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Gallery: 2013 Tour of Alberta

September 13, 2013
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The inaugural race in wild-rose country as photographer Jeff Bartlett saw it.

The inaugural Tour of Alberta began with a prologue through downtown Edmonton. The race attracted the world's top pros, including prologue winner Peter Sagan. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
The inaugural Tour of Alberta began with a prologue through downtown Edmonton. The race attracted the world’s top pros, including prologue winner Peter Sagan. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
As the race travelled into rural Alberta, the stages were dominated by long, straight roads. "It was really fast," said Peter Sagan (Cannondale). "Today, we averaged 51 km/h over the first 100 km." Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
As the race travelled into rural Alberta, the stages were dominated by long, straight roads.
“It was really fast,” said Peter Sagan (Cannondale). “Today, we averaged 51 km/h over the first 100 km.” Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Team Champion System dealt with numerous flat tires early in Stage 1, which had its riders fighting to regain the peloton. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Team Champion System dealt with numerous flat tires early in Stage 1, which had its riders fighting to regain the peloton. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Stage 1 ended with a three-lap circuit of Camrose, Alta. Canadian Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) thought he pulled off an improbable upset, beating Peter Sagan across the line for the win. Unfortunately, his celebrations came one lap too early. "I guess I figured out the code for cracking Sagan," Hesjedal said later, "just get him early." Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Stage 1 ended with a three-lap circuit of Camrose, Alta. Canadian Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) thought he pulled off an improbable upset, beating Peter Sagan across the line for the win. Unfortunately, his celebrations came one lap too early. “I guess I figured out the code for cracking Sagan,” Hesjedal said later, “just get him early.” Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
A lap later, Sagan took his second victory of the Tour of Alberta and had many fans believing he could sweep the event. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
A lap later, Sagan took his second victory of the Tour of Alberta and had many fans believing he could sweep the event. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
The cyclists, including Canadian fan-favourite Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp), spent time signing autographs and speaking with fans throughout the province. Nearly every rider expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support during the race. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
The cyclists, including Canadian fan-favourite Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp), spent time signing autographs and speaking with fans throughout the province. Nearly every rider expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support during the race. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
In Stage 2, the first major breakaway carried a surprise. BMC's stagiaire Silvain Dillier hung on for the stage win in Red Deer, Alta., and possibly earned himself a full-time contract with the team. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
In Stage 2, the first major breakaway carried a surprise. BMC’s stagiaire Silvain Dillier hung on for the stage win in Red Deer, Alta., and possibly earned himself a full-time contract with the team. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Strong crosswinds blew the race wide open during Stage 3 as the event entered the badlands. A breakaway pushed away from the main peloton and left race leader Peter Sagan behind. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Strong crosswinds blew the race wide open during Stage 3 as the event entered the badlands. A breakaway pushed away from the main peloton and left race leader Peter Sagan behind. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
In Drumheller, Alta., the podium featured Rohan Dennis (Garmin-Sharp), Brent Bookwalter (BMC) and Damiano Caruso (Cannondale). With two days remaining, the GC race had new life. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
In Drumheller, Alta., the podium featured Rohan Dennis (Garmin-Sharp), Brent Bookwalter (BMC) and Damiano Caruso (Cannondale). With two days remaining, the GC race had new life. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Stage 4 headed into the foothills and Canadian Antoine Duchesne (National Team) hung on Cadel Evan's wheel as an early breakaway group went the distance. "I was aiming for something like this," said Duchesne. "It was good to have the opportunity to show my strength is equal to those top guys." Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Stage 4 headed into the foothills and Canadian Antoine Duchesne (National Team) hung on Cadel Evan’s wheel as an early breakaway group went the distance. “I was aiming for something like this,” said Duchesne. “It was good to have the opportunity to show my strength is equal to those top guys.” Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
With Rohan Dennis leading the GC, Garmin-Sharp took over the race and controlled the peloton. "Rohan won the race by himself on Friday," said teammate David Miller. "We only had to control the race for two days. With so much experience on our team, it was simple." Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
With Rohan Dennis leading the GC, Garmin-Sharp took over the race and controlled the peloton. “Rohan won the race by himself on Friday,” said teammate David Miller. “We only had to control the race for two days. With so much experience on our team, it was simple.” Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Stages 1 through 4 ran through rural Alberta, bringing world-class bike racing to small towns throughout the province. "I'm not surprised by the support," said top Canadian jersey winner Ryan Anderson. "Alberta is know for getting behind its sporting events." Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Stages 1 through 4 ran through rural Alberta, bringing world-class bike racing to small towns throughout the province. “I’m not surprised by the support,” said top Canadian jersey winner Ryan Anderson. “Alberta is know for getting behind its sporting events.” Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
The final stage brought the race to Calgary. Thousands lined Centre Street to watch sprinter Peter Sagan take his third victory at the Tour of Alberta and his 21st in 2013. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
The final stage brought the race to Calgary. Thousands lined Centre Street to watch sprinter Peter Sagan take his third victory at the Tour of Alberta and his 21st in 2013. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Although Sagan won in Calgary, the GC didn't change. Rohan Dennis won the inaugural Tour of Alberta, his first major victory outside of Australia. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett
Although Sagan won in Calgary, the GC didn’t change. Rohan Dennis won the inaugural Tour of Alberta, his first major victory outside of Australia. Photo credit: Jeff Bartlett