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- Note:  High resolution versions of all photos can be viewed by clicking the "high resolution" link under each photo.

Photos by Michael Crook

The peloton sets off for a miserable day in the cold, rain and snow.
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

More photos below

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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale, blue jacket) in the peloton
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Snow!
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

The peloton enters a tunnel
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Andrea Grendene (Team Type 1) is still in the race.  For now.
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Grendene
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

The peloton on a picturesque narrow road
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Only 25 riders would keep on until the finish
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Ivan Basso wasn't one of them, having gotten into a team car for the ride to the finish
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Basso
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

Jure Kocjan (Team Type 1), one of the hard men of the early season, made it to the finish
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photo Copyright © 2011 Michael Crook

- more photos to come -