Stage 8.Lucas Haedo gets assistance from the team car in Stage 8
It was an exciting ride inside the media van! The high speed decent, surrounded by the vehicle caravan and riders, getting the photos, listening to the race radio, what a way to end an incredible Tour.

The final 200 meters of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California.Stage 8 winner Frank Schleck.2009 Amgen Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer - his three-peat.Levi shaking the champagne.Lance dripping in champaign.